The Black Swan Public House, Asbury Park, NJ:
A Restaurant Review
Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.
The Black Swan Public House: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: British Pub with cultural influences
Price: Expensive
Food Quality: Well-executed, innovative menu.
Service: Friendly, professional, attentive.
Ambiance/Decor: Attractive, upscale, renovated restaurant with British pub styled decor, has a warm and cozy vibe to it.
Overall Rating: 3 Stars -- One of the Best Pubs in Central Jersey
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = Poor to Four stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Moderate - loud
Dress: Casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy an eclectic Pub with upscale ambiance and a well-executed, innovative menu.
Not Recommended For: Budget conscious diners who prefer a casual, neighborhood pub/tavern.
Recommended dishes: When available, The Prime Pork Chop w/Perperonata, mashed potato; The Traditional Shepard's Pie w/ Ground beef and lamb, peas, carrots, mash potato. and The Hot Lobster Roll w/ butter, chives, toasted roll, fries.
Liquor: Full service bar with a good variety of Guinness and a modest variety of other stouts, porters and ales. Bar scene is vibrant.
The Black Swan Public House is a modern take on the traditional Irish-British pub, blending European gastropub sensibilities with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Guests visit The Black Swan for a variety of experiences—whether it’s catching a soccer match over pints of Guinness, enjoying a romantic dinner, or gathering with friends for quality drinks, food, and a lively pub ambiance. It's a go-to spot for both beer and sports fans, as well as those seeking a more refined alternative to the typical sports bar.
The Black Swan is the brainchild of Owner and Executive Chef James Avery, alongside business partner Sebastian Walker.
Housed in the historic Byrum Building—a five-story Romanesque limestone structure with arched doorways dating back to 1886—the 5,000-square-foot space features indoor seating for 150 and additional outdoor tables wrapping around the building’s curved corner.
Inside, the upscale design nods to British influences, creating a warm and stylish environment. The restaurant is thoughtfully divided into four distinct spaces, each offering a unique vibe:
The Pub: A moody, dark-paneled room with a full-service bar and large-screen TVs, perfect for soccer enthusiasts.
The Dining Room: Elegant and inviting, with dark exposed ceilings, chandeliers, dark wood floors, and floral arrangements climbing marble columns.
The Tea Room: Decorated in Victorian style, featuring ornate carpeting, classic furniture, and walls adorned with traditional paintings.
The Vault: An intimate lounge ideal for pre- or post-dinner cocktails, complete with rich wood furnishings and oriental rugs wall-to-wall.
Chef James Avery brings impressive culinary credentials to the table. A graduate of The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, he refined his craft under acclaimed chefs including David Burke at the former Fromagerie in Rumson and Michael Mina at Sea Blue in Atlantic City. He also served as a consulting chef on Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares, and previously led the kitchens at the Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten, as well as The Bonney Read.
The Black Swan’s menu is both innovative and approachable, featuring globally inspired comfort foods—ranging from Indian-style curries and pastas to pub classics like Shepherd’s Pie, Fish and Chips, and perfectly cooked steaks.
Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, The Black Swan is more than just a place to eat—it's a full experience, thoughtfully crafted for everyone.
Updated April 2025
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