Labrador Lounge

This is so hard for me to write because the menu is creative and there is so much potential. Let me preface the review by stating that we have been on a very tight budget due to a downsizing so choosing a restaurant when we go out has become a big decision. We are also food service sales people, live locally and there are many other restaurants in the area to choose from. So, it’s a Saturday night, finally some nice weather and we decide to eat out. I know I want a creative, unique menu with a beachy vibe so we head over the bridge into Seaside/​Lavalette area. there are newer restaurants with good reviews to the left and right. I remind my husband that once we go over the bridge a couple of the restaurants are only BYO. We stop at the first liquor store and I pay $ 5 more for my fav chardonnay. Ok, whatever. We pass another good BYO/​Italian and decide to keep going to the Lab Lounge. We have been here before and I remembered if you do not have a reservation you somehow feel you will be punished. The hostess says «you didn’t call before? you’ll have to sit outside». We look around, there are tons of empty tables but outside is fine. There are heaters, you can smell the ocean air and people are dressed in beach type attire. Perfect. They put the booze in an ice bucket and the waitress came over right away and told us the specials-​which almost made me salivate. We decide to try the monkey bread since proceeds go to the wait staffers insurance benefits; sounded like a good cause. I decide to go with the encrusted cod over some delicious sounding rice and asparagus and my husband went with the short ribs. So here is the food review; the monkey bread came out in a hot skillet with a delicious sauce over it-​very good. I was upset when I saw my cod. I had imagined a thick, white moist fish topped with the crust she had described. Instead it looked like fish portions that had been fried too long and I cut into it and it was so dry. Could it be my biggest fear as a food service sales person that it was a prepared product? I’m still hoping not. I look to the left at the other table and I see the coconut shrimp-​another fearful item for me to order and it is dark brown and the guy calls the waitress over and says he can’t eat it-it’s over cooked. I despise darkly fried food and am happy I didn’t choose it. I look at my husband, who is such a nice guy he will not say, but he is moving his items around the plate with a fork. There is one short rib, some sort of kale, cabbage salad, and I kid you not-​a small, burnt sweet potato. I don’t know if I can say the prices in the review but the total bill with 20% tip was $ 80-​two entrees, no alcohol. I am still so disappointed.

Recently dined here for Jersey Shore Restaurant Week after an extended absence. I was very disappointed for myself and my guests who had never eaten here. My appy was the short rib w/​naan bread which did not arrive hot but I excused this flaw. However, both my friend and I ordered the Artichoke Encrusted Salmon which was not hot. My salmon was not cooked and the potatoes and veggies for both of us were extremely under cooked. In their defense, they did replace the dishes with cooked food; my friend still considered the potatoes under cooked. My husband had the rack of lamb which was the portion of an appy. Quite frankly, if a restaurant is going to participate in restaurant week, they shouldn’t downsize their entrée portions. The acoustics had changed as well; our conversation was barely audible to each other at our table. This was reportedly due to the tin ceiling installed after Hurricane Sandy. Our waitress was patient but she seemed to steer clear from us as the night wore on. We had a later seating but I don’t think the quality of the food we were served should have suffered. Will think long and hard about re-​visiting this restaurant again.

I know this is not an OMG the food is amazing but I have never had a bad meal here. For the most part the service is always good. They honor their reservations and the BYO makes it a nice touch. We have always enjoyed their salads, fish, and other caribbean/​asian fusion type dishes here. Their meat dishes have been tasty as well. I enjoy the outside area that although on a busy summer road it maintains a quiet off the beaten path feel to it. I don’t care for the indoor seating which seems more claustrophobic to me. Down at the shore this is one of your better choices for dinner.

Been going here for 6 – 7 years now, and I agree with others that food and service are not what they once were. It’s still good, but no longer «great». Perhaps a victim of its own popularity, it’s no longer a 4 – 5 star place, but a solid 3-​star choice. The sushi isn’t bad, but if it’s sushi you’re after, there are now better choices nearby. Outside seating is fun. Service is pretty bad, inattentive, detached, etc. food is ok, prices are on the high side.

