Customers` Favorites
Customers` Favorites
“If you’re heading down the Shore and craving something simple, satisfying, and reliably good, Shady Rest Restaurant continues to be a go-to for locals who appreciate classic comfort food done right.
This is the kind of place that doesn’t need a lot of fanfare. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, with that familiar neighborhood feel that makes you instantly comfortable. It’s not about trends here—it’s about consistency, and Shady Rest delivers on that time and time again.
On my visit, I opted to take something to go, which is always a great test of a kitchen—because if it holds up outside the restaurant, you know it’s worth it. I tried the sweet potato bisque and the Manhattan clam chowder, and both were excellent in their own way.
The sweet potato bisque was smooth, rich, and full of flavor. It had that perfect balance of natural sweetness and savory depth, without being overly heavy. It’s the kind of soup that feels both comforting and a little indulgent at the same time—especially on a cooler day.
The Manhattan clam chowder, on the other hand, offered a completely different profile. Light, tomato-based, and packed with clams and vegetables, it was fresh-tasting and well-seasoned. It didn’t feel overly salty or thick, which can sometimes be the case—it was clean, satisfying, and exactly what you’d hope for from a classic version of this dish.
The fact that both soups traveled well and still tasted this good says a lot. Even outside the restaurant setting, the quality held up, which isn’t always easy to do.
Beyond the food, Shady Rest has a reputation for being a welcoming, easygoing spot—somewhere you can dine in, grab a drink at the bar, or simply pick up something to enjoy at home. The outdoor space in warmer months adds to its charm, giving it that true Jersey Shore feel.
Service is friendly and efficient, whether you’re dining in or picking up. It’s clear this is a place that values its regulars—and keeps them coming back.
In a world of overcomplicated menus and trendy concepts, there’s something refreshing about a place like Shady Rest. It knows exactly what it is: a dependable local restaurant serving comforting, well-prepared food.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what you’re in the mood for.“
Customers` Favorites
“To Treach, Angelo, Julie, Susie, Nicolette and Taylor, and to the Chef. Thank you for great food and great bartending. Outstanding all around thank you. Keep up the great work
Darla,Taylor,Julia. Had a great night out. Thank you so much. Plan A was a good band. With yall 3 there made it better.“
Customers` Favorites
“Best Manhattan Clam Chowder in Ocean County!!! Great food, great prices and friendliest staff in a long time! Have had only great meals since I started dining there. Do yourself a big favor...give "CJ's"a try. You will not be disappointed!!!“
Customers` Favorites
“I would give them 3 out of 5 stars. since the day they opened, inconsistent with food and drinks. one day the sliders are medium, the next well done. one day your $16 martini is full, the next it's missing the top inch of the drink. one day the pizza is ok, the next time is soup. last time the service was just ok. tonight she was great.“
Customers` Favorites
“The cheesesteaks were delicious, but I wished I noticed the disgusting fan that was above the ordering counter before I ate there. The fan is full of so much thick dust that I felt sick after eating there. Makes you wonder if the kitchen is really clean.“
Customers` Favorites
“The best service and food.“
Customers` Favorites
“great place to go ..good food friendly staff great prices“
Customers` Favorites
“OMG the Lasagna soup!!! Everything is great but this new addition is FABULOUS!!!“
Customers` Favorites
“Thank you for the amazing catering that we ordered for our party today! The lamb, chicken and rice was a huge hit with everyone! The tzatziki sauce is out of this world. Our friends kept coming back for more🙌🏼 10/10 highly recommend!“
Customers` Favorites
“thanks to the polite waitress and manager that took care of us last night... have a few too many Doms. They are the best and really hot the spot if you're looking to get a buzz... After our night of getting smashed we got cut off, and manager even gave us a ride to the hotel across the street. so thanks again for taking the time to truly care about your patrons....“
Customers` Favorites
“I took my friend out to dinner for her birthday. We had the most amazing experience at Tardis! The food was absolutely incredible and the service was wonderful! This is most definitely a 5 star restaurant in every way! Highly recommended!“
Customers` Favorites
“Fast friendly service as well as Drinks being tasty. The food portion size was plenty for a nice amount of leftovers for lunch. So very delicious.“
Customers` Favorites
“Consistency… every day awesome! Food is great, staff is friendly, and the service is excellent! Highly recommend!“
Customers` Favorites
