Drew's Bayshore Bistro — Restaurant in Keyport

In the unassuming enclave of Keyport, New Jersey, Drew’s Bayshore Bistro has been quietly cultivating a reputation among discerning diners since its inception in 2005. Chef Drew Araneo, a local stalwart, has dedicated himself to the art of Cajun and Low Country cuisine, infusing each dish with a palpable sense of authenticity and care.

Upon entering the bistro, one is immediately struck by its intimate ambiance—a modest space that eschews pretense in favor of genuine warmth. The BYOB policy further enhances this personal touch, allowing patrons to curate their own dining experience.

The culinary journey commences with the Voodoo Shrimp, where plump crustaceans are enveloped in a robust, spicy Worcestershire cream sauce, complemented by jalapeño cornbread. This appetizer sets a formidable precedent, showcasing Chef Araneo’s deft hand with bold flavors.

The Shrimp and Grits elevate a Southern classic to new heights, featuring succulent shrimp intermingled with Benton’s bacon, mushrooms, and scallions atop a bed of green chile cheese grits. The harmonious balance of textures and flavors speaks to a refined culinary sensibility.

Equally noteworthy is the Pork Du Jour, a rotating selection that might present a tender shank one evening or a perfectly seared chop the next. Each iteration is accompanied by thoughtfully prepared seasonal sides, underscoring a commitment to local produce and meticulous preparation.

In an era where gastronomic establishments often succumb to fleeting trends, Drew’s Bayshore Bistro remains steadfast in its dedication to time-honored culinary traditions. Chef Araneo’s unwavering passion is evident in every meticulously crafted dish, solidifying the bistro’s status as a culinary beacon in the...

I recently dined at Drew's Bistro in Keyport and had an exceptional experience. The highlight of the meal was the asparagus and crab bisque, which had a perfect combination of flavors and was incredibly delicious. It truly exceeded my expectations.

The char-broiled oysters transported me back to the vibrant streets of New Orleans. The smoky flavor and the perfectly cooked oysters were a real treat. It was a delightful appetizer that left me wanting more.

For the main course, I opted for the special of the night, which was swordfish served with mashed potatoes and asparagus, accompanied by a special tartar sauce. The swordfish was cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful. The mashed potatoes and asparagus complemented the dish perfectly, and the tartar sauce added a unique twist to the overall flavor profile.

I also couldn't resist trying the scallops, and I was pleasantly surprised by the generous portion size. The scallops were seared to perfection and served with a delectable squash risotto. The combination was simply divine.

To end the meal on a sweet note, I indulged in the berry bread pudding with a touch of ice cream. The dessert was a perfect balance of flavors, with the sweetness of the berries complementing the richness of the bread pudding. It was a delightful way to wrap up the dining experience.

I highly recommend dining at Drew's Bistro. The food is exceptional, with a variety of options that will satisfy any palate. It is advisable to make a reservation, as the restaurant can get busy. Additionally, it is a BYOB establishment, allowing you to bring your favorite drink to accompany your meal. Overall, my experience at Drew's Bistro was outstanding, and I can't...

I really enjoyed the food enough to give it 4.5 stars even through service was really slow. Louisiana Cajun style cooking. Big portions. As a corn-lover, I came in the right time of the year to get corn in all 3 courses. We also missed the memo on BYOB.

We had a late lunch, so didn't order too much to start. Corn chowder with bacon was the soup of the day. Perfect, wasn't too creamy. Had a bit of spice. Broiled oysters. Comes with 6. These were tiny oysters with bigger shells. Not too much meat.

Mains: Seared scallops with corn risotto. The most expensive dish on the menu, but came with 7 decent sized scallops. It was so delicious, especially the risotto made with local corn. It was worth the price. Jambalaya. Big portion, very very spicy coming from people who don't shy away from spice. We were worried about someone coughing and sniffling by us but after we ate this, we think this was the culprit. Shrimp and grits. Very flavorful. The shrimp and toppings were a great combo. Crawfish and crab cakes. I didn't care as much for this - the edges were a little too well done of the bite I had.

Dessert: Jersey Corn Gelato: Not sure if the corn gelato is sold on its own, I would've gotten that. I didn't really care for the sweet corn waffle and whipped cream, but the waffle was not bad. The corn gelato was a star that shined on its own. Beignets: Comes with 4 and is pretty standard NOLA style beignets.

We were seated in the back and it was slow to take our orders, to then get our mains. I get it - times are tough. We tried to speed it up by asking for the dessert menu and placing our dessert order when we got our mains and asking for our check when we got...