New Jersey Restaurant Pet Peeves, Idiosyncrasies, Humorous Musings, etc

Has anyone mentioned “PARKING” yet? I’m now an older gentleman who appreciates shorter walks.

I find (to my dismay) that I am heavily influenced by the availability of parking. There are places that I’d happily frequent if I could only reliably park. There are a number of places in Asbury that I quite like but have fallen out of the rotation because of parking.

And conversely there are places that I frequent more for convenience than the absolute quality of the food.

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Lighting. Either too dark or too bright. Is it that hard to figure out?

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Yes! I have stopped going to a lot of restaurants in Montclair because of the lousy parking situation (especially in the winter time). Who wants to walk several blocks in the cold, rain, and snow? I would rather go to a restaurant that has their own parking lot, or at least plenty of available street parking. Most of the parking spots in Montclair are permit only spots.

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Millburn comes to mind.

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Parts of Red Bank could be a contender for this too. Parking in that huge lot behind Dublin is usually OK but a few blocks depending on where you are headed.

We lived in Montclair before moving to Monmouth County. However we seldom ate in Montclair. We were regulars at places like Pal’s Cabin (West Orange); The Star Tavern (Orange); what is now Matthew’s Italian (Clifton).

The other side of that coin were places like Osterio Giotto (sp?), Next Door; etc. Bloomfield Avenue makes a very poor restaurant row.

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Mc Loones - anything

(yes that’s it that is one of NJ Pet Peeves)

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+1 on this. I can’t stand parking situations. I think I may have mentioned this.

The only place I’ve ever taken my z06 to is beach tavern in Monmouth beach. Giant parking lot, rich neighborhood

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I miss Ship Ahoy…we left a couple years ago when my daughter got older…just didn’t use it as much as any more. Great food though from Tavolo

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We were neighbors!! We used to belong to Surf Rider and like you we left when the kids got older. Now that the kids are “older” (20 & 22) it’s not so awful hanging out with the "rents’ and enjoying their luxuries we joined Deal Casino. (much better amenities than Surf Rider, pre-Sandy we left before the rebuild and substantially cheaper we couldn’t be happier there)

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Wow it is much cheaper. What is the vibe like there compared to surf rider? Feel like whole deal with the beach clubs is joining one alongside people you are
Already friends with so that would be my only reservation if we weeew to ever join. Do they allow booze?

Yes the food is one of the best parts when we get to visit. Initially expected crappy snack stand quality and was very pleasantly surprised. Haven’t visited the spot in FH yet though somehow

You should try it…we go sometimes on Thursday nights for dinner specials in house…you can reserve a table, BYO. Food is very good. They change the menu each week (dinner specials Thu-Sat) and offer it take out as well.

Last week’s menu

Not providing little spoons for oyster accoutrements.

Not providing a place to put my used tea bag.

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Not providing bowls to put your mussel or clam shells in, or spoons to eat them with (to pick up the sauce).

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How about the words “local” and “sustainable” on the places that claim to be “farm to table?”

Who defines how far away something has to be grown to be condisdered local? Who defines if harvesting an animal is sustainable?

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Charging for bread ? 99% of restaurants provide bread and butter as a courtesy
Whats up with that 1% that needs to charge?

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How about charging a fee for using a credit card at time of payment? Wouldnt that be best worked into the cost of the meal rather than have that eyesore itemized?

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I’ve seen some restaurants charge as much as $9 for a couple of small pieces of bread. That is ridiculous, especially for something that used to be given away for free.

I understand there’s a lot of waste with a bread basket, but I wouldn’t mind a small (FREE) basket with refills if it’s empty.