Looks nice, but the food is terrible and the service is even worse. Avoid at all cost.

Another restaurant I've been wanting to check out for a while now. My husband and I had reservations and got seated right away. We waited for quite some time before someone actually came to wait on us. The service left much to be desired as some of the other reviews stated. Our waiter was not much help when we asked him questions about the menu. We like waiters that say things like...'well i've not tried the tilapia but I can tell you that the strip is amazing and I've sold a bunch tonight' stuff like that to help us when making a decision. This guy would say things like...well, it depends on your mood. ANYWAY, we finally made our entree choices and were so disappointed with the LONG wait for the food to arrive. The food however was excellent! My husband loved the strip he got and I loved the lobster cobb salad. The dessert we ordered (banana split) was OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! the banana was sliced in half longways and lightly battered and fried. This was probably the best dessert I've ever had in my life! So overall we left happy but we felt the service needed much improvment! We will def go back though! read more

Nice ambiance. A little noisy. Food ok. (Thin salad dressing.) service depends on staff.

Food is ridiculously slow to come out of the kitchen and not worth the wait. Wish I could rate it higher but, sadly, I can't. Food is adequate but not worth the wait. read more

Outrageous price for OK-to-rude service and mediocre-at-best food. Unfortunately this is the closest restaurant from my house (walking distance), and I never understand why people bother with this place. The decor is certainly fashionable... I guess fashionable people feel good enough about it that they don't care what they eat? read more

Food is very good and consistent. Service in bar depends upon servers. Most nights are packed and great. Would NOT recommend nights when Jasmine is in charge unless you like looking at her back, being ignored and waiting 15-20 minutes to get her attention. Not a great experience when dinner and drinks easily run $100+. Management is oblivious to the problem. read more

Very disappointing dinner experience and unprofessional staff & management. I visited the Gladstone tavern several times recently at their really nice bar and my wife and I had a very good lunch on the front porch. What a great job on the décor - beautifully done. We thought we would try having dinner there for our wedding anniversary and went on a Saturday night. Big mistake. The waiter was hard to understand, only talked to me not my wife and immediately pointed to several of "his" recommendations. I tried to use a coupon for an anniversary free bottle of wine but the waiter curtly pointed out the fine print which said we couldn't use it Friday or Saturday nights. Ouch. That made us feel special. Not! and no mention of our anniversary the rest of the evening. The crab tots were excellent and so was the soup. However, our meal arrived over an hour late. My lobster was slightly over cooked and my medium rare steak was medium but after waiting for over an hour to get it I wasn't about to send it back. A table for 6 next to us couldn't get served, the table for 4 on the other side got up and left and a table for two said they had asked to see the no-show manager 3 times. On the way out, along with a guy from the table of 6 next to us, we asked to see the manager, who greeted us with a "let me have it". What! That's how you address me. He had some lame excuses that told us nothing. He didn't offer to do anything for us and was just totally unprofessional and not helpful. Every place occasionally has a bad night but they attempt to try and make up for it so you'll come back and give them a second chance - which we usually do. As much as I really wanted to like the Gladstone Tavern and was looking forward to a nice evening. it was not to be. Very disappointing. Unfortunately, we won't go back for dinner. Too bad. I really liked the place. read more

Waited 15 minutes even though we had a reservation, but food and service were great! Worth the wait! (Tom, thanks for your quick response. I did update my review because we had a great dinner. I understand that Saturday nights are busy but we were annoyed that another large party - of 8 - arrived AFTER we did but were seated straight away/before we were. Also the hostesses were not at all apologetic that we had to wait.) read more

A very good local pub/restaurant with food and atmosphere that are well above average. Cuisine is New American with a selection of pub fare. An expansive outdoor seating area is just right on a summer evening. read more

