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We took a little history from the area when naming and designing the restaurant after the sandy hook proving grounds. established in 1874, it became the first us army proving ground to test artillery and other materials. And that’s what we are all about – testing new menu items and specializing in the newest craft beer and cocktails. we like to mix it up with our events, music, and experience to always keep things fresh and fun.
Casual-chic spot for modern pub eats, cocktails & Sunday brunch with waterfront views & fire pits.
Hours
| Friday | 11:30 AM–1 AM |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM–1 AM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–11 PM |
| Monday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM–11 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 56 Shrewsbury Ave, Highlands, NJ 07732
Phone: (732) 872-2266
Website: http://theprovingground.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.comtripleseat.com
Photo Gallery
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Reviews
Alexandra Petronko
I was part of (but not the host) of a 1st Birthday party. It was wonderful the staff was so helpful and friendly. We were on the 2nd floor and having the elevator was a lifesaver. Anytime we needed something when setting up the staff helped us out. They also kept checking in with us for our timeline and making sure we were happy with everything. The food was great. Being a first birthday there were some kids and a little bit of a mess (after the smash cake) and they were so friendly and helpful not irritated like other restaurants tend to be. Even as we were taking forever to say our goodbyes to family and friends from far away the staff never rushed us. Thank you for making the day so easy and stressfree!
… moreWilliam Hicks
I absolutely love taking my family to Proving Ground. The food is incredible—so flavorful and perfectly cooked every time. But what really makes it stand out is the view; it’s gorgeous and adds this extra wow factor to the meal. Every visit feels like a little celebration, even if it’s just a regular day. The staff are friendly, attentive, and make the whole experience feel relaxed and welcoming, which is perfect when you’re with kids or extended family. Whether it’s brunch, lunch, or dinner, this place just hits all the right notes. We always leave satisfied and already planning our next visit. Amazing food, beautiful scenery, and a warm atmosphere—what more could you ask for?
… moreMa 馬Chia 嘉
The location* is good; the view is good; the service is a bit intruding; the atmosphere is supposed to be good, but super loud and crowded; the biggest disappointment comes from the food, we had brunch, and it’s worse than any random diner; also on the menu it states that brunch comes with home fries or cheesy grits, they didn’t even bother to ask but just give us tater tots (most likely just from frozen), that’s not “home fries”. The chorizo is over cooked; the “salad” part in some orderings just few withering sad leaves; the chicken and waffles comes with dry chicken breast… It’s one of those “theres a long alcohol list so it gets good ratings” type of place, practically just a bar by the marina, definitely not a place for good food. If you’re looking for good food, the Bahrs landing next to it, it’s like heaven and earth, Bahrs landing is a good seafood restaurant; while this one is a loud, crowded bar, with worse than diner food, and only allows valet parking (the * in location). Do not recommend, will not come back.
… morePete
Overall had a good dining experience at Proving Ground. Very nice venue with a great view of the Sandy Hook bay. Easy drive in, valet parking, good service. Food was very good, though I think a couple of our entrees were a little overpriced for the portion size.
The only reason I dinked them was that we had a reservation for 5, when we arrived it appeared there was an event going on, so the available table for us was more of a table for four and they just added an extra chair. I guess it worked, though it was cramped. I feel for the price you pay here for a nice meal, it felt a little cheap. That being said, I would go back and would recommend to others.
… moreThe only reason I dinked them was that we had a reservation for 5, when we arrived it appeared there was an event going on, so the available table for us was more of a table for four and they just added an extra chair. I guess it worked, though it was cramped. I feel for the price you pay here for a nice meal, it felt a little cheap. That being said, I would go back and would recommend to others.
Jen R
I have been dining at Proving Ground for years. This past February, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to work with Ashley Gordon on PG’s events team to host a newlywed/baby shower celebration.
We are so overwhelmingly grateful for Ashley’s leadership and execution of the event. The setup was executed meticulously, the food was incredible, and everything ran so smoothly. Ashley and her team did not leave any detail unnoticed.
Ashley is a true professional and was so organized leading up to (and throughout) the event. She helped plan so many details and kept track of a very high volume of iterations 🙂 . Ashley, thank you for all your help planning ahead of time – you are so patient and kind, and it instilled such great confidence leading up to the night. We were able to be present and enjoy the evening because the team took such great care of everything.