Sorry to report that over the past two or three years we’ve noticed a steady DECLINE in the quality of both food and service at Lab Lounge. Where once we proudly touted it as one of the very best at the Jersey Shore, I now have to admit that our last several visits have been less than satisfying, and has encouraged us to seek new pastures.
The service, which was rarely something to rave about, has really slow to a snail’s pace. Last time there (Labor Day Weekend) we had to wait over twenty minutes for the check we requested. Not only were we antsing to go by that point, but our table remained out of service for the next round of diners.
Perhaps the owners’ eateries up in Asbury and elsehwere are distracting her from this, her first venture, but I have to say I’ll surprised if my family and I return.

Sushi was pretty good, server was great. Started with edamame — good and portion was large. Had a few beers with dinner — BYOB — sat outside and walked up street and relaxed on beach after dinner. All in all a good experience.

Somewhat disappointed at Labrador last night. Tuna was overcooked after requesting rare. But more upsetting was the service… plates were taken away while some were still eating. At end of meal when we asked to wrap some leftover steak, waitress acted like we were crazy. Have been going to Labrador since it opened and to Karma before that, hope some adjustments are made. Used to be one of our very favorites!

Wow just wow! Loved the creative, healthy, colorful menu! What s gem at the Jersey Shore! Make reservations! We went on Monday and there was an hour of waiting! They get very busy for all good reasons. Get dressed up ! Big outdoor seating! Super cool place! And food is the best thing! It’s BYOB, so come prepared. Nice bottle of wine will go well with the dinner.

So after a 2.5 hour sit at our table, no refills on our drinks, only one check in from the waitress and being overcharged for the small fried ice cream scoop… we have this to say… ordered the grilled avocado app… had no flavor, the hubs got one of the house specialities with chicken… he said it was good, spicy and flavorful. I ordered the Ono salad with a crab cake on the side. Both appetizers but sounded appealing. The crab cake tasted more fishy than a can of tuna smells. Couldn’t hide the taste with the side sauce it came with so I gave up. We should note that while we waited (a long) time for our meals the other meals coming out of the kitchen looked amazing. Prior to our meals arriving we talked about going back to try the steak and the burrito… after our meal we decided we would not go back.

Been here a few times with the family. Everyone was happy with what they ordered. Food tastes fresh and well portioned and prepared. Servers were very attentive and staff friendly.

Great quality food. Simple fresh ingredients. Recommend this to anyone will be here again.

When we arrived, the staff was friendly and we were seated right away. Actually, they pointed to the table and said that’s your table over there and we seated ourselves. This place is a byob, so the waitress brought us an ice bucket for our wine, but we had to cork it… The food was hit or miss. Some things we ordered were good, while the others were not so good. The seafood tasted frozen and the salsa verde tasted like it came out of a can. With forks in our hand, clearly still eating the bus boy wanted to take our plates. We told him we were still eating and he came back two minutes later to ask again to clear our plates– guess they were In a rush to get us out of there and close so we just let him take them. At the end of the meal, i excused myself to use the rest room… The public bathroom at a gas station is cleaner than this place– it was disgusting.

Disappointed! The last I was here was probably 4 or 5 years ago during the summer months, and I absolutely loved it. I was thrilled to be returning for a January winter beach birthday getaway, and unfortunately it did not meet my expectations.
Sat my party of 4 at a table right next to the door. I understand this is a summer establishment at the Jersey shore, but if you’re going to be open year round, maybe work on some better insulation. I was literally shivering my entire meal.
Started with the calamari, which couldn’t get any smaller or chewier. Practically needed a microscope and tweezers.
Decided on the shrimp enchiladas with red sauce. Lots of tiny shrimp, giant hardy portion. But the sauce was… intense. It was like the heaviest, thickest, mode acidic tomato sauce ever known to man. I have never in my life suffered from heartburn, but the burning woke me up at 3am leaving no mercy upon me.
I wish I could have relived my delicious experience from many years ago, but unfortunately just left disappointed and in need of a Zantac.

