Beautiful atmosphere -right on the water- and awesome music and has a lot of potential... However, I honestly feel a little bad for the waiters and waitresses here because it seems the kitchen is all over the place. I ordered eggs Benedict with hollandaise sauce and was served eggs with a greenish/yellow watery sauce that tasted like liquid cilantro. My sister, a vegetarian, ordered scrambled eggs and was served and omelette with sausage. The kitchen staff seems to have a difficult time reading the order tickets. read more

Tried this place again for Breakfast again. Very disappointed Our server a young kid was trying but the food came out piece meal and they ran out of rye toast but never offered a replacement until we asked They said the kitchen was backed up because of a large party They have offered this excuse before Probably will not go back again It is great they take reservations but they need to work on their service and food. Bring back the manager from two years ago Lou He made sure he walked around to every table to make sure they were ok The past two times I have been there this year I never saw a manger Too bad it is a nice spot on the water read more

Very slow service. They always happen to be out of what I want. I went a few times and each time I have been there they have been out of something I wanted. They also do not clean off the outside tables very well before seating someone else in them. The only good thing about this place in the location! read more

Was excited to check out this restaurant after it had reopened and was looking forward to a good meal and view. The view didn't disappoint but our food did. Five in our party and the only thumbs up was for the burger. Pretty much everything else we ordered was devoid of flavor. Such a great location, but the food coming out of the kitchen needs much improvement. read more

Very disappointing experience. We dined here today and the food was without flavor- lobster roll full of shells, Fish tacos were terrible, and the waiter offered to bring some Cajun sauce which he did eventually brain, but it was after we had already paid our bill! The service was very slow, despite our late in the afternoon dining time when there were very few diners and what seem to be quite a few staff. I leave this review in the hopes that management will work on providing a better food experience to go along with what is a beautiful view. read more

We had a 6:30 reservation and were seated promptly. Great food, atmosphere and entertainment. The sunset is gorgeous. Only thing is please slow down serving food. There is no need to rush the customer out the door. Savanna was our server and she was very good. We will definitely come back. read more

What a little gem! Tried the Channel Marker for lunch. We loved the lobster roll, French onion soup, and the French fries were perfect! The atmosphere is charming, the views of the marina are lovely, and the staff was so friendly. We will be back soon! read more

Channel Marker Cafe - American Near Me - Lavallette, New Jersey

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Ate here and everyone at my table was sick within hours, throwing up, diarrhea, definitely food poisoning STAY AWAY STAY FAR FAR AWAY alerting the health department read more

Called and the reservation choices were 5 or 8 so we picked 8:00. Didn't seat us until 8:20, when we finally got to order the waitress informed us they were out of both specials and lobster tail (we went there for the Angry lobster dish). We asked for bread and we were told they also ran out of bread so we got sliced up stale baguette which we didn't eat. One of our party asked for no beets with her chicken Milanese and there were beets she had to pick off. As we were eating our meals, tables were being packed up around us and the music was shut off. I could see if we were overstaying our welcome, but this was about 10 minutes into us having our meals. The saving grace was that the food was very good, but the service and environment were very disappointing. We will not be back. read more

We have been here several times. Always excellent food. This last time there was a thunderstorm and they moved us inside even though there was no room. My son was very upset and crying so I was particularly grateful that they were so willing to accommodate us. Our waitress and another waiter were particularly helpful in making sure my family was happy and safe. Thank you so much! read more

Not a good experience: my wife, daughter and I stopped in during a bike ride. Since my daughter (8 years old) we put an order of pasta with butter in so it would come out quickly. No so much! Along with the pasta we ordered a salad and Fish tacos which took 45 minutes to cook and the pasta was terrible. (Who ruins pasta with butter). We were very disappointed as we like to support local business. read more

Stopped by on a Sunday afternoon and there was a singer Joey B. and he was fantastic. I had the seafood pot pie and it was awesome, full of great seafood. My wife had the 6oz Filet Mignon that was grilled just right. I recommend visiting on a Sunday because of the entertainment read more

I see some sub par reviews and I'm shocked. I went with my family and it was great. We got breakfast and everything was amazing. I got the eggs Benedict with steak, my dad with crab meat both great. Pancakes were fluffy and potatoes were seasoned perfect. Sitting out on the dock looking at the water and boats was just icing on the cake. I would definitely recommend it read more

