The Shrimp Box & Outside The Box Patio Bar — Restaurant in Point Pleasant Beach

I have never in my life left a written review for a restaurant, and generally deplore the whole institution of "the food was awful—and the portions were too small!"—but feel compelled to leave one for the Shrimp Box's outdoor patio after the crazy, and awful, experience we had here a few nights ago. We arrived and put down our name for a table for four and were quoted a 30 minute wait. About an hour and twenty minutes later, the hostess breezes by and promises we're next. We see her tell someone else (the manager, apparently?) to seat us—he then walks up to another guest, asks if her name is [my name, relatively uncommon!], and seats her (alone!) at our table (for four!!!) right on the water. The hostess realizes her mistake, but of course only in time for us to get a much worse table. All fine enough—mistakes happen, and it's not the restaurant's fault entirely that another guest answered to my name and took our spot. What does matter, however, is the fact that there was no apology, no attempt to make things right at all, especially since at this point we were pushing well over an hour past our QUOTED time.

After all this, the food was overcooked, dry, underseasoned, and honestly pretty inedible, but we were ravenous, and everything else in town was already closed, so we had to cope. Our eventual waiter was pleasant and attentive—and it wasn't his fault at all that management is clearly so screwed up. Really, truly, go anywhere else—and keep an eye out for marauding...

As a first time visit, The Shrimp Box was an incredibly enjoyable time. As I mention often in my restaurant reviews, dietary restrictions are a huge factor when it comes to dining for me. My waiter was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and allergens present. With his knowledge and the kitchen's caution I had a very delicious meal. The red snapper (picture attached) featured on the specials menu was very delicious. The addition of french fries was very nice, as many restaurants are unable to cater to allergies due to cross contamination. However, The Shrimp Box has a dedicated fryer for french fries and does not use peanut oil. I will absolutely be back again.

EDIT: Second time out, went from best to worst. Whether it be the kitchen or the service it was terrible. I sat for around an hour before getting any kind of food, and then when I did, it came out poorly. My shrimp was unclean and overcooked. Then the main course came after the rest of my party had finished dining. It was tasteless and the order was incorrect. As I mentioned above and in many of my reviews, dietary needs are a huge part of my dining experience. This time around, I don't feel as though they performed up to par as I ended up with a bad stomach ache. Not very happy this time around. Not sure I'll be back...

My husband and I had dinner at the Shrimp Box yesterday and it was a wonderful experience, as usual. The place was so busy that you would have thought it was the height of the summer, but that did not affect our visit. There never was an empty table or seat at the bar. Everyone worked together efficiently like a well oiled machine. As we waited for our food, which did not take long at all, I was amazed at how hard everyone was working with smiles on their faces. Our food was delicious, from the bread that they start you off with, to the calamari (so tender ), the salmon stuffed with crabmeat, the fish and chips, and of course the desserts, apple crumb and carrot cake ( we took those to go ). But, I think the best part of our experience was our wonderful server, Taylor. She was extremely personable and very attentive, but not in an intrusive way. She made eye contact with you in a way that made you feel that she cared and wasn't just going through the motions. She was present with you! Always checked on how we were doing, if the food was okay, do you need anything. She was absolutely one of the best servers we have ever experienced. Thank you Taylor for making our visit to the Shrimp Box so enjoyable. You are the best. We look forward to seeing you again on...