On the Deck — Restaurant in Atlantic Highlands

3 1/2 stars

If you couldn't figure it out from the name, this is a quintessential North Jersey Shore establishment right on the water (I think it's technically Sandy Hook Bay versus out-and-out Atlantic Ocean, but close enough), and a perfect location for a midweek meal during a nasty heat wave. The Millennial Chum and I stopped by for lunch on Wednesday after losing half our body weight in sweat on a bike ride from Keyport. This is a pretty regular spot for her, but I've also been here once or twice before. It was hopping when we got there (we had to push past one or two families lingering by the entrance waiting for a table) but we managed to procure two of the few remaining spots at the bar island outside.

The biggest issue by far here was understaffing. The bar area was teeming with people, and we both immediately noticed that there was only one bartender handling all of them, including nearby diners at the high-tops. Toward the latter half of the meal, I believe a busboy (definitely not a fellow bartender) came by to assist with the dishes/glasses), but the bartender was mostly on her own. I will say that when we interacted with her - and we always had to be proactive/aggressive in hailing her down - she was very professional. Even though she was clearly slammed, she kept it together, which is a tribute to her at least, but the restaurant itself really should have had that area fully staffed. That said, the only significant delay we really had was at the beginning when we wanted to order food; everything came relatively quickly in the grand scheme of things.

I'd been keeping very well hydrated during our bike ride due to an excellent water pouch, so I ordered a guilt-free cocktail - the Mermaid Juice, which felt like the appropriate beverage for where we were. As you can see from the attached, it's blue as one would expect, and it was legit boozy, which was a pleasant surprise. I think one of the reasons I've steered away from rum-based cocktails (besides the fact that I'm not 21 anymore) is because it tends to just be a sugary juice drink. That's not this. It's definitely not a drink I'd get on a regular basis, but for the early summer right by the water? Yeah. Doing it. Well made for what it was.

I was also a fan of the Broiled Seafood Platter for the most part. Everything was cooked and seasoned perfectly. The only section I wasn't crazy about (and this is a palate issue that I literally confirmed in the moment) was the scallops. I think they're just a LITTLE too briney/fishy for me. I don't mean that it was bad seafood at all though - taste and texture-wise, it's just not my jam. I like a lot of seafood, but oysters and now scallops are on the other end of the spectrum for me. Hopefully that makes sense. I thought the shrimp and flounder were quite good though, and I was surprisingly in love with the jasmine rice. That's another palate discovery for me; most people would probably say it was too soft/overcooked, but I was really into it and I'd honestly say it was the highlight of the platter for me.

The breakdown of the patrons here was interesting. I would have expected at least a few tourists on a super nice holiday like this, but it felt like close to 100% of the clientele was locals. In that regard, this might be a more under-the-radar place where you're at least not contending with random Sandy Hook visitors as much as nearby Jersey Shore residents relaxing and enjoying that view. Not a bad spot at all; hopefully they're more proactive in the future at keeping that bar...

On the Deck – Coastal Comfort with a Twin Touch of Excellence

Address: 10 Simon Lake Dr, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716 Cuisine: American Coastal / Seafood & Grill Ambiance: Casual Waterfront Dining Service Highlight: The Exceptional Twin Hosts

There are restaurants that serve food, and then there are places like On the Deck, where the experience becomes a vivid memory — seasoned with authenticity, warmth, and coastal elegance. Tucked along the charming marina of Atlantic Highlands, this unassuming gem delivers more than the classic sea breeze view; it delivers flavor, finesse, and hospitality at its finest.

What truly elevates the visit is the gracious attention of the twin servers — young, professional, and unmistakably in sync. Their welcoming smiles, intuitive service, and natural warmth added a level of attentiveness that would rival the white-glove charm of any fine dining establishment. They are not only a feature of the restaurant — they are a reason to return. A sincere shoutout to “The Twins,” whose names we regret not catching — but whose presence will not be forgotten.

Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Sandwich Perfectly pan-seared with a golden crust and packed with real crab meat. Served with a side of tartar sauce, lemon wedge, and a tower of fries — this sandwich strikes a balance between hearty and refined.

Ribeye Steak Sandwich Robust and unapologetically indulgent. Served open-face with sautéed onions and a heap of fries, this dish speaks to meat lovers seeking a bold bite.

On the Deck marries casual dockside dining with high-standard kitchen execution. While the menu stays grounded in American coastal tradition, the ingredients are fresh, the portions generous, and the presentation meticulous. The true differentiator, however, is the genuine service provided by the restaurant’s young twin servers — an unmatched hospitality experience that deserves corporate recognition.

Final Thought: If you’re searching for a local treasure that feels like vacation and tastes like home — this is it. Come for the lobster rolls, stay for the kindness. And if you’re lucky enough to be seated by the twin servers, expect your day to get brighter.

For a Florida man, this is home. There’s nothing to miss from the Florida Keys when you’re dining at On the Deck. The salt air, the seafood, the cocktails, the rhythm of the harbor — it’s all here, just a little further north, but every...

My husband and I stopped by after a long day at the beach on Friday. Reservations don’t exist so we bellied up to the packed bar for about 45 mins. waiting on our table. My husband and I ordered old fashioneds upon arrival and tho they were good, the serving size was literally a shot glass. Once sat, I got the AH Tito’s, sprite & grenadine (so, an alcoholic Shirley temple) of which a portion of the proceeds benefits the local fire dept, so one turned into two. My husband also got a Long Island iced tea at the bar which was ok, but he’s a Connoisseur of sorts so keep that in mind. Once sat, on the deck during the most gorgeous sunset and full moon overlooking the marina, the bang bang (or boom boom) shrimp was as expected (just as every restaurant that serves it) and was a great way to start our meal. My husband got the lobster bisque which was quite thin (tho I prefer that over a thick roux) and had one piece of lobster in it, so that was definitely nothing to write home about. My husband is also a major fan of lobster bisque so he has a great sense as to whether or not it's phenomenal, just up to par, or sub par, and this one was forgettable at best.

I got the salmon over jasmine rice with asparagus (3 tiny, skinny pieces at that) & a lemon butter sauce which was better at home the next day as opposed to at the restaurant (we are big leftover kind of humans). The rice was swimming in the sauce, which was a plus heated up the next day. Hubby got the fish and chips which was decent enough, but the fries were clearly frozen and it made for a pretty gross meal that same night when we got home and were hungry again. The fish was soggy and the fries were absolutely terrible.

That all said, the bar was booming (it was 7:30 on a Friday nt) & we both got hit on whilst waiting for our table, which was a highlight since we don’t go out to dinner much but let’s face it… flowing alcohol, a perfect view of the marina, all the unbelievable boats and the most beautiful sunset we’ve seen in awhile brings out the natural flirt in humans ☺️.

Service was pretty impeccable seeing as tho our waiter (Ryan?) never once stopped moving and was as friendly and energetic as could be, while also being attentive to our table. We will def be back to have drinks on the deck at...