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Proving Ground Waterfront Dining, HIGHLANDS, NJ

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining

4.7
4.7
1303 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 30 times today
  • Great for scenic views
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Good for groups
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.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Seafood, Contemporary American
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30–21:00 Fri, Sat 11:30–22:00 Brunch Sun 10:00–13:00
  • Phone number
    (732) 872-2266
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Bonnie Burton & Ed Sosa
  • 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
  • Area
    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, Takeaway, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Offers

  • Burger Night on Tuesdays!

    Multiple dates available
    Tue - Wed - 16:00 - 20:30
    Every Tuesday Night we offer $14 Gourmet Burgers! 8oz. blend of brisket, chuck, & sirloin - served with french fries! You can substitute any burger for a Turkey or Veggie Burger!

    Burger Night on Tuesdays! photo
  • Every Wednesday is Pasta & Wine Night!

    Multiple dates available
    Wed - 16:00 - 20:30
    On Wednesday nights, we feature Choose your own Pasta & Sauce night! You can add on a salad, garlic bread, Chicken, or (and) Shrimp for an additional charge! We also offer 1/2 off select bottles of wine!!

    Every Wednesday is Pasta & Wine Night! photo
  • Fall & Winters at The Proving Ground

    Multiple dates available
    Sun - 10:00 - 13:00, 13:00 - 20:30,Mon - Tue - 11:30 - 16:00, 16:00 - 18:00,Wed - 11:30 - 16:00,Thu - Fri - 11:30 - 16:00, 16:00 - 18:00,Sat - 11:30 - 16:00, 16:00 - 21:30
    All tables will be assigned inside but we have the BEST views in town! Should we have a gorgeous day, there is a chance the patio may open and we will let you know. Throughout the week we have live music & FUN events happening, so be sure to check out our website, Facebook & Instagram for updated calendars! 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 more than 6, please call the restaurant to inquire for availability. 732-872-2266. Thank you!!! We hope to see you soon!

What 1,303 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • New Jersey

    Great for outdoor dining

  • New Jersey

    Great for scenic views

  • Monmouth

    Great for brunch

  • Monmouth

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Monmouth

    Great for scenic views

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Proving Ground Waterfront Dining offers a delightful experience with "amazing food," "friendly service," and "beautiful waterfront seating." Guests rave about special menus and events, creating a family-friendly atmosphere. Despite some noise concerns, the "great view" and "energetic ambiance" make it ideal for celebrations. Valet parking and attentive staff add convenience.

1,303 Reviews
  1. Ruth

    New York City

    25 reviews

    4.0

    25 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was delicious! Loved the decor. Had a very nice waitress but unfortunately came over with someone else’s dirty plate and it was kinda gross being so close to it.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Chris

    New York City

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was delicious and the views over the water were lovely.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Lisa

    VIP

    New York City

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was Valentine’s Day and was a wonderful dining experience. We were warmly greeted by the hostess. The restaurant has an excellent atmosphere and even though it was busy it didn’t feel crowded as the tables are nicely spaced. Our waitress was very attentive and friendly. The lemon drop martini was smooth and tasty. The filet mignon was cooked perfectly and the scallops with spinach risotto were delicious. The peel and eat shrimp were well chilled on a bed of ice. The brownie and ice cream is the best in Monmouth County! It was a delicious and relaxing evening.

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  4. Joanne

    New York City

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Bingo brunch was great. Provided a good vibe in a Sunday afternoon. With friends. Food was great and drinks too.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Laura

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 6 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I love the kids themed nights!!! My husband and I finally get to go out with our daughter and be comfortable!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Jackie

    Atlantic City

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 5 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fun character dinner!! Staff was great and food was delicious!!!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Eric

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 2 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Besides being a little chilly on the porch, it was fantastic food, drinks, service, etc.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Robert

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 31 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Great for my wife’s birthday. Would definitely come back

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  9. Ariana

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 29 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had dinner with bluey tonight & the staff really went above and beyond. Having all the kids together and the games, prizes .. goodie bags - it was more than I expected. Its really nice when restaurants hold events for the children, they feel important & enjoy sitting there with the adults for dinner 😂 Everything was amazing, besides coming in the summer I can’t wait to come back for more events like tonight. Thank you! (P.S, Megan L. was fantastic 😎)

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  10. Erin

    New York City

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 24 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food, great service, staff was very friendly and accommodating!!! Can’t wait to come back!

    Is this helpful?

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 4.7 stars by 1303 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 30 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Proving Ground Waterfront Dining

56 SHREWSBURY AVE, HIGHLANDS, NJ 07732

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Cornwall St & Bay Ave
  • Area
    Highlands
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30–21:00 Fri, Sat 11:30–22:00 Brunch Sun 10:00–13:00
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • 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, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Bonnie Burton & Ed Sosa
  • 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, Takeaway, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • 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
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