Bluewater Seafood — Restaurant in East Brunswick Township

It's a shame to have to give my review 1 star but...it all started as I pulled in the "lot". It's extremely small and only one way in & out. I was told by the valet that valet was mandatory. Or I was told I could park in the car dealer lot next door. I would have had to attempt to turn my car around in the extremely small lot, get back on route 18, go to the next U-turn and swing back around. I didn't want to park in the lot of another business since I doubted the restaurant had permission to park cars there. I was hesitant, I should have gone with my gut but...so I give him my key fob and was seated at a table. It was Labor Day weekend, gorgeous out, eating outside was nice. The menu is impressive, little pricey, but I don't mind paying if the food is good. Service was slow, but they were crowded and I don't mind waiting if the food is good. The appetizers were delish, the best clam's casino I ever had ! I was eagerly awaiting my entrée, stuffed scallops, which I've never even seen on any menu. Presentation was great and the food was very good...until the valet came to the table asking me if I had my key fob. I said no you have it you parked my car ! Well at this point after eating only half of one scallop my dinner and appetite were ruined. Now it's dark out I can't see where my car is even though the parking lot is extremely small. I basically begin freaking out, the valet asks if I've ever been on the show Punk'd ? I said what ??? he said he was kidding trying to make a joke. A joke ? WHERE IS MY CAR ? I asked where are the other key fobs, he shows me them laying on a table by the lot entrance, telling me it's a secure system because they have a camera there. So basically, it's fine if someone stole my car, because you have them on camera ??? NOT ACCEPTABLE ! There are other customers looking on the table for their key fobs as the valet was speaking to me. NOT SECURE AT ALL ! So after spending the time that I should have been enjoying my dinner, it was spent arguing and looking for my car. At this point my appetite was ruined, so was my dinner. Although after arguing that I was not paying for the spoiled dinner with an employee, and waiting another 15 minutes for the discussion regarding this, they comped the meal. I would have rather enjoyed what looked like a very good meal. So in closing I won't be returning, I've seen other complaints similar to mine online complaining about the valet as well. Such a shame to give 1 star because of the incompetence of the valet because the food was actually...

Lived in Spotswood for over 20 years and had never been to this place. COVID 2020 wanted to go somewhere close with outdoor dining. My husband mentioned this place...luckily when I called there was an available table outdoors. The guy who took my reservation made sure to tell me it was BYOB which was great to know. From the moment we pulled into the parking lot we were greeted by 2 valets who were so cheerful and nice. Next...greeted by a nice young lady who led us right to a nicely lit patio area which had heaters.(went on an usually warm day in November but when the sun went down it cooled off so it was a nice touch). Our waiter Anthony came right over and introduced himself. He was so helpful kind and patient with us. Thank you Anthony! Now for the food! One word... delicious! For appetizers...I had the New England clam chowder and my husband had the mussels. I had the lobster tails( which were two 7oz tails!) done perfectly accompanied by potatoes and fresh vegetables. My husband had the fish Diablo mild which he loved and it came out piping hot. The portion was huge. We had the peanut butter chocolate bomb for dessert (recommendation from a smart knowledgeable employee! Lol) not sure that’s the name of the dessert but that’s what it tasted like! Excellent end to our meal. The staff, the chefs, the food...all wonderful. Such a great experience during this time. Nothing but positive energy. Have to mention the valets again...they were the last people we saw and even then again they gave off positive vibes again as...

Updated in response to the attack below Owner ... 1 - I requested a seat by window because the place is like a shoe box, everyone sits within the same 4 walls, the acoustics are terrible. At least against the window the noise is deaden enough that you can order your food without raising your voice. 2 - My reservation was for 7pm. I arrived at 6:30pm. Others without a reservation that had arrived before me without a reservation were seated at the table I had reserved by the window.

The owner clearly does not care about the customers. He decides to attack me and my review if instead of taking the time to understand what went wrong and addressing issues of seating, noise levels, food preparation, parking, etc..

Do you really want someone like this putting their hands in your food? Terrible all around… we had a 7 pm appointment, we arrived at 6:30pm. They seated someone at our table at 6:45pm, even though we were already there. It was after 9 pm before we were seated. By the time we were seated we were the only ones waiting and by the time we were served we were the only table filled. Then the food was terrible. Maybe because the place was now held open just for us and they rushed the food out super fast…. Normally the place is so noisy that you can’t speak with someone else sitting at the same table. So unless you request a table by the window you cannot hear yourself think. Super uncomfortable!!! And food is not great. You’d be better off going to the red lobster across the...