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

981 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

Jul 1, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 20 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 981 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
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

New Jersey - Central
Outdoor Dining

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Filters

CW
CarolW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Your deck is a perfect place to spend a summer afternoon Wonderful food,drinks and service
CC
CathyC
New York Area
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service by Kelly. Wonderful meal, views, ambiance.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of our favorite spots
LM
LexyM
Jersey
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
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
45 reviews
vip
4.0
45 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!
AD
AbbyDog
Washington DC
51 reviews
vip
5.0
51 reviews
Dined on June 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
There's a reason this outdoor deck is always booked. The setting is lovely, the service is wonderful (and helpful!), and the food is delicious. I especially liked the white sangria and seafood salad.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic City
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on June 12, 2022
overall3food4service3ambience3
I was only able to make a 9:30 reservation but I was very disappointed when I was told that the kitchen was closing at 10 and we had to order quick and then everything came out at once. Why offer a 9:30 reservation then? That’s not right
JS
JodiS
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 10, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great table right on the water, great beer selection, fantastic views!
DR
DeborahR
New York Area
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on June 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Enjoyed being outside seating at the bar and later having dinner at a table. The music was perfect for a perfect for drinks and dinner.
DH
DavidH
Washington DC
12 reviews
vip
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Loved our table on the water, service and food was good but valet parking was an issue they said they were full, we had a reservation so girls went in and guys had to park the car down the block same place later where valet was getting the car
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was such a great time we loved it so much we will come bs k that’s for sure
TR
TonyR
New York Area
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Just a great overall place. Never let down.
l
lfv123
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 1, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Outstanding setting on the water. Our waitress, Alina, was exceptional. Food was very good. Will definitely go again. We found the live music outside unbearably loud but the hostess was able to move us a distance away and it was much better.
CS
CarlosS
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
In the summer my wife and I enjoy eating here, especially outside by the water. The food has always been good and we have always received excellent service.
LG
LennyG
Philadelphia
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2022
overall5food4service4ambience5
Food is good, lots of shareable options on the menu. Reasonable prices. Great outside space with live band on most nights
CS
CarolineS
New York Area
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 29, 2022
overall3food2service3ambience5
It’s summer and the atmosphere here is great. I love the boats docking to dine here. I love the band playing outside by the water in the bar area. It is rather loud however I expected it would be. The food is very mediocre. It’s really not what you come here for. Uninspired, bordering on bad. They could do sooo much better.
EO
EdwardO
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was really good!!!!, the place is amazing .
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic City
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 24, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience4
Birthday celebration. 30th.
MM
MaryM
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food at reasonable prices. Wonderful location - reservations are a must!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I absolutely love the Proving Ground. I love the staff, the setting, the abundance of places to sit and walk around. I enjoy the food and drinks. It is definitely one of my favorite restaurants. I recommend this spot to everyone.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Megan was our waitress. She was awesome!
SA
SuzanneA
Las Vegas
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 18, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Our waiter was great! Love the view…a little loud.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Memorable experience and great food and excellent ambience
JP
JohnP
New York Area
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on May 15, 2022
overall2food2service3ambience3
Average and just ok. Almost every meal is served with jasmati rice. We ordered mussels in white sauce and they came out in red sauce . Couldn’t be bothered to send back and have to wait another 20 minutes so just ate it. The lobster rolls were similar to tuna fish with all the mayo and just slapped together. Just not a place that seemed to be average but we left pretty disappointed. Maybe go for the view and drinks only
BM
BrianM
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 12, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
Food, service, and entertainment were all pretty good but it was a little pricey.
F
Foodie
New York Area
20 reviews
vip
4.0
20 reviews
Dined on May 10, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
The tomato bisque with grilled cheese croutons was an absolute star!!! Great location.
PB
ParthaB
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome place for dining. I had my family dinner to celebrate event of “mother’s day”. Food quality, ambiance everything is very nice.
BD
BriannaD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had an amazing time at the proving grounds waterfront dining. We took my mother for Mother’s Day and the food was amazing!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall2food2service4ambience3
Lobster bisque had not one piece of lobster. Crab cake sandwich was disappointing and mac and cheese was like just velveta. Its priced too high for mediocore food.
AB
AmandaB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our experience is always lovely. Great waitress and staff. We love it here!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Overall very good place to eat and entertain.
R
Ryan
New York Area
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, as always!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went for brunch and sat outside on the deck... Fantastic atmosphere!! Food was great !! Highly recommend!!

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 981 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

Jul 1, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 20 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