TLDR: Top tier brisket. Nearly as good as Texas brisket and certainly best I have had in New Jersey thus far. The hidden restaurant in the middle of a garden is so quaint and peaceful, I recommend going for lunch or a cozy dinner. View of the surrounding hills is also amazing.
Quality of Food: I had no complaints about the food. The garden salad was refreshing and did not lack in its flavor. The brisket was AMAZING. If you look at my other reviews, you will find I am originally from the south and have frequented a few BBQ places in New Jersey, all of which have fallen short of what I have come to find as quality BBQ. This. Did. Not. Disappoint. The brisket was slightly marbled and melted in your mouth. I can only imagine the quality of the Rib Steak if the brisket was top notch. The cornbread was the only thing I could say was standard taste and quality.
Quality of Service: It was neither over-the top nor mediocre service. Seemed like a decent amount of young adults were waiting on tables. We stopped in for a quick bite before heading to a festival, but we had no issues getting our order taken, food delivered and check processed quickly.
Environment & Ambiance: Can't be compared to the other locations at the resort. The garden by itself is adorable and makes you feel like you're in a storybook. Looking out towards the hills provides a feeling of awe. The outside ambiance and cute tables and chairs makes you feel like you're joining Alice at a tea party.
Pricing and Concerns: It's certainly not cheap if you are ordering their higher priced options. However, that being said, it is most definitely worth every penny. Not to mention you're at a resort, so what would you expect besides expensive dishes? For a party of two you can keep it under $$$. Add drinks or an extra person and you're going over. No other concerns to note.
Comment and Recommendation: Yes! I recommend! If I didn't already make it obvious - go for the brisket!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
D B
Wonderful restaurant with fresh ingredients and strong flavors. I started off with the Garden Salad which was all ingredients from the garden. The crisp freshness of this salad along with the wonderful dressing made for a delightful and light salad. Big enough for two. I split two mains with another table member, and got the smoked ribs and brisket, which have to be the best items on the menu next to the cornbread. The meat was juicy, moist, expertly seasoned and smoked to perfection. The cornbread was moist, sweet, and delicious with the honey butter (fresh honey from the garden). The staff were friendly and accompanying you our party members birthday, as well as another’s nut allergy. Highly recommend visiting here for lunch or dinner if you get the chance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ribs
Zach Donnarumma
Great food and an ever better environment/atmosphere!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ma-Lé
Overall, it's okay. The service and the garden atmosphere was the highlight. Food was OK at best. 1 piece of small octopus tentacle is not enough to warrant the appetizer's price point. Cocktails ok, not great. Better off ordering wine instead. The selection of 3 different naturally flavored waters is nice for summer. Best time to dine during summer months is getting a reservation 30 minutes - 1 hour before sunset. Otherwise, it is too hot outside. Also, request table seating farthest from walking paths so people / kids do not continuously walk / run around right behind or around you. Our server and the hostess were pleasant and polite.
