I have selected Bahrs Landing as my yearly visit for Soft Shell Crab (most commonly blue crabs that have recently molted their hard outer shell to grow. Caught immediately after shedding, the entire crab can be eaten...shell and all. They offer an intensely sweet, rich flavor and a delicate, crispy texture when cooked). Bahr's Landing prepares this sautéed crab with capers, mushrooms, lemon & butter, mashed potatoes and vegetables. My go-to appetizer is always the Grilled Cauliflower (Topped with tomato pesto, quinoa, and wild rice blend). The crispness of the cauliflower....brushed through the surrounding ingredients.....makes this the perfect starter. Aside from enjoying the mouth-watering food, you'll also feel as if you're dining on a ship, have great views of the pier, water, and the bridge leading into Sandy Hook Beach. Don't forget to visit their gift shop and view all of the maritime decor and beautiful woodwork. read more

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What a disappointment...been living in Monmouth County for over 45yrs...for most those years, my family has dined here numerous times. Most recently, my older daughter, after college, married a young man from Long Island and moved there. My son-in-law and I have a friendly banter regarding who has the better seafood. They visited for the week and prior to them heading back to LI, I recommended going out to Bahrs, before they get on the parkway...easy and to prove my point, who has the better seafood...well, needless to say...my point was mute. First, let me set the stage, it's 4 adults and 3 children (7,5,3)....ordered steamers, mug of NE chowder, calamari, Caesar salad, linguine w/clam, kids cheese burger, pasta with butter, side of meatballs, fried founder and a Lava cake (baby girls bday-they were out of) replace it with a couple of scoops of ice cream...with a candle (best part). Mug of Chowder- $13 came out cold Caesar Salad- $15 couple of pieces of romaine, wishbone is a better dressing Linguine w/clam- $29 sauce was so think, uneatable (gave enough clams) still couldn't eat it Calamari- $17, only rings and rubbery, Costco has better frozen Kids cheeseburgers- $14.50 each, 4oz burgers It was a slider at best...no taste Pasta with butter- $14.50 dry, forgot the butter Steamers- $27....sandy and rubbery What has happened to this place...staff is summer help...inexperienced...it's not the fault of the help, it's the fault of the owners and management. For the record, we didn't complain to our waitress..it's not her fault. We tip her 25%, (my children worked locally, during the summers, not at Bahrs) Bill was over $300 with drinks...I'd rather spend that where I can get quality. There are many more options...guessing location plays a part...but, I'm a local and not a tourist. Sorry Bahrs, not returning...... read more

Bahrs restaurant is awesome; the ambiance, decor and location are the perfect setting for casual dining or special occasions. We visited at 5:30pm on a Tuesday with reservations for a birthday dinner and were greeted at front with a friendly hostess and promptly seated. Our waitress was more business than pleasure. While taking our drink order we asked for straws. She didn't acknowledge she heard the request while she was writing things down. As she was leaving the table, one asked, "May I get a straw when you come back". She responded, "I heard you the first time". Yikes!. we didn't know she did. She was curt and seemed annoyed during the entire service- until it was time to give the bill, then she was smiles and friendly. Onward! The Oysters on the half shell were delicious! So fresh. One ordered the Tuna entree and the dish was visually appealing, the tuna steak perfectly prepared, paired with good sides, and a satisfying portion. Another had the fried cod dinner. It had 3 small pieces of cod that were equivalent to the size of kids' meal chicken tenders but copious amount of fries. It may have been an "off night" for the lobster bisque- overly thick, over-cooked burnt flavor, no detectable piece of lobster in it, and certainly no sherry flavor. It had almost a film on it, similar to pudding. Cooking all day since ..? Each at the table took a spoonful when I mentioned the consistency and flavor, They agreed it was not good. This was removed from the bill when brought to the waitress' attention. Two of us ordered the stuffed shrimp, because it was a dish previously enjoyed. This time both of us received over cooked rubbery shrimp that were room temperature at best, and a glob of thick, very dry, and flavorless (instant?) mashed potatoes, that were inedible. We ate a few of the shrimp and left the "potatoes" on the plate. When in the area again; I'll visit and order something different. Won't let one off night make a final decision to not go back. read more

Went there for lunch. The restaurant wasn't busy so we had no problem getting seated by the window to look out at the beautiful water Our server was very good. We all ordered soup. I felt mine was a bit salty ( lobster bisque). Nothing special. Everyone else order New England Clam or Manhattan clam chowder. They said they tasted better. My husband had a wedge salad. It was ok. I had a lobster roll that was room temperature not cold. Our friends had fish platters that were ok We also had drinks. Pretty expensive for a local place but they were ok All in all, it was a fair experience read more

