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Bistro by the Beach Reviews List
Bistro by the Beach
Executive Chef B.J. Brown opened Bistro By The Beach in the spring of 2011 with a vision of creating the Jersey Shore's finest dining experience. Trained at The New England Culinary Institute, and spending extensive time at some of Monmouth County's most respected establishments, Brown infuses every dish with his insatiable passion for food and desire to please.
Starting under Dan Cummings for the Grenville Hotel, a well reviewed kitchen in Bay Head, NJ, Brown excelled. Once word of his talents got out, several offers landed on the Chef's plate. Mumford's Culinary Center in Tinton Falls, NJ grabbed the up and coming star, and it is there that he perfected his skills and further earned his stripes. It is also where he met good friend, Chef Casey Pesce. Chef Pesce recruited Chef Brown to help him open his restaurant, D'Jeet. After helping D'Jeet become a huge success, Bistro By The Beach was opened, and the reviews have been tremendous!
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Starting under Dan Cummings for the Grenville Hotel, a well reviewed kitchen in Bay Head, NJ, Brown excelled. Once word of his talents got out, several offers landed on the Chef's plate. Mumford's Culinary Center in Tinton Falls, NJ grabbed the up and coming star, and it is there that he perfected his skills and further earned his stripes. It is also where he met good friend, Chef Casey Pesce. Chef Pesce recruited Chef Brown to help him open his restaurant, D'Jeet. After helping D'Jeet become a huge success, Bistro By The Beach was opened, and the reviews have been tremendous!
40 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 40 reviews
5 stars
(13)
4 stars
(19)
3 stars
(7)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(22)
- fit for foodies(17)
- special occasion(12)
- good for groups(7)
- romantic(7)
- scenic view(3)
Bistro by the Beach Reviews List
Review 1 for Bistro by the Beach
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Mother's Day Gem
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We went with friends for their pri fix Mother's Day dinner, and were not disappointed. All the dishes were freshly made and served with style. The filet mignon, lobster with shrimp and scallops as well as the pork chop were excellent and cooked to perfection. Since it is BYOB it does save you money. We were never rushed and had a relaxing fun evening."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for Bistro by the Beach
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was largely very
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was largely very good with the exception being the clam chowder and the Caesar Salad.
On the service, our waiter, while pleasant enough, left us sitting far too long without an explanation as the kitchen was super slow with getting the food out. The explanation was that they had more diners show up (on a Saturday night) than hey had planned for. It's a Saturday night. Plan for diners. But, if he kitchen will be slow, advise the table before they have to sit there wondering and finally flag you down. Let people know what's going on and they will be much more patient; keep them in the dark and they will get cranky. At least get the manager involved. We will not likely return, which makes me say. I wanted to like it."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2012
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Review 3 for Bistro by the Beach
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Restaurant Week
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall was good. Portions were pretty small, but it was restaurant week."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 4 for Bistro by the Beach
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our new favorite restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was our second group dinner that we hosted at the Bistro an once again it was a hit with our friends. We found this little gem last year during Restaurant Week and now consider it our favorite restaurant at the shore. The food and service were terrific."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 5 for Bistro by the Beach
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Bistro by The Sea, is a gem
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Bistro by The Sea, is a gem of a little place, with a chef that is talented, creative and knows how to bring out the best in an innovative menu! He knows his way around flavor and fresh combinations. Very impressive. I suspect it will be packed during the summer months, and hope that they find knowledgeable, caring and professional service staff out front and in the kitchen to make the place a success. And its customers wanting to come back ... this chef deserves it!"
Dined on 04/09/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 6 for Bistro by the Beach
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Truly Delicious and Beachy Delight
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our visit was truly delightful. We had dinner at Bistro by the Beach this past Tuesday to celebrate my husband's birthday, and also participate in the Jersey Shore Restaurant Week. We were ecstatic about our decision to give it a try and will most definitely be back. The food was delicious (stuffed squash blossom, beached shrimp, butter poached monkfish, fried chicken, brownie sundae, and meyer lemon scented cheesecake) and hearing the waves crash as we walked to our car was the perfect finish to a wonderful evening."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 7 for Bistro by the Beach
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service was a little slow,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Service was a little slow, but exceptionally friendly, so I didn't mind! Had a great time, enjoyed the beachy cafe feel, and the meal was fabulous. I'd definitely come back!"
