Proving Ground Waterfront Dining

Name: Proving Ground Waterfront Dining
Address: 56 SHREWSBURY AVE, HIGHLANDS, NJ, United States, 07732
Telephone: (732) 872-2266
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

1009 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Top Tags:

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.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Aug 12, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 14 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(732) 872-2266

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
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
Website
http://www.theprovingground.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Bobby Higgins
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

Location
56 SHREWSBURY AVE, HIGHLANDS, NJ 07732
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, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Offers

Summer Saturdays at Proving Ground!
Multiple dates available
Sat - 4:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Please be understanding during the high volume of the summer months. On Saturday evenings, we will be seating on a first-come, first-served basis. When you arrive, check in the with hostesses to be added to the wait list for a dinner table. Enjoy the live music and multiple, fun "hang out" waiting areas or the bars until your table is ready. 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 8-12, please call the restaurant to inquire for availability. 732-872-2266. Thank you all and cheers to the best summer yet!!!

Popular dishes

Lobster Bisque$11.00
creamy and smooth with a hint of sherry wine, loaded with lobster
3 Cheese French Onion$10.00
crouton, melted swiss, mozzarella & parmesan
Garden Salad$10.00
romaine mix, tomatoes, onion, cheese, cucumbers, croutons, choice of dressing
Aegean Farm Salad$14.00
cucumbers, tomatoes, kalamata olives, red onion, green peppers, feta cheese, capers, EVOO, vinegar, oregano, sea salt & pepper
Watermelon Salad$15.00
crumbled feta, kalamata olives, basil & mint dressing
Kale Caesar Salad$13.00
baby kale, romaine, capers, croutons, anchovy dressing, shaved parmesan
Cobb Salad$18.00
mixed greens, grilled chicken, avocado, bacon, red onion, tomatoes, black olives, hard boiled egg, croutons, oven-roasted tomato & buttermilk ranch dressing
Seafood Salad$22.00
chilled lobster, scallop, shrimp & calamari with arugula in a lemon vinaigrette
Ahi Tuna Noodle Salad$17.00
sesame encrusted & sliced, served with fresh vegetables & sriracha aioli

Fig. 1: Salad Add-Ons

Chicken$7.00
Shrimp$10.00
Salmon$12.00

Shareables [Free-Fire Zone]

Ceviche
ask your server for daily selection
- MP
Clams / Oysters
on the half shell, ask for daily oyster selection
- MP
Peel & Eat Shrimp$16.00
1 dozen, served with housemade cocktail sauce
Shrimp Cocktail
U-10 large shrimp
- MP
Tuna Poke Bowl$17.00
sushi grade tuna, steamed sushi rice, diced avocado, cucumbers, edamame, cabbage, seaweed salad
Burrata$16.00
sundried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, prosciutto, balsamic, salt & pepper, crostinis
Bacon Wrapped Scallops$15.00
sea scallops, brown sugar bacon with a horseradish glaze
Fried Calamari$16.00
classic, drizzled with balsamic glaze or buffalo style
Octopus$22.00
grilled over arugula & baby kale with watermelon radish, pickled watermelon rind & citrus vinaigrette
Little Neck Clams$16.00
lemon, garlic, white wine, chopped bacon, served with garlic toast
Mussels$16.00
spicy marinara or white wine sauce, served with garlic toast
Crab Dip$20.00
made with crab, cream cheese & cheddar, served hot & bubbly with 2 pretzel sticks
PG Chicken Wings$16.00
buffalo, honey chipotle, garlic parmesan, cajun rub
Mediterranean Sampler$16.00
hummus, tzatziki & roasted eggplant salad, stuffed grape leaves, grilled pita & veggies
Edamame$11.00
sea salt, pepper & garlic
Buffalo Cauliflower$15.00
buttermilk marinade, fried, tossed in buffalo sauce, served with pickled celery & chunky blue cheese
Bavarian Pretzel Sticks$13.00
(3) served with warm cheese sauce
Quesadillas$13.00
served with sour cream & house pico

Handhelds [Zone of Action]

