The Anchor's Bend - Asbury Park

I visited Anchor's Bend back before the COVID pandemic hit the US. Had spent the day at Asbury Park beach, getting sun, simming in the ocean and having an all along great time. After the beach, and getting cleaned up, I noticed most the restaurants bars had closed for the night, but Anchor's Bend was still open. Although the were going to close within the hour, we were promptly seated at high bar stools, provided w ice water while we looked through the menu and then order dinner and drinks. Never felt rushed, service was polite and friendly. Would definitely reccommend.

I disagree with many of the reviews. Maybe I got lucky with my server, I hope her name was ... Katie! . But in any event I came here for the Cheap Thrills Motorcycle Show . We must of had about 10 rounds of drinks and Katie came by before we were done with every one asking if we need anything . I don't think you can ask for better service ! The drinks of choice was jack daniels neat , and pbr cans for the table . For table food we ordered buffalo wings , chicken fingers and a nachos. Every thing was good and I had no complaints. I am not sure about everyone's complaints about service . There was a waiting list for seat because of the show and not once were we rushed to leave and we never had to ask for our server, she was ringing the next round at the perfect time !

Go for a drink and nothing else!! The food is way too expensive, always very small portions and nothing was very good. The food was very dry, the fries, the chicken, the burgers, the lobster roll. The best thing we had was the steak quesadilla but it was also at 10pm on a Tuesday so nobody else was in the restaurant, so maybe that's why it was good? If you want a good meal, walk a little further away from the beach.

No doubt Anchor's Bend has it's inconsistencies in terms of service and cuisine. But, with the right expectations going in, you find that you get what you need. We were just looking for a mellow spot to get out of the sun for a while close to the beach so we could rest our eyes and feet and still watch summer waning this Labor Day Weekend. This place on the North end of Convention Hall on the Asbury Park boardwalk was all that. A bit ramshackled with very high cement ceiling and floor, and aquamarine painted woodwork that had been through hurricane and nor'easter and August heat, the joint felt like a sailor's roost. Liked the vibe alot. Tank tops and flip flops were dressing up. We grabbed a wobbly high top along the north brick wall with a great view above North Beach. I already had a good latte from across the Hall, and my companion ordered a Laganitas IPA. Our several servers didn't seem to mind that was all we wanted as there was plenty of room in the early afternoon and they were more into socializing with the bartenders (don't blame them). Sure, that beer was a buck or two more than buying it at Canal's, but what is one hour of pleasant out of the sun mellow worth? Certainly the price of a day beach pass for the two of us. Especially, when considering all the great rockers who had been here doing the same thing during rehearsal breaks. Felt like the in crowd to me.

Last Saturday, I checked out The Anchor Bend while attending the Asbury Park Surf Rock Music Festival. From noon to 10pm, bands performed on a stage set up at the Bend's beach area. Beach chairs and benches were set up for festival goers. The hubs and I got there early and found seats near the outdoor adjacent to the bar/restaurant. (Shaded. Yes! Throughout the day, we ordered appetizers and drinks while we listened to music. It was fantastic. The Anchor Bend has various performances and events during the summer like this. I wish we knew about this earlier this year. So food and drinks very good but expect to pay a little more. The food is a little higher quality than your usual gastropub spot. Here are our recommendations: Anchor Fries. Large portion of seasoned fries (not quite steak fries, but larger cut potatoes that comes with a tasty sauce. Mahi Mahi tacos. I ordered this and thought they were tasty. You can get either fries or chips (tortilla on the side; go with the fries. Chips are homemade and good, but fries are just too good. Beach Body Burger. My dude got this and was content with his order. The menu says that you can make the order Vegan by having the burger over greens. I ordered Asbury Park Brewery Blonde. I stuck with this that day. Overall, a solid selection of beer on tap and bottled. Our waitress during the day was really good and attentive. Later in the day, it got super crowded and busy, so people were asked to place food and drink orders at the bar (food runners than brought your orders to you . The bartender that night was friendly, but at the receiving end of a mob of customers. I definitely would return and believe I will be back.