There aren’t too many towns where you can almost eat through every cuisine imaginable, which is why these Red Bank restaurants are truly unique. Set along the banks of the Navesink River, Red Bank has proven itself to feature some of the most diverse, delicious, and delectable dishes in the region. From handmade pasta dishes to Thai, Chinese, and true farm to table fare, there’s a dish that will suit every craving you could possibly have.
Casual, romantic, BYOB, or family style, our ultimate local’s guide to Red Bank restaurants covers every dining situation. There’s fluffy pancakes, crisp salads, fresh sushi, and items that are fried to perfection. Now it’s up to you to eat through them all and discover just how diverse a small town like Red Bank can actually be.
The Bistro at Red Bank
Walking Broad Street you’ll find plenty of restaurants, but The Bistro, especially in the summer when the sidewalk becomes an extremity of their restaurant thanks to floor to ceiling windows that slide open, will stand out. It’s been around for years thanks to its location, the fact that it’s a BYOB, and it’s food, especially its long standing favorite, the Crackling Calamari Salad. 14 Broad Street, Red Bank 732-530-5553 www.thebistroatredbank.com/
Via45
When Via45 first opened, it was hard to book a table, now 8 years later, you would still be smart to reserve your spot ahead of time. Partners Claudette Herring and Lauren Phillips have made it their prerogative to actually serve seasonal cuisine in warm and cozy environment. The dishes are fresh, homemade, and always changing (so be sure to bring a bottle of red and white just in case!) 45 Broad Street, Red Bank 732-450-9945 www.via45.com/
Monticello At Red Bank
Step inside Monticello and you’ll feel like you’ve just been transported to NYC. The long and narrow restaurant is the ideal spot to enjoy Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. Brother and sister team, Chef Katerina and Roberto Giambalvo have successfully enticed diners with menu favorites like their Clams Arrabiata and the Pappardelle Monticello served with eggplant, zucchini, and fresh mozzarella that’s bathed in an open fired roasted tomato broth. They also have plenty of gluten free options (even gluten free pasta) and a mid week prix fixe menu. 69 Broad Street, Red Bank 732-450-0255 moticelloatredbank.com
Earth Pizza
Healthy pizza? It’s possible, but only at Earth Pizza where the ingredients are organic and delicious gluten free pizza is actually possible. There are also plenty of opportunities to try something that’s not pizza too (if you’re not in the mood), like their Philly Cheese Steak that’s served on freshly made organic bread or gluten-free hoagie. 95 Broad Street, Red Bank 732-345-1600 earthpizzarb.com
Gaetano’s Restaurant
Now under new ownership, this hidden enclave just off of Broad Street is a mecca for those looking for homemade pasta dishes. Sort through the menu of Italian favorites that cover everything from the aforementioned pasta (the Fusilli Pasta with broccoli rabe and sweet savory sausage is a must) to brick oven pizzas, meat, vegetable, and seafood dishes. There’s so much to love that you may just want to throw party there. 10 Wallace Street, Red Bank 732-741-1321 www.gaetanosnj.com
Temple Gourmet Chinese
This is not your typical run of the mill Chinese restaurant. Temple takes it up quite few levels, from décor to service and of course the food. You can always start out with your favorites like the Mu Shu Pork or Sesame Chicken or try something new like their Shrimp with Lobster Sauce featuring jumbo prawns sautéed with garlic white wine sauce. 91 Broad Street, Red Bank 732-212-8858 templegourmet.com/
Toast
Occupying the former Red Bank Diner, Toast (one of three NJ locations) in Red Bank captures all the dishes of breakfast, lunch, and of course, brunch under one roof. Their motto is peace, love, and pancakes and we can say that their Red Velvet pancakes will not only make you want to kiss the chef, but you may even begin to think they could promote world peace. 45 Monmouth Street, Red Bank 732-224-1234 toastredbank.com
Whipped Creperie & Dessert Bar