Definitely an upgrade from last year! More organized and all of the staff have great personalities!! We were greeted and seated by the sweetest young hostess, then served by Bernie, a kind young gentleman. We came in during lunch this Thursday, I had the fish tacos that were absolutely delicious. My husband got the "crabby burger" which while pretty messy, he was raving the whole ride home. We will definitely be back to our new favorite hidden gem on the island!! read more

If I could give no stars I would. We tried to get a reservation there and the hostess didn't come talk to us for 20 minutes and then we decided to make a reservation and the hostess was very snobby and said they are booked all weekend. We decided to make a reservation for Monday for outside. We show up a little before our reservation and they say that they "tried to call us". We asked for the number and they wrote down the wrong number and accused us of giving the wrong number. They would not sit us because we had an outdoor reservation and they had no back up plan for their guests. The hostess was extremely rude and basically said we can't eat there with no sympathy. Do not waste your money or time on this place because if the food is as nasty as their hostess is it's not worth your money. Also, the parking lot floods when it rains so they need to put a drainage system in because we walked through a lake to have them tell us they wouldn't serve us. VERY RUDE! No attempt to remedy the situation. They sent me, my husband, 2 month old and grandparents back out in the rain with no sympathy. We were never notified when we made the reservation that if we had an outdoor reservation we would not be able to be seated if it rains. We were celebrating nw and my husband getting our masters and this spoiled that excitement. read more

The food was delicious, however the front desk customer service was appalling to say the least if you do not fit their criteria or let me rephrase that if you do not fit "Neil's" criteria as in you are not an older white person that looks like you have money he will rudely turn you away and tell you they are booked for the next week and you shouldve made a reservation. We were able to get a table once he realized we were with an older couple and then proceeded to walk past us consistently glaring at us, If the establishment was to just replace the terrible front desk service the place would actually be worth the money. As the chef did an amazing job. read more

Our table was ready at the time of our 6:30 on a summer Saturday evening. The service was excellent and the blue and white sailboat decor charming and relaxing. The portions were generous and cooked perfectly. The fish was fresh and the fries crispy. Everyone in our party of four were very happy with their choices. We brought our own wine and beer. Glasses and a ice filled wine bucket were cheerfully provided and our wine carefully opened. We had a delight filled experience and our check was about $30 per person. We were too full to have desert. We look forward to going back and bringing friends. Breakfast and lunches are likely to be very good too. read more

Very disappointing. While the prices are high, we expect it down at the shore and don't mind paying it for good food. Good it was not. Lobster roll was tasteless and covered in mayo. Not much else to say other than a nice location. read more

dont even try to order take out because they will answer and put you on hold and then hang up :)

Went for breakfast and they had no regular coffee, only decaf. Waitress said the "truck didn't come in yet." If the truck didn't come in, go to the grocery store and buy regular coffee. They also had no pork roll. Same excuse, "truck didn't come in yet". read more

We can't stop talking about what a great experience we had at this restaurant recently. End-to-end the experience far exceeded our expectations from the warm greeting we received upon arrival, to the outstanding food, and friendly service it was just perfect. We were pleasantly surprised at the beautiful food presentation - far more than we expected for a shoreside cafe - it was worthy of any fine dining establishment. More importantly, our dinners were flavorful, plentiful, and delicious. Whenever we are in the area we will certainly make it a priority to go back. Well done! read more

This is our new favorite dock and dine restaurant. The food was beyond amazing with great fresh seafood. The crab corn chowder and lobster roll were our favorites. There were plenty of boat slips so we didn't have to worry about not being able to tie up. We loved everything about this restaurant. This is our new go-to for the summer. read more

This is one of my favorite restaurants in the area. The food is amazing, the atmosphere is beautiful, and the staff is as friendly as can be. Pricing is perfect for a place right on the water and have never gotten something there I didn't love. The crab cakes I had this past weekend were phenomenal and the appetizer of calamari was to die for. My husband and I will be back for sure ! read more

Great spot to grab a bite to eat on the water! Sit and watch the sunset on the deck, thats what we did!

