Location: Spring Lake
Top Restaurants in Spring Lake
Most Popular Restaurants in Spring Lake
Spring Lake is a borough in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough's population was 2,993, reflecting a decline of 574 (-16.1%) from the 3,567 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 68 (+1.9%) from the 3,499 counted in the 1990 Census.
Things to do in Spring Lake
1. Whispers Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 291 reviews
Reviewed By Entiat - Issaquah, Washington
Nothing wrong, everything was OK, but only the service stood out as great (without our fantastic server, this was a 3-star place).
My wife had the "Chef's specialty" shrimp on home made pesto pasta. Yawn. The shrimp clearly hadn't been brined, the pesto needed more fresh basil and garlic. A red pepper flake or two wouldn't kill anyone.
I had a NY strip steak that was cooked to order and had some sort of steak butter, but ... yawn. I think the steak butter may have actually had A-1 in it (what the heck?).
Some steamed veggies (perfectly al dente...but nothing in terms of seasoning - how about some garlic and browned butter and sage or something? Yawn.
Mashed potatoes were, well, mashed and salty. Yawn. Maybe go Robuchon and toss in a lot of salted European butter? Or garlic? Or a splash of whipping creme? Or anything?
As I said our server was fantastic so that takes the place up from 3 to 4 stars. Given the price I expected something novel or unique or...well, if we're going all "normal" mid-American cuisine, it needs to be stunningly executed. This wasn't.
I guess the amuse bouche (sautéed finely chopped mushrooms in a olive oil/basalmic(?) reduction) was interesting. But otherwise...a perfectly executed yawn.
Nothing was bad, but nothing made me want to go back. That doesn't cut it at this price point in this day and age of stunning and unique restaurant options.
2. Avon Pavilion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 294 reviews
Beachside restaurant with outdoor and indoor seating, serving breakfast, lunch and a more upscale yet casual, gourmet dinner experience.
Reviewed By RickNewJersey - New Jersey
The food just screams average. The descriptions sound much better than what you really get. For example under Starters, we had the Baby Back Ribs. They aren't sold buy the full or half rack. They're sold by full or half "order." A full "order" is half a rack. The Mardi Gras Crevette tasted like it was pre-made and not fresh. We wouldn't try again... Too many other places to eat at.
3. Scarborough Fair
Overall Ratings
4 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By ramblinbill - Brick, New Jersey
I will never dine here again.
Once my absolute favorite place. I took a dear friend for a celebratory dinner and was disappointed at every turn. Where the greeting used to be a very warm welcome I was made to feel like an uninvited guest. We were seated in the nook next to the entrance which was quite uncomfortable as it was cold and snowing outdoors (I had requested a stairway nook when I made the reservation 5 days earlier)but when we asked for a different table we were told they were all spoken for. The tables that we were not allowed to sit at remained empty for our entire meal and were still empty when we left. We felt abandoned where we were seated as there were obviously diners upstairs but we were alone and poorly attended to. Soft Christmas music started and then stopped abruptly after three or four songs. The fish I had was prepared nicely but the wild rice side dish was dry and rubbery as if it was a leftover that was left uncovered. My companion was very much disappointed in her meal which bothered me more than if it was my own.
I understand the problems associated with the restaurant business and I am always prepared to allow the benefit of the doubt for occasional lapses but in this case, the lapses were too many and grievous to be excused. The place itself is charming and lovely but I'll wait till it changes hands before considering dining there in the future.
4. Lubrano's Trattoria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 262 reviews
Reviewed By GSP67 - Ocean County, NJ
Recently enjoyed another amazing dinner with my GF at Lubrano's Trattoria on Route 34 in Manasquan, NJ. As I have dined at Lubrano's numerous times in the past and have always had an excellent dining experience, I knew what to expect on this recent evening with my GF. As usual, this evening at Lubrano's was absolutely fantastic. Our dining began with fresh warm bread with olive oil to enjoy with it. For our appetizer, my GF and I enjoyed balsamic shrimp/calamari ....absolutely delicious. For our entrees, my GF enjoyed an amazing NY Strip steak while I thoroughly enjoyed Veal Francese. We could not pass on dessert, so we shared a Nutella Bomb ...Wow! For those who have not yet had the pleasure of dining at Lubrano's, Lubrano's is a BYOB establishment with plenty of parking and an excellent atmosphere. The food is always fantastic, the portions are large, and the servers are outstanding. If you are searching for an excellent restaurant with a large menu, great food, and outstanding service, I highly recommend Lubrano's to large groups, small groups, couples, families, etc. Finally, reservations are recommended. Enjoy!