Pretend you’re on the streets of Paris with a visit to Whipped, where crepes are made to order with both sweet and savory items. Bring bottle of bubbly as you bite into the Classic crepe with strawberries, bananas, and Nutella or take a Truffle Crepe with a hot Espresso to go. 6 Monmouth Street, Red Bank 732-747-0076 www.whippedcreperie.com
Antoinette Boulangerie
Yet again, another opportunity to transport yourself, well your taste buds at least, to Paris. Just try to walk by Antoinette Boulangerie as the smells of fresh baked breads and gluten free desserts waft out of the doors. The croissants, pastries, and macarons are worth every calorie, and since you’re in Paris (kind of), not indulging would be looked down upon! 32 Monmouth Street, Red Bank 732-224-1118 www.antoinetteboulangerie.com
Patrizia’s
You’ve probably heard of this restaurant thanks to its party like atmosphere. Come on a weekend for a birthday and the entire place will be celebrating with you. However, diners haven’t been enjoying this Red Bank restaurant just for its celebrations, their menu is full of flavorful dishes from Fioretti alla Boscaiola (stuffed pasta in a mushroom, prosciutto cream sauce) to Shrimp allo Scolglio and even a feast served family style. 28 Broad Street, Red Bank 732-741-5555 www.patriziasofbrooklyn.com
Teak Restaurant
With a newly completed rooftop bar, Teak is the spot to sip on drink and people watch. Known for their creative sushi rolls and equally creative spins on fresh cocktails, can’t beat ‘em Happy Hour specials, and daily deals that will have you coming back at least once a week, it’s hard to say what the best part of this Red Bank restaurant actually is! 64 Monmouth Street, Red Bank 732-747-5775 teakrestaurant.com/
The Cheese Cave
Ok, you may think, a cheese shop? Seriously? It’s not really a restaurant, well you’d be wrong. Not only do they serve exceptional “sandwiCHEESES” especially their Muffaletta, which rivals those in New Orleans), but it turns out The Cheese Cave is actually one of the coolest and most underrated places to enjoy pre dinner drink! On $5 Fridays, bring your own bottle of wine and enjoy a cheese tasting. It’s hip to be a cheese lover! 14 Monmouth Street, Red Bank 732-842-0796 https://thecheesecave.co/
Hansel ‘n Griddle
Known as being a place that can satisfy your most interesting cravings any time of the day or night, Hansel ‘n Griddle is home to breakfast concoctions, sandwiches, wings, and fries… don’t forget the fries! One of five NJ locations, diners who come here can count on two things: they may never look at quesadillas the same way again thanks to their “crisps” and tater tots can be meal unto itself. 38 W. Front Street, Red Bank 732-219-7090 www.hanselngriddle.com/
Dish: Just like their name implies, they excel at turning comfort food into dishes that are worthy of an Instagram post. 13 White Street, Red Bank 732-345-7070 http://www.dishredbank.com/
While in town, stop by Lil Cutie Pops on Monmouth Street. The cake pops from Lil Cutie Pops are the perfect treat after your meal or a great take home dessert for later. Lil Cutie Pops is now offering Summer Day Camp for the kids! While you are in town, get more details on this great class for your little bakers! 16 Monmouth Street, Red Bank (732) 383-5602 http://www.lilcutiepops.com
Mr Pizza Slice: For over 40 years this fixture of downtown Red Bank has been serving up slices (and more) in downtown Red Bank. 10 Monmouth Street, Red Bank (732) 747-9165 mrpizzaslice.com
Front St. Trattoria: Tucked behind Broad Street is this charming and delicious Italian eatery specializing in classic dishes and eat the whole pie pizza. 31 W. Front Street, Red Bank 732-747-9569 frontstreettrattoria.com/
The Dublin House: It doesn’t have to be St. Patrick’s Day to enjoy traditional Irish dishes (Bangers & Mash anyone?) and a tall glass of Guinness. 30 Monmouth Street, Red Bank 732-747-6699 http://www.thedublinhouse.co/
Pho Le Vietnamese Restaurant: There may not be much going on on the outside, but inside is the “Superbowl” – order it! 90 Broad Street, Red Bank 732-530-1598 saigon2.com
Catch: The only Red Bank restaurant to offer some of the finest seafood dishes in New Jersey, all under crystal chandeliers. Two words: romantic and delicious. 9 Broad Street, Red Bank 732-268-8384 catchredbank.com/
