Gaslight — Restaurant in Atlantic Highlands

Gaslight is really hit or miss--I want to like this place. Two stars because they have a great beer selection and the mixed drinks are very good. I would go to Gaslight for a solid Old Fashion or Manhattan. If you do end up choosing Gaslight (given the numerous other choices in Atlantic Highlands, Sea Bright, and Rumson)--I would suggest sitting at the bar (not the tables) as long as there are enough stools for your whole party. DO NOT expect to stand behind or next to a friend at the bar as this is unacceptable and the person standing will be told to leave. I assume this is coming from Management and not the bartenders.

During my last visit (12/23/16) we had just ordered drinks and were waiting for the last of our party to arrive. The restaurant was busy, but not overwhelmingly so given the time of year. After receiving our drinks the waitress came back and asked us for our appetizer and entree order. We were told that Management was very "serious about turning over the tables"--even though multiple tables in the restaurant were empty. We were not given the option of relaxing with our drinks and were pressured to order.

At that point we almost (read as: should have) asked for our bill (~$210 in the end sans tip), but everyone was hungry so we ordered along with an entree for our friend. The rest of the evening we had a very unhappy waitress--again, I'll assume, because of having to enforce Restaurant Policy or possibly the fact that she overheard us bitching about Restaurant Policy. Either way, after approximately 75 minutes we left full, but unhappy.

It's not surprising that the they also own the Copper Canyon next door. Family, friends, and coworkers have had terrible experiences with "Restaurant Policy" and turning over tables...

First the good. Beer selection was great. Lots of seasonal beers that are not often on tap as well as a good selection of local brews. Service was good, the server was knowledgeable about the beers and was able to steer my friend towards a good choice based on other beers he enjoys. Server was attentive, friendly, and personable.

Now for everything else. We arrived around 4:30 and were informed the dinner menu (which was what we were provided) wasn't available until 5. The server then came back and asked if we wanted appetizers (which was confusing when we were just told the kitchen wasn't open. We decided to order an appetizer (more about that later) but then I noticed some people at the bar with a burger (from the dinner menu). Not a huge deal but slightly confusing.

Food was boring and dry. Tried the wings and the burger. Wings were dry and needed to be doused in the sauces (hot and Korean bbq) to make them palatable. Sauces were unremarkable. Hot sauce seemed to be right out of a bottle. Burger was overdone when I cut into it (ordered medium), was dry, and lacked flavor. Bacon on the burger was not crisp and seemed reheated. Fries were pretty good and seasoned well but were brought down by how disappointing the rest of the food was. Food was definitely overpriced.

I would consider going back for some drinks but would...

Have enjoyed this venue numerous times. Kind of a regular. Have really enjoyed food, lamb burger, chicken tacos, both salads, many appetizers. Always order the Kentucky bourbon ale. Wonderful beer. Short ribs great and pasta. BUT yesterday, Mother's Day at 5 ish place empty and ordered two beers, walked to waitress and asked to change one of the beer orders to a white ale. Got special beef and broccoli. 25$ for beef dish and was upset when rec'd bill bec I was charged a fee of one dollar to switch beer before she started pouring. So, am now an unhappy customer. By the way, beef & broc was not med rare, but overdone and chinsey portion. Was enormously unhappy! Hope the one dollar goes a long way, cause this regular 2-3 times a week will be careful about her...