All sandwiches are served with fries. Gluten free rolls/corn tortillas available

Bam Bam Burger$17.00
bacon, avocado, mozzarella, lettuce, farmhouse roll
Brew Burger$17.00
cheese sauce, guinness onions & bourbon BBQ sauce, pretzel bun
Veggie Burger$16.00
Dr. Praeger's vegan burger with lettuce, tomato, onion & avocado spread on a vegan pretzel bun
Brisket Sandwich$17.00
slow roasted with cheddar cheese, pickles, caramelized onions & BBQ sauce, pretzel bun
Steak Sandwich$19.00
6 oz NY sirloin with caramelized onions & mozzarella, toasted garlic bread
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich$16.00
chicken thigh (dark meat), sriracha aioli, dill pickles, lettuce, tomato, onion, brioche bun
Blackened Chicken Sandwich$16.00
avocado, bacon, mozzarella & sriracha aioli, brioche bun
Cajun Mahi Sandwich$18.00
baby greens & lemon aioli, toasted garlic bread
Crabcake Sandwich$18.00
lettuce, tomato, onion & lemon aioli, brioche bun
Salmon BLT$18.00
pan seared salmon, bacon, lettuce, tomato, red onion & lemon aioli, brioche bun
Lobster Rolls$34.00
chunks of fresh lobster meat lightly dressed with mayo, lemon & fresh herbs, served on 2 toasted brioche rolls (2)
Dynamite Wrap$18.00
beer battered shrimp, bacon, fresh avocado, pepperjack cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion & sriracha aioli, jalapeno wrap

PG Tacos

PG Tacos$22.00
Served with crispy cabbage, avocado, pico, salsa verde & sriracha aioli. Choice of: grilled veggie, mahi mahi, crispy cod, or battered shrimp

Sautee [Red-Con-One]

Shrimp & Grits$34.00
andouille sausage, white wine, lemon, bacon & fresh corn served over corn grits
Shrimp Scampi$34.00
garlic butter shrimp & toasted panko served over basmati rice with fresh vegetables
Heirloom Pasta$26.00
heirloom tomatoes, white wine, onion & garlic, tossed with garganelli pasta

Entrees [A Float]

Mahi-Mahi$32.00
topped with an artichoke & sun dried tomato relish served with basmati rice & fresh vegetables
Pan Seared Salmon$31.00
blackened salmon with diced tomato, roasted red peppers & capers over cheesy grits
Crabcakes$37.00
pan seared jumbo lump homemade crabcakes, served with basmati rice, fresh vegetables & tartar sauce
Stuffed Flounder$36.00
flounder stuffed with lump crab, lemon butter sauce, served with basmati rice & fresh vegetables
PG Catch of the Day
ask your server for the daily selection
- mp

Entrees [Ashore]

Petite Filet Mignon
grilled center cut filet with a port wine reduction, mashed potatoes & seasonal vegetables
- 6oz$39.00
16 oz Ribeye$49.00
16oz chargrilled ribeye served with mashed potatoes & seasonal vegetables. Fig. 2: make it surf & turf
Mojo Chicken$29.00
grilled marinated chicken breast with lime, cumin & garlic with an heirloom tomato salad with burrata
Baked 3 Cheese Mac$15.00
oven baked with our 3 cheese blend & crispy panko

