Mule Barn Tavern Restaurant - Highlands — Restaurant in Middletown Township

As I was sitting at my table today, I noticed the table next to mine looking visibly disappointed from waiting and waiting for the waitress to come to their table. They had empty drinks in front of them for at least 30 minutes. When their food finally arrived, the family of 3 got up and walked out. Honestly, I cannot blame them. I had a similar experience today. We sat down, had our orders promptly taken, and then our waitress basically went MIA. She was still in the upstairs area, but hardly ever came to our table as our drinks also were empty. The appetizers came out and we asked the food runner if they could bring us some plates. “Sure, I will be right back!” Only to never return with the plates. 10 minutes later, our meals came out from another employee and we asked if they could bring us some plates. “Sure one moment.” Again, they never returned with any plates. A few minutes later, I asked a table busser for plates. Still, no return. Finally, our waitress arrives to ask how everything is so I order another round of drinks for the table and asked her for the plates. 5 minutes later she comes back with the drinks, but clearly forgot the plates. So I asked her once again, “can we please have some plates?” I looked around the room, and it wasn’t even busy. When we were leaving, I was looking around for someone who might be in charge, but sadly, there didn’t seem to be anyone in charge there. This is my second visit to the restaurant and I had a similar experience the first time as I waited 10 minutes and 3 requests later for someone to finally bring a high chair for my son to sit in. The food and atmosphere are decent. The service,...

When you first pull up , you’re greeted with mats from the kitchen just chillin in the parking lot and a view of the trash cans . We sat and it seemed like a cool locals hangout. My gf and I ordered food , then about 10 mins later , I was told they were out of what I ordered , no big deal, I’ve worked in the industry for 15 years , I get it . I order a side salad ( which isn’t on the menu , not sure why since everyone doesn’t always want a big salad ) and an entree. When the food finally comes , the salad comes with the meal . I don’t know why as don’t most people like to have the salad beforehand so that their food doesn’t get cold ? The pizza was barely even warm and had a weird taste, I asked my gf to try it and she said the same thing . What I noticed was someone calling the phone yet nobody was around to answer it . Being that there weren’t that many people dining not sure why someone would miss the phone call . If I was the owner , who’s to say that wasn’t a potential customer ? Our server was also the bartender so after awhile we were forgotten or he was in the weeds because I had to ask the hostess for our check and a box . Nobody came back to check on how we were doing and as a server why wouldn’t you ask another to check on the table ? When we left nobody said anything . If it were my establishment I’d train the staff to say thank you for coming making guests feel invited back . $47 just seemed like a lot for half price pizza , tacos a small salad an ice tea . In this economy I don’t understand why there’s just no effort in...

Cool little pub-looking eatery out on Sandy Hook. The menu looks awesome and the variety of cocktails sounded good. What could go wrong?

We arrived for lunch and sat inside because it was the middle of the day and some people didn't want to sit in the sun. Cool. There were a few people at the bar and maybe 2-3 other tables inside. Figured this should be easy. Our server came and asked for drink orders. This went well except my wife didn't notice that the full Mule menu specified well liquor which resulted in some blue concoction being delivered. I tasted it and it brought me back to an early-undergrad Friday night pregame - not something I needed to revisit as I near 40.

From there things got slow. Our server maybe made 3 trips to the table. Once to take a food order, then again when we asked a food runner for drinks, and again when I had to find him for the check. Both times he responded as if I was annoying him.

Our food came out and, while pretty good, the portion sizes were small. Couple salads, and Ahi Tuna tacos were snack-sized and the tacos didn't come with chips or a side. Everyone mentioned that their meal was missing at least one item from the menu description.

My takeaway - don't go hungry or with your family. If you want to sit and have a drink while cruising Sandy Hook, do it at the bar. Otherwise, manage your expectations. Probably won't go back, but only because the server was really unpleasant and...