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Great dinner location with extensive fresh fish selections. If you get a table along the window it makes it an even better experience. Their drinks are good too. read more

Bahrs Landing Restaurant - Table by the window. - Seafood Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

3/10/26: We stopped in Bahrs Landing for lunch. We had a lovely table by the window. The view of the water was mesmerizing. Donna was our wonderful server. Started out with a Boylans Diet Root Beer and Red Blend wine. Delicious complementary biscuits and butter were brought to the table. Entrees: We had Lobster Boss and Shrimp $26 and Navigator Shrimp $17. I ordered the burger med well. The burger came out medium rare. It was very pink in the middle. The small lobster tail that topped off the burger was tasted fried and overcooked. Anyway, the taste of the food lingered on till the next day. The Shrimp Navigator's combination of ingredients weren't balanced. I think Bahrs is best to stop in for drinks and the wonderful water views. Bahrs has a very cute gift shop. The shop has nicely scented soaps and sweat shirts with the Bahrs Restaurant logo. The restaurant has plenty of parking. read more

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This restaurant has been here for a long time but this was my first visit. It was a sunny afternoon and they allow dogs on the patio, so it was perfect for our group of 8. They don't take reservations on the patio, but it was a Monday so we didn't have any problems getting a table. Our server Ian was great! Very enthusiastic, clarified menu item and made great suggestions. The people who got the hot lobster rolls were in heaven, and he was right, the homemade potato chips were delicious. I love Manhattan clam chowder and it was delicious. Others got the New England clam chowder and were equally impressed. Apparently the soup chef has been at Bahrs for decades, and he definitely knows his chowders! There's a beautiful view of the river and a distant view of New York City. A quintessential Jersey shore restaurant. read more

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The lowest rated restaurant I have been to in Highlands. Getting by on nostalgia, pricey for what you get, and not great food. If want to see where they filled the many saints of Newark, sure, grab a drink at the bar in the place that's never changed the ambiance in 70 years. Meadow Soprano parked her suv at a charging station out front that doesn't exist in real life. fun. read more

delicious cold lobster roll STUFFED with lobster even though i only got a half. the bisque was creamy and delicious. perfect view of the water read more

Bahrs Landing Restaurant - half jersey lobster roll - Seafood Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

Classic spot in a beautiful location on the marina. Outdoor seating with great views of the water, old-school decor if you sit in the main dining room, and generally prompt service (unless they're super packed). Their oyster happy hour has some great value dishes, alongside the $1.25 oysters of course! If you're looking for good quality seafood with a nice view of the Atlantic Highlands area - Bahrs Landing is the place! Since 1917, going strong. read more

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Perfect location with gorgeous views! This is a solid family owned business that has been standing for over 100 years! Came here on a weekend and got seated quickly (though when I came back a second time we got lucky because a prior reservation cancelled and we got the table, otherwise it would have been a 40 min wait). I got the thai mussels which were very flavorful! My husband got the New England clam chowder which was a hit. read more

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Food was mediocre. Employees were unpleasant. They firmly told my dad and I that we were forbidden from switching to an inside table despite the fact that we were being bit by bugs on their patio and said bugs were infiltrating our food and drinks. Women's bathroom had no soap. read more

Bahrs Landing Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

What an incredibly cool historic place right on the water! So many things to look at from the outside all the way through the giftshop and restaurant! I've heard so much about the food and boy were they right! The best clamp chowder I've ever had in my life! The bread oh the bread! I really should've stopped there but I didn't I went on to the fish and chips my mouth is watering as I write this. It was the most delicate wonderful fish of my life! Oh and the key lime pie was knock your socks of delicious! Our waitress had been there for ever and was on it! Top notch service atmosphere and food! Outstanding!! read more

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This place is amazing, fresh seafood and authentic German dishes! It has indoor and outdoor seating directly at the water and the best part, they are super dog friendly. The service is great and the food even better. It has almost a museum like decor inside and a gift shop. My wife loves the steamers and steamed lobster here soooo much that we always come here when we pass by. read more

