Iron Whale

We visited Iron Whale for an early dinner on a Saturday. This is a nice, oceanfront restaurant with 2 outdoor spaces. One with an ocean view on the boardwalk and the other on Ocean Ave. This is where we sat and still a great vibe. We were seated immediately, so I didn’t get a good look at the inside of the restaurant. Seemed like a nice place for a date night. Cocktails were impressive. Quite creative, tasty and surprisingly strong. Food highlights for me were the Jerk Mahi tacos and the Caesar salad. The salad had shaved Brussels Sprouts in it and the dressing was awesome. The service was…eh. When we had our servers attention, they were really nice. The problem was trying to find them at times and when we would ask for certain things, it took longer than it should. The food arrived quick after ordering, but took a while for us to actually order. Overall it was a good time and a great night to dine outside. As a seafood lover, I loved the menu and I would go back to give the service another try.

Excellent location with the ocean view. Huge indoor and substantial outdoor seating. On a Friday afternoon we had to wait 20 mins for an outdoor seating when we stopped by at 12:50 pm. They take your phone number and text you when the table becomes available - convenient (you can take a stroll y the ocean while waiting). The food was ok. I took off one star because the apple salad was a bit dry (i had to ask for extra dressing and it mad it better) and the crab cake could have been a little bit a bit better (also slightly dry in my taste). Otherwise we enjoyed our lunch. The server was great!

Absolutely underwhelming. The water tasted like toilet water. The salmon tacos were extremely under seasoned. The pork tacos were alright but I asked for avocado & was charged $2 for three slices. The sodas were flat!! Nick our server was extremely attentive & nice. The atmosphere was beautiful. NOT WORTH THE MONEY!!!!!!

Awesome atmosphere and great drinks! I had a margarita that was made from scratch (no sour mix), and a fantastic IPA. The happy hour specials were awesome, lots of food and drink options at reasonable prices. Overall, I loved the atmosphere and drinks here!

So good we had to come back the next day. The menu is full of quality dishes and appetizers. Ordered multiple fish entrees plus raw oysters and was very pleased. Great drink selection as well. The indoor dining area is very moody and modern, overall a very enjoyable experience.

Had lunch here after spending time at the beach. Great atmosphere and service. We were two of us and were seated at a table where we were next to each other, I really liked this concept instead of the face to face seating at a table for 2. We got two beers on tap, first two in the list, both were great. We started with fried calamari which was served quite quickly. For mains, we had banana foster French toast which was excellent and the crab cake sandwich. I love crab cakes and I loved it even more in a sandwich form as the bread, veggies and sauce added more flavours to the taste. It came along with some greens and pickle. The restaurant was busy, but the servers were efficient and attentive and there was never any wait. The outside section is dog friendly, we usually get our dog along, so this arrangement is helpful for future visits.

Kayla the waitress is the most professional waitress to the standard. The food omg if I could kidnap the Chef i would. Everything was spectacular. The viscosity of the sauce in the risotto is Devine , the scallops fell apart in my mouth, the ratio cheese to sauce . The lobster rolls are to die for , the Mussels and fries are absolutely delectable. The Mussels are on steroids. Thick and juicy. I will definitely be back as this is now my summer go too. Take all my money!!!Scott is a amazing managers very friendly, assured our service was a1 throughout the whole experience. Keep these type of people around. Now I have to wait in the parking lot to kidnap the Chef.

So we stopped in for a meal post beach... highlights were service ( James & newbie, Saleem), the bread appetizer, drinks, and atmosphere. Presentation is beautiful. Lobster mac & cheese & crab cakes were delicious, along with truffle fries. Unfortunately, the NY strip and Grass-fed burger were flavorless, juicy but no flavor at all. Brussel sprouts were ok. I imagine being a seafood focused restaurant makes sense but then should perhaps consider ribeye steaks so more natural flavoring can help. Burger? Well, a tiny bit of salt and pepper would go a long, long way, not to mention a fresh brioche bun. Dont get me wrong, we still enjoyed it ( used the appetizer butter to flavor the steak and I'm taking burger home to season up a bit tonight for a snack).

