Robert Knott
Unfortunately what could have been an excellent experience was ruined by a pompous and arrogant chef who clearly doesn’t understand customer service.
I went to Rare with a group of 10 people for a dinner last night. We spent just over $800 on food and everyone enjoyed the meals they ordered. The problem came when I asked the waitress, who was less than personable to begin with, if I could have some bread with my entree (beef stroganoff) in order to eat it with the gravy. She said I could, but after nearly 10 minutes she returned to tell me that the chef said I could not have any bread because “it didn’t go with my dish”. What kind of arrogant person refuses a simple request for bread in such a rude way. Perhaps my taste isn’t as refined as this self proclaimed expert chef, but I’m pretty sure bread goes very well with gravy. I had no problem paying extra for bread, but to deny it outright because it “doesn’t go with” a meal I ordered is absurd. For the prices of the meals at this restaurant, all of which are overpriced, bread should be provided to the table as it is.
For a restaurant that clearly wants to control every aspect of their customers meal perhaps they should work a little harder on giving the guests the correct meals. They mixed up the steaks and did not give everyone the correct order when they brought the food to the table. A minor mistake, but when you’re going to act like fine dining perhaps you should get the basics correct first.
I will absolutely not be returning.
… moreDavid A. Krenkel, Esq.
Seems like the best steakhouses are found in places like Vegas, New York and other big cities. Well this place is the exception and brings the caliber of those high end steakhouses to the Jersey Shore. And it’s not just the steak that makes this place a great steakhouse. The bacon appetizer is a phenomenal starter, as well as the crab cocktail. You can’t go wrong with the mac and cheese, but the onion rings are the best you’ll ever experience. There’s plenty more on the menu. The inside decor creates a nice atmosphere. Great staff. It’s a BYO, which makes it even better.
… moreSteven Boyce
First time back to this BYOB steak house in over a year, won’t let this happen again… Enjoyed another great steak dinner, cooked just as we hoped/ordered. The deviled eggs are fantastic as was the escargot. Small, tasteful dining room and our server Michele was excellent.
… moreAlex Iatesta
Amazing food! We love coming here with friends, bringing some wine and enjoying amazing steaks and sides. Specials are so good, and I can’t speak highly enough of the staff. Everyone has always been so friendly and welcoming! Recommend spinach gratin, mac & cheese, and brussel sprouts as sides. Love this place!
… moreRetro Plays
I live in town and I took my girlfriend here for her birthday tonight. I saw this place get built and always saw the booming service it had. My expectations were high. Made reservations and the hostess was great no problems there. We got seated and we had a waitress Michelle. She seemed to be having a bad night or so I hope because she did not seem to care much about answering many questions we had and did not engage us or inform us about the place as first time customers which we stated. We got the mac which was good. My girlfriend ordered the filet (medium) and a burger (medium) for myself. Her steak was under medium but she still ate it. My burger was super well done. The bun was toasted to the point I questioned if the chef forgot about it on the grill. The burger was so charred that when I took a bite I it was crunchy and tasted like the grill. Did not even want to have it remade. In all honesty the best things were the pickles. Overall experience was dismal at most. I just wish they tried harder with customers and kept the atmosphere alive. For the price it is really not worth it at all. I’d much rather go a couple more blocks down to The Grand Tavern.
… moreErik Olson
Food was good, not great with below average service. Steaks, while pretty tasty, were medium well when we ordered medium rare. Not the quality of a steakhouse offering $60 steaks. Biggest problem tho is the lack of proper air conditioning. I’d prefer to not be sweating when I’m eating indoors in the middle of the summer. Please up the air conditioning for future customers.
… moreMike Grabowski
Nice atmosphere and great service. Unfortunately the food was not up to par. 2 Med-rare steaks were pretty much well done with a hint of pink in the middle. Server agreed and offered to exchange but we declined. Wife got very sick that night (believe it was from crab). Contacted the restaurant but they didn’t seem to care and no one ever got back to us. Maybe it was a bad night, who knows.
… moreRebecca Caplow
If I could give above 5 stars, I would!! Best steak I’ve ever had. Can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. The sides and appetizers are melt in your mouth worthy. Ali is the best server, so sweet, funny, and friendly. The whole staff, food, and atmosphere are can’t miss!
… moreJoseph A Barsalona
Eat there 3 nights ago. While the service was excellent the food was very disappointing. We ordeed steaks and a veal chop. After well over an hour all the meat came out significantly overcooked we ordered ours rare or medium rare and everything was well done. Our waitress had the kitchen redo them and after another 20 minutes the meals came out still not cooked as we requested but edible. The chef clearly was having a bad night. With the prices they charge probably will not go back.
… moreChristian Fernandez
Fantastic presentation and service. The staff was friendly and accommodating. The quality of the food they serve is phenomenal, as well as the consistency at which they are served. The steak was tender, juicy, and delicious. Finally, a great steakhouse in Monmouth county.
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