Went to Gladstone for dinner Saturday evening. Due to mixed reviews I had to convince hubby to try it since some of the reviews didn't express concerns that would matter to us. I was very disappointed. We didn't realize they took reservations so just walked in hoping to be able to eat outside but outdoors was booked so we ate inside. The service was awful - very slow and unattentive. There were only a handful of tables occupied inside but it took us nearly 20 minutes after being seated to get a beer. The beer selection was very good - loved they had Chimay Tripel on tap which is a favorite. We each started with a salad - wedge for my husband and tomato mozzarella for me. They were both good but nothing special. I had the mushroom pappardelle and my husband had the flank steak. Again, food was good but just ok. During our meal we were interested in another drink and it took us a while to flag down our server. We normally don't order dessert but decided to split the banana ice cream sandwich. What a mistake. The server took our order and we waited. She came over about 15 or 20 minutes later to tell us our ticket was up next which we thought was a good sign then we waited again. Ten minutes or so the manager comes over to apologize that our order was lost but they will get it right away. He comped our dessert which was a nice gesture but I'd rather they get their act together with better service. So which was it - Order up for prep or lost? Another 10 minutes and finally our desert appears. It's rock solid frozen - it was ice cream but the sandwich was banana bread which was hard like a rock. Anyhow, the place looks very nice and food is ok but service was disappointing. read more

We have been going there for years (since it opened) and this place is very great and consistent.

I've been to the Gladstone Tavern many times over the years, and I've never had a really bad experience, but it could be so much better. The menu is nicely diversified, with something for every taste. The quality of the food is very good for the most part. However, on a recent visit, my boyfriend ordered a shrimp entree and he had to search for the three (yes, three) small shrimp! For well over $20, this is inexcusable. When it was brought to the server's attention, he said that's how the entree is! The bill can easily add up if you're a wine drinker.....their wines by the glass are ridiculously expensive, and they're very stingy with the pour. There are many very nice people working there, but sometimes the service can be lackluster at best. One of my pet peeves in a restaurant is being seated then ignored. This has happened here with me on many occasions. The restaurant is very kid-friendly; this could be good or bad depending on your situation! The burgers are very good, and their fries are the best around. But whenever I've had an appetizer and entree there, I always feel a little over-charged when I get the check. I used to come to this restaurant at least once a week, and I was considered a regular. Not once in all the years I've been coming here have I ever gotten anything on the house. That's just bad business. A complimentary drink or dessert every once in awhile is not going to break the bank for crying out loud!! If you're in this area and you're looking for this type of restaurant, try Delicious Heights in Bedminster instead; it's a much better restaurant. read more

Eaten there several times, nothing overwhelming. Definitely overpriced. Nice atmosphere but even the bread that was provided seemed several days old. Hangar steak was tough and fatty, chicken breast was tough and flavorless. Menu is limited. read more

I held my sister-in-laws baby shower in the private room upstairs. We had been to the restaurant several times for dinner, and the food was great. Guests are still emailing me to tell me how fanastic the food and service was. They took care of everything.This is a great place to have your next function. Very happy! read more

Had a drink at the bar first which was fairly priced and then sat down. I had a special - Orange Lamb Tenderloin that was excellent and my wife had the Tangerine Crispy Duck, also excellent. There were four of us at the table and we split three appetizers but they all came in threes - not t a good number when you have four people. The Frog Legs were tasty (first time I ate them) and the pulled-pork quesadilla was excellent. While the Crab Tots were tasty, they weren't what I expected - they were more like crab cakes. My only real negative was that it was extremely noisy. read more

I was really disappointed by the Gladstone Tavern Saturday evening. My husband and I have had many enjoyable lunches and dinners at this restaurant over the past few years, so we were really surprised by this bad experience. We arrived, without a reservation,usually unnecessary, at 6 p.m. The dining room was almost entirely empty. When we checked in with the two young hostesses, we were told that they were full. I questioned this, because there were so many empty tables. The hostess said the tables were all reserved at 7. I said we could eat and leave the table by 7, but the two girls just stared blankly, and said there was nothing they could do. This seemed like really poor table management. Ihave no idea why this restaurant would want to keep all of their tables empty until 7, but they lost loyal customers. read more

I had lunch here recently and, honestly, it has so much great ambiance sitting by the fireplace. You feel cozy right from the start. The menu is okay but, like other commenters, I agree it could be a little more interesting. My friend had the fish tacos and I had a club sandwich. Everything was great and our service was on point. read more

My husband and I enjoyed a very good meal and dessert at the Gladstone Tavern this past Sunday. I got the black fettuccine with octopus and he got the pork chop on special. We both ate every last bite and I have to say that the octopus was the best I ever had, it was incredibly tender and not chewy at ALL! For dessert we had the cookie dough and coffee toffee ice cream, both were excellent! This was our first time here and we will be back! read more

Used to be the Brass Penny, then Chatfields, then closed for a looong time. I miss the horse on the front porch. Standard American fare, nice patio for the summer read more

I have dined at The Gladstone Tavern numerous times and each time is just as good or better. Each dish has its own, unique flavor which takes you where ever you want to go. The service is excellent. Be sure to ask for Donna. She will ensure an evening of excellence. The childrens menu is very reasonable with old favorites as well as healthy choices. Be sure to save room for dessert - all of which are homemade. If you're looking for excellent food at an affordable price... the Gladstone Tavern is the place to go! read more

I went there for my first time with a bunch of friends for my birthday,and WOW!! that food is fantastic. I had the goat cheese/spinach omelet and the food quality was excellent plus the portions size are fit for a king. And heres the kicker, IT WONT BREAK YOUR WALLET!!!! Cant wait to go back next week with the family. read more

Just in at the Gladstone Tavern and we were delighted with everything, beginning with the warm reception we received upon our entrance. The restaurant is a beautifully renovated 19th century building that is casual, simple and elegant in its décor. While I would not say we are "regulars" at the Gladstone Tavern, we do get there quite often and we truly enjoy the menu and drinks. We also always look forward to the daily menu additions. Upon being seated, our server promptly attended to us and took our order for our initial drinks... and despite the full restaurant, returned promptly with them. The service was extremely attentive, but not obtrusive. We noticed several new items on the menu that we ordered and are certainly glad we did. For starters we feasted on the Hummus and Flat Bread, the "BLT" Tart, and the Goat Cheese & Spinach Quesadilla. All were outstanding and we enjoyed every bite! Our entrees were equally delicious, Grilled Duck Breast with the pepper lime reduction and the Grilled Salmon with the green onion grit cakes. We enjoyed eating and drinking at the Gladstone Tavern and will return as often as we are able. read more

This used to be my favorite restaurant. Today, when I was there, the place was fairly empty, it took about 45 minutes to bring out the appetizers. Then, another 20 minutes to bring out the food. My burger, which I specifically asked to have cheddar cheese, had no cheese at all. I asked for them to melt some cheddar on but they came back with a piece of cheese sitting on the burger. I asked them to melt it and by then the burger was so well done it was inedible. Used to be my favorite place, now there not touching another penny of mine. read more

First off, the hostesses greeted me so warmly and their positive energy lit up the entire restaraunt! I came here tonight and absolutely enjoyed my meal. The servers were incredibly helpful and my meal was right on schedule. The food is exquisite, and definitely worth the price. And, it also helped that the classic rock mix playlist that was in the background was the perfect music selection. Unlike most restaraunts, which are usually quite noisy and feel overwhelmingly crowded and rushed, this one was comfortable and made me feel welcome. Although one of my appetizers ran longer than what I would have liked, my server was incredibly accurate with the extra time that would take and made the wait worthwhile with his accomodating nature. Definitely five stars! This was probably my 4th visit here and they never let me down. read more

A very warm and inviting setting greets you at this superior tavern. I go here regularly with friends and family. The atmosphere is great...full of energy but not too loud...and the place is run impeccably from the moment you enter. The service is excellent and the time between courses is just as it should be. The staff is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the menu, and the bar offerings include some really creative, fun, and delicious concoctions. In fact, I have been at the bar and heard customers tell the bartenders what they are in the mood for and seen them create something original on the spot that always seems to please. Plenty of variety on the menu, which always incorporates fresh, seasonal ingredients, and the preparation is inventive and delicious. The daily specials really are specials...not just some rote repetition of things you've already seen; so I always look forward to seeing what the chefs have come up with! Some of my favorites includes the Serrano Ham Salad, the Winter Salad and the Country Salad, the Braised Short Ribs and the Cedar Plank Salmon, and on the more casual side, the Grilled Chicken BLT. Annnd, their burgers and bar pizzas are absolutely the best, as are the french fries (always perfectly cooked...never a soggy fry here). Excellent choice for a romantic dinner, dinner with friends, or a business meal. read more

Just had Easter dinner at the Gladstone..... what a great place to eat... Sloooow Roasted Duck with wild rice and bok choy.... and amazing fava ravioli with truffle cream sauce... and did i mention the lemon square with carmelized marshmallow, homemade raspberry ice cream... my friend had the Easter salad and the roasted lamb.... both winners.... great service too! highly recommend read more

Had dinner there last night for the first time. I have to say the food was fabulous - we each ordered two appetizers and shared the squash soup which was heavenly. We both had a salad to start - Fall and Serrano Ham Salad - Serrano Ham Salad was great - I was sad when I was done with it. Next appetizer was the Crab martini - expensive for an appetizer but well worth it - tons of crab! Service was not what I would expect when spending this kind of money. First the bar - not crowded but I waited over 5 minutes before getting service. Table - waiter was friendly but not too attentive after taking our order. We were not done with our salads when they brought out the appetizers and soup all at the same time. Sitting at a table for two didn't leave much room for all the dishes. They took away our salad plates after a few minutes. After that - never saw our waiter or the bus boys! We had to ask our waiter to take away our soup bowls so we had room to finish the appetizers. Maybe it was just an off night, but i would definitely go back for the food and hope the service is more attentive next time! read more

The Peapack-Gladstone, Bernardsville, Bedminster area has two options: diner like atmosphere & the food to match, or a recently renovated inn/ tavern place where they charge $20 for a glass of wine and $45 for an entree. The Gladstone Tavern is the exception. Yes, it's still a tavern, yes it's refurbished, however, they have managed to leave the ridiculous prices out and the staff creates an atmosphere of "glad you came". The food is good,the cocktails are great, the wine list is spot on, the facility is nicely decorated & the restrooms are always spotless (I always resent pricey restaurants with cheap & unkept restrooms, here it's not pricey and the restrooms are very nice). Sit and enjoy your dinner, dessert & drinks as long as you want, you will never be rushed -- they really are glad you came. Leave the Bernards Inn, Pluckemin Tavern & Tewksbury Inn for the days you feel like spending unnessecary cash. If you just want to have a nice meal, with a good glass wine, in a great atmosphere, head to the Gladstone Tavern. read more

I don't feel compelled often to write a review but tonight is the exception. Reservation was for 7:30, seated, with no explanation at 8:10. Ok, breath, not the worst thing in the world. Waiter comes by 15 minutes later, with I'm sorry, kitchen is really backed up, and leaves. Doesn't take a drink order, appetizer,nothing,just an apology and blame it on the kitchen. Shortly thereafter a different waiter comes by and takes the drink order. Drinks are delivered, another 10 minutes go by and finally the first waiter comes by. Appetizers and dinner order is placed. 20 minutes go by for Guacamole and chips to be delivered followed by another 10 minutes for the Crab bites. Appetizers are gone, drinks are long gone, food is delivered. GREAT FOOD, Chop is done to perfection, lobster salad is on point. Half way through dinner manager is summoned just to get a drink refill. 2nd drink is delivered as dinner plates are cleared. You guessed it by now, another 40 minutes just for the check. As good as the food is, and was really good, the service is just the opposite. Really ruined what I was hoping to be a good place. Overall all, great food but worst service I've experienced in years. read more