I can't say enough about this place. Exceptional service and the dinner was incredible. We had the snapper, the scallops and the beer battered cod and it truly was some of the best we've ever had. Not to mention the homemade desserts. Save room for those! Atmosphere is so relaxing and enjoyable and it's BYOB. I will definitely be back and I highly recommend it! read more

To say this place is a disaster would be a huge understatement...and I'm not talking about the food. It never got that far. It started as we approached the dock at about 9 AM. The dockhand never lent a hand...it was just my wife and me...he was too busy yelling to us that the wait was at least 45 minutes. We figured what the hell and docked anyway with the assistance of someone who was seated at a table nearby...while the dockhand pretty much did nothing. Then we went to put our names in with the hostess...she seemed like she was having a bad day, if you know what I mean. After telling us the wait time for a table was now "at least" an hour, she added it would be an additional 45 minutes after we are seated to eat, "at least." It was as though they, the dockhand and the hostess, we intentionally trying to dissuade us from staying. When we noted the numerous open tables of all sizes, inside and out, we were told that they we all reserved...even though we'd previously been told that they don't take reservations for breakfast. After a half an hour, and watching a couple more tables open up, my wife checked again with the hostess. The same canned message was regurgitated; "it'll be another hour, at least." Meanwhile there were five open tables outside, and three inside...I counted. What's worse is that they had yet to be cleared and cleaned from the previous diners. Clearly this place is and was horribly understaffed...we had a similar experience here last summer but thought maybe they were just having a bad day and we'd try it again. Turns out they're just bad, period; understaffed and as a bonus, nasty and discourteous. Save your money and time and go somewhere where your business is appreciated. read more

Sunday morning, waiting for over an hour, smells like the kitchen is on fire... wait staff trying to be apologetic... kitchen can't accommodate 7 tables!!! Really!!! Will never come back read more

Went there for lunch on a rainy week day. I'm vegetarian so the menu was limited. I did not want a salad. Then I saw the Mediterranean platter (hummus, olives, pita) and ordered that, but the cafe did not have that item due to a lax delivery. So I looked at the brunch menu and ordered an omelette, only to be informed that brunch was no longer being served since it was past noon ( it was five or ten minutes after twelve). Considering the cafe was out of the lunch item I wanted and the place was empty, (only one other table was occupied), I think the waitress should have asked the chef to make me an omelette (easy). But no. So I had to order something I did not want and the food took a long time to arrive. My dish- egg plant with tomato and mozzarella cheese- was just okay; the vinagerette dressing was decent. My friend had a lobster roll and also said it was just okay, not great. We wanted to try this place and we did. I have a summer house in Ocean Beach and like to eat out. I will not be back. Food was mediocre and the view at the Channel Marker Cafe is overrated. Best sunset dining views would be the Bay View Cafe in Lavallette. Best brunch place is Lava Java. read more

Attended breakfast with my friend Brett. It was quite early in the morning, however you wouldn't be able to tel by the friendly greeting we received upon entering. Kasie (Pronounced Casey) was one of the finest quality of waitress's in my years of eating. My breakfast wrap was a tasty treat. I will absolutely be back. read more

Sat there for 3 hours no food went home twice for more wine sat with the manager out back. She didnt know what to do to help the people that were all in the same boat. didn't have to pay our bill but it was a nightmare, thank god it was a bunch of girls so we just sat around and had fun talking and drinking outside. All the tables outside thought we were on candid camera, no one could believe what was happening. When the waitress said our food was ready, we just told her to pack it up and we got out of there. read more

This was the most disappointing meal that I've had in a while. The food was nothing to write home about, the silverware and cups were dirty and we were told during prime breakfast time that there was no bacon. Long and behold, after our meal was finished, every table on the patio had bacon. Which brings me to the cherry on top: the absolutely despicable service. From the cluelessness of the hostess to the nastiness of our waitress, we will NEVER be back. Everyone in there needs a serious attitude adjustment. I would recommend this restaurant to absolutely no one. read more

Do not waste your time waiting here not worth it. Ordered shrimp with Alfreda sauce on pasta, there were only 5 shrimp in it. Was also the size of a dessert plate and was $26, sauce was runny and just not worth it. Also they have fish and chips on menu, fish is not battered as fish in fish and chips and the 1/4 cup of fries that came with it were black and greasy as was the fish. That was $16. Fish and fries were so greasy like they didn't heat up the oil before sticking food in. DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY, read more

Wow ! We were there for dinner two times / first night was a wow ! Haley our waitress was excellent , there were 6 of us & she was the best !! Just a great place....views gorgeous , especially @ sunset...we will be back for sure. read more

