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The Old Bay Restaurant Reviews List
The Old Bay Restaurant
The Old Bay Restaurant is a unique blend of Cajun Creole and American Cuisine, that boasts to enjoy the food as one will the vibrant atmosphere. For over 20 years, The Old Bay has presented an extremely pleasurable dining experience and an actively entertaining night life, where surely everyday is Mardis Gras.
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65 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 65 reviews
5 stars
(18)
4 stars
(34)
3 stars
(9)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(27)
- fit for foodies(23)
- vibrant bar scene(23)
- good for groups(19)
- late-night find(12)
- hot spot(10)
The Old Bay Restaurant Reviews List
Review 1 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
a touch of N' OLEAN'S IN OUR BACK
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"GOOD FRIENDLY SERVICE, FOOD IS EXCELLANT, NICE LOCAL ATMOSPHERE"
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 2 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Gem in New Brunswick
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My wife and I brought her mother here to celebrate her 74th birthday. This was our first time there, but we all enjoyed the food so much that we know we'll be back in the not-too-distant future. The service was good and my mom-in-law said the place looked like it could have been plucked out of New Orleans and dropped in New Brunswick. We're going to go back when there's live music, but we don't need a special occasion for this. And, the prices are really good, too!"
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 3 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good food, fair service
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a very mixed experience. The host was very friendly and helpful. Same for the bar staff. However, the food service was slow and the restaurant was maybe at 60% capacity. Our waiter lacked personality and didn't followup. The food itself met expectations."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 4 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Theater dining
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We chose this restaurant for its proximity to the State Theater (3 blocks). The decor and menu are meant to represent New Orleans and it is successful. Service was prompt. Prices are reasonable. As one who does not like spicy food, I was able to find other options for an entree, but not much luck with the appetizers. Great drinks menu and the bar scene was lively but not raucous."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
dining
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"overall food and drinks are excellent service, except for our waiter was good. our waiter acted like he was doing us a favor to assist us and the table next to us agreed"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene
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Review 6 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The menu had a nice range
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The menu had a nice range of choices--I was concerned the food would be too spicy, but there was plenty to choose from really spicy to not at all--I had the pecan crusted catfish--It was delicious-cooked perfect and the sides were just as good--My friend had the seafood jumblya and she loved it--she also enjoyed the jalapino cornbread that was given at the table--All in all a wonderful dining experience"
Dined on 04/26/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ran out of spices.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I found the food to be well made but bland. Not something you would expect from a New Orlean's style restaurant."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2009
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Review 8 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
My son and I truly enjoyed
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My son and I truly enjoyed our dinner at Old Bay. Our server was very friendly, helpful and attentive. The food was good, just not fantastic."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly
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Review 9 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The service felt cold and
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The service felt cold and impersonal. Prices didn't feel like a good value."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2012
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Review 10 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food, drinks and service was
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food, drinks and service was great! Met friends for dinner and drinks and everyone had a great time. Even stayed to listen to the band."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2006
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 11 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
The Food was not good. The
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The Food was not good. The Egg plant was not cooked , The Mahi Mahi was overcooked. The Organic chicken was very bland. Over all not a good experience"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
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Review 12 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Really good place to spend
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Really good place to spend my birthday."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2013
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 13 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Absolutely loved it. We love
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Absolutely loved it. We love cajun food and found our first trip here to be outstanding. We will be back."
Dined on 03/25/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 14 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good food, but terrible ambience!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I enjoyed the food and service at Old Bay when I went for the first time on a Saturday night. However, they have live entertainment on Saturday nights, which normally would be great...but where my party was seated during regular dining hours spilled over into live entertainment hours and my party was made to feel very much "in the way".
Between the band members/crew packing equipment up directly behind our table (making us feel closed in) and patrons at the bar staring at our party, impatiently waiting for us to vacate so they could grab what I can only imagine was the best seat in the house, I've already decided I would not visit this restaurant again on an entertainment night -- it worst not a good first impression."
Between the band members/crew packing equipment up directly behind our table (making us feel closed in) and patrons at the bar staring at our party, impatiently waiting for us to vacate so they could grab what I can only imagine was the best seat in the house, I've already decided I would not visit this restaurant again on an entertainment night -- it worst not a good first impression."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 15 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We were disapointed in the
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were disapointed in the food. For a place that supposedly specialed in New Orleans inspired flavors, we thought it fell short with flavor.