5. Hoffman's Ice Cream
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 196 reviews
Reviewed By lynnita30 - New York City, New York
Your wildest ice cream combos come into reality here, with crazy creative flavors galore.... jersey chunky monkey for example! Very generous portions, served by local college kids. A wait on the summer weekends, but very worth it once you bite in!
6. Federico's Pizzeria and Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By IAP65 - silver spring, md
This little restaurant is short on ambiance and long on friendliness. The service is efficient and friendly without being intrusive. The pizzas and calzones are very good. The prices are really quite reasonable. The outdoor dining area is very plain but it's nice to eat outdoors when the weather permits. Bring your own wine or beer if you want to imbibe.
7. St. Stephen's Green Publick House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 219 reviews
Reviewed By 7David49 - Manalapan, New Jersey
Hadn't been here in a couple of years. Our prior visits were excellent, and things haven't changed in that respect.
Wonderful old time decor. Lots of wood furnishings and huge bar, fireplace. Lots of local people enjoying the place, and music at 6 pm.
Pub food is great. Service is great. Prices very reasonable. Not much more to say. A terrific place to enjoy.
8. Joe Leone's Italian Specialties
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
If you want quality, Italian food then this is the place to go. The best of the best! If you truly appreciate the finest imported Italian specialties, cooking ingredients and rustic breads, visit Joe Leone's in Pt. Pleasant Beach or our satellite location Joe Leone's Gastonomia in Sea Girt!
Reviewed By Matanda28 - Somerset, New Jersey
we stopped in for subs, as they were voted #1 in Pt. Pleasant. You could design your sandwich in any way- from the 10+ different kinds of bread, to the many, many cheese and meat options- it was made to order from start to finish.. no "just give me the #5" here. It was a tasty sub- you could taste the quality of the ingredients. But it was a hectic place ( it was a Saturday afternoon) and it did take some time to get through the line- first to order and then to pay. While my finance waited in line to order, I browsed around, and there were so many options in this store. Not just a deli for subs, but home made pastas, home made side dishes and even main dishes- all of the Italian variety. Everything was gorgeous- you could get anything you wanted here if you're in the mood to make Italian food at home - and not just standard items, unique items as well. Frozen home made items too- it was a place you should not go on an empty stomach. There is no seating- take away only. It was also a bit pricey, but the sandwich was huge! go in and browse- something is bound to pique your interest.
9. The Scone Pony
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By Jnjtiger - NJ
Important to check when they are open. They are NOT open every day. When we visited believe it was Wednesday through Sunday. Toppling - everything is super, fresh, tasty, and wonderful service. The wait is caused by customers overwhelmed with wonderful choices, NOT the lack of staff. You can see them preparing directly in front of you. Very small space - eat outside, weather permitting. Top recommendations - Brownies and Cheesecake. Brownies are intense, dense, fudgy type. Topped with wonderful icing. Easily one of the top two brownies I have ever had. Cheesecake - plain - purchased for an anniversary surprise. Just delicious. Graham cracker crust done to perfection and lovely, rich tasting cheesecake. Serve with fresh strawberries - heaven. Scones come in variety of flavors and change daily. Seemed like 5+ different options each day. They were delicious, but more "cakey" than "sconey". There is a difference. Delicious on their own, as they were. But again, more like a delicious cake creation than actual scone. Don't split hairs, most won't tell the difference and everything is delicious. Kudos to the owners for having the right level of service at the "front" of the "house". Tiny space, so important to get folks processed quickly - if they can make up their minds with all these lovely choices!
10. Del Ponte's Bakery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Conveniently located right on Main Street in Bradley Beach, NJ. We specialize in cakes for all occasions, Italian pastry, cookies, bread and breakfast items. Open late for all your sweet tooth cravings!
Reviewed By dls1656 - New Jersey
Dessert last night was the highlight of the evening thanks to this bakery! The cannolis are great, as is their cream puffs - but those pignoli cream cookies? Wow - they are over-the-top delicious!!! We're sad and glad they're not located where we live - we'd be stopping there often!