This food and view were amazing which is why I'll give it the two stars. The portions were great sizes, full of flavor and taste. However, the service and attentiveness and lack of professionalism has question if I would return again. We had a reservation for 7:30 but we thought it was 7:15 -- 15 minutes early we can wait but they snark, eye-tolling hostess already put a sour taste in my mouth. We are seated and waited 20 minutes for the waiter to acknowledge us. Then another ten, to get our wine glasses. When he returned he said they had no more ice buckets for our wine but he'll get one as soon as someone finishes their meal. Fine. I ask for a cup of ice, which I didn't get but instead got a pitcher of water ?!?! Couldn't even take the ice out of the pitcher cause we had no silverware. At this time we placed our appetizer order, which took over 40 minutes to receive. A seared tuna over a watermelon cucumber salsa and fried calamari don't take that long. When we saw the waiter, which was only one time during our first hour there, he said we our food was just about finished. When it came out at the hour and 10 mark, he gave us a song and dance how they thought they were out of the tuna, etc. but don't you know that when you put it in?!? As we finished our appetizers, our meals came. Again all meals delicious but we still need another set of silverware. As we started to eat we notice another waitress bringing over complimentary bread (which we never got) and sharing the night's specials!!!! Specials?!?!?!? Never shared with us... as we started to eat the table behind us left so we took it upon ourselves to grab the ice bucket. The waiter came back with the silverware and we asked for ice. He brought the 3lb bag and poured the ice in which half went all over the floor. Apologized and said he would send someone to clean in up. The cubes were still there when we left. When my husband was asked about our time there, he was honest and said that the quality of food was amazing but they service needed to be better. The waiter said that they need to staff better and add more hands in the kitchen or take less reservations. He said management needs to do something more. Probably not the best choice of words but.... I also have a suspicion that our waiter was under the influence of something. Hoping if we try it again we will get one of the female waitresses we saw hustling around and giving their tables attention. read more

Don't waste your time or your money. The food is horrible, what they claim is fresh is not fresh. Bland is what I would call it and that's being generous. Horrible horrible staff and management. There's much better places to eat read more

we ate here a few times in the past month. breakfast was good, but a bit on the pricy side. dinner however is a different matter. the atmosphere is very pleasing and the staff couldn't be more pleasant. the food was a different story. of the 4 meals we got, only 1 lived up to expectations and that was a veggie burger, which wasn't homemade, so there's little room for complaints. the fish and chips had very soggy fries, the fish(supposed to be cod) tasted very fishy and was wet. not moist but wet and the coating to fish ratio was way off. the portion size wasn't bad. but there was just too little coating to flavor the fish. the seafood pot pie was quite expensive for the portion and the puff pastry crust wasn't properly cooked. the beef wellington had the same problem. the crust wasn't properly cooked and was doughy, also the sauce was on the salty side(possible personal preference, but coming from a family who often uses too much salt, for them to say it was salty is saying something)the meat was properly cooked at least. we didn't try any appetizers so I have no comments on those. very pleasant staff though and they seem to accommodate kids very well, so that's worth noting. also the live entertainment left something to be desired. but that's not so much a critique of the establishment, just who they had that night read more

I'm in the area for a wedding this upcoming weekend and we figured we would give this place a try. To say we were disappointed was an understatement. There's no indoor bathrooms so it was really unpleasant to get soaking wet because you have to go outside to go the bathroom. How do you not have an indoor bathroom? I wasn't going to let that spoil a good time though so I brushed it off, we'll have no fear because this restaurant spoiled the good time. 1. We received dirty and I mean filthy glassware and silverware and one of the glasses had lip marks on it like it had never been washed 2. Our waitress was in la la land and clueless I asked several questions regarding the menu and got the deer in the headlights look 3. This place has little to no air conditioning making it extremely uncomfortable 4. The food was good, not great but good but holy cow you would think you were in New York City for what they charge, overpriced and not great portions 5. We were not offered dessert or coffee so I don't even know if they have dessert or coffee and we went down the street to another place for dessert and coffee 6. There's no bar no alcohol for the ridiculous price of entrees you should be able to pair it with a glass of wine or a cocktail. **update be prepared if you have a negative experience at this place one of the staff members messaged me calling me nasty names and I had to block him read more

The Channel Marker has hired a new manager and the results of the change were immediately obvious. Their food had always been pretty good, but the service had been ridiculously slow. We're glad we gave them another try. The food was very tasty, with nice size servings and the service was pleasant, accommodating and prompt. My wife and I both enjoyed the Shrimp Scampi, which we ordered with rice instead of pasta. Our guest ordered the fish and chips which she also enjoyed. The fish was not heavily battered and not over cooked. The restaurant is BYOB and offers docking for boats. read more

Great breakfast. Not typically greasy crap. Fresh veggies used in omlett. Salt water taffies with check. Nice touch.

The service was excellent. The food, sub- par at best. Under- ripened avocado in salad, limp french fries, stale bread in French dip sandwich. Though we were graciously greeted by manager, our experience was disappointing. We will not return. read more