Dined on 04/07/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for Bistro by the Beach
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We went during restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We went during restaurant week. We were all pleased with the menu and the variety in the selections. The food was all very good. Our only complaint was the pasta dish was small. But it was restaurant week and it was very reasonably priced. We will definitely go back."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Bistro by the Beach
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Every thing was delicious.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Every thing was delicious. I loved the stuffed zucchini blossom app. The portions were satisfying."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 10 for Bistro by the Beach
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Went to Bistro on Easter Sunday.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Went to Bistro on Easter Sunday. A special menu was offered, everyone in our party of 5 truly enjoyed the food. It was tasty, unique and just the right portions. Will be back to try regular menu and will recommend to friends and family."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for Bistro by the Beach
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food Adequate
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The website led us to expect a really great meal. Instead, the food was barely adequate and the prices were quite high, due, I suppose, to the location - one block from the Spring Lake beach. The service, tho, was excellent. Granted, it was Easter, but there were no yum moments and nothing special about the food."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2010
Special Features: hot spot
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Review 12 for Bistro by the Beach
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Sudden Surprise in Spring Lake
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Bistro was a wonderful surprise. A quiet, mid-week dinner turned into a real find by the shore. Mark, our waiter, turned out to be attentive and knowledgeable about the food and the area– as well as the recovery of Spring Lake after Hurricane Sandy. My wife's Burrata was "the best she had ever tasted" and that led into her marvelous Bucatini and Clams dish that had her drooling after a bite. My scallop entree was sweet and moist and spectacular. We were too full to see what Chef BJ had ready for dessert, so we packed the remainder of our wine (BYOB!) and went off to see the rebuilding that is going on all over Spring Lake. Bistro by the Beach is certainly worth the drive."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 13 for Bistro by the Beach
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We are so happy we found this
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We are so happy we found this place. the food was outstanding and they we extremely accomodating towards our gluten-free issues. Can't wait to go back."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for Bistro by the Beach
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Service doesn't match food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I made a reservation, so I would expect the restaurant to be staffed but apparently our early dinner surprised the staff, who seemed to be scrambling between us and a private party. Food was fairly good--we enjoyed tasty & inventive dishes, although the batter on the "tempura" shrimp was a bit heavy, the salmon was well-prepared. However the cozy atmosphere was marred by not having any heat, despite my MIL & I sitting with our coats on, the staff did nothing to address our discomfort.
Apparently this is well-known as a BYOB as other diners all arrived with bottles. My recommendation is to arrive during the main dinner rush."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Bistro by the Beach
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Visited this restaurant with
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Visited this restaurant with my wife for Valentines Day dinner based on the Open table recommendation. Despite being Valentines Day, it wasn't busy at all, maybe 25% of the tables occupied. Even though they were not very busy, the waitstaff seemed indifferent to us. We found them gathering by the kitchen chatting together with nobody paying attention to see that we needed our drinks refilled or that we had finished the course. The atmosphere was not at all romantic. Bright fluorescent lighting and no music. All it would have taken was for somebody to dim the lights a little and it would have been a very cozy little place. The saving grace was that the food was absolutely delicious."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for Bistro by the Beach
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fab Food Served by a Caring Staff
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Having enjoyed the Bistro during Restaurant Week, we knew it would be a great place to celebrate Valentine's Day with 14 of our friends. We were not disappointed and the Bistro gained 14 more fans. The staff was great and provided a great pace between courses so we had time to chat. The prix fixe menu was excellant."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for Bistro by the Beach
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was delicious and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was delicious and the service was great. Very creative dishes...."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 18 for Bistro by the Beach
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Bistro By The Beach was recommended
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Bistro By The Beach was recommended by a dear friend, who has a home in Spring Lake, NJ. I am looking for a restaurant to have my son's wedding rehearsal dinner. It was everything she said it would be. I enjoyed the food immensely. The chef put a twist on our Italian favorites by updating them with an American feel. The calamari salad was so tasty. with shredded veggies. The Chicken Pomodoro was light and delicious. Others enjoyed the Pasta Fagioli so much. The service was exceptional and friendly. We felt very at home."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 19 for Bistro by the Beach
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is a BYO great restaurant in Spring Lake! The food is outstanding!"
Dined on 01/26/2013
2005
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Review 20 for Bistro by the Beach
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was good but nothing
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was good but nothing special. Service was polite but 1 waitress and 2 servers for the entire restaurant left gaps in service and attention during the meal. Halfway through the main course, the waitress came to ask if we would like fresh ground pepper. She didn't have it with her. I normally do but we politely declined as the timing was laughable. Restaurant regulars occupied the limited staff's time and everyone else suffered. I will try one more time as everyone is entitled to an off night."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2010
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Bistro by the Beach
Based on the average of (20) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate