Plumsted Grill — Restaurant in Plumsted Township

This was our first visit and it came highly recommended, so I am sad to have had a less than stellar experience. If it was only one thing that went wrong, I would have given it a 3 or 4. I'm hoping we picked the wrong night (although you would think Saturday is their money night and everyone would be on their toes). First, I thought the atmosphere was lovely as we were waiting for our table. I was disappointed that they don't take reservations for parties under 6, but was happy to wait by the lively bar until our table was ready. Of course, when it was our turn, we were not only given a hightop by the bar (we were celebrating a special occasion and wanting something more intimate), but the only hightop that is in the middle of the bar overflow and service area so essentially the worst seat in the house. I asked if we could wait for a table to open up. The guy in charge of the seating made a face and went back to his chart. A minute later he said our choices were the hightop or the 'patio which is fully heated with a larger table and it's quieter'. Sounded nice and we agreed. As we walked through the main dining area, there were plenty of 2 person tables so I wasn't sure why we weren't given the option to wait for one of those (remember, they don't take reservations and we were next on the list). Well, when we got to the patio we realized we would be sitting at a picnic table. The area isn't closed in with windows, but with plastic sheets...which were whipping around because of the high winds that night. The noise was so loud from the wind hitting the plastic and at one point the plastic came loose and the wind and bitter cold were upon us. I had to keep my jacket on during dinner because the heaters couldn't keep up with the weather. That wasn't the worst of the night, though. The other 2 tables were having lots of issues and the waitress kept apologizing for the slow kitchen and bar. Drinks were sent back at one table, and the other table were on their second request for water and not looking happy. It wasn't a great first impression for us. Although we received our drinks/meals in a reasonable amount of time, my burger was not edible. We specifically ordered burgers because they had come highly recommended. Mine seemed cooked on the inside (ordered medium well), but so mushy and cold that I can't explain it. It was a strange texture and not appealing at all. I took a few bites, but couldn't force myself to eat any more. The cheese wasn't melted when I got it, so I should have known then that something was suspect. We didn't send it back because I knew the other tables were having problems also so it wasn't an isolated incident. At that point, I was looking forward to dessert since we were there for a celebration and the menu said they had homemade rice pudding (my absolute favorite). The waitress stopped in while I was picking at my fries and asked how we were doing. The next thing we know, she came back and put the check on the table as she cleared our dinner plates! Didn't ever ask if we wanted anything else! As we left, we walked past many open 2 person tables in the main dining hall and wondered why we were never given the choice to wait for one of them! It was the first time I ever asked the host for a different seat, and after this experience it'll be the last. It seemed like we were punished for not wanting the high-traffic hightop. Not a good experience for...

My family and I recently had the opportunity to dine at Plumsted Grill, we live about 20 minutes away and were hopeful to find a new regular restaurant. The ambiance was charming, and we were happy to have the option of outdoor seating with our two small kids in tow. Unfortunately, the service did not quite match the inviting atmosphere.

We were seated quickly, and ordered all of our food at the same time, I asked the server to bring the kids meals with the appetizers if possible. Things were off to a good start and the kids meals and appetizers arrived within 15 minutes, however the adults at the table waited an hour and fifteen minutes for our food to arrive. Having worked in this industry, I’m no stranger to a dinner rush, and tried to be understanding, however when we asked our server about the food wait they seemed a bit surprised we asked and unphased. On the way to the restroom, we asked a back of house employee if this was a normal wait time for our food, he agreed it wasn’t, profusely apologized and offered to get an owner. When our food finally arrived, it was disappointing. The steak and shrimp were overcooked and the sandwich was cold, as if they’d been sitting in the window. This was surprising, given solid previous reviews.

The chef delivered and we spoke with the manager or owner, I’m not sure which. Though polite, they were unable to offer a satisfactory solution, and seemed eager to wash their hands of the situation. Eventually our server returned and seemed rather indifferent to our concerns, which made us feel undervalued and forgotten as customers.

We are not ones to make a big fuss, and understand accidents happen: sometimes a server forgets to put in a ticket, sometimes a printer runs out of paper at just the right time, sometimes the kitchen loses the ticket and the server is none the wiser. But transparency when accidents happen is key, honestly is key. We watched two other tables, one seated 35 minutes after us, and the other a full hour after us get their food before or directly after us. Like I said, disappointing.

Despite these challenges, I believe Plumsted Grill has the potential to offer a wonderful dining experience. A few improvements in service and attention to detail could make a significant difference, I hope to return someday and experience the restaurant...

Say something nice or nothing at all. Sorry, but this review is for the owner. Everyone else can ignore. Every time I go there, I see you sitting in a chair and (at least as I have noticed for as long as I have been going) you never make any attempt to walk the bar area or dining area talking with guests and inquiring about their experience. Sad. Also, try getting "hot", repeat "hot" fries with your undercooked (almost raw) hamburger. Why is that so hard? I guess I am crazy expecting different results every time I go back. I must be crazy. Luckily, I really enjoy the "Screamin' Hill" pale ale. It is the one thing that makes it enjoyable. (It's not made there!) Again, I apologize for the poor review, but hopefully, now, the 1) fries will be served "hot", 2) the burger will be cooked (to my liking), and finally 3) the waitress will come back at least one (1) time to see if everything is satisfactory and possibly be cordial instead of having an attitude. I just hate bothering her by asking (nicely, please!) for some more water or another beer! This is not rocket science, just food I should probably be making at home. That way it will be to my liking at not wasting sixty ($60) dollars, tip and all. I hope you will stop by my table and chat with us next time we come for dinner. We really are nice people with money ($$) in our pockets to spend and a smile on our faces. Might drive further and stick with the Yardville Inn. You never go wrong there. p.s. I served tables for years in some "fine dining" restaurants and can write a book on everything that is wrong at the "Plumsted Grill"! i.e. Servers: please do not put your fingers in used water glasses when...