Carlos O’connor’s: Dining here is like being thrown into one of the best fiestas in Jersey, with rooms decorated with Mexican trinkets, it’s almost distracting from their menu packed with Mexican specialties. 31 Monmouth Street, Red Bank 732-530-6663 carlosoconnor.com
Buona Sera: A true Red Bank establishment, Buena Sera has grown over the years to include almost a city block, but even though it’s grown, the food remains deliciously the same. 50 Maple Avenue, Red Bank 732-530-5858 buona-sera.com
Char Steakhouse: Think juicy steaks and fancy cocktails, the kind you would find in the “big city” – it’s cosmopolitan (but you don’t have to order one). 33 Broad Street, Red Bank 732-450-2427 http://charsteakhouse.com/
Robinson Ale House: One of Tim McCloones’ many restaurants in the area, think beers by 21st Amendment brewery, fish tacos, and stout braised short rib. 26 Broad Street, Red Bank 732-383-8129 robinsonalehouse.com
Good Karma Cafe: Whether you’re a vegan, a vegetarian, or you really just eat it all, you’ll find their vegan dishes to be filling and may even inspire you to go sans meat at least once a week! 17 E Front Street, Red Bank 732-450-8344 http://www.goodkarmacafenj.com/
The Boondocks Fishery & Grill
Local’s flock to the Boondocks as soon as their doors open in May. It’s a summer establishment, serving up lobsters, lobsters, and more lobsters every way that you’d want it – steamed, in mac ‘n cheese, and classic lobstah roll. One of the most laid back and arguably the most fun lobster shacks on the east coast, the Boondocks is also BYOB, home to live weekend music, and waterfront. 1 Wharf Avenue, Red Bank 732-747-7177 https://www.facebook.com/LOBSTUH/
The Oyster Point Hotel
Just because you’re not staying here doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dine here. Set on the banks of the Navesink River rests the (almost) hidden Oyster Point. The views from the The Pearl Lounge are exceptional (think floor to ceiling windows with views of the Navesink) as are the specials – live entertainment, happy hour, etc. 146 Bodman Place, Red Bank 732-784-4059 www.theoysterpointhotel.com
The Molly Pitcher Inn
The big sister of the Oyster Point, the Molly Pitcher Inn is just down the road and offers the kind of classic elegance that is hard to find. Well known for a Sunday brunch that will quite literally bust your buttons, the Molly Pitcher is also home to exceptional dinners, strong cocktails, and happy hour specials. 88 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank 732-784-4059 www.themollypitcher.com
Red Rock Tap + Grill: Now known for being one of the newest late night hot spots in Red Bank thanks to its outdoor bar area, it’s also home to mouth watering Short Rib Tacos. 14 Wharf Avenue, Red Bank 732-747-2999 redrockrb.com
Walt Street Pub
Missed the train? Looking for some tasty pub grub? The answer is right across the street. At Walt Street Pub, the lighting may not be the best, but the beer is cold and the food is hot. Their nachos get us every time, but the burgers and wings are well worth an order too. Just be sure to bring an appetite. 180 Monmouth Street, Red Bank 732-741-5936 waltstreetpub.com
Siam Garden
Housed in The Galleria, a former button factory that’s now home to offices, shops, and one of the best Thai restaurants in Monmouth County. Dining at Siam Garden is like traveling to Thailand. Everything from the elaborately carved chairs to the lick the bowl clean curries makes you feel as if you should be taking bicycle taxi home instead of a four door sedan from Uber. 2 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank 732-224-1233 www.siamgardenrestaurant.com
Kitch Organic
Even though it’s not on one of the main streets of Red Bank, Kitch Organic is worthy of a little drive. It’s healthy dining that doesn’t compromise on flavor. No matter what you eat – omnivore, vegan, gluten free, or vegetarian – this Red Bank restaurant has dish for you. 75 Leighton Avenue, Red Bank 732-741-5400 www.kitchorganic.com
It’s very easy to fall into the trap of just visiting Monmouth Meats to grab a steak, roast, burger or something else that needs to be grilled at home to perfection. In between glances at the USDA Prime Ribeyes and the Tomahawk steak, take a look at his sandwich board. Their sandwiches are some of the best around! Our favorite right now is the grilled pork sandwich, with melted fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers and balsamic. It’s perfection in every bite. 112 Monmouth Street, Red Bank (732) 741-5292
JBJ Soul Kitchen: For a meal that’s not only good for the stomach, but great for the soul, check out Jon Bon Jovi’s Soul Kitchen where dinners are made by aspiring cooks and diners pay in cash-only donations to help fellow community members eat a hot meal. 207 Monmouth Street, Red Bank 732-842-0900 www.jbjsoulkitchen.org
Pazzo: A prime location for an Italian dish and glass of wine before seeing a concert at Count Basie (parking is included!) 141 W. Front Street, Red Bank 732-747-4551 pazzoredbank.com
O Bistro Francasi: Chef Marc Fontaine is back, serving up classic French bistro cuisine including a moist and succulent Poulet Roti Frites. 15 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank 732-852-2705 http://sitebuild.obistrofrancais.com/
Danny’s Steakhouse: Whether you’re planning on going to a show or just looking for a classic martini and juicy steak, Danny’s will always be on our short list. 1 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank 732-741-6900 dannyssteakhouse.com
Birravino Restaurant: Birravino is the updated version thanks to Vic Rallo, Jr. who has revamped the former Basil T’s (owned by his family) into a pizza, pasta, wine, and beer destination. 183 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank 732-842-5990 birravino.com/
Juanito’s: Whether you sit in the covered courtyard or inside, you must at least try and attempt to finish an entire Burrito Loco by yourself at this family friendly BYOB. 159 Monmouth Street, Red Bank 732-747-9118 juanitosredbank.com/
Local Smoke BBQ: A new member to Red Bank is a BBQ joint that’s already made a name for themselves in their two other NJ locations. Their specialties include wood-smoked meats and Slow Smoked jalapeño Poppers. 244 W. Front Street, Red Bank 732-741-2333 www.localsmokebbq.com/
B2 Bistro + Bar: Your casual go to for elevated dishes that you wouldn’t find at your normal neighborhood restaurant with a side of rotating craft beer on tap. 141 Shrewsbury Ave, Red Bank 732-268-8555 www.b2bistro.com/
Poor Cat Designs, Red Bank
Jewelry, it’s the one gift that is always welcomed, especially by women (I’m a woman so I can write that!) Combine her passion for style and her love of all things New Jersey with a present from Poor Cat Designs, hand crafted originals that are made in the Garden State. . 69 Broad Street, Red Bank 732-842-3121 https://poorcatdesigns.com/
Sorella Bella Boutique, Red Bank
Join the fashionable ladies of Sorella Bella Boutique as they provide their customers with a personal shopping experience while offering unique pieces that combine fashion and comfort! Sorella Bella offers an extensive selection of clothing, from casual daywear to sporty looks to trendy evening attire. They have a little bit of everything for all ages and body types!. 27 Monmouth Street, Red Bank 732-383-7118 www.sorellabellaboutique.com/
Cabana 19, Red Bank
Cute, cute, cute. It’s the word to describe everything that’s in Cabana 19. This Red Bank store is the perfect place to pick up gifts for everyone on your list, whether you’re shopping for Secret Santa or your best friend. 18 White Street, Red Bank 732-842-21 http://www.jerseyshoreinmotion.com/Event/Cabana19/12265
Goldtinker
Within the walls of this restored 19th century brownstone lies an ambient journey for the sophisticated buyer. A fully-imagined showroom serves both VIPs and passers by with a truly unique jewelry experience over 40 years in the making. 24 Broad St, Red Bank (732) 531-8787 http://www.goldtinker.com
The holiday season has finally arrived at the Jersey Shore and now is the perfect…
Central Jersey, specifically Monmouth County, has some of the most picturesque beaches at the Jersey…
Maybe you've tried one, two, three, or ALL FOUR of our previous Happy Hour blogs' suggestions.…
Main Street Somerville, NJ maintains most of its early historical buildings, although many are now…
This is part four to our series of Central Jersey's happy hour specials- because you…
Tried one?...two?...maybe even ALL of our suggestions for happy hour in our first two articles? No worries!…