Donovan's Reef — Restaurant in Sea Bright

First time at Donovans ever and went there as my first outing at an establishment since Covid in March...and SO glad I did! The beach setiing ambiance sets the mood and they had a good, entertaining live band (Undisputed) that played music to appeal to everyone both young and old. The security staff as you entered were cordial and friendly and they collected a cover for the band, which is understandable and happy to pay. The crowd that night skewed young, probably 22 to 29 but rather have that as they make the place lively and fun...the have a back area which is right on the beach and a great place to hang, strike up conversation, hang in the sand...heck we played a cornhole game for a while with some of the kids that are close in age to mine. Drinks were ok and think it depended on who you went to..first drink was weak ( almost to the point I wasn't even sure I got what I ordered LOL) but found a bartender that did my drinks justice...drink prices were reasonable for a premium or hip bar by the shore. The had a food or snack area but did not navigate that way. Think that the young ones, too many of them, all without masks may have congregated to close together in front of the band given the virus situation but sure they think they're not vulnerable to the virus...I stayed back a bit as while I don't mind closeness and I even like to be in mosh pits (I like punk, rock and alternative musuc)I didn't want to be in one right now. I kind of like Donovan's even better than martel's or Jenks Club for that kind of setting... I would definitely go back again and advise you to try it out when a band is playing that might appeal to you....get out today and have some fun! Tomorrow is...

I will never step foot in this place again. My best friend and I have spent years coming to this establishment and spending so much money here. It was our #1 place for quite some time. Tonight, on her birthday, we arