Laylow Cocktail Lounge — Restaurant in Asbury Park

There’s not too much that shouldn’t be praised about Laylow. The ambiance, aesthetics, and strategically thoughtful nuances are visible even before you enter their door through Reyla. Once you enter their space it’s obvious you’re somewhere very different than anything that resembles a typical New Jersey dining/cocktail scene. The details of this place are beyond applaudable. CD albums for menus and cassette covers for check presenters are only a couple of the noteworthy features of an experience that convey how much thought, care, and concern went into every facet of it. The cocktails were admittedly not much of a surprise as Barrio and Reyla have had a noteworthy cocktail program since their inception and this new space only reaffirmed why they are who they are. I feel like I’d be wasting time talking about the cocktail list at Laylow because if you haven’t been to either of their other two restaurants then you’re two books behind and you have some reading to do. Reflecting on the entire experience, it wasn’t the decor or cocktails that actually impressed me the most. Oddly enough it was the service. From the moment I walked through Reyla and was greeted by the woman monitoring the entrance to Laylow there was professionalism. She didn’t just take my name, number, and issue me onward like cattle. She greeted me with a smile and explained why their was a waitlist. They don’t wish to overcrowd their space in the interest of preserving an atmosphere that clearly took much time to create. Understandable and appreciated! Once I arrived downstairs I was immediately greeted by two staff members who directed me to a comfortable table. My server Mike arrived shortly after and talked me through the cocktail menu detailing their characteristics and directing me toward the proper drink for me. I proceeded to have two others and I was all the better for it. Laylow does offer a small menu from the Reyla/Barrio kitchens but I did not try it during my visit. I’ve eaten enough food from both of their prior establishments to know the standards of excellence don’t begin or end with the cocktails... trust me, the food is amazing. This place deserves and will command all of the attention of the Jersey Shore dining culture. They changed the game with this one and raised the bar beyond what we’ve seen before. Asbury has officially been...

Laylow initially charmed with its hidden location, the novel CD case menus sparking intrigue, and a truly unique atmosphere that beckoned exploration. Eager to delve deeper into what it offered, a return visit was definitely on the cards.

However, the experience took a sharp downturn upon encountering the hostess – the establishment's gatekeeper and the final point of contact. For such a pivotal role, the lack of warmth, let alone genuine customer service, was jarring. Approaching to add my name to the waitlist, I maintained a respectful distance, yet the interaction felt immediately uncomfortable. The aggressive snatching back of the tablet felt reminiscent of a Seinfeldian mishap, leaving a distinctly awkward impression.

Despite the initial setback of being told there was no immediate availability, I accepted it and placed my name down for later. After enjoying a drink elsewhere, a text message signaled my turn. Returning with anticipation, I was met with a curt dismissal – I was supposedly too late. While I refrained from arguing, expecting perhaps a slight concession or an indication of how long the wait might realistically be, I was met only with an unwavering stance and an uncomfortable silence. Choosing not to dwell on the impasse, I redirected my evening to the welcoming ambiance of Lola's. The takeaway? A memorable atmosphere can draw you in, but it's the quality of service and the cultivation of returning customers that truly determine longevity. Still, those CD case menus were pretty cool.

Take-two Update: Determined to embrace Laylow, I ventured back, hoping for a different outcome. This time, I started with a drink at the upstairs bar and added my name to the list. Noticing the use of a tablet to save guest profiles sparked a thought: with the effort to retain such data, shouldn't there be a corresponding effort to recognize and perhaps prioritize returning patrons? Unfortunately, a sense of pretentiousness permeated the air, and the initial intrigue ultimately faded into boredom. It became clear that the management needed a significant shift in focus. Ultimately, the connection didn't click. It wasn't the concept, Laylow, it was the execution. Two stars....

Laylow is a No-Go I ate an amazing dinner last night at Reyla. My partner is Syrian so the Mediterranean menu offered everything we know and love and the food was really some of the best we've had.

However, the nonsense waiting list process to get into Laylow is absolutely ridiculous. We're in Asbury, not NYC! We sat at the bar for about 2 hours eating and spent over $200. After dinner we wanted to go downstairs for an after-dinner drink. We were not familiar with the process and asked an employee where the door was. Eventually, we spoke to the host/manager who said he would try to get us downstairs because there was a 3-hour wait. In the meantime, as someone came out the door, we walked in. We had no idea that this place thinks they are Studio54. We sat at the bar and the manager came down and removed us saying he had people waiting and would try to find us a spot. I just don't understand this silly limited guest policy. And especially, if you're coming from the restaurant, you should be granted entry right away. Total lack of customer service and trying way too hard to be something they're not. You're just a lounge in Asbury. As someone who lives local and has been coming to Asbury for most of my adult life, it seems more and more places are catering to the out-of-town crowd and they forget about their bread-and-butter. We are the folks who still show up on a random weeknight in the dead of winter. I suggest remembering who helps keep the lights on.

Laylow, you're just not all that. We moved on to Lola's which I've watched grow from an unknown coffee and gelato shop into a thriving and vibrant bar scene. Friendly staff, amazing drinks and fun guests - we always make a new friend or two when we're there. Laylow should take a look at Lola's playbook.

Won't be back and unfortunately this tarnished my feelings about...