Garden State Distillery — Local services in Toms River

First time visiting, I love checking out local breweries, wineries, distilleries and seeing what everyone has to offer.

I heard nothing but rave reviews about the Old Fashioned here, and as a whiskey lover, had to check it out. Sadly, I think it was a very off night.

Good: Atmosphere was great, lovely decorating, live music was great and not too loud. Drinks overall are pretty good, can't deny it. The Old Fashioned was very smooth.

Bad: Really wanted to try my Old Fashioned smoked, but the torch was inoperable so couldn't. There was also a good amount of Maple syrup flavoring at the bottom of my drink once I finished, so the last swig was just maple flavored syrup which was upsetting. Also, was I charged for them to "smoke it"? No idea, no pricing on the drink menu, no itemized receipt. Kinda weird to me.. Also, comfortable seating is super limited and it became crowded shortly after we got there, so find the right time to get there or stand.

Overall: Underwhelming, sadly.. I'm sure I'll be back at some point later, and will update my review, but as it stands, was unfortunately...

The bartender was “shaking” my espresso martini like a toddler would so I asked, with a smile on my face, to “Shake it harder!” And he just laughed and kept tumbling it around as if it were some delicate gin spritz. So I continued, “No, that wasn’t a joke. Please shake it harder,” to which he responded, “No. I’m good.” He then had the audacity to try and pour his warm, froth-less, pre/bottles garbage for me and act as if his behavior was nothing short of absolutely horrible customer service. A customer asking for their martini “shaken hard” is not new, nor it is out of any real of possibility for any bartender. This was just straight up, unapologetic, defiance…and for no reason. Unacceptable. I have never, ever, in my life not tipped a service worker, until today; as I am absolutely appalled by his mother...

Wow! This place was amazing not only for their drinks but the service. I last minute emailed them asking if I could host a small party they not only accommodated the party but allowed decorations, balloons, food, and people coming in and out. They offered to setup a trash can in the room we were in to accommodate the garbage from the pizza and plates. They made amazing drinks and made sure everyone in our party was taken care of and always with a smile and personality. For some of our expecting mother guests they offered alternate drinks and consistently made sure the ice water dispenser was filled. I would go back in a heart beat and I loved that they also have the outside area too. I would highly recommend coming here for any birthday or even work event it was a great experience and we will...