Outside Dining near Brookdale Community College

[job1156]

My daughter is graduating on Friday from Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, NJ. Since the weather is supposed to be beautiful that day we are looking for a restaurant that has outside dining. Any recommendations?

[jrvedivici]

You have already received an abundance of responses to this however there are a couple closer places I would suggest. Right up the road from Brookdale is The Lincroft Inn while I cannot endorse their food as fine dining…they have added a patio out front and they have about a half dozen tables outside….with a nice fountain/pond. You do have the Rt. 520 traffic…but it is close and meets your requirements.

Another place very close which also has out-door dining however is a glorified pizza place is MJ’s or the old Gristmill on Sycamore Ave. in Tinton Falls. Less than 5miles from Brookdale and they have out door seating/decks over looking the actual Tinton Falls. They might be a little quieter and less busy than the Long Branch or other water front establishments that are being mentioned.

[cantkick]

I neglected to list MJ's as I did not know its status. In the last few years it has undergone many changes. I haven't been there since it became MJ's, but I would agree that it is a very nice location for dining on the deck.

[jrvedivici]

I went to MJ’s often when they first opened because of its close proximity to my home. It didn’t take long however for the novelty to wear off. Anything on the menu except for the pizza or burgers etc. was just awful. I have always enjoyed the bar and view from there but after awhile the bar scene started to become very bothersome as well. They were doing several theme nights Karaoke, Open mike night to name a few. The crowd those would draw could sometimes leave a lot to be desired.

An example would be for Karaoke Night they had a recurring singer/contestant who was a middle aged male….who would come in drag dressed as Lady Ga-Ga. Wig…crazy outfits and all…..however during the course of the night he would become intoxicated and either start rubbing up against patrons (women) uninvited by them…..or sit on a barstool wearing a short skirt…sitting like a man and exposing himself to the rest of the bar. The first time I saw his “act” it was a spectacle to watch….but after a few weeks it became outright offensive and borderline criminally lewd acts. He even went to the extent of hiring off duty police officers as private Lady Ga-Ga security…..most likely to keep him from getting beat up for his behavior. As crazy as this sounds I can assure you everything I’m telling you is 100% accurate. So you can easily imagine how I got tired of the scene there.

Since opening the Tinton Falls location though they have opened two more on on Rt. 35 N. in Middletown (the old Giovanni’s) and one on 66 in Neptune (the old name escapes me) so they must be doing something right.

[equal_Mark]

Sounds awful, but I doubt it would be an issue during the day on the outside deck...

[nick28]

I think I'd look to Red Bank first because of its proximity. Offhand, I can't remember all the RB outdoor dining spots (other than Juanitos). There are also probably others that have opened since we moved from the area 9 years ago. I do remember a really good Italian restaurant that's actually better outside since the accoustics inside are horrible. I'm sure someone here will be able to ID the place I'm referring to.

[cantkick]

Probably Buona Sera, around the corner from the Basie.

[Mr. Bingley]

Buona Sera only has maybe 4 tables outside, right on rt 35...

I think some of the places on Broad Street have got tables outside.

[nick28]

that's the one...

thanks.

[equal_Mark]

Does Juanitos have outdoor seating again? I thought they put their porch out back under some sort of semi permanent tent thingie like a dozen years ago...

[SusieQQ]

Possibilites....not necessarly the best food but do have outdoor dining.

McGillicuddy's: Loch Arbour

Mr. C's: Allenhurst

Moonstruck: Asbury Park

Rooneys: Long Branch
McCloones: Asbury Prk

[cke25]

These places offer good food and outdoor dining, weather permitting. If you must eat outside, I would call ahead to confirm that they will be serving outside tables that day. Also, since there are little or no good choices in Lincroft, you'll have to drive East/Northeast to find someplace nice:

http://charleysoceangrill.com/ (Long Branch

)

http://yumirestaurant.com/ (Sea Bright

)

http://www.windanseanj.com/ (Highlands

)

http://www.monticelloatredbank.com/ga... (Red Bank)

[JustJake]

I'd set my view for Asbury, as it provides the 'best' setting for outdoor dining (provided you don't have an east wind - which doesn't appear to be in the cards for tomorrow). Plus, you won't have your dining experience marred by the drone and fumes of traffic (Red Bank). WindandSea is a very nice choice as well - a bit of a ride though (but a beauty) as one would have to navigate RB and then the peninsula to Ocean Ave Sea Bright. .

Try Langosta Lounge (Asbury Park) if you want something a bit funky, fun and a different yet an accessible menu.

[cantkick]

There are plenty of places in Long Branch, and some in Sea Bright, that would probably fit your needs. Not that the food would be great, but that doesn't seem to be a criterion.

There might also be places along the Bay (Keyport, Port Monmouth, AH, Highlands) but I don't know which would have outdoor seating.

My favorite would be Moby's, but I doubt you'll be dressed for that. :)