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Today's experience at Bahr's was horrendous. I met a friend whom I hadn't seen in years for lunch. We had reservations and had asked for a window table. The minute we were seated the server told us, "We are busy You can't take your time. We have to turn this table over." I was horrified. He kept bothering us to order a drink, which we were not interested in doing. Then he bothered us to hurry up and order, at which time I spoke up and said his attitude toward us was not okay. He did not back down, claiming they do this as a matter of course, that people have reservations and so on... we countered that we had a reservation and expected to be treated well. The clientele was mostly people in bathing suits with coverups; we were well dressed. There were empty tables at the windows. It was loud, and we were shooing flies while we were at our table. We chose our meals and ordered. My friend had seen the entree she wanted delivered to another table and we both saw it was overcooked, overfried and black. (The frying oil was obviously much too hot.) When she ordered she said she did not want her entree to be overfried. The server referred to the entree at the other table he had just delivered; he made excuses and said it came that way. My friend asked that hers be prepared appropriately. When it arrived and she began to eat she saw it was raw and undercooked. She pointed it out to the server and he gave her attitude, then went to get his manager who took his side and argued with us. My friend ordered another entree. The server played games with us, not coming back for a very long time, checking his watch deliberately in front of us, and ignoring us. Eventually the entree came (I had finished mine a long time before) and the meal was disappointing. My meal was below average as well. Neither was worth the $36 and $32 we were charged. Having been to Bahr's many times over the years, and having chosen to eat there today for a special occasion, neither of us will return again. It is not inexpensive, the food is below average, and the service was insulting and unprofessional. read more

Great food! Everything is cooked well and very flavorful. The mashed potatoes were a perfect consistency but the vegetables looked like they were frozen and cooked to death. Prices can be a bit high, but that can be expected with a seafood place. Plenty of land lubber non-fish dishes as well and a great view of the marina/bay. The hostesses were super sweet but our waitress wasn't super attentive. read more

Bahrs Landing Restaurant - Broiled Fillet of Flounder Platter - Seafood Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

Stopped in for dinner and sat by a window. Asked waitress for a new plate because we had a couple ants crawling on them. She didn't apologize and seemed as if she didn't believe us. So we later showed her the ants crawling on salt shaker... Again no apology, no offer to switch tables. She just said don't kill them because it could attract others. Ordered a broiled seafood sampler. Asked twice if it came with a side because none were listed. Waitress said mashed potato and vegetable.. No surprise that when it came out, there were none. I didn't bother to bring it to her attention because the meal itself was awful. Scallops were perfect, shrimp overcooked and hard, cod yasted like dirty dishwater and was not edible, fried clam strips bland. So disappointed. Also ordered NE and Manhattan clam chowder. NE was fine, the other had hard pieces of clam that you couldn't chew through. Complimentary biscuits, unremarkable. read more

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Disappointing experience from start to finish. We dined inside, and flies were buzzing around our table the entire meal -- at one point, dust and debris actually fell from the ceiling onto our table. That alone should have been a warning sign. The food didn't help. The clam soup arrived cold. The crab cakes tasted sour, which made me question their freshness, and there was barely any crab meat in them -- mostly filler. The lobster was overcooked, rubbery, and badly overpriced for what we got. For a seafood restaurant, freshness and cleanliness are everything, and this place missed on both. We won't be back. read more

Happy hour oyster deal!!!! I originally came for the happy hour $1.25 oysters (only at bar no takeout), but stayed for the .75$ clams. The little neck clams were phenomenal and only .75$. The oysters were decent, east coast style so not too salty. I prefer a saltier oyster. The only caveat is that you have to find seating in that area. Lady at the bar was quite rude, didn't greet or acknowledge me, despite greeting every other person in the establishment so I had to wait for the guy. The guy was perfect! read more

Bahrs Landing Restaurant - Clams on the 1/2 Shell Local - Seafood Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

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Lobster roll should be called "lobster salad roll"-- almost NO chunks of lobster - texture is like tuna salad. Still searching for a local lobster roll with nice chunks of sweet lobster meat/ not lobster mush on a rolll. read more

Bahrs Landing Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

Such a lovely Saturday afternoon to sit at their outside bar. The weather couldn't be more perfect to stare at the ocean and enjoying some delicious Bloody Mary and some Calamari. The Bloody Mary was so tasty and the calamari came with a generous portion. I really enjoyed my visit in this place last time. read more

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Love this place! 1st time and so worth it. The pictures do it no justice. We were seated near the panoramic window. Beautiful view can't wait to go back in the summer. The restaurant lived up to its great reviews. Started with Manhattan clam chowder. Wow!!! So creamy and tasty! Main course was lobster pot pie and grilled salmon, I ordered the bourbon bbq sauce topping. So fresh and delicious!!! And for dessert Bahrs Blueberry Crumble with vanilla ice cream The menu has lots of different seafood. Will definitely be back! Highly recommend if you're in the area! read more

