Proving Ground Waterfront Dining — Restaurant in Highlands

I could not find the words to express how exceptional the Proving Ground is! My husband and I were looking to host an engagement party/surprise wedding to eliminate the huge, elaborate, unaffordable 300 person wedding. We toured a few places and didn't really feel like it was "it." Following our tour with Ashley at the PG, we both walked out and immediately said "if you could take a picture from our brain this would be it." Ashley gave us every detail, provided us several quotes to work with our budget and was absolutely amazing in every way. We immediately confirmed our date, the menu and got everything under way. Since the restaurant has amazing views and a rustic theme we didn't need many decorations, but just some florals and a few things about our story. When I tell you the day of was INCREDIBLE from start to finish, that would literally be an understatement. Every single staff member, and I mean EVERY single one was attentive, kind, enthusiastic, accommodating and absolutely wonderful, and not just to me, but to everyone at our party. They went ABOVE and beyond to make me and my husband feel like a million dollars! Truly wish I could find the words to articulate even just the little things they did to make sure everything was seamless- between fixing the netting of my dress before walking down the aisle, coordinating the timing with the DJ, making sure the food was out on time + restocked promptly, the bartenders working at rapid pace, to packing up food boxes so my husband and I would have something to eat once we got home, they did and thought of EVERYTHING. We did have the beautiful , elaborate wedding because of the Proving Ground. The food, cocktails, service, delivery, communication, and assistance is so important when planning a party let alone for 150ppl but to feel completely unfazed or concerned at all, it was AMAZING. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making our wedding day so fantastic for us 🤍🍾🥹

Venue: The Proving Ground Dj: Hemp Productions Photographer:...

It deserves a fat zero! First I ordered a glass of josh wine and was given the house wine. The taste of the wine was obviously different and so my bf took back my drink to the bar. Then as an appetizer my bf and I ordered scallops wrapped in bacon and the scallops were tiny and only came 5. Then my bf ordered the blackened salmon (since it was recommended by our waitress) and right after eating it, he became very ill. He began to sweat profusely, and ran to the bathroom. He threw up 6x and his eyes were blood shot red from throwing up. I told the waitress & she asked if I wanted the manager; I said “of course!” The waitress had no urgency to get the manager and just proceeded to take orders. When my bf returned from the bathroom the waitress approached our table and my bf told her he’s sick from the salmon she asked if we wanted the manager, and for the 2nd time I said “yessss.” The manager finally came over and asked my bf if he was sure it was from the salmon and my bf said “yes, I haven’t eaten anything else.” At this point, I Obviously couldn’t eat my dinner and we were still presented with a $62.00 bill! . I couldn’t believe they still charged us for my dinner and only took off the salmon off the check. While my bf was sick throwing up in the bathroom for the 6th time! I told the waitress this is unfair, how are you charging us when I couldn’t eat my food and my bf was food poisoned from the salmon you recommended. And she shrugged her shoulders and said the manager said to only take off the salmon. I couldn’t believe it!!! This was our first time at this place and needless to say it will certainly be our last. My bf barely made it to work the next day from how sick he became. This was obvious food poisoning from the salmon, and the salmon had a strong fishy taste and smell but was masked with pico de gallo and other stuff. It was awful an experience for...

I've been here a few times. Last time we went here was January 9th which was great on a weeknight because it was fairly empty.

The food definitely improved since the last time I was here. Most of it has seemed like average bar table food and nothing more for a Waterfront Dining restaurant. The Mediterranean sampler was a nice appetizer. Fresh eggplant, hummus, stuffed grape leaves (Which I wish there were more of). It was a really nice portion overall and it was worth going back for. The stuffed flounder was nicely prepared as well; nothing extremely special or rare, but it wasn't overcooked or under cooked. It had balanced taste. I would order it again if I went back. We end up not getting any alcohol this night. 2 Seltzers and 2 regular waters cost us $16 which seems a little crazy for water. Plus additional service fees when paying card vs cash at the end of the night. For an average restaurant, you pay a lot of extra charges when dishes are already priced high for what it is.

The service was great. Our waiter didn't rush us at all. She took care of us while leaving us alone to enjoy dinner at the same time. She was one of the best waitresses we've both had in a long time. We tipped +30% on this one.

All in all, it's a nice place with good live entertainment in the summer. The food isn't the best seafood or food you'll find around, but it's definitely decent and better than some other restaurants. After a bunch of times going here over time, it's somewhere I'd recommend for entertainment more...