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Proving Ground Waterfront Dining, HIGHLANDS, NJ

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining

4.5 (1333)
$30 and under
American
56 SHREWSBURY AVE, HIGHLANDS, NJ 07732

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 7 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Great for scenic views
  • Lively
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.

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
  • 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

  • Fall & Winters at The Proving Ground

    Multiple dates available
    Sun - 10:00 - 13:00, 13:00 - 20:30,Mon - 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 1,333 people are saying

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • New Jersey

    Great for outdoor dining

  • New Jersey

    Great for scenic views

  • Monmouth

    Hot spot

  • Monmouth

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Monmouth

    Great for scenic views

  • Monmouth

    Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Proving Ground Waterfront Dining offers a vibrant experience with "great food and service" and a "beautiful location" overlooking the bay. Enjoy live music and a diverse menu featuring "delicious" sushi rolls, crab cakes, and cocktails. The staff is attentive, making it "a great place to eat and hang out."
1,333 Reviews
  1. Richard

    New York City4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place to eat and hang out. Service was great and there was a fantastic guy playing guitar and singing. We ordered 4 different sushi rolls, which were all delicious. My wife ordered a cocktail that she enjoyed, and their beer list was good. Highly recommend this place!

    Is this helpful?

  2. dave VIP

    Philadelphia County37 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 20 May 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    That was the worst time at a great restaurant. The Surprise Kids party night should have been disclosed when booking. We had to go downstairs due to the noise and craziness and leave Our waterfront table. The low table they gave us instead had zero view. Very disruptive evening for a special night w a new date. Very disappointed !!

    Is this helpful?

  3. paul

    New York City2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 20 May 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    great place! can’t go wrong! the seating is right by the water

    Is this helpful?

  4. Max

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 15 May 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wish the dueling pianos was a little lower. Overall good time

    Is this helpful?

  5. Claudia

    New York City6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 15 May 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Short ribs were excellent, shrimp and grits good but prefer less toppings to it. Tuna wrap was fresh and delicious. So nice to be eating with a view of the bay on a nice evening.

    1 person found this helpful

  6. Marcella

    New York City20 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 6 May 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We love this place and once again it didn’t disappoint! It’s not for fancy food but for those looking for American favorites, great flavor and portions! Our wait staff was kind and super attentive! Can’t wait until warmer temperatures allow for drinks and appetizers on the deck!

    Is this helpful?

  7. patty

    New York City2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 4 May 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    very nice waitress and food and service was very good for the price. i highly recommend it.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Terry VIP

    New York City30 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 3 May 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    The place is very cool...the food is good...the staff needs to be trained in customer service. We had to ask several times for our water to be refilled, extra utensils and overall customer service asking if our food was to our satisfaction. Other than that...I will definitely return!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Taylor VIP

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 1 May 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Will be back!!!! The drinking were amazing, oysters were huge and great quality, one of my favorite go to places to go!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Doris

    Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 27 April 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and service! Also, atmosphere is unbeatable!

    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 4.5 stars by 1333 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. New Jersey
  4. Monmouth
  5. Highlands

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 7 times today
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
  • 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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