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This is the most unique lobster dish I've had in my life. I'm pescatarian and this fish does have bacon, but our sever was very accommodating and offered it without bacon. It was a 10/10 dish and I highly recommend it! Wish it was offered year round read more

Bahrs Landing Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

Where do i start? For one if your a person chasing scenic views and amazing food with great service this is the spot. This cozy boathouse style restaurant is by far a standout along the coast of new Jersey. We pulled up on a whim looking for fresh seafood and a drink or two. Well i was not disappointed. The view of the water was so peaceful and romantic. Then we had their world famous clam chowder. 10/10 a lot of clams a great fresh taste that you can tell is homemade. Then we got the seafood tower, take a look it speaks for itself!!!!! And cant forget the Bloody Mary and the rum punch! All it took was one time for me to fall in love! I will 100000% return read more

We stopped for lunch with our 4 children ( all 10 or under). Service was quick and the kids got their food before us as requested. My wife had the fried seafood platter and lived it. She said the lobster was done perfect! I had the grilled monkfish and was very happy with that also. read more

Bahrs Landing Restaurant - Seafood platter. - Seafood Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

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My family came in for lunch. We've been visiting for many years. Today, we had calamari chopped salad, Admiral's Grill, and a soft shelled crab sandwich. The food was fresh and tasty. Their biscuits are quite good, too. I had a great zero proof drink. Our server was upbeat and attentive. We enjoyed a lovely view of the river at our window-side table. We'll be back again as soon as we're in the area! read more

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Food was mediocre. If I'm spending $200 on a dinner for two I expect the food to be cooked properly. We ordered clams casino which were meh, lobster bisque had no lobster and was over salted. I ordered scallops, shrimp and crab over risotto. The risotto was so cheese it was just pure salt, shrimp was way overcooked and over seasoned. Crab meat was shredded, no lump. No flavor. My partner had the Captains dish, lobster tails were again over seasoned. His shrimp was ok. Safe your money and go somewhere else. read more

DANNGGG THIS PLACE IS good. I don't even like oysters and I got the Oyster Po Boy. I am now willing to rethink my opinion on oysters. Super cute and friendly place with the best decorations. Happy Hour every day! read more

Bahrs Landing Restaurant - Oyster Po'Boy Sandwich - Seafood Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

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Outdoor in the summertime is an awesome spot! They have a bar you can get drinks before while your table is getting ready. The view is nice near the boats and water. The parking in the summer time is a little hectic, but the food is what makes it all worth it. The bread is so good in the beginning and highly recommend the shrimp scampi but over rice. read more

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We decided to try Bahrs after a morning at the beach in the "offseason." It was nice to get here without any hustle and bustle associated with the summer months. The service was great and made our kids feel very welcome. They ordered burgers which were huge! So they probably give Bahrs one million stars out of five. Bahrs offers a nice house IPA that accompanied the fry basket very well. The fried items themselves were very good, especially the scallops. I also had a seafood chili that did taste a bit fishy (literally) but nonetheless was enjoyable. After all that there was no room for dessert. I am sure we will come here again in future beach seasons. read more

A friend and I ate lunch off the lunch menu today at Bahrs. What was good? He service and pleasant, prompt and professional. We were able to sit inside looking out at the bay and watch terns fight. It's a beautiful, calming view. If I go back, it will be for the view. What's so-so? The food, which is unfortunate. I had a Half Jersey Roll Combo Lobster salad - Arugula, tomato, celery, mayonnaise on toasted brioche which is served with a choice of soup or salad, $25. The lobster bisque soup was innocuous and, came in a cup, as promised. The toasted brioche and lobster salad was actually quite good. But if this is half a sandwich, the the whole sandwich must have been the size of a dinner roll. A small dinner roll. If this was $15, maybe it would be okay, but at $25, no way. My friend had a whole crab sandwich, which seemed to be about normal size with sweet potatoes fries. She said it was good but not outstanding. The pricing was similar. So, it's a pleasant setting with good service and satisfactory. The food varies but the pricing is high for what you get. read more