Dietary restrictions: They won't be able to cater to most dietary restrictions in this resort's outlet. It is an open outdoor kitchen concept with a wood fire stove.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
David Baldini
Wonderful restaurant with fresh ingredients and strong flavors. I started off with the Garden Salad which was all ingredients from the garden. The crisp freshness of this salad along with the wonderful dressing made for a delightful and light salad. Big enough for two. I split two mains with another table member, and got the smoked ribs and brisket, which have to be the best items on the menu next to the cornbread. The meat was juicy, moist, expertly seasoned and smoked to perfection. The cornbread was moist, sweet, and delicious with the honey butter (fresh honey from the garden). The staff were friendly and accompanying you our party members birthday, as well as another’s nut allergy. Highly recommend visiting here for lunch or dinner if you get the chance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ribs
Natalia Ponchielli
Great atmosphere, good service but unfortunately terrible food. We got shrimp that were bitter and the consistency was very strange it was almost like a mousse, flatbread which is the cheapest pita kind of thing from a supermarket with 3 deeps, pickled veggies that were presented to us as veggies from their garden but somehow there was mango and mushrooms there and I def didt see mangos growing anywhere in that garden. For main course we had brisket- very dry, lamb - chewy and tasteless, and “whole” black bass that was sitting on top of a messy pile of potatoes, the bass was advertised as a whole fish but somehow I got a half of the fish and I am 100% sure the fish was cooked in advance and they just warmed it up.It was very disappointed experience because the place is not cheap at all.I really wanted to like it but I felt like i will get food poisoning from eating this food so I returned everything and left hungry.Def not coming back. Overall, I think it is an overpriced diner quality food in a nice setting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Rusti Wolintz
The food was incredible. From the Clam apps to the Ribeye Steak. They were cooked to perfection!!!I was very surprised to see Chef Aishling on the grill. She said she was there for the hiccups... there were none. It was a perfect night.Only one thing missing, the Sangria..lol,
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
kathleencB1834DJ
Nice stay overall. They do, however, have a serious issue with spotted lantern flies at the pool. Gorgeous spot that we hoped to enjoy on a very rainy Saturday. The lantern flies were insane. They were landing on you constantly while sitting poolside. We finally had to give up and leave. Intrusive was an understatement. For the insanely high prices at the resort, I would certainly think they could contain the problem better. As we could not enjoy the day outside and could not enjoy the pool, it really did ruin the day
779gayleh
We were here years ago and thought it was nice- but no longer! The “convenience” credit card fee is insulting along with having mini bottles of water charged and everything being overpriced. The resort is showing its age and some of the hotel employees were unpleasant. The restaurant servers were nice which was a highlight. None of the sinks or tub drains had plugs so watch out! Your valuables could go down the drain as fast as the “fees” they charge. We travel frequently and I was a travel agent for years- this was such a let down and disappointing stay. And- there is a disconnect with service at the golf courses- no gps, not a spare towel, one starter at Ballyowen was downright rude and miserable. Still stewing that $50 plus dollars could be charge for using a credit card at your aging facility!
michelegX17VO
We had a fantastic time with friends. Hanging by the pool in the biosphere and having drinks and delicious pizza. It was such a nice night in the warm pool with tropical surroundings. It felt like a little vacation. The lifeguards were so friendly and welcoming that we couldn’t tell if they were at all bothered by our silly shenanigans. Would definitely do it again!
Great little girls get away. We went to the pool and had a great time. The atmosphere was very relaxing. The staff at the pool was amazing from the life guards too, the wait staff. The head life guard was amazing coming around checking on his guest! Would highly recommend.
M
Inside Crystal Springs resort. One of the best meals I have had in quite awhile. Night time dining in the garden set up a beautiful evening. Top notch and casual service. Appetizers were out if this world.The steak for 2 or 4 was well worth the price and simply out of this world. Chef’s Garden was one of the best experiences while at Crystal Springs! Money well spent.Terrific service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
182debis
From check-in to check-out it was an amazing experience. We were there for my nieces (surprise) 2 night bachelorette party and from the minute we pulled up to the resort and then entered the suite, we were amazed at how beautiful everything was. We had the 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom suite with fireplace deck and it was clean and enormous. We used the deck to eat and hangout often, and was even able to watch a thunderstorm over the mountains. Those who used the spa said it was a wonderful experience and one even booked an additional treatment. Biosphere pool and 180 Vista pool were incredible. Dinner at the Cascades Tavern was delicious and dancing at the Minerals Hotel was so much fun! We even roasted marshmallows at the firepit. The staff was just incredible and were so accommodating and always friendly. We had an amazing time and we are already talking abut going back! Thank you Crystal Springs Resort for a perfect weekend!
Daydream10366238914
What a great weekend! the pool, the pony, the food - all amazing. Staff is friendly and helpful when needed. And don't forget the Spa - very special. Just loved walking the grounds as well - never a dull moment. We will definitely be back soon!
Q7670MXrebeccas
Professional/kind staff, beautiful resort with stunning views. Comfortable and cozy rooms. Invest in a room with a balcony. Try the gnocchi at the Bistro. Relax with a cocktail at the fire pits. Try the F’rose at the 180 pool.