Proving Ground has such an incredible reputation already, and we feel so lucky to have been able to work with them for such a special event in our lives. Thank you for making this come to life – all your hard work allowed for us to celebrate and be present in such a meaningful way. Highly recommend and can’t say enough wonderful things. We are eternally grateful to Ashley and the PG team!
… moreWe are so overwhelmingly grateful for Ashley’s leadership and execution of the event. The setup was executed meticulously, the food was incredible, and everything ran so smoothly. Ashley and her team did not leave any detail unnoticed.
Ashley is a true professional and was so organized leading up to (and throughout) the event. She helped plan so many details and kept track of a very high volume of iterations 🙂 . Ashley, thank you for all your help planning ahead of time – you are so patient and kind, and it instilled such great confidence leading up to the night. We were able to be present and enjoy the evening because the team took such great care of everything.
Proving Ground has such an incredible reputation already, and we feel so lucky to have been able to work with them for such a special event in our lives. Thank you for making this come to life – all your hard work allowed for us to celebrate and be present in such a meaningful way. Highly recommend and can’t say enough wonderful things. We are eternally grateful to Ashley and the PG team!
Chris
Amazing atmosphere and great food. The location is near a dock with a great view of the water, also had calamari which was seasoned and cooked very exquisitely. Also had their crab dip which actually had crab in it with some pretzels to dip it in, which I never had before, but it went together very well. As my main entree, I had their crab cake was amazing, they served rice, vegetables, and the food was amazing, didn’t even take any home, just ate it all there. Definitely one of the best seafood restaurants in the area!
… moreKevin Buselmeier
Back again. Great location and atmosphere which lends the place to be busy. Food was good as usual. However, my issue with this particular visit was the service…and I am very, very hesitant to complain about service. Although busy downstairs and outside, it was not that busy inside upstairs. Our waitress not only was inattentive but was not friendly. Food took an extra long while and some young kid just dropped it on the table. We couldn’t even order a second sangria because the waitress wasn’t around. Very bad business not to have high margin products at the ready for the customer. I like the place and will return but hope the service improves.
… moreMikey P.
I had lunch here on Sunday. When the three of us arrived around 3pm the restaurant was very lively and busy. The hostess told us it would be an hour wait, so we went out back on the dock and sat in rocking chairs. I stopped at the bar to pick up two vodka sodas, priced at $11 each, not bad.
Our table was ready for us within a half an hour. We were seated right along the water near the dock we were already relaxing on. Our waitress was great. Food was delicious. Twin lobster rolls with french fries is definitely a steal. They are priced based on the market. I think this time it was $29. All the mussels were plump and fresh. The Blackened Mahi chunk was a little small on my brioche bun, but very good.
Always a fun atmosphere & with live music (a little loud for conversation if you are seated nearby). See you soon PG!
… moreOur table was ready for us within a half an hour. We were seated right along the water near the dock we were already relaxing on. Our waitress was great. Food was delicious. Twin lobster rolls with french fries is definitely a steal. They are priced based on the market. I think this time it was $29. All the mussels were plump and fresh. The Blackened Mahi chunk was a little small on my brioche bun, but very good.
Always a fun atmosphere & with live music (a little loud for conversation if you are seated nearby). See you soon PG!
karissa delphus
I just had my baby shower here and did most of my communication through Lauren, and I can’t say enough how much the location, food, staff, and atmosphere earned 5/5 stars! Everything was amazing and so easy to coordinate, the staff was attentive without being intrusive on the event whatsoever, and everything went more smoothly than I could’ve hoped. No hesitation, I would recommend booking a private event with this location.
… moreEmily V
I attended a bridal shower on the 3rd floor of the proving ground. What amazing food and service. Every detail was perfect. We had bottomless champagne and orange juice. Buffet was hot and fresh. 5-star food! What was that amazing salad dressing!?? Don’t get me started on how delicious the stuffed French toast was. Our room had access to a private outdoor deck and we had our own bathroom. After the shower we went down to the the lower level huge bar. Great service again! Awesome water views. The Proving Ground is a MUST for anyone visiting the area!
… more