I normally do not go on these pages and review restaurants, but this felt very necessary. My husband and I ate dinner here tonight and long story short it was a disaster and the service is very low brow. I ordered something that they no longer had on the menu, but they decided to tell me 20 minutes after ordering it and about two minutes before my husband got his entrée so I was sitting there deciding what else to order while he was eating. A huge no no in the restaurant biz. When I did decide what I wanted it came out horribly, but I just decided to shut up and not say anything. However, when we got the bill, they did not take one thing off of it... They even charged us a dollar for coleslaw. Between two drinks, two sides, etc. considering how poorly they ran this they did not do one thing to make it right until I had to bring the manager over and even then he only had the decency to comp one glass of wine. Do yourselves a favor and don't expect much here. This place has been so hit or miss throughout the years and as of late, we were really enjoying it. After tonight, I am sad to say this was it for the summer. Get your act together Bahrs ... You know better. As far as the management, take a course in doing the right thing. read more

Came here on a recommendation and it did not disappointment. The restaurant is right next to the water which provided a nice view. Our server was very attentive. We started off with the popcorn shrimp. I had the linguini and clams as my entree. We really enjoyed our meal. The drinks were well made. It is a little pricey but you're paying for the location. I would return read more

Bahrs Landing Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

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The food and experience weren't what I expected for a $38 dinner. It's the little things, like the subpar iced tea and the possible use of margarine instead of butter with the bread. I suspect I was treated differently as a solo non-local. Strong points on the sampler were the clam strips and shrimp. I'm agnostic about the fish and wasn't into the scallops. Counterintuitively, Bahrs might be a place where the basics are less safe than the complex entrees, as some of the more glammed-up dishes were at least visually impressive, one being the mahi. Scenic location, good collection of ocean-themed memorabilia. read more

Such a beautiful evening, and a beautiful atmosphere! The parking situation is a little confusing, as this seems to be quite a big and popular restaurant. There are many different kinds of seating, but plenty of them have a beautiful view wether you sit indoors or out. This is a perfect place for a date, a family get together or a slightly larger gathering. My party of 12 sat indoors. Full bar with cocktails and wine was essential. A hefty menu with something for everyone! I was between a few items, but there are little stars next to what Bahr's think they do best, so ultimately I took a chance on the summer special tuna tataki. It was absolutely delightful, and only just caught! We were able to taste a wide variety thanks to getting a smaller lobster and a few appetizers. Everyone was very pleased with their meal, our only thing to note is that the broiled scallops seemed a little lightly cooked. Our server, Roddy, was absolutely delightful. He was very kind, attentive, and told us a little bit about the boat that had caught the tuna for my order! We've been talking about the food and the restaurant for days, definitely some of the best around. We are already looking to come back out! read more

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Love it here. It's the go to place after a nice day at the beach for us. The vibe is laidback and the outside seating is super chill and relaxing. Service is always great and staff is super friendly. We are never disappointed with the food or drinks! read more

Bahrs (pronounced "bars") is an institution. I remember once seeing a picture of Frank Sinatra pulling up in a boat to eat there. It's also been featured in The Sopranos and has been our go-to every time we visit the beach. You can dine inside or outside right on the dock with a view of Sandy Hook Bridge. We always sit outside in the summer. There's an outdoor bar too. I started with a lavender martini which was refreshing and delicious and their Manhattan clam chowder, a signature recipe since 1917. I also loved the Jersey lobster roll on a toasted brioche. It was full of lobster meat. Delicious! I was able to substitute the chips for a small Bahrs' chop salad too. Our young server was friendly and attentive. Overall, Bahrs fits the bill as a traditional seashore destination. read more

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Bahrs has been around since 1917, and today still offers great seating options both inside and outside. The bar outside was a great option for us to grab some drinks before heading inside for dinner. The building has large windows which makes every seat in the restaurant a great one. It perfectly reminds me of a typical Maine restaurant. The oysters and the hot lobster roll were some of the best I've had. Extremely fresh and light. I had the broiled scallops for my main which was also excellent. However, one of our guests was disappointed with the Blackened Yellowfin Tuna. It came out much later than all the other entrees, and was very overcooked. However, our amazing waitress, Heidi, was able to accommodate. I think this spot is definitely worth a try & I can't wait to come back. Such a cool vibe. read more

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Great spot right on the water. Outdoor bar area is dog friendly and has perfect views. The fact that the food is above average is a nice bonus. read more

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Service was very good. Quick and no bull. I do agree that the bread should come with real butter not margarine- and also same goes for any seafood. HAVE TO serve it with clarified butter, margarine is disgusting with seafood. All of the seafood was cooked to perfection (but all had the same seasoning). I get it...old bay is the best but I too was expecting more. I really liked the vibe and the comfort of the restaurant. Bar area is pretty relaxing. I will try it again and maybe go for a different dish like the lobster mac. read more

Bahrs Landing Restaurant - Broiled Fisherman's Platter. - Seafood Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey