It was a gorgeous day and I knew this location has a great view and vibe for an outdoor experience. They do have a nice inside layout and is a year-round restaurant. Proving Ground's outdoor area is beautiful with lots of seating spread out. It gets packed on the weekends during the summer and parking is limited. The food was very good, at least what we ordered. Our waitress was pleasant -checked on us frequently. Appetizers Crab dip Cheese quesadillas Entrees Tuna Poke bowl Burger PG is a solid stop in the Highlands, especially during the warm weather months. read more

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Delightful evening with friends, sitting outside eating and listening to rock 'n' roll. Considering we were a party of 13, our was server was outstanding. The food pretty typical of the area in a good way. Highly recommended. read more

Quite good food, but you come here for the ocean vibe, and it delivers. Truly a zoo (in the nicest way) on a summer weekend. Stiff drinks.

Amazing Views and fantastic Service I've always loved this place. The views and location alone could make your experience, but the service and vibe from the staff are second to none. I recently hosted a bridal shower and from the planning through the day of the event everything was perfect. People are still raving about the food. It was the brunch and everything was amazing. Everyone we chose was fantastic but I'd have to say my favorite was the vegetable frittata. read more

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining - What a View! - Tiki Bars Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

Fantastic ambience! Exceptional customer service. Great location. Perfect vibes. Drinks and food were mid. My dinner itself was $39 for pan fried crab cakes - I wish they were broiled. Only VIP parking is offered. Drinks are cute! I'd go for drinks and apps - not dinner. read more

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We booked this place for my niece's engagement party, and everyone was thoroughly impressed by the food, service, and breathtaking scenery. Our server, Carrie, was exceptional. I can't recommend this place enough! read more

This was overall just an icky experience. SO MANY latern flies EVERYWHERE. In your food, on your skin, in your water, on other people, on the table, on the floor. They kind of hover like mosquitos and you actually feel them on you, because they like to fly around near you and your food. They're not really quiet like mosquitos, and not loud like bees. Something in between. We encountered at least 10+, the whole time we've been there from the moment we sat down there was already one underneath the table. My boyfriend was flicking them away, and they ended up in the cup of water. Alex, our waiter, told us he didn't know initially, and then he saw afterwards but he didn't even take it away. Do you think we are trying to raise them as pets? GROSS. We ended up even trapping another one that flew near our food again and was hanging onto the cups. We saw them crawling on other people's shirts and even our own. Was there even bug spray or maybe use canopies to prevent this from happening! Sure outdoors is nice to enjoy, but not when there is water splashing up from the crevices in the wooden planks and lantern flies crawling everywhere that I can't peacefully enjoy my meal. I'm the slowest eater of the table USUALLY, but today I felt like a gold medalist of competitive food eating. Overall please just wait and eat indoors. You'll enjoy the peacefulness without these uninvited visitors interrupting your food. Parking was a hassle too as the parking lot was way too small and we had to park a few blocks over. I thought the food was ok. Nothing spectacular. Crab cake is a crab cake. We also had the little neck clams to share, also alright. read more

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining - Uninvited visitors all around - Tiki Bars Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

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Came here on a beautiful Tuesday night. I was feeling a little nauseous and dizzy and our server Des was super nice and brought me crackers and a sprite to help me. For appetizers we got calamari and bacon wrapped scallops which were very good. Definitely recommend those! And for my entree I had the mahi mahi entree. I love this and am so happy I got it. If you like mahi mahi you should definitely get this!! Always a great time at Proving Ground! read more

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The service is consistent, consistently terrible. It's a great local place but I think I'm done. One could sit at the bar for 15 minutes without as much as a "Hello, be right either way you" ba bye read more

Event: 60th BD, Date: 1/25/25, Guests: 19, Planner: Mike A, The Plan: 1:30pm lunch. All was set until 1 week before when Mike called and said a 1 yr old bday party was booked right next to where we were being placed ("The Treehouse"). He recommended moving the start time of our event to 3pm, so I did. My husband and I arrived at 2:45pm to set up. There was valet parking (that's MANDATORY since parking is at a SUPER premium in this neighborhood). Once inside, my impression of the place was CRAZY-BUSY and LOUD! I gave the hostess my name and she directed us to the elevator that took us to the 2nd floor. There was also a staircase going up, but there were about a dozen young ladies sitting on the stairs waiting for their ride home (it was a Sweet 16 party). At the 2nd floor hostess stand, the young lady arranged help to take our cake to the refrigerator. The 1 yr old bday party was still in full swing and seemed to take up 1/2 of the dining room. We were at a loss for how to get to the area where our event was, so we asked and were told that it was still in the process of being set up. Mike A came out to say hello to us, and then promptly disappeared never to return again. It was almost 3:30pm before we finally were escorted to our area (The Treehouse). My impression was that it was a million dollar view, but how were we going to fit 19 people in the space? When I first called to book the party (1/11/25), Michael sent me a photo of a table in the space set for 12. When I mentioned we would have 18 (then 1 more added last minute), he assured me that it was "no problem". Well, let's just say that 19 children might be OK in this space, but 19 adults is really pushing it! The tables were arranged in an L shape, which was not ideal because the interior part of the L shape made it awkward and cramped. We ended up asking the hostess for 2 additional small tables so we could spread out a bit more. I compiled the food order for my guests 2 days in advance of our arrival (and emailed it to Michael) but when we arrived, there were menus on the table at everyone's place setting. Our server was excellent at taking orders from everyone for their drinks, but it did take her several trips. The water bottles on the table ran dry pretty quickly and the appetizers finally showed up around 4:10pm. Everyone seemed to enjoy what they ordered but I thought the food should have come out sooner than it did. Entrees came out about 20 min later. Since fries were prominently the accompaniment, I was rather surprised that we had to ask for ketchup (as well as water bottle refills). Cake cutting was done in an adjacent area that was unoccupied. We were not rushed, but just prior to the cake cutting, we were asked for our ice cream orders (and coffee and tea). So the cake ended up being served last after everyone enjoyed their ice cream and consumed their hot beverages. This was an awkward miss. It just seemed like our server was doing the best she could, but I think she was not completely dedicated to us, so that created a delay in getting things moving at the right time. Just before 6pm we were presented with the bill, paid it, and received the leftover cake re-boxed. Despite some disappointment, we tipped an extra $50 in appreciation for her hard work. About 10 min before we all left, a gentleman who seemed to be connected with the restaurant had approached some of my guests that were seated at the very end of the table facing the main dining room. We don't know who he was, or why he did not say anything to me or my husband as we were the hosts of the event. It would have been nice if Michael or a manager had come to speak with us to ensure everything was going as planned. read more

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining - Tiki Bars Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

The place to go any day after a day DTS. Good food, good music, outdoors on the bay. Our server, Kelly, was excellent and accommodating.

We had a great time and awesome drinks. Came for the music stayed for the company. Truly a good time. I can't say anything about the food, since we had dinner at a nearby place, but we did appreciate the service, good bartenders, and a nice night by the water. All in all, a wonderful evening. read more

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If you are ever in the area of Sandy Hook on the Jersey shore, try the proving grounds in the Highlands. It's right on the water next to the marina and we had nice drinks as the tide came in toward the evening. The wind rose and got a little chilly, but our order was good. Try the stuffed flounder it's delicious. read more

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Aesthetics are great here. I walked down from my house with the dog and took a seat with a view outside on the pier. Ordered a cocktail, (on an empty stomach) 2 sips in I think hmmm very average, 5 sips in , I feel nothing (and I am a total lightweight) . My friend has wine , so I ask her to "taste this" and she concurs ...there is 0 to 3 drops of alcohol in this 16 dollar "Paloma" . ...disgraceful. And the people that just walked by me commented that the food was awful‍..just sayin read more

Went on a Saturday to see my friend's band play. Absolutely beautiful day and gorgeous view. The bartenders and wait staff were awesome. Food and drinks were delicious and reasonably priced for a waterfront venue. Can't wait to go back again. read more

HIGHLANDS: a gorgeous waterfront restaurant, Proving Ground Waterfront Dining allows leashed-dogs at their outdoor dining area with views of Sandy Hook, the bay, and even New York City! The space is very modern and the eclectic menu has food and drinks to please anyone. There are even TVs outside to watch the game! Our server was very friendly and attentive! It can get a bit windy being right on the water so pack a jacket, just in case! An interesting fact: the menu is military themed after the former base on Sandy Hook to test artillery! read more

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining - Tiki Bars Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

Nice atmosphere and good drinks but the food is just ok. Better places around in the Highlands area.

My friends chose this place to take me for a birthday dinner on the recommendation of one of their family members. We were seated outdoors on the deck on a lovely early evening. We shared an order of steamers among 4 of us. For myself I ordered the lobster bisque and the sea scallops accompanied by rice, spinach and mushrooms. All was very good and nice sized portions. I also started with a Bourbon Sunrise which was delicious, however it was a very small cocktail for $14, my glass of wine with dinner was a good pour. For dessert I got the Banana Fosters cake with ice cream which was very delicious. Our server, Megan, was very sweet and attentive. We are already planning brunch for a couple of other birthdays at the end of the month. read more

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OMG! This place is beautiful. What an awesome location and view! I moved to PA from Florida and this felt like sitting on the patio at home. Ahhh We ordered the crab dip to start and then each of us ordered an entree. Based on the oohs and ahhs followed by silence, punctuated by lip smacking, I think everyone enjoyed it as much as I did! read more

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining - Super cool spot. Opens at 1130 today. Can't wait to try it! - Tiki Bars Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

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Not clean, grilled shrimp tacos weak and not grilled. Waitress not very attentive. Nice place to have a drink outside.

the manager should be fired. we were there enjoying the band and some young drunk guys were right next to us. chewing on a lemon and through it in my friends drink. her husband said something to him and the guy and his friend were drunk and started getting hostile with him he is 67 years old these kids were in their 20's them his female friends came over and threatened us. they were friends with tie bartebders anf other employees but we were asked to leave. ridiculous !!! read more

Food was decent but you are going mostly to sit outside and soak up the sun/views. Cute little spot on the water.

WE LOVE IT HERE! stephanie is the best and they accommodated our large table at such a last minute which was amazing!

This review is based off the experiences of this restaurant for dinner, repass gathering and shower. Street parking is an option. Yet, valet during my last visit was worth it. Multiple gentlemen were working valet, running to get cars, driving the cars up to the door at decent speed all while being polite and friendly. Good job fellas. The waitress/waiter service throughout all experiences were great! All attentive to each table. Quick to take orders, place orders and bring food out. Aside from the steak being a bit dry all other platters here have been cooked and seasoned to the satisfaction of my tastebuds. Try the fries when having brunch. Outstanding! During an event for a bridal shower, the waitress/waiters were up to par all around. The second floor was used for this party. Their was enough space for about 80 people, mimosa bar, gifts, backdrop and favors table. The water view is always a lovely experience. Watching ppl dock boats or even arrive in jet skis gave this place a cool ambiance. Furthermore, you have the option of indoor or outdoor seating. read more

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining - Tiki Bars Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

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Poor service but not waitresses fault, they had her spread too thinly. No bus boys. Appetizer plates on our table throughout dinner. Ordered a bottle of wine off menu waitress brought wrong one. Took 10 mins to convince her to get right one; she was gone 15 mins & then said we don't have it. She went back to get first bottle & was gone 30 minutes! Tried to order lobster roll- out. Tried to order steak frites- out. This is at 7:30 pm not 10!! Who's managing this place?? It was all so sad. This was a wedding dinner. No one came to ask about our meal. No managers? I've never encountered this. I was stunned. The food was mediocre at best. The service; should have gone to Red Lobster to eat lobster. I always wonder how these places stay in business who don't care about their customer. read more

Location - great View- pretty Venue - not too shabby Service- great Food- terrible. Drinks- cup of ice with a little bit of liquids The food was lacking at every step of the way aside from the fried calamari which was crispy and flavorful. The poke bowl was sadly bland and the octopus looked oddly undercooked and tasted like nothing. The salmon I was told was tolerable but nothing to rave about and the crab cake burger was unfortunately pretty disgusting. Mushy, wet, super fishy and bland left me hungry and with an upset stomach. Overall the vibe and music of this restaurant was fun and perhaps a bottle of beer or glass of wine is the way to go but the skimped out drinks aka cups of ice was not worth the order. read more

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Used to be wind and sea and this might be the biggest glow up I've ever seen. They recently went thru renovations and it's one of the coolest places in the jersey shore. They have an upstairs and an outdoor area right on the water. The tables outside have a fire place built into them so it's really cool to have that on while ur eating. The food is very good as well. I got the dynamite wrap. Everyone really enjoyed their food. Really great place to get food and chill after outside. One of my new favorite spots. Wish I knew about it in the beginning of the summer read more