TLDR: Top tier brisket. Nearly as good as Texas brisket and certainly best I have had in New Jersey thus far. The hidden restaurant in the middle of a garden is so quaint and peaceful, I recommend going for lunch or a cozy dinner. View of the surrounding hills is also amazing.
Quality of Food: I had no complaints about the food. The garden salad was refreshing and did not lack in its flavor. The brisket was AMAZING. If you look at my other reviews, you will find I am originally from the south and have frequented a few BBQ places in New Jersey, all of which have fallen short of what I have come to find as quality BBQ. This. Did. Not. Disappoint. The brisket was slightly marbled and melted in your mouth. I can only imagine the quality of the Rib Steak if the brisket was top notch. The cornbread was the only thing I could say was standard taste and quality.
Quality of Service: It was neither over-the top nor mediocre service. Seemed like a decent amount of young adults were waiting on tables. We stopped in for a quick bite before heading to a festival, but we had no issues getting our order taken, food delivered and check processed quickly.
Environment & Ambiance: Can't be compared to the other locations at the resort. The garden by itself is adorable and makes you feel like you're in a storybook. Looking out towards the hills provides a feeling of awe. The outside ambiance and cute tables and chairs makes you feel like you're joining Alice at a tea party.
Pricing and Concerns: It's certainly not cheap if you are ordering their higher priced options. However, that being said, it is most definitely worth every penny. Not to mention you're at a resort, so what would you expect besides expensive dishes? For a party of two you can keep it under $$$. Add drinks or an extra person and you're going over. No other concerns to note.
Comment and Recommendation: Yes! I recommend! If I didn't already make it obvious - go for the brisket!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wonderful restaurant with fresh ingredients and strong flavors. I started off with the Garden Salad which was all ingredients from the garden. The crisp freshness of this salad along with the wonderful dressing made for a delightful and light salad. Big enough for two. I split two mains with another table member, and got the smoked ribs and brisket, which have to be the best items on the menu next to the cornbread. The meat was juicy, moist, expertly seasoned and smoked to perfection. The cornbread was moist, sweet, and delicious with the honey butter (fresh honey from the garden). The staff were friendly and accompanying you our party members birthday, as well as another’s nut allergy. Highly recommend visiting here for lunch or dinner if you get the chance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ribs
Great food and an ever better environment/atmosphere!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Overall, it's okay.
The service and the garden atmosphere was the highlight.
Food was OK at best.
1 piece of small octopus tentacle is not enough to warrant the appetizer's price point.
Cocktails ok, not great. Better off ordering wine instead.
The selection of 3 different naturally flavored waters is nice for summer.
Best time to dine during summer months is getting a reservation 30 minutes - 1 hour before sunset. Otherwise, it is too hot outside.
Also, request table seating farthest from walking paths so people / kids do not continuously walk / run around right behind or around you.
Our server and the hostess were pleasant and polite.
Dietary restrictions: They won't be able to cater to most dietary restrictions in this resort's outlet.
