Iron Whale Restaurant, Asbury Park, NJ; A Dining Review
Iron Whale Restaurant
1200 Ocean Avenue
Asbury Park, NJ
Iron Whale: Restaurant Summary
Fare: New American
Price: Expensive
Food Quality: For this class of upscale restaurants, not one of the best, though above average for Asbury Park
Service: Knowledgeable, friendly, attentive.
Ambiance: Trendy, rustic, contemporary, upscale yet casual.
Overall rating: 3 stars --- mainly driven by upscale, rustic ambiance, their vibrant bar scene, and it's selection of wines, beers, and speciality cocktails.
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 stars = poor to Four stars = Best in Class
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy an attractive, rustic upscale, yet casual, setting with an above average menu, and vibrant bar scene.
Not Recommended For: Diners who prefer a more traditional, less expensive, low key, family casual restaurant.
Recommended dishes: When available, The Halibut, The Mahi, and the Filet Mignon.
Alcohol: Full bar service, bar scene is vibrant.
Noise Level: Moderate to High
The Iron Whale is one of the many Tim McLoone restaurants that are located in New Jersey and Maryland National Harbor. This Asbury Park boardwalk popular dining spot is located close to three of Mcloone's other Asbury Park boardwalk restaurants: The Robinson Ale House , its second-story Supper Club, and the latest addition, the AP Rooftop.
The Iron Whale is a popular restaurant, frequented mostly by millenials who come to enjoy a Jersey Shore dining experience in an attractive, rustic upscale, yet casual, setting with an above average menu, and vibrant bar scene.
The decor is done up with reclaimed wood, ropes, and gas lanterns.
The main dining room seats approximately 100 people with an additional 34 seats at the bar, 36 in a private dining room. and an outdoor boardwalk dining seating for approximately 85.
There is an open kitchen viewable from the attractive copper bar, a fireplace, and outdoor viewing of the boardwalk from several the big, roped round booths with seating for six facing the windows,
The kitchen is run by Executive Chef Charles Collins. Chef Collins received his formal culinary education at the Academy of Culinary Arts. He later honed his culinary talents in the kitchens of Grand marquis caterers, and in Mcloone's restaurants before taking on his current position
The seasonal menu offers some well executed items with a good selection of seafood options, supplemented by the "Taco Bar" --- the "Whale", and a selection of meat items --- the "Iron".
Vegan options and complimentary bread servings are not available, though a limited supply of paper wrapped bread sticks are available.
During the warmer months there is outside dining on the Boardwalk with seating on a first come first serve basis.
They are child friendly with a Kids menu
The Iron Whale is open seven days/week serving lunch and dinner'
Note: Parking in Asbury Park can be troublesome. There is on street metered parking, however on busy weekend nights and during the peak season, expect to walk several blocks to find a spot. For a higher cost, there is more convenient parking in a lot located on Fourth Ave, about 1-1/2 blocks away.
(updated: September 2024)
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