I was there on the 15 of July , with friends . Jamie was our server and he was fantastic had great knowledge of the menu very friendly excellent service.the food was delicious and we can't wait to go back . Lucille

We've been to Iron Whale multiple times and have really enjoyed the experience--especially the creative cocktails, variety of adult dishes, and the thoughtful kids menu. I've even left positive reviews in the past. This note is just to offer a few suggestions to help improve what's already a great spot. First, a request on behalf of the younger diners: please bring back the hot dog from the kids menu! It used to be a standout and we miss it. Second, some feedback on the tofu used in salads and the street corn tacos. The tofu currently retains too much moisture--it would benefit from being pressed longer to achieve the firmer, crispier texture that works best in these dishes. The presentation could also be improved. Rather than serving large slabs, consider cubing and crisping the tofu for salads, and using a tofu crumble for tacos. These simple changes would really enhance the texture, appearance, and flavor. I genuinely appreciate that Iron Whale offers a vegetarian menu with real vegan-friendly options, including the ability to add tofu to salads--which many restaurants still don't do. That said, since you've taken the great step of including these options, I'd love to see them executed with the same care and detail as the rest of the menu. Thanks for all that you do--we look forward to coming back!

Their overall numbers say it all. Although they use to make a very decent red sangria, it's long gone. The new version is dumbed down and just ho hum. Their chilled shrimp at $4 per use to be great as well, no more as they are smaller and water logged. Just like the last time I ordered them a couple of months ago. Bar staff and service was just fine but can't makeup for the food and drink here. Bottom line: just okay.

I'm in asbury in the summer almost every other weekend. Whenever any of the lovely restaurants are booked up, iron whale always has availability and if they don't it's worth the wait. The food is always phenomenal. The seafood pasta and the tuna tartar is a must. Service is spot on, very professional & quick. Better than A&P rooftop. The food is better than the views from upstairs don't let that steer you. Can't wait to come back!

Three stars for the three main things I loved about Iron Whale: 1) Our amazing server Jen who was prompt, caring, kind, and overall wonderful. 2) The unbeatable boardwalk location with views of the ocean and great people watching. 3) The truffle parm fries which were legitimately incredible. I don't think that's a secret, as these fries headed over to literally every single table I saw. Otherwise, Iron Whale is mostly a miss of unflavored fish, a middling menu, and "crowd pleasing" vibes that result in a less than remarkable dining experience. Not to be brutal, but I have had better tortillas from the grocery store and the pan fried tilapia I make from Trader Joe's packs more of a punch than the cod on my taco dish. My date got the shrimp tacos and had the same feedback. Overall, a great place for snackies and a beverage. Honestly - you're not coming to Asbury Park for a foodie experience anyways, and if you have unadventurous eaters in your party, this will get the job done for convenience. Jen took this from a two star to a three star and is truly an exceptional server! Would come back for post-beach snacks.

Woah! My mother in law decided to stop in while enjoying a day on the boardwalk and I'm so glad we did! There was a good amount of outdoor seating without allowing it to feel overcrowded like some other restaurants seem to be. There was plenty of room on the patio with a beautiful view! We enjoyed a couple of glasses of their exclusive wine which was such a fun touch! I enjoyed the Brussels Sprouts and Kale Caesar Salad with blackened salmon - I was beyond impressed! Our waitress, Kiera, was so sweet and really made sure that we enjoyed our lunch.

The room was great on a summer Saturday. Very comfortable. Food on the other hand was not Medium hamburger served rare. Pasta overcooked Waiter was nice but couldn't have cared less about the 2 of us. So many great spots within feet of this place. This is a hard pass for a second visit

Stop by for a late lunch for two and only ordered some starters and not a main course. Tried daily bread, calamari, and their mussels. My only beef with the service was that they delivered everything at once. Food got cold and the table was so cluttered we were reaching all over the place to grab food and put spent mussel shells in a bowl. I wish the server would have metered the dishes. The calamari was standard, nothing special except it was quite oily. The daily bread was awesome and we loved the bacon butter, fig jam and ricotta cheese spreads. The mussels were also a star, but I could have done without all the mayonnaise coating most of the fries. Good size and portion of mussels in a really flavorful broth. In all, a decent experience.

Necessity brought me to this seaside fly trap once again, sadly to find that very little has changed -- swift service hamstrung by a kitchen who thinks lukewarm fries and a soggy lobster "BLT" are mating calls to the trapped tourists who crowd the bar. Enjoy the beach view because you've earned it and are certainly paying for it.

We came here at 7pm on a Wednesday and wanted to sit outside with family we haven't seen in several years. There were 9 of us and it was a special occasion and we had planned to eat here after a nice day at the beach. We approached the hostess and requested a table outside for 9. She immediately said they don't have seating for 9 outside but they'll put us inside. We didn't want to eat inside. We could go anywhere and eat inside and look at walls. I wanted to celebrate outside with family I hadn't seen in years, and probably won't see for several more (or maybe ever) looking at the ocean. While we were speaking two men walked past her and sat themselves at a large table. I mentioned it and she ignored me. The hostess went to get her boss, the manager, a big bald guy with a huge attitude, condescending and aggressive. He was very abrasive and came out and said we could sit inside or in the front (with a street view) but they would not accommodate us on the boardwalk. Then he abruptly left. I didn't understand. There was one empty 4-top table and another getting ready to leave. I asked the hostess why they can't push those tables together. She said they can't do that. When I asked why, she said "it's policy". Very poor customer service, the equivalent of "because I said so." This place rubbed us all the wrong way. They are rude and abrasive and don't care about potential customers. They have really bizarre rules with no explanation. We were disappointed, but we moved on and ate at Robinsons Ale, a few places down and had a great experience there.

We visit Asbury often and had passed by Iron Whale but never stopped through. This time we decided to check it out since it's right on the boardwalk with beautiful views of the ocean. When we arrived, there was a 30-minute wait, so we walked next door to AP Rooftop a new rooftop restaurant for drinks; I'll give reviews on their website. No sooner than we sat down at AP to enjoy our drinks we got a text our table was ready. Once we were seated at Iron Whale, we enjoyed the view while drinking our cocktails. Drinks were cold and refreshing with just enough alcohol. Our Lobster grill cheese and Lobster Roll were delicious with lots of lobster meat no fillers. Each entrée came with fries and a pickle. Just enough to get us full. The prices are comparable to most restaurants in the area. The food was fresh, tasteful, and service was quick. Overall, an enjoyable experience.

Easily the best restaurant on the boardwalk! The food and drinks are always delicious. Service was great and the restaurant is super cute. They also have some unique vegetarian options. Would definitely recommend!

Right on the board over looking the Atlantic Ocean in Asbury Park, New Jersey, we had a lovely lunch at The Iron Whale! The menu is wide and varied with many fresh seafood options, but I went with the short rib grilled cheese on sour dough bread! Yum! My one friend went with a Brussels sprout and kale salad with salmon and my other friend went with the Thai grilled chicken sandwich. Bloody Mary's were a must. What a great lunch over looking the ocean!

Date night at Iron Whale was cuteeee. Martini with blue cheese olives & the crab cake app were 10/10. Could've ended the meal there with 5 stars. The entrees were good not great, especially the rigatoni. Flavor was nice but super overcooked pasta. All in all, a good date night spot.

Great for big groups! Food was good for big group! They all arrived at the table at a timely manner and warm food!

Don't go out of your way to eat here! We stumbled upon this place after exploring Asbury Park and the place seemed busy. We decided to eat inside because the wind outside was too windy. It was awkward from the start. They have tables that you sit only on one side which makes it difficult to have a conversation. The workers were friendly and attentive. The things I just can't get passed was the scratched up silverware and the scratched up walls and decor. This place is not cheap, food is higher than it should be and the taste is not up to par. Everything we ordered was tasteless. It came out hot and fresh, and even looked good, but the taste was very bland. My whole party felt the same way. The place seemed a little dirty probably because it must get slow here in the winters and everything gets musty and old from sitting all winter. You can see napkins piled up and supplies exposed, it's just not a higher class place they are trying to be. They have higher end prices without the higher end food or decor. You will see cooks hanging around the back taking smoke breaks too. Sorry, I give real reviews with my honest opinions. I would pass on this one mostly because the food was tasteless and expensive. I don't recommend.

"iron whale" known for awesome oysters, creative and delicious mahi and tuna entres, one of the best made cappuccino in nj, and chocolate tart. on boardwalk (asbury park, nj). Grilled fish- The fish entrees are a just enough portion gourmet style with creative made sauces. . service is with a smile in a hip scene for ambiance. outdoor seating available.

Host was nice despite us coming eat earlier than our reservation Which we originally wanted for outside but gladly took inside because we came here for dinner after a full day on the beach we were hungry and thirsty Drinks were delicious and strong Amalfi passion which was a combo of mezcal and tequila. It worked :) This restaurant had blue point oysters on raw bar and a dozen is not enough. Halibut special for dinner was good Buttery top crunch made it different in chorizo polenta. Dessert was great too tiramisu cake and chocolate torte was everything it sounded like Place was so good we came the next day for lunch and had some more Blue pointe oysters!! Also grass fed burger and some cod fish tacos Cool spot

This restaurant is directly on the Asbury Park boardwalk. They have a good amount of outdoor seating and a large indoor dining room. We came for a late lunch. To drink, I had the Pretty Fly for a Mai Tai. It wasn't quite as fruity as a traditional Mai Tai. It was sweet, but didn't have many discernible flavors. To eat, I had the brussel sprouts and kale caesar salad topped with tofu. It was a large portion size. The greens were fresh. The tofu was lightly grilled and could've used more seasoning. It was still a very satisfying salad. My partner got the grilled cheese and enjoyed it. Servers were attentive.

Make a reservation for Saturday or Sunday dinner wait time varies. Excellent food and service

Delicious beachfront restaurant in Asbury. Not too pricey compared to other locations here and the food was fresh and the service was quick. The mahi mahi tacos were cooked perfectly and the cilantro garlic sauce was so tasty and complimented the fish really well, especially when you squeeze the lime on top. The lobster roll was also super yummy. Our waitress Keira was super personable and such a sweet and fun person! I would definitely come back here.

I had dinner here the other evening by myself while traveling up the Jersey coast. Ambiance is very nice with low lighting and ocean views. Service was great and the manager even came around to talks to guests which was a nice touch. The cantarita margarita was a specialty drink on the cocktail menu, it was just ok. For dinner I had the char grilled oysters and angry octopus. The oysters were unfortunately not my favorite, the cheese and pepper taste was overbearing and there wasn't much oyster flavor - just room temp mush. The angry octopus was pretty good, the manager said it was a brand new menu item.

Really good place for food on the Asbury park boardwalk. Dog friendly on outside patio. Good food menu with lots of choices. I got the shrimp appetizer for a meal and it was filling and very tasty and my husband got the lobster BLT and liked it. All sandwiches come with a side salad and there is no substituting fyi.

this is our second timing having Mother's Day brunch and boy what a disappointment. Last year's was fantastic, the menu, the portions, the deserts. this year, they not only increased the price over $10 per plate but the portions were meager. we paid over $180 for two people and a toddler. and the 20% gratuity was automatically added. Plus they charge you for paying with a credit card. The food quality was diner at best and the desserts were terrible. I don't think we'll be back.

I've been here multiple times and the best advice I can give, is sit at the bar, if not they tend to forget about you because it can get crazy hectic, very quickly. Came here towards the end of happy hour, and had to stand around for a seat to open up. When it's not during the season, I'm sure seats are more accessible, but it was the start of MDW, so I wasn't surprised. The great food certainly makes up for it and well worth the wait. The ambiance is very beachy and the place is big, with two entrances on each side of the restaurant. Although convenient, it does contribute to waiting around for seats because people can pop in from the opposite side and steal seats at the bar.

Bartender was friendly and attentive while it wasn't busy. Drinks had a lot of ice. Ocean view dining and at bar. Only had the truffle fries which weren't great. Not edible without the ketchup. I will have to return for dinner and reserve my overall food review for then

Came here on a random double date night and we had such a good time here! Food was amazing, drinks were unique and our waiter was awesome! My gf took me here another time for HH and i remember them having amazing apps! Their dinner is even better! Decor is very cozy and beachy since theyre near the beach. Beautiful spot !

We were recommended to go to the Iron Whale by a local during our visit to Asbury Park. Not being from the area, I wasn't sure what to expect, and upon seeing Yelp's 3.9 star rating, my heart sank to my feet. I really thought I was going to be in for yet another gimmicky mediocre boardwalk tourist trap experience but this restaurant far exceeded my expectations! Our hostess was kind and went above and beyond to accommodate us. It was a sunny Sunday at the beach so naturally the restaurant was very busy. We opted for seating on the deck and I must say it was worth the half an hour wait. They have a great system where they text you which I found super convenient. The view outside was stunning, facing the ocean. We mostly went with small plates because neither me or my friend were feeling like chowing down on full size entrees. We started with the crab cake appetizer which was made super well. The crab cake was thick, chock full of crab meat and an appropriate portion. Corn added amazing texture and the remoulade was absolutely delicious. This dish was not just scrumptious but also a visual delight! We ordered the seafood platter which we also enjoyed very much. There is just so much joy to be found in a dish this interactive, where you have little bits and pieces to work through and put together. Oysters were fresh, large and shucked properly, served cold and super smooth tasting. The shrimp was fat and juicy, cleaned very well with enough lemon wedges and cocktail sauce to go around. We also ordered jerk shrimp and the seared ahi tuna. Both plates came in looking absolutely stunning. The tuba was so nice and pink I have never seen tuna in such a vibrant color before. The sauce with the tuna was just perfect, and the sear on the outside was just right. The jerk shrimp is probably one of the best preparations of shrimp I have had in a while - the seasoning was absolute perfection, and the pickled onions w cucumbers and that tangy sauce - every bite was a juicy delight. If you are visiting the boardwalk, I would say this restaurant is an absolute MUST! I am so sad to see such a low rating on a place that is serving up some banging food!

Service & staff were super nice here, restaurant adorable. We sat on the patio and it was clean, spacious from other tables with a great view of the water. The food was fine we got crab cakes to start, lobster Mac & cheese and linguini and clams. the Mac & cheese was watery and the rest of the food was typical boardwalk food bland & uninteresting. Not terrible but pretty pricey for the quality of the food. Drinks were okay, not too strong

Decided to eat here based on their gluten friendly reviews and wanting to try a new spot. The decor is very cute, classy without being overly fancy and very nautical (fitting for a restaurant on the boardwalk). We were seated at a half booth facing the bar - by that I mean you sit next to the person you're with which is nice for a date but maybe weird for a new friendship? I ordered a glass of Prosecco which came with someone else's lipstick on it ... and they never even addressed that. We ordered shishito peppers and a salad as appetizer. They split the salad in the kitchen which was nice. I ordered the halibut special and my husband ordered the burger. Both were okay, nothing exceptional. For dessert, we got the flourless chocolate cake which was creamy and delicious. We also got coffee which had a decent flavor but could've been much stronger . I had to send mine back . All in all it wasn't bad, but for the price I was left wanting more.

My friend took me to Iron Whale last night as a post birthday dinner. It was chilly so we couldn't sit outside but the interior was beautiful. The flower on the table was real ! And we were able to get a table that was facing the waters. Our waitress was personable and attentive. I will say while the ambiance was nice the food didn't hit a home run for us. My friend didn't like her oyster shooter. She wasn't the biggest fan of her oyster or pasta either. I ordered the shrimp tacos and thought they were just ok. Nothing special. The drink was also ok. I don't think I would come back here for the food, maybe to grab drinks at the bar. It also showed they had a rooftop but of course it wasn't open because of the weather.

I've had good experiences at the Iron Whale. The outside views are nice and the inside is spacious. Service has been consistent. I really enjoy the burger. I'll definitely be returning.

Stoped here when we were in Asbury. Great spot. Awesome decor. The staff was amazing and the food was so good I'll be stopping in soon again. I think my wife forgot her dress. Mahi sandwich was great

One of the best restaurants I've been to in awhile, including NYC. Gorgeous restaurant design and decor. Very attentive and kind staff. Lobster BLT was so much better than it needed to be!! Truly delicious flavor and I savored every bite. Moules frites were also great and the garlic aioli on top of was a good addition. Not the biggest portions in the world, so maybe order an extra side or appetizer, but the prices were totally reasonable for the quality of food, service and ambience. FIVE STARS across the board.

Food just okay. Diner food! Had the tuna melt ( tuna tasted like canned tuna), with truffle parmesan fries. Nothing special! Will not return. Service and ambiance was fine.

Our first time here for dinner. Attentive service with a very friendly waitress. We ordered the swordfish and the filet mignon, both were flavorful and good portions. The food came out pretty fast! Desserts were key lime pie and the cannoli cake, both delicious and generous slices! Ambience was modern with a subtle nautical theme, loved the lighting, music was not very loud and loved that it was all 80s!

This location on the boardwalk is awesome. We had a variety of food at our table including appetizers and entrees. The Cowboy Ribeyes were perfectly cooked and seasoned. The Halibut filet over risotto was very well done. Ceviche with shrimp, lobster and calamari did not disappoint. The service was fantastic and we never waited too long for anything. The service staff took excellent care of all our party. The ambiance and decor is well thought out. Allowing for the seashore vibe, the intimate table and the family style table all at once.

Expensive but worth it. Food, atmosphere, and service were all top notch. DEFINITELY a do over

One of our usual go to place for meals when we're in Asbury Park. The service was always good and the food was always delicious. It's a little bit pricier than other place but it's worth it. We had acorn squash kale salad and impossible burger.

This restaurant on the boardwalk of Asbury park was nice for a lunch with the family. Service was quick and pleasant. Food was very tasty but quite expensive even for a boardwalk restaurant. I would recommend if visiting Asbury park for the first time!

Well, after many very successful, delicious meals, I've come across a terrible dinner. I ordered the mixed seafood with Rigatoni. I specifically asked if the Rigatoni could be made al dente. I was assured it would be. When our entrees arrived, they were delivered by/accompanied by who I would assume to be the manager. He informed me that he personally instructed the kitchen to be sure to cook the pasta to al dente. Well it was not. In fact, it was so overcooked that the product ended up being mushy--almost falling apart. The clams in the mix were quite big for such a plate and there was an overabundance of mussels. This dish was awful. It was presented in a small bowl which wasn't very appealing. Furthermore the dish was not hot. I informed the server. He offered to replace it, but my dinner guest had already begun his meal. I hope the server informed the manager , but I am not sure he did, because I never saw him again. By all rights, this poor excuse for a meal should've been removed from the check. We are semi regular customers. Unfortunately I am not sure we wil will return. DiCosmo/Cumella

Man ! What is going on with restaurants these days . Makes me want to cook my own food. Three orders 1 good 1 bad 1 screwed up. Was better two years ago

My nephew and I are there on Saturday and we got spoiled scallops. Our waiter was superb but when I spoke with the restaurant manager he gave me the standard: we get them in fresh line. Which I would hope, however mine tasted like ammonia which is a classic sign / taste of bad seafood. He comped my meal but I felt he was a bit too cavalier with his response and interaction. Will never eat there again!

Tried the Iron Whale for my boyfriend's birthday, he got the seafood rigatoni which he thought was amazing. It looked very good and colorful. I just got a caesar salad which was alright. It was very dark inside and almost impossible to read the menu. Our waiter was nice and gave me a nice experience. It was good just wasn't my cup of tea.

Food was very good Our sever was very attentive and personable. The room decor was very nice, seats comfortable and was nice right down to the salt and pepper shakers Cocktails were good and desserts delicious

For lunch at the bar - Burger $18 - just ok. Not Four Winds. Fries extra $10! White wine by the glass $14+ so I had a Blue Moon $6. Service charge +2.5%. Bartender service was fine. I know it's a seafood place so go ahead and try those items - bring your wallet.

Very good place. Service, food & atmosphere were just great. We shared the beef empanadas which were delicious then we both had the Connecticut style lobster roll which was great as well. Beautiful views of the ocean. Great place.

I must start off with our server, Shannon, she was most definitely great! The food was good, but i didn't like how they brought ALL your food to you at once. We ordered a watermelon salad, the Fried burratta special, Ahi Tuna, which I asked for medium rare, it came over done, and we ordered the short rib papardelle. Food was good. Came out very fast, just all at once. See

Here for the Asbury Park Games! We had a party of 7, we seated very quickly. Busy busy place, our server was very attentive and kind. I got the smoked salmon, avocado toast; I wished I asked to have the eggs cooked a little more than just poached, but other than that, it was a pretty solid meal. It came with a mixed fruit. Would go again!