“My family has been going to the Sand Castle Diner for decades and we still love the food. The owners and waitresses are always sweet and the atmosphere is very relaxed. Highly recommended.“
Customers` Favorites
“Definitely come eat breakfast here! The food is delicious and reasonably priced. The staff is very attentive and polite. This place is an American classic“
Customers` Favorites
“Excellent food and friendly customer services every time!!“
Customers` Favorites
“Came here for a quick, Sunday homestyle breakfast and was not disappointed at all. The atmosphere is unique, to say the least, but also gives a lot to start conversations amongst the table. Serving portions were superb and food was very tasty. I have seen other comments and reviews that were very negative and nasty, but everybody can have a bad day once in a while. They were complaining on the service and owner/waiter being rude and yelling. I've seen more positive ratings than negative ones. While not everybody has the same humor, people can definitely be some Debbie downers. All in all, we had a nice experience and enjoyed the food. Ihop who?? Lol will def be back!!!“
Customers` Favorites
“I tried lefty’s for the first time tonight and ordered delivery. The food arrived fresh and hot and the burger was out of this world along side of their wings. Highly recommend to everyone one next time I will be dining in.“
Customers` Favorites
“Owner/chef is a great guy. Very personable! Will go out of his to ensure your satisfied. Found the Fire Pit by accident. So glad we did. Shrimp in his garlic and shrimp dish are large, not the usual small ones. His barbecue chicken is cooked on a barbecue coals, not in an oven or on a gas grill. Food is fresh. The spanish sausages were also high quality. Forgot to mention the pulled pork was also tasty.“
Customers` Favorites
“Food was very tasty and exactly what you want and expect from a NJ diner. They had quite a few daily off menu specials and I went for a classic diner food. Chipped beef on toast, grits and coffee. All tasted really good.
Parking: Plenty of parking on premises
Kid-friendliness: Yes. Easily and happily welcomed“
Customers` Favorites
“Loved the food and the atmosphere here. A beautiful place to bring your family for a nice meal. The staff was so nice and took care of all of our needs. Highly recommended!!!!“
Customers` Favorites
“Food was delicious, the staff is friendly and service was great! The pho 🍜 was perfect. I highly recommend the cherry blossom shrimp wontons, we also tried the fried dumplings. Very yummy 😋“
Customers` Favorites
“Had an amazing dinner with my family for my brother birthday everyone enjoyed their dinner and service was amazing. It’s great to have such a great restaurant close by and not have to travel far…“
Customers` Favorites
“I have been loyal since day one! Nobody beats the food, the service, the family atmosphere. Simply the best 💜“
Customers` Favorites
“We had Kate & Ally’s cater a party at our local community center for 100 people. Everything from securing the date, choosing the menu, the food, and the service was top notch! I am so happy we were able to provide such high quality and creative food, but also, to have had the opportunity to just enjoy the party while the Kate and Ally staff handled it all from set up to clean up! Huge thank yous to Dianne, Lindsay, Janet, and Rich for all their hard work to help make my event special!“
Customers` Favorites
“I got to say for sorrows is good real good quick delivery times they're honest if they say a certain time they're there but you got to be careful because when it shows up it is real hot real hot and really good food excellent“
Customers` Favorites
“Wife and I took a day trip to Seaside Heights; wanted something a little more substantial than boardwalk fare to cap off our beach day. TripAdvisor rated Klee’s highly, so we decided to give it a try and we weren’t disappointed. Maybe a 15 minute wait for our table, and Shannon took very good care of us while we were there. Food was a good temperature when served and was delicious; I had the fish & chips platter and Dee had the flounder off the daily specials menu. Would highly recommend and look forward to a return visit next time we’re in town.“
Customers` Favorites
“Wow! I love veal. The last time I had veal this good was at a small place in Brooklyn with about 8 tables. That was about 45 yrs ago. I was like 10 years old. Some people call it milk fed, others call it abuse. Whatever you call it, if you love veal, this is the place to go. AMAZING!!!“
Customers` Favorites
“We have never been disappointed with a meal at IL Giardinello's. Always excellent food & excellent service.“
Customers` Favorites
“It’s the best pizza on this planet“
Customers` Favorites
“GREAT SUSHI SELECTION AND GREAT STAFF! Food is fresh and the restaurant is clean! This is our go too for Japanese food. We highly recommend Uminoya“
