Lamppost Bistro Bar & Lounge — Restaurant in Pine Beach

An unexpected change in family plans left this traveling husband and wife duo, on their last night in town, with growling stomachs and curiosity tucked into a hotel room. A bit of local research, a few instinctive clicks, and we found ourselves drawn to a place that felt promising in the way only the best surprises do.

This restaurant revealed itself gently: unassuming from the outside, but within—an inviting hush, low golden light, and the kind of atmosphere that lets conversation breathe. We were welcomed immediately by a few lovely ladies- the kind of greeting that feels personal rather than rehearsed. With early reservations, we had the rare luxury of near solitude, a dining room mostly to ourselves—like being let in on a secret before the rest of the world arrives.

Our server—whose name sadly escapes us (let’s call him tall, handsome and charming)—was nothing short of professional. Knowledgeable, attentive, and clearly passionate about the menu and its Kosher offerings, he guided us seamlessly through the experience. Like the rest of the staff, he brought warmth and grace to our evening.

The first to arrive: a basket of warm bread—humble, golden, and everything you want it to be. Alongside it, a small dish of olive tapenade (or something convincingly close), briny and rich enough to make us pause. Next up: Korean chicken and corn ribs. Lightly crisp, full of flavor, and just the right amount of unexpected. Simple, smart, and gone far too quickly. For our mains, we split the difference—filet mignon for her, duck breast for him. The duck arrived lacquered and blushing, giving way to richness underneath. It was gone in what felt like moments, the kind of dish that silences conversation briefly, not out of politeness but reverence. The plate, it must be said, was very nearly (and quite respectfully) licked clean. The filet was tender and thoughtfully seasoned, cooked to recommendation—just to the point where it could still be called indulgent. Alongside it, a deep, glossy berry sauce that deserves its own round of applause—bright, slightly tart, and the perfect contrast to the richness of the meat. The sides held their own—unfussy, well-composed, and exactly what the mains needed beside them. The only challenge here was volume, not taste—a dilemma of appetite, not execution. Every bite was worth the internal negotiation: room must be made for dessert!

Our pivotal moment finally arrived —a joint deliberation over the dessert menu. It was long enough to suggest ambition, intriguing enough to justify discussion. We considered it like a board of directors: analyzing, ranking, second-guessing. In the end, names of desserts we cannot recall (the mark of good dessert is how little talking happens while eating it), but what arrived was polished, precise, and wholly satisfying.

The progression and timing of the meal felt choreographed not by routine, but by instinct—as if the kitchen responded to appetites it could sense, rather than see.

The mocktail and cocktail offerings were elegant but unpretentious, satisfying to sip — stylish, balanced, and seriously good. (Also, somehow, our water glasses stayed full throughout the meal-an effortless touch that spoke volumes about the care behind the service!)

When it was all over, we weren’t just full—we were content in the rare, complete sense. The food had depth, but never tried too hard. The space felt curated but not curated at you. And the whole experience carried that particular kind of intimacy that happens when a night unfolds exactly as it should—unexpected, unhurried, and quietly special.

To Chef Yudi and the entire team: thank you—truly—for wrapping up our trip in the kind of hospitality that lingers long after the last bite. Every detail felt personal, every dish made with care. We came in as hungry strangers and left feeling deeply looked after—nourished in all the ways that matter. Your warmth and thoughtfulness turned our dinner out together into something we’ll remember.

-With love from...

As a native to Ocean county I have eaten at or at least heard of most restaurants in the area. So when my wife and I were looking for a new steakhouse to try I was shocked to see the lamppost. I never realized that the renovated building was a steakhouse with fairly good reviews. We walked in and were seated right away. The staff was extremely friendly and even offered to make recommendations on the menu. Greatly appreciated. Unfortunately the shock came when the food did. Our steaks lacked the flavor to match the price. In addition, they added an 18% gratuity to the bill. That's a shame because I would have tipped 20% to the wait staff for outstanding service. But after being forced to tip 18%, I wasn't going to add to it. The food is okay but the price is not. Very expensive for the area and for the cuts of meat that were prepared and served.

Edit after owner response:

I do not really care to hear the owners justification for the 18% service fee. If it is that important, just work it into the prices of each item. A tip is for exceptional service, which your restaurant and staff has.

I wrote that the steaks were overpriced and lacked flavor so you accuse me of "Antisemitism". That is a wildly inappropriate claim with nothing to support it. It is deeply upsetting and disturbing. When that term is used without merit, it waters down the impact it is supposed to have and is an injustice to the Jewish community. It's shameful that it was included in the owners response.

While I appreciate the offer, I do not want a refund for my meal as I agreed to pay for it. I understand that not everyone can be perfect all of the time. I will gladly accept a gift card to try the Lamppost...

This past Wednesday night I had the pleasure of checking out and dining at the Lamp Post Bistro in Pine Beach, NJ. As I walked in I was pleasantly surprised at the rustic yet modern feel of the place. The sitting area complete with bar and fireplace was a welcome site and I could envision going there with my wife one night for a drink and some quiet conversation. Our server Terrence, took amazing care of us and was very helpful in choosing what to order. We ended up getting the Eggplant Carpaccio, Liver Paté, Lamb Riblets and Moroccon Cigar to start. Everything was delicious and cooked to perfection. With our "small plates," we had a Berry Bramble and Strawberry Daiquiri to drink. I am not a drinker at all but I quite enjoyed the cocktails and they were a great addition to the small plates. Then it was time for the Entrees. the two of us shared the Surprise Steak (as suggested by Terrence) and of course the 30 Day Dry Aged Cowboy. Both steaks were grilled to perfection, a perfect medium rare. The surprise steak was more tender as it wasn't aged and it was served with grilled bok choy and an amazingly scrumptious parsnip puree. The aged steak came with Frisse, Vinaigrette, and the Pan Sauce. Both were so good. We ordered two sides too, for me the Crispy Truffle Potato Wedges and for my wife the Zucchini Fries. Needless to say, we had to take some leftovers home to eat for later. When our server asked about dessert, even with our stomachs full, we couldn't stop ourselves. After browsing through the six items we settled on Death By Chocolate, we weren't disappointing. We will defiantly be visiting the Lamp Post Bistro soon and will of course as for Terrence. Four...