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I would give it 5 stars but food and service is hit and miss. I really like this place and have been there 4 or 5 times. Everything was a 8 to a 10 service and food. But then my husband and I went on a Monday afternoon for lunch. Our server was so rushed and our food was sub par I ordered the Mahi tacos and they were really bad it was like eating food that was left over from the day before. My husband had the brisket and that was also dried out and looked like it had been sitting around for hours. It was so disappointing. We always have have the best food and service this is why I still gave it 5 stars. Maybe don't go on a Monday read more

My friend and I were chilling at Sandy Hook beach when we got hungry and started looking for places around the area. We were very interested in this seeing all the great reviews and it did not let us down! The atmosphere is amazing and the live music adds to it all! We had crab cakes and crab dip (don't judge us, haha!) as well as oysters and sangria. Did not disappoint us at all but I'd say the best was listing to the live music in the rocking chairs along the dock!! read more

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining - Sangria - Tiki Bars Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

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The views of the water were spectacular. The service was fast. Drinks and food were tasty (except for the octopus -- don't get that!)

Downside, a Saturday night, and they were out of Steamers by 7:00 pm The rest was good. Looks like a great place for a younger crowd on a Saturday night. Rest of the meal was good to great, on the high side for price. read more

As locals, we frequently dine here during the fall and winter. However, as soon as the weather gets warmer- it's like they forget how to cook, serve, and make a sufficient cocktail. The menu is always inaccurate, portions are inconsistent, orders arrive missing key ingredients, cocktails are weak, everything comes out medium well and still somehow cold. Yesterday (Sunday) they allowed a band to "sound check" for over an hour in a cacophony that was both unpleasant and unnecessary. Beyond disappointing, but they clearly cater to chaos and not customer. read more

Great place to go for the view, the ambiance, the kind servers, and an all around good time. The food is great, especially for someone who has a gluten intolerance. The servers and bartender were all knowledgeable on what I could and could not eat. They even offer a gluten free brownie for dessert! We enjoyed the food and the view and will definitely be back! read more

It's an ok location but an extremely miserable staff. 1.5 hour wait we decided to get apps at the bar after securing tables near the bar. 9 people traveling from Brooklyn. After ordering apps for 9 people we were informed we would have to take turns at the single spot at the bar to eat even though we had a table big enough to hold all the food. Once we learned we attempted to cancel the order immediately. This was within 2 minutes of placing the order and the restaurant was packed. They didn't want to let us cancel. 9 people one spot.. while we were unaware of the rule the person taking to order was fully aware of our group and made no attempt to warn us of the rules. I have no issue following rules but if they are that stringent please let me know so I can make an informed decision. It took a tooth and nail to get a refund. I would not recommend this place to ANYONE. Truly a miserable experience from start to finish. We got our drinks, didn't have to pay for the order we cancelled (had to fight about it with multiple" managers".) 10/10! Would not recommend. Apparently they have enough business and don't need yours. Moving forward you should let folks know about your rules. The "management" person i spoke to was unhelpful and rude start to finish. The man that spoke to my finance was empathetic, helpful and solution oriented. Other guests at the restaurant were shocked and disappointed at the dilemma we faced. I will never come back. I was very excited to try a new place.. sad . DO NOT COME. It's a waste of gas. Thank god I wasn't hungry. read more

Jillian made tonight amazing! We can't thank her enough for taking incredible care of our table of 12, celebrating 2 birthdays! Give her a raise, because she brought energy, hustle and enthusiasm all night long! read more

Ate at the proving ground across the bay from sandy hook. Location is out of this world. Good food. Good drinks. Local bar sort of feel. read more

Proving Ground Waterfront Dining - Fort Hancock on sandy hook - Tiki Bars Near Me - Highlands, New Jersey

Food was very good as was the view and the staff. Flavor was slightly lacking for the Tuna Poke Bowls. Burrata Salad was good too and the Berry Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream was excellent!! read more

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Love this place. Visited a few times in the summer. We are inside on the top floor where all the windows open and it's like being outside Great place with great food and service. The views are great up there too read more

Food was terrible! Stuffed flounder had a pronounced fishy odor ($39.00) and Chicken Milanese was overcooked and tough. Aside from high prices and terrible acoustics caused by piped in music, this place puts a surcharge on your check If you pay by credit card. Only bright spot was our server, Nick. If you're looking for seriously overpriced bar food in a poor atmosphere, then this is your place. Otherwise, stay away. read more

The food was excellent and service was very friendly. Nothing better than sitting and eating with the view of the water and good music.