The Anchor's Bend - Asbury Park

No doubt Anchor's Bend has it's inconsistencies in terms of service and cuisine. But, with the right expectations going in, you find that you get what you need. We were just looking for a mellow spot to get out of the sun for a while close to the beach so we could rest our eyes and feet and still watch summer waning this Labor Day Weekend. This place on the North end of Convention Hall on the Asbury Park boardwalk was all that. A bit ramshackled with very high cement ceiling and floor, and aquamarine painted woodwork that had been through hurricane and nor'easter and August heat, the joint felt like a sailor's roost. Liked the vibe alot. Tank tops and flip flops were dressing up. We grabbed a wobbly high top along the north brick wall with a great view above North Beach. I already had a good latte from across the Hall, and my companion ordered a Laganitas IPA. Our several servers didn't seem to mind that was all we wanted as there was plenty of room in the early afternoon and they were more into socializing with the bartenders (don't blame them). Sure, that beer was a buck or two more than buying it at Canal's, but what is one hour of pleasant out of the sun mellow worth? Certainly the price of a day beach pass for the two of us. Especially, when considering all the great rockers who had been here doing the same thing during rehearsal breaks. Felt like the in crowd to me.

Last Saturday, I checked out The Anchor Bend while attending the Asbury Park Surf Rock Music Festival. From noon to 10pm, bands performed on a stage set up at the Bend's beach area. Beach chairs and benches were set up for festival goers. The hubs and I got there early and found seats near the outdoor adjacent to the bar/restaurant. (Shaded. Yes! Throughout the day, we ordered appetizers and drinks while we listened to music. It was fantastic. The Anchor Bend has various performances and events during the summer like this. I wish we knew about this earlier this year. So food and drinks very good but expect to pay a little more. The food is a little higher quality than your usual gastropub spot. Here are our recommendations: Anchor Fries. Large portion of seasoned fries (not quite steak fries, but larger cut potatoes that comes with a tasty sauce. Mahi Mahi tacos. I ordered this and thought they were tasty. You can get either fries or chips (tortilla on the side; go with the fries. Chips are homemade and good, but fries are just too good. Beach Body Burger. My dude got this and was content with his order. The menu says that you can make the order Vegan by having the burger over greens. I ordered Asbury Park Brewery Blonde. I stuck with this that day. Overall, a solid selection of beer on tap and bottled. Our waitress during the day was really good and attentive. Later in the day, it got super crowded and busy, so people were asked to place food and drink orders at the bar (food runners than brought your orders to you . The bartender that night was friendly, but at the receiving end of a mob of customers. I definitely would return and believe I will be back.

After dinner at Grand Tavern we headed to the boardwalk to check out the scene. After some walking and shopping around, our host brought us to The Anchors Bend for a drink with a view. I have to say the staff at the door was kinda rude on the way in. We had out ID's checked, and then bracelets from somebody else. They weren't pleasant at all and expected us to know that we had to go through the motions to get down to the beach area. Other than the entrance, I never went inside. Our host went to get everyone rum bucket and brought them out to us at a picnic table on the beach. The rum bucket was what you'd expect out of a bucket with rum and a bunch of fruit juice in it, but the backdrop was pristine. We were there at sunset and aside from the bugs, the view and weather were worth three stars alone.

Came here for dinner after a day at the beach. I had the pulled pork sandwich. The sandwich comes with chips and a pickle, fries were extra. The food is average at best and on the pricey side. I also had the bourbon blackberry lemonade, the drink was alright. With so many other options in Asbury this place was just okay. The service was lacking, it took our waitress about fifteen minutes to finally acknowledge us. I may consider grabbing drinks here in the future but probably won't be returning for dinner anytime soon.

Ehhh.... I'm generous with 3 stars. I am not impressed at all with the drinks and I have been here a few times. The drinks are weak, in small plastic cups and pricey! Sooo not worth it! Im not sure how this place is popular. Yes it's located on the beach ... there is an area you can sit on the sand and drink but you can't eat out there. I've tried the Tito's Texas Lemonade $10... and I've had the Cruzan Rum Punch that come in a beach bucket $17.... like I've said I'm not impressed with their drinks at all I tried their Poke Bowl... and it was also just ok. Probably won't order it again. I enjoyed the views from our table otherwise !