The Armory NJ — Restaurant in Perth Amboy

This place has a magnificent location, and a wonderful view. Unfortunately, management seems inclined to keep people away. I have been here various times, even had a great family dinner one time. Other times I have come for drinks and apps and it has been VERY different. At the beginning of the summer (2022) they were very understaffed, I dont blame them for that, but there is a good way of dealing with making people wait for drinks north of 20 minutes, not giving them attitude. Today was the last time I am patronizing this establishment, I got two drinks which were decent, and the bartender handed me a bill before I even got my drinks. I could have wanted to have more drinks or order something else, NOPE, here is your bill. Took my card out and gave it without checking the bill, like I have done many times before without issues. Asked the bartender if I could order some appetizers and she said that i could not because i was sitting with my wife and kid in a table where "you cannot order food" that if wanted to order food, I would have had to sit at the bar, and since I was with a kid I could not order food. Strange policy, since I could just sit at the bar by myself and order the food and then wait for the food to come out and then carry my food to the table! Stupid way of losing business. The cherry on top was when I saw my check, the bartender had added a gratuity for TWO DRINKS. I want to preface this by saying that I normally tip over 20 percent, and do not have a problem when I am with a large party and restaurants add a gratuity. In this case however, it struck me as ridiculous, since the bartender rung me up without asking, and furthermore with no notice of said "Mandatory charge". When I asked the bartender why were they adding a gratuity for two drinks, she proceeded to say that it is always mandatory. I told her that I had been there many times and had never had a mandatory gratuity for 2 drinks. She said that it had started about 2 months ago. Anyway, the combination of no food options for people who want to catch a quick bite and a drink with family, left me extremely disappointed. The "MANDATORY" gratuity for 2 drinks, and having your drinks rung up, and charged before you even get what you are tipping for points to poor management and poor decision making. I do not reccomend supporting such a disorganized establishment. They should get their stuff together and make this gold mine what it should be, a jewel for the people of the area, and a hospitable place to bring your family and friends for a...

First let me start off by saying what a superb experience my company and I had at this venue. From my first call with Gaby in helping pick the best package for 50 people was awesome! She was very attentive and patient. Even when I had a few last minute changes, she was very helpful. The venue itself is clean and spectacular looking. Our hosts Alejandro and Yami (I hope I am spelling her name correct) worked so well as a team. There was no long wait or mistakes. Actually I would say the two of them worked as a team of 4. Timing was so on point it was as if we rehearsed everything. The buffet of appetizers were so much food that it was overwhelming and delicious! My coworkers thought that was the main course. The steak that I had was not only favorable but tender and juicy. Some had the Salmon and I was told the best Salmon they've ever had. A vegetarian was able to get her Paella cooked special without the chicken stock. There were one person in our group who was not going to come because he is strictly Kosher. Gaby was able to approve with him having Kosher food deliver to their establishment. All of my strict vegetarians were very happy with their choices (with this group that is not always the case). The view of the waterfront so serene and beautiful and the lighting in the room was well lit. Oh and let me not forget the dessert bar. Let's put it this way...everyone left the venue with a huge smile on their faces. Not one time did they made us feel rushed! I will say this as the event planner, I felt great receiving emails from my coworker how this was the best venue they all enjoyed! This is a place I look forward to going back and again with my company's group or a more personal outing. This venue really cares about making sure everything is to everyone liking! Last but not least...Gabi thanks for personally coming out to greet me. That puts a...

Started off with two young hostesses which needed a lesson in manners. No greeting no expression on their faces they both just looked at us like as if we were to start the conversation. “Do you have reservations “ was all we got. My husband told me he made reservations and we can’t be more than 15 minutes late or they will give our table away before leaving the house. So I made sure to be on time. We expected the place to be mobbed! Half the restaurant was empty and remained that way the whole time! Our waiter was nice but we had to ask for bread and other condiments, lemons, butter A1 etc. We were still eating salad when dinner came and our waiter asked how is everything the second our food was put down. My husband’s reply “rushed!”. He rudely was like “Why?” so my husband said I’m still eating my salad and you bring dinner?? No apology he just walks away. My husband and I both worked in the food industry and know none of that was acceptable. The sirloin was good but the $78 stuffed lobster was disgusting. The “drawn butter” tasted like oil, the stuffing was mushy wet and tasted terrible, and when asked if they could turn the AC down because I was freezing with cold air on my back I was told no. Luckily I heard the waiter tell the people behind us about they already add in 20% tip! I always check the bill anyway but may not have caught that and trust me it wasn’t well deserved. The atmosphere of course is good right on the water but it is definitely not the same as the original Armory from decades ago. Upon leaving my husband said goodbye to the hostesses with no reply back. Not only did they not give a good first impression they lacked a good last impression. We will be going to the Barge or the place down the street...