It is an open outdoor kitchen concept with a wood fire stove.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Wonderful restaurant with fresh ingredients and strong flavors. I started off with the Garden Salad which was all ingredients from the garden. The crisp freshness of this salad along with the wonderful dressing made for a delightful and light salad. Big enough for two. I split two mains with another table member, and got the smoked ribs and brisket, which have to be the best items on the menu next to the cornbread. The meat was juicy, moist, expertly seasoned and smoked to perfection. The cornbread was moist, sweet, and delicious with the honey butter (fresh honey from the garden). The staff were friendly and accompanying you our party members birthday, as well as another’s nut allergy. Highly recommend visiting here for lunch or dinner if you get the chance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ribs
Great atmosphere, good service but unfortunately terrible food. We got shrimp that were bitter and the consistency was very strange it was almost like a mousse, flatbread which is the cheapest pita kind of thing from a supermarket with 3 deeps, pickled veggies that were presented to us as veggies from their garden but somehow there was mango and mushrooms there and I def didt see mangos growing anywhere in that garden. For main course we had brisket- very dry, lamb - chewy and tasteless, and “whole” black bass that was sitting on top of a messy pile of potatoes, the bass was advertised as a whole fish but somehow I got a half of the fish and I am 100% sure the fish was cooked in advance and they just warmed it up.It was very disappointed experience because the place is not cheap at all.I really wanted to like it but I felt like i will get food poisoning from eating this food so I returned everything and left hungry.Def not coming back. Overall, I think it is an overpriced diner quality food in a nice setting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
The food was incredible. From the Clam apps to the Ribeye Steak. They were cooked to perfection!!!I was very surprised to see Chef Aishling on the grill. She said she was there for the hiccups... there were none. It was a perfect night.Only one thing missing, the Sangria..lol,
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Nice stay overall. They do, however, have a serious issue with spotted lantern flies at the pool. Gorgeous spot that we hoped to enjoy on a very rainy Saturday. The lantern flies were insane. They were landing on you constantly while sitting poolside. We finally had to give up and leave. Intrusive was an understatement. For the insanely high prices at the resort, I would certainly think they could contain the problem better. As we could not enjoy the day outside and could not enjoy the pool, it really did ruin the day
We were here years ago and thought it was nice- but no longer! The “convenience” credit card fee is insulting along with having mini bottles of water charged and everything being overpriced. The resort is showing its age and some of the hotel employees were unpleasant. The restaurant servers were nice which was a highlight. None of the sinks or tub drains had plugs so watch out! Your valuables could go down the drain as fast as the “fees” they charge. We travel frequently and I was a travel agent for years- this was such a let down and disappointing stay. And- there is a disconnect with service at the golf courses- no gps, not a spare towel, one starter at Ballyowen was downright rude and miserable. Still stewing that $50 plus dollars could be charge for using a credit card at your aging facility!
We had a fantastic time with friends. Hanging by the pool in the biosphere and having drinks and delicious pizza. It was such a nice night in the warm pool with tropical surroundings. It felt like a little vacation. The lifeguards were so friendly and welcoming that we couldn’t tell if they were at all bothered by our silly shenanigans. Would definitely do it again!
Restaurantji Recommends
Great little girls get away. We went to the pool and had a great time. The atmosphere was very relaxing. The staff at the pool was amazing from the life guards too, the wait staff. The head life guard was amazing coming around checking on his guest! Would highly recommend.
Inside Crystal Springs resort. One of the best meals I have had in quite awhile. Night time dining in the garden set up a beautiful evening. Top notch and casual service. Appetizers were out if this world.The steak for 2 or 4 was well worth the price and simply out of this world. Chef’s Garden was one of the best experiences while at Crystal Springs! Money well spent.Terrific service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
From check-in to check-out it was an amazing experience. We were there for my nieces (surprise) 2 night bachelorette party and from the minute we pulled up to the resort and then entered the suite, we were amazed at how beautiful everything was. We had the 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom suite with fireplace deck and it was clean and enormous. We used the deck to eat and hangout often, and was even able to watch a thunderstorm over the mountains. Those who used the spa said it was a wonderful experience and one even booked an additional treatment. Biosphere pool and 180 Vista pool were incredible. Dinner at the Cascades Tavern was delicious and dancing at the Minerals Hotel was so much fun! We even roasted marshmallows at the firepit. The staff was just incredible and were so accommodating and always friendly. We had an amazing time and we are already talking abut going back! Thank you Crystal Springs Resort for a perfect weekend!
What a great weekend! the pool, the pony, the food - all amazing. Staff is friendly and helpful when needed. And don't forget the Spa - very special. Just loved walking the grounds as well - never a dull moment. We will definitely be back soon!
Professional/kind staff, beautiful resort with stunning views. Comfortable and cozy rooms. Invest in a room with a balcony. Try the gnocchi at the Bistro. Relax with a cocktail at the fire pits. Try the F’rose at the 180 pool.
Loading...