“My wife, Meg and I really enjoyed our visit to your brewery and simply loved it! We enjoyed the friendly atmosphere, welcoming bartenders, friendly patrons, and the warm, neighborly environment. We will certainly be coming back to visit again soon to enjoy another great beer! CHEERS! Rich and Meg“
“This place is a Hidden Gem...I can't wait to go back for Sunset Friday night dinner!! My husband is the most critical person when it comes to Restaurants, BUT he LOVES the Food here, 😉😁 See ya soon!!!“
Customers` Favorites
“The food, Service, and atmosphere were all excellent. The fresh brewed tea is spot on. The Firecracker sauce is Devine and you can't go wrong with the wedge salad. Not a bad thing I can say from my experience.“
Customers` Favorites
“Brick Oven is amazing! I had my, now fiance, surprise 40th birthday there (which turned into a surprise proposal) everyone raved about the food!! We usually don't do left overs, but what was left over- we will definitely be eating! Collin was fantastic! He was very accommodating and helpful. The girls were fabulous! Very polite, sweet and never once gave me a dirty looks with all my crazy requests lol. My sister in law was the only one who needed GF and Collin made sure she got her own plate, and told me was was the better tasting GF plate they offered. She said that was THE BEST GF pasta she has had. Their service was so great, my now fiance, made sure to take care of them ontop of what I tipped them! Guest from our party were asking Collin to open up a place in Monmouth County! And asking if they would deliver there! My family and friends (who are from Monmouth County) are talking about going back there again! I will 100% recommend Brick Oven because the food was out of this world, service was top notch and everyone was so great! The only thing was it got a little hot inside, but we also had a party of 40 people.. so everyone kinda understood why it was so hot. But other then that, everything went perfectly! Thank you so much Brick Oven and staff for a very memorable day!“
Customers` Favorites
“First time getting food here and they didn’t disappoint. Will definitely be back“
Customers` Favorites
“Outstanding sushi that was better than my favorite sushi place in Suffern named Sushi Bada. This place had high quality sushi and many rolls offered in cucumber instead of rice and not so much mayo. My wife, my son and grand daughter loved it.“
Customers` Favorites
“I go to the Forked River Diner often. The food is incredible. Every menu item I have ordered is excellent! The staff is very friendly and the prices are very reasonable. I highly recommend it!“
Customers` Favorites
“This is our first purpose in going to Seaside, 2nd is walking the boardwalk. Fish is always done to perfection, never overcooked never undercooked. Always cooked to perfection 👌“
Customers` Favorites
“Can I just give a shout out to this neighborhood gem who always delivers high quality, delicious sushi. They are creative, they are consistent, and are one of our top ‘go to’ places when we order in. Thank you Koi for being such a wonderful local business! 🍣🍱❤️“
Customers` Favorites
“The food here is fabulous! We had Hot Honey Roni Pizza, Mikes Spicy Steak, Pepperoni Knots, White Hot Honey Pizza and the Bucatini all’Amatriciana. Everything was amazing, highly recommend! Our server, Liz, was so kind, helpful and friendly. We will absolutely be back!“
Customers` Favorites
“Stopped in on a whim, found after a google search. Such a cozy little place! The staff were amazing and the pancakes were some of the best I’ve ever had!“
Customers` Favorites
“Great food - both the pizza and dinners. Salads are great too - a lot in them including hard boil eggs, roasted peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, green & black olives, onions, and of course lettuce - delicious! We highly recommend it!“
Customers` Favorites
“I have to give a huge thank you to Brooklyn Bistro for the amazing job they did for my daughters graduation dinner last night. Everything was wonderful. The food was cooked perfectly, the service was absolutely amazing. Thank you Brooklyn Bistro <3“
Customers` Favorites
“Food is delicious, service is friendly“
Customers` Favorites
“Delicious meal. Lovely ambiance. Great service.“
Customers` Favorites
“I’m always a happy customer. They’re always hospitable and friendly, and food is delish!!“
Customers` Favorites
“These guys are hands down the best Pizzeria in the area. Our go to spot for pizza, subs and authentic Italian dishes. Very friendly group of guys, with fast delivery and they stay open late. Don’t bother with anywhere else in town.“
Customers` Favorites
“Wow! What a nice surprise! Great food and hospitality that's rare today. Authentic delicious made-to-order food and exceptional service. As first-timers, we were treated to a taste of their outstanding penne vodka and a creme-filled zepole. Wowee! We'll be back for sure. BYOB ???“
Customers` Favorites
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“Do they serve any Gluten Free bread? Do they have a GF menu of any kind? Thanks“