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Proving Ground Waterfront Dining, HIGHLANDS, NJ

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining

4.4
4.4
1274 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 24 times today
  • Great for happy hour
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Great for scenic views
THE STORY BEHIND THE PROVING GROUND…

WE TOOK A LITTLE HISTORY FROM THE AREA WHEN NAMING AND DESIGNING THE RESTAURANT AFTER THE SANDY HOOK PROVING GROUNDS. ESTABLISHED IN 1874, IT BECAME THE FIRST US ARMY PROVING GROUND TO TEST ARTILLERY AND OTHER MATERIALS. AND THAT’S WHAT WE ARE ALL ABOUT – TESTING NEW MENU ITEMS AND SPECIALIZING IN THE NEWEST CRAFT BEER AND COCKTAILS. WE LIKE TO MIX IT UP WITH OUR EVENTS, MUSIC, AND EXPERIENCE TO ALWAYS KEEP THINGS FRESH AND FUN.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Seafood, Contemporary American
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm Brunch Sun 10:00 am–1:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (732) 872-2266
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Bonnie Burton & Ed Sosa
  • Private party facilities
    The Proving Ground is the perfect spot to celebrate special occasions . With a stunning view of the water in our comfortable modern seaside space with spectacular food you cannot go wrong. Birthdays - Anniversaries - Bridal and Baby Showers - Engagement, Rehearsal Dinners, and Weddings. We have the space to do it all! Call today to speak with Ashley about booking your next private event with us. 732-872-2266 https://www.theprovingground.com/private-events
  • Neighborhood
    Highlands
  • Cross street
    Cornwall St & Bay Ave
  • Parking details
    Complimentary Valet in our busy times and seasons.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Offers

  • Fall & Winters at The Proving Ground

    Multiple dates available
    Sun - 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 8:30 PM,Mon - Thu - 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM,Fri - Sat - 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:30 PM
    All tables will be assigned inside but we have the BEST views in town! Should we have a gorgeous day, there is a chance the patio may open and we will let you know. Throughout the week we have live music & FUN events happening, so be sure to check out our website, Facebook & Instagram for updated calendars! All tables have a 90 minute seating to give all of our guests the same opportunity to enjoy their dinner. If you are a party of more than 6, please call the restaurant to inquire for availability. 732-872-2266. Thank you!!! We hope to see you soon!

What 1,274 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Monmouth

    Great for brunch

  • Monmouth

    Kid-friendly

  • Monmouth

    Hot spot

  • Monmouth

    Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Proving Ground Waterfront Dining offers "spectacular views" and a lively atmosphere, perfect for a "casual American fare." Guests enjoy "amazing service" and a vibrant ambiance with live music. While some dishes are hit or miss, standout options like the buffalo cauliflower and calamari are praised. Overall, a charming spot for dining with loved ones.

1,274 Reviews
  1. Teri

    New York City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    So happy that reservations are back. Really like this place for so many reasons staff are very helpful and on point. Food is always good, my server recommended a local Cider. When I asked if they had a Stella Cider and the one she recommended was amazing I loved it so much I want to go back for it. We also ordered the giant pretzel w cheese sauce and it was amazing. Everyone cleaned their plates kids meals were good too. Love the view. Valet parking is a plus in my book. I have to say again that from the front desk when you walk in to the bus boys and wait staff all were very nice.

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  2. Barbara

    New York City

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 5, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Friendly service, good food, and beautiful waterfront seating. I will definitely return.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Deepti

    New York City

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on October 5, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great ambience. Loved sitting by the water on the patio on a gorgeous fall day. Had the flatbread for app and Salmon entree. Both great!

    Is this helpful?

  4. JenniferC

    Orlando

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 4, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Very cute location. Upstairs seating is quiet and the view is good but the ambiance and vibes downstairs is a lot better. Outdoor bartender was nice and the live music was good and entertaining as well. Gnocchi and Poke Bowl were really good!

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  5. robin

    New York City

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 2, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    We really wanted to sit outdide but it was closed.. I didnt see that on the website. Went there to sit out so was disappointing.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Eileen

    New York City

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Sarah was a great waitress. We will be back for sure!!

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  7. Lawrence

    New York City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great live music on the back deck! Excellent food and drinks!!

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  8. Dale

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    When we paid our bill with cash, we gave them the amount of the bill, plus a tip. From our table to the cash register, 40.00 went missing. We are very disappointed.

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  9. Jim

    New York City

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 12, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 1
    I went to Proving Ground for dinner with my wife on date night. The location and views were very nice and the service was excellent. We were disappointed that the vegetables were not more cooked, but everything was flavored well. I did not rate the restaurant higher because of the sound level. The normal background noise was fairly high, but they had a band outside and while they were playing, we just could not hear each other at all. To be fair, we are in our low 60’s and our hearing is aging along with us, which I am sure did not help the situation. My wife’s filet mignon was cooked well and tender and my Cobb salad was tasty.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Gail

    Atlantic City

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Ma’am, I guess we had chicken wings we had brew burgers and some drinks. I highly suggest the brew burger. It’s really really really good. 

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (732) 872-2266.

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining is rated 4.4 stars by 1274 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 24 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Proving Ground Waterfront Dining

56 SHREWSBURY AVE, HIGHLANDS, NJ 07732

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Cornwall St & Bay Ave
  • Neighborhood
    Highlands
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm Brunch Sun 10:00 am–1:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Seafood, Contemporary American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Complimentary Valet in our busy times and seasons.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Bonnie Burton & Ed Sosa
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (732) 872-2266
  • Private party facilities
    The Proving Ground is the perfect spot to celebrate special occasions . With a stunning view of the water in our comfortable modern seaside space with spectacular food you cannot go wrong. Birthdays - Anniversaries - Bridal and Baby Showers - Engagement, Rehearsal Dinners, and Weddings. We have the space to do it all! Call today to speak with Ashley about booking your next private event with us. 732-872-2266 https://www.theprovingground.com/private-events
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