It was a dark and stormy night. The road was lined with orange construction barrels for miles. Or so it seemed. My daughters and their friend liked the place when we got inside. Interesting to me was that they tried to figure out the «vibe». Their conclusion: it’s an Asian, seafood, dog, Hawaiian restaurant. In the car on the way home, they settled on «American». Call it what you like. I’m going back.
Servers were awesome. Friendly, attentive, not overbearing. BYOB.
We shared the chicken nachos and the Mac-​n-​Cheese with chorizo, a special. The nachos were good. Spicy. The Mac was rich and creamy. (Must be a theme, had some at Huntley Taverne, Summit, NJ, last week. They added in pulled pork.). Anyway, when we saw another diner eating the rib-​eye, we all decide to share 2 entrees. Older kids shared the skirt steak. No complaints. Younger daughter and I split the ribeye. Should have asked for the topping on the side, but that’s on me, not them. The steak was plenty for 2. I’m going with 4 stars.

Our favorite place on the Jersey shore! Not the normal jersey shore fare. Love the buffalo calamari and last time enjoyed one of the sushi specials to start. We enjoy the fresh fish selections goma maguro and the Caribbean vacation. Recently, we had a ribeye special that was cooked perfectly to our request for rare and med rare. Staff are great and have been there a number of years. Byob and they will provide a bucket with ice for chilling your wine. Outside covered dining available.

The locals and the tourists agree, this place is and has always been delicious and authentic! Eclectic menu and great specials. Staff is always welcoming and friendly and atmosphere is totally laid back– just how you want to feel on vacation!

The décor and atmosphere was super weird. but the service was excellent.
The chicken enchiladas (with the spicy sauce) were good, but not great. I feel like if they put onions or had salsa or something, just to spice it up a bit, it would have tasted great. I was disappointed to give the Labrador Lounge a 3 star. Hopefully, next time I come, it will be better.

How this place doesn’t have a 5 star rating is beyond me because its truly the best! Cute décor, great service, and one of the top places to get Mediterranean Cuisine.
They have both outdoor and indoor seating and to top it off its a BYOB! Great place for dates, family gatherings and dinner with friends. I am from Northern Jersey and have taken the trip to Normandy for the day just to come here, yup, its that good!
The menu they have to offer is what truly makes them unique in every way.
They present the food beautifully! Some of it looks go gorgeous I don’t want to eat it! (But of course I do because its amazing)
The sushi is always fresh and the Edamame is also a nice little treat to snack on.
As am appetizer, I highly suggest getting the Mediterranean Platter!
It comes with mixed greens, feta cheese, hummus, toasted garlic pita bread, roasted red peppers, grilled onions and cucumbers. Just trust me when I say you won’t be dissapponted!
For dinner, I always enjoy the Tuscan Chicken. Which is organic pan seared chicken, with sundried tomatoes, asparagus, sautéed aruglala, lemon artichokes, smoked mozzarella, in a white wine glaze over linguini pasta.
So if your in the area, stop down and enjoy this lovely resturant because it truly is the best!

Great food, byob, zagat rated. Everything is great and homemade! They have seafood, Italian, and Mexican as well as homemade fresh sushi! It’s unique but a must try. It’s strange inside, and the food choice is odd but everything is great. Must make reservation!

My experience here improves every time– from 2 stars, to 3, to now a cautious 4. I’m starting to get their description of «vacation cuisine» and their kooky atmosphere and just kind of laugh it off.
We went as a party of 5 after a day of restoring the shore. It’s so nice to see local places like this open again. Everyone seems really happy to be here and there is alot of optimism which is never a bad accompaniment to a meal!
We started with a bunch of apps– calamari (best with hot sauce and blue cheese), lobster roll sliders (great lobster salad– would’ve liked just a little bit more), lobster Mac and cheese (nice and creamy, hot and fresh), and a special salad (I don’t know why places bother serving anemic tomatoes. The only disappointment).
Our entrees continued on a high note. I especially like how their sides aren’t just an afterthought (the usual starch and mixed vegetable nonsense). My special consisted of big tender scallops with warm quinoa, beets, fiddlehead ferns, and peas drizzled with a blueberry vinaigrette. Whaaat! Like all my favorite things, and they worked well together. Was filling but not gross at the same time. Others had soft shell crab with another inventive warm side salad, short ribs, tuna, and filet. Everyone was really happy and we took most of it home since the portions were huge and we stuffed ourselves with apps.
We heeded my prior review and went for dessert elsewhere but overall had a great experience and will definitely be back! Good dog!