What 1,009 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

New Jersey - Central
Outdoor Dining

Sort by

Filters

HD
HaroldD
Orlando
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined today
overall5food5service5ambience5
The servers, food, entertainment and environment made for a terrific evening with friends
f
foodfanatics
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Winning combination: food, drink, atmosphere & our server Alicia was excellent! Can't wait to go back!
SD
StevieD
France
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall3food3service3ambience3
Extra large paper napkins available on the table. Nice touch. Good food. Very casual dining.
MD
MaryD
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great band and beautiful ambiance. We enjoyed our food and drinks very much. Our waitress was so attentive and provided good service.
SF
ShelleyF
New York Area
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall3food5service5ambience5
The food and waiter service were excellent! As I noted online when making the reservation we were celebrating our anniversary. We were shown to a table which was a small round table with barstools. My husband had a brain tumor so I told the young man that this kind of table was not good for us. (My husband’s balance is off and I was worried about the type of chair.). He checked and returned, saying there were no tables available but we could go upstairs ( we don’t eat indoors) or go on a waiting list for a table. We couldn’t wait as we were expected for cake at our children’s home. So we took the table and I was anxious for the entire meal. Cudos to Colin for being a friendly, knowledgeable and kind server.
MK
MaryK
Philadelphia
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband and I went here on the recommendation of a friend. Everything was delicious. I would definitely go back.
MA
MARCR
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 3, 2022
overall5food5service3ambience5
What an amazing place , Ambience was perfect the food was amazing and very reasonable .The outdoor area was gorgeous
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
21 reviews
vip
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, service and location. Please stop charging credit card fee
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on August 1, 2022
overall5food3service5ambience5
Beautiful restaurant, beautiful views, staff is super nice and helpful especially with food allergies. Food is good, portion size is a nice size!
JU
JUDI
New York Area
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food, the service and the waterfront view are spectacular!!
GM
GaryM
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 29, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
The only issue is the time spread between appetizer and main meal. I had to give them both orders. Main course came before we finished the appetizer.
DM
DinaM8
New York Area
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2022
overall3food2service3ambience4
I don’t mind spending money on good food, but the quality and quantity of the food and drinks here was not up to par.
CF
CindyF
Jacksonville
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on July 27, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
We had a wonderful dinner outside at Proving Ground last night! Our server was fun and attentive, the food was good, we enjoyed the live music and the beautiful sunset with a view of Manhattan. We'll be back!
M
Majqueen53
New York Area
56 reviews
4.0
56 reviews
Dined on July 26, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience5
Very pleasant atmosphere sitting outside overlooking the inlet. Service was excellent and friendly. Food came out relatively quickly and was well prepared. Prices were reasonable in general except for the pricey $29 bowl of steamers. We decided to splurge anyway and they were very good.
CR
CathyR
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great atmosphere. Great Service. Great food. Will definitely go back!
SM
SweetMelody
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Overall great experience. Our waitress Kelly was incredible. She was spot on. Some kinks to work out in the kitchen I think but it didn't affect our experience. Had a great time!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great atmosphere, great food, great views, great service.
CS
CynthiaS
New York Area
46 reviews
vip
4.0
46 reviews
Dined on July 19, 2022
overall4food3service4ambience4
Nice waterfront dining. Live music is nice. Food is good, but not necessarily worth the prices that they charge. Drinks are costly also.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 19, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
It was very nice but we were one table back from the water by the bar . The umbrella didn’t really shade the table on it was hot !
JH
JudyH
New York Area
7 reviews
vip
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 18, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience4
We ordered the bacon wrapped scallops and traditional calamari for apps. I don't recommend either. The scallops were so small and calamari unremarkable. For lunch, we had the brisket sandwich, salmon blt and firecracker wrap, which were all very good. The view is good from the patio/deck or upstairs but we had to sit inside due to weather.
LL
LaurieL
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 13, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
My mahi mahi tacos were very good. My sister had the bacon wrapped scallops. Staff were great. Nice setting w/ a light breeze on a 90+ degree day. We’ll come again.
KM
KimberlyM
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best way to celebrate my birthday. Good food, good atmosphere and live music!
T
Toly
New York Area
16 reviews
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on July 11, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Great spot for outdoor seating with family!!
r
roysmatt
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything exceeded expectations!
KH
KarenH
New York Area
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on July 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Friend visiting from out of state Wanted her to see one of the best places in our county ! She was impressed !!!
K
Kerry
New York Area
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food as usual. Our server Miles was amazing. Very attentive.
JZ
JenZK
Atlantic City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful view, perfect atmosphere, great service, excellent view = an amazing date night to celebrate a special birthday.
B
Beachy
New York Area
41 reviews
vip
4.0
41 reviews
Dined on June 30, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Beautiful seating outside, good burgers and appetizers.
CW
CarolW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Your deck is a perfect place to spend a summer afternoon Wonderful food,drinks and service
CC
CathyC
New York Area
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on June 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service by Kelly. Wonderful meal, views, ambiance.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of our favorite spots
LM
LexyM
Jersey
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on June 26, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
I have been wanting to go to brunch for months now and finally was able to make an early reservation. The breeze, the sounds and the bloody Mary’s were amazing. Our service was great and I don’t think there is a bad seat/ table in the house. I had the surf and turf eggs bennys and it was perfect. That atmosphere and the setup made it the perfect spot for a date brunch with my hubby. There was plenty of seating if you wanted to sit and just relax and have a drink. Multiple bars, Adirondack Chairs, rockers….Well thought out place. I can’t wait to go back.
CS
CynthiaS
New York Area
47 reviews
vip
4.0
47 reviews
Dined on June 21, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Nice location on the water for outdoor dining. Good menu. Prices are high.
AC
AlysonC
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was outstanding as usual. Our cherry on top was our server, Meghan, she was friendly and her "cadence" for checking in on us was perfect - we enjoyed a leisurely family lunch without being rushed OR forgotten about!
S
Sharonfromjersey
New York Area
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Second year in a row celebrating Fathers Day with my family. We all loved our meals and the amazing views. The service was great too!Can’t wait to go back!
S
Sarah
Central Coast
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on June 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful food and lovely waitress A+++
R
anthonyR
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall4food3service4ambience5
Love this restaurant but I saw if I wanted a pasta dinner and added chicken it would cost me 34 dollars we all know that’s way too expensive
s
sigirl
Atlantic City
8 reviews
vip
1.0
8 reviews
Dined on June 17, 2022
overall1food3service1ambience5
Food took over an hour to come with toddlers at the table
YP
YasminP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place! Great service! Amazing time out for date night or hanging with your friends.
JM
JohnM
New York Area
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Weekday lunch out on the riverside patio was a great experience. Service was prompt and attentive. Food arrived promptly and was delish. I had the PC Taco special - three cod tacos that were excellent and come with fries. For a Thursday lunch, I was surprised to see the patio fill up. So, I definitely recommend reservations!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

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 4.6 stars by 1009 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Aug 12, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 14 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(732) 872-2266

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
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, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Bobby Higgins
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, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.theprovingground.com/
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

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Summer Saturdays at Proving Ground!

Lobster Rolls

Lobster Bisque

Seafood Salad

Soup & Salad [Briefing]

Lobster Bisque$11.00

3 Cheese French Onion$10.00

Garden Salad$10.00

Aegean Farm Salad$14.00

Watermelon Salad$15.00

Kale Caesar Salad$13.00

Cobb Salad$18.00

Seafood Salad$22.00

Ahi Tuna Noodle Salad$17.00

Fig. 1: Salad Add-Ons

Chicken$7.00

Shrimp$10.00

Salmon$12.00

Shareables [Free-Fire Zone]

Ceviche

Clams / Oysters

Peel & Eat Shrimp$16.00

Shrimp Cocktail

Tuna Poke Bowl$17.00

Burrata$16.00

Bacon Wrapped Scallops$15.00

Fried Calamari$16.00

Octopus$22.00

Little Neck Clams$16.00

Mussels$16.00

Crab Dip$20.00

PG Chicken Wings$16.00

Mediterranean Sampler$16.00

Edamame$11.00

Buffalo Cauliflower$15.00

Bavarian Pretzel Sticks$13.00

Quesadillas$13.00

Handhelds [Zone of Action]

Bam Bam Burger$17.00

Brew Burger$17.00

Veggie Burger$16.00

Brisket Sandwich$17.00

Steak Sandwich$19.00

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich$16.00

Blackened Chicken Sandwich$16.00

Cajun Mahi Sandwich$18.00

Crabcake Sandwich$18.00

Salmon BLT$18.00

Lobster Rolls$34.00

Dynamite Wrap$18.00

PG Tacos

PG Tacos$22.00

Sautee [Red-Con-One]

Shrimp & Grits$34.00

Shrimp Scampi$34.00

Heirloom Pasta$26.00

Entrees [A Float]

Mahi-Mahi$32.00

Pan Seared Salmon$31.00

Crabcakes$37.00

Stuffed Flounder$36.00

PG Catch of the Day

Entrees [Ashore]

Petite Filet Mignon

16 oz Ribeye$49.00

Mojo Chicken$29.00

Baked 3 Cheese Mac$15.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Screening