Proving Ground Waterfront Dining

The Proving Ground is a solid choice for eating on the coast of the Jersey shore. The back patio is nice, the seafood fresh and the service was on point. The food, while being ok, just didn't wow me and we ordered lobster rolls, French burger, a shrimp wrap and crab cake sandwich. All ok and edible, just the side of fries were basic and no substitutions were allowed. We skipped alcohol drinks and dessert, but the calamari and the mussels apps were tender and again, super fresh and tasty (albeit a bit tiny compared to other places I've been to). Overall, a nice experience and I'd love to go back for some bar food and a drink on a great day or even try their brunch, but maybe another time.

Great food, drinks and service. Had to bring the musician inside due to rain, but they stuck him in a back room near the bar, when he should have been on the main stage so we could see/hear him in the restaurant.

Atmosphere was fantastic! Food was excellent but took over an hour to come out of the kitchen.

We enjoyed the food and the service was good. I fortunately the music was WAY too LOUD!! It ruined the evening and we couldn't talk. Glad it started at 7 and our reservation was for 6:00. I was asked if I wanted to be near the “dueling pianos” and said no, but were seated upstairs not knowing that's where they played.

Two in our party of 4 asked for rare burgers. They came out well done. The waitress came to show us that it wasn't her fault as on the order she showed is wa medium rare. But we asked for rare. They said they would remake them. The manager came to the table and apologized and said he would comp our 2 drinks and we thanked him. The second round of burgers came out just as overcooked as the first round. How can a restaurant not even get a burger order correct with two chances?

We made a last minute decision to head to the Proving Ground after our kids made plans to be out for the night! We scored a last minute 8:00 reservation, and were thrilled being there being there live music that night. When we arrived we were asked if we wanted inside or out, we said outside but quickly pivoted being the hostess said it would rain shortly. Which I was grateful for! We went upstairs and were seated on a hightop table with views of the water! Our waitress Nicole was great! We had a couple of drinks, sushi and some lite bites! It was a great spontaneous evening!

This was our first time here and we'll definitely be back. Sitting outside by the water was delightful. Everyone liked what they ordered. The only disappointment was the dessert selection because those who must be gluten free or dairy free weren't able to order anything. That's probably an easy fix if the restaurant thinks there's a need for it.

Food was good but did seem a little bit too salty. I was disappointed that they took chicken pot pie off the menu for the summer. My favorite meal. Wish they would put it back for the summer

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!

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 !!

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.

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!

very nice waitress and food and service was very good for the price. i highly recommend it.

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!

Will be back!!!! The drinking were amazing, oysters were huge and great quality, one of my favorite go to places to go!