The service was good however."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
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Review 16 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Been wanting to try this place
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Been wanting to try this place for years, and finally got there. (it's not close to where I live)...........and I wasn't disapointed. Food was very good, and our waiter (Daniel M) was very knowledgeable and helpful with the menu. I'll definitly be back to Yhe Old bay again!"
Dined on 03/14/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We ordered two appetizers,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We ordered two appetizers, catfish balls and chicken jambalaya. Both were excellent and affordable but the portions were enough for 3-4 people! For entrees we had the Cajun Catfish special and the Shrimp Creole. We were pleased with both but needless to say I had to take home my meal and my husband also could not finish his. They also have a nice selection of interesting draft beers and specialty drinks. There is a very limited wine list. I would highly recommend this place and will return again."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 18 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Find in New Brunswick
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great surprise! Food was outstanding and the balcony seating made you think you were in New Orleans! I already made our next reservation. Public parking is right across the street. Perfect place to begin a night out and take in a concert at the State Theater!!!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 19 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Cajun!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Everything was excellent. The food was great, the staff were attentive but not annoying, and the ambiance was fantastic."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies
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Review 20 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good and convenient to theaters
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We enjoyed the jambalaya and pecan crusted catfish and shared the fried oyster po' boys appetizer. Very tasty and quite plentiful (enough left overs for lunch at home the next day). Service was okay, a bit slow but not annoyingly so (we were seated upstairs). Just a 7-minute walk from the theaters and easy to find."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2003
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Review 21 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This restaurant features a
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This restaurant features a New Orleans menu. The atmosphere feels like you are in a bar on Bourban street. It is moderately priced and had several rooms so you don't feel that you are in a large open space. It is convenient the theaters in New Brunswick as well as the Rutgers campus."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 22 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was diverse and interesting,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was diverse and interesting, with something to appeal to most any taste. Atmosphere was warm and relaxed."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 23 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
You've got to try this!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"If you enjoy creole style food, The Old Bay is a must try! The atmosphere is great and the food is absolutely delicious. Beer connoisseurs will be thrilled with the tap selection, as well! Overall, it is a great dining experience at a great price. What more can you ask?"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 24 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was a very pleasant surprise.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was a very pleasant surprise. Food was excellent. Bananas Foster martini was yummy. A lot of interesting choices on the menu. I will definitely go back."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 25 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
1st time there.. was extreamly
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"1st time there.. was extreamly satisfied. Service was excellant, atmosphere was comfortable, and was not rushed thru dinner.. which is a BIG PLUS. If you enjoy CAJUN spices, then this is the place for you ... A must drink is the Hurricane.. which will put you in that NAWLIN'S mood. A GREAT NAWLIN'S FLARE BROUGHT UP NORTH ..."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 26 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I would just like to say that
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I would just like to say that my review is not a complaint but just my experience at your place. We go out to eat every Friday night. This is the second time I have visited. I think the meals are fabulous and priced right, but I still managed to overspend here because you price everything separate. I think what we spent on appetizers, drinks, desert ect. was way to high. Maybe a salad with the dinner and make a little less on the drinks. I realize overhead is through the roof but their is only so much people can spend on a night out, just saying. Overall the place is a little cramped (but being and old bank cannot be helped)also the service seems rushed and preoccupied. This dinner was 4 adults and the bill was $325.00."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 27 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is my second time eating
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is my second time eating at the Old Bay, third time being there. The ambiance was amazing. It really has a Southern flair to it that no other restaurant I know has. The food was amazing. My girlfriend is a vegetarian, so the options for her were limited, although she loved the atmosphere so it did not bother her much. The decor is amazing, if you can, try to get seated upstairs for that Southern feel. This most recent time, I had the steak tip special. It was fantastic. My date had a vegetable Napoleon over couscous. Everything was delicious, I hope to eat there soon."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 28 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Cajun food in downtown
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great Cajun food in downtown New Brunswick. Excellent location for a pre-theater dinner."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 29 for The Old Bay Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great draft beer selection&service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Server was friendly and attentive. The have a great draft beer selection with craft brews I've not found elsewhere. We received drinks, appetizers and entrees promptly but we were not rushed. Chicken & Tasso Ham Croquettes was a great app. Crab cake was ok and Jalapeño corn bread could have been sweeter. Everyone was pleased with their entrees. I especially liked the crawfish Etouffee. Others in my party enjoyed their desserts. I'll be back whe n I'm in the area again."
Dined on 02/06/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Old Bay Restaurant
Based on the average of (36) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
7 out of 7 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic