Despite working in Atlantic Highlands in one form or another for 10 years, last night was my first visit to On the Deck. I went with a friend who is a regular. They have both inside and outside bars and seating areas which overlook the bay and marina. I had been to their sister restaurant Off the Hook a few years ago and it was decent enough. Their menus are nearly identical.
The place was absolutely packed with a 30 minute wait for a table. We snagged the last two seats at the bar and grabbed a drink.
When we were called for a table, it ended up being inside but right at the windows with a perfect view (and air conditioning). We shared the lobster stuffed avocado which is one of their house specialties. Both halves of the avocado were loaded with crab meat, and not too much mayo and celery. This could have been a meal in itself. Very refreshing.
For meals, I had a crab cake sandwich and she had fried flounder. Mine was good-- not standout, but at least plenty of crab meat and definitely not frozen.
Like their other restaurant, you are there more for drinks and a view than food, but the food at least was above average. That lobster avocado is the real centerpiece of the menu. The rest of the apps would probably qualify as pub grub, and the sandwiches/entrees are run-of-the-mill for a waterfront restaurant on the bay.
I would return. It was nice to be part of a crowd.