I generally don't write reviews, but I felt obligated to do so on this occasion. The service is absolutely TERRIBLE. I have NEVER been treated as unprofessionally or dishonestly as they treated me. DO NOT have an event here. I tried to set up an important event there for 40+ people, and spoke several times with the restaurant manager. We were figuring out the menu when one day, he stopped returning calls and emails. I left messages for 4 straight days without any returned messages. On the 5th day, when someone tried to take another message, I insisted that I needed to speak to someone about my event. He looked on their calendar told me that they had just taken a deposit from someone else and it was booked. This was not case 5 days ago. I asked for the manager to call me back nonetheless, and he STILL hasn't returned my phone call. I left a message for the chef/owner and he has not returned my message either. I'm now stuck without a place for an event (40+ people from out of town) with less than 9 days. This is by far the worst, most unprofessional and dishonest establishment that I have ever dealt with. read more

What a shame since the food was really good. After reading a rave review we visited this establishment with high hopes. Loved the curb appeal upon entry. Very nice ambiance and our seats in the room with the fireplace were very nice. The waiter was there immediately to take our drink orders which we received promptly and it was downhill from there. We received a small portion of bread (very good) but no butter or oil. We had to flag down our server for butter which took too long to arrive. He was back a bit too soon to take our orders but we complied. Knowing that we would need more bread for our appy we asked but it never arrived until half way thru our food and we had to ask again. Asked if I wanted another drink and I said I would have wine with my dinner which was served by another person who was obviously not in charge of drinks. Had to once again flag down our waiter to ask for wine which never arrived until I asked again, which, was half way thru my meal. Asked for katsup for my fries which never arrived until almost done with food. I had the hanger steak which was excellent and my husband had the strip steak special which he also loved. I have been happier with dinners where the food was less than special but service and timing impeccable. The devil is in the details and after reading previous reviews saying more or less the same thing it is very surprising that the owner is still oblivious. We will probably give it one more shot only because the food was great. Ownership has obviously put major effort into a beautiful place with great food but there is no excuse for this kind of service. Also, it was not at all busy until we were leaving. read more

My husband and I took his 90-year old parents here for dinner on a Friday evening recently. While the food was generally fine, as dinner was being served it became clear there was a problem. First came one dinner. Then two. Finally a third. This when at a restaurant of this caliber one would expect the meals to be served simultaneously. Then we waited for my husband's meal. The waiter finally came over and said he had not put the order in to the kitchen, and asked if my husband would order something quick to prepare. Always easy going, he said to just bring him a salad but I wasn't happy with that and asked to speak to the manager. When the manager didn't come over, I went looking for him. I met Nuno Santos who said he was the manager, and that this was a mistake, which happens. No apology. He said the order was being prepared. So I returned to the table. Then santos served my husband's meal, again without an apology. It was supposed to have been sautéed chicken, but he was given deep-fried chicken fillets--obviously the fastest cooking method. The waiter relayed that the meal and one appetizer had been removed from the bill. as I said to the manager, this had never happened at local restaurants such as 90 Acres or the Tewksbury Inn. And I would bet that if it ever did, the response would be quite different as both of those restaurants seem to care about service, a great deal. read more

OMG, what has happened to this lovely restaurant. Have brought friends, and had dinner many times......food is still decent, but what has happened to the management and staff???? My husband and I arrived early on a Saturday evening, took the receptionist a run around before we could find a decent table for two and this was at 5:30 with. reservations, and empty tables, and we arrived early. Ordered a dry martini, gin and tonic, and immediately waiteress was there to take our order. Hadn't even taken a sip of the martini and looked at the menu, sent her away, five mintues later she is there againWe . Ordered, our mistake, steak, expensive menu items, figured it would take ahile, and FLASH, the dinner was presented 5 mintues later. Felt like I was in a fast food restaurant. Never again. When I mentioned this , she shrugged and agreed, then while I am still eating, the help comes over ready to take away the plate with food obviously still on it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hello where is the training, and where are you getting these people to staff your restaurant?????????????? Still can't get over the shock of the horrific staff, worst waitress, and reception staff?????? Competive priceses, and the food is good, but what happened to ambience people?????? Felt lke I was at Mc D's.... So disappointed, since in the past we have visited numerous times.....hello, what is happening????? You better wake up. last time we visit this establishment. Such a shame. No people skills here. read more