Proving Ground, Highlands, NJ: A Restaurant Review
56 Shrewsbury Ave.
Highlands, NJ
(732) 872-2266
Website
Proving Ground: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: Seafood with a large variety of traditional Pub/Tavern food items.
Price: Moderate - Expensive
Food Quality: Pub/tavern - Above average quality
Service: Friendly, attentive.
Ambiance/ Decor: Attractive, contemporary with impressive waterfront and sunset views
Overall Rating: 2 1/2 stars
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 stunning waterfront & sunset views in an upscale setting with full bar service.
Not Recommended For: Diners who prefer a low key, family, setting --- or high-end diners who enjoy fine traditional dining with an eclectic menu.
Recommended dishes: When available, The 16 oz. Rib Eye; The Seared Mahi-Mahi; and the Lobster Roll.
Liquor: Full bar service with local NJ craft & national brands.
Restaurant Review
The Proving Ground restaurant is one of New Jersey's top waterfront dining destinations.
The setting is so magical with stunning waterfront and sunset views, that even if the food were terrible (which it isn't), you'd still tell all your friends to go.
While outmatched by the waterfront views, the interior dining areas stand on their own with an attractive pub/sport bar atmosphere with lots of TV's. They have three bars: upstairs, downstairs, and in the summertime, an outdoor Patio Bar.
There is year-round, live entertainment. During the warmer and cooler months, there is outdoor dining on the huge deck overlooking the water. During the cooler spring and fall months, some of the tables have a built-in open flame pits in center. There is also well-placed gas fired patio heaters.
When making a reservation, for the best ambiance, ask for a window table in the upstairs dining area, or during the warmer months, on the outdoor deck.
The seasonally changing menu is sea food oriented, prepared using fresh ingredients that are combined with vibrant flavors. The menu is military themed after the former base on Sandy Hook used to test artillery.
For boaters who want dock and dine, there is a boat landing for easy docking.
Child Friendly with a Kids menu.
Offers valet parking. Non-valet nearby parking is limited.
There is a 3.5% service charge added to all credit card transactions.
Open six days/week for lunch and dinner. Closed on Mondays. Brunch is served from 10:00am-1:00pm on Sundays.
(Updated: February 2022)
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The methodology used is research, analysis driven --- as opposed to that of a single restaurant critic or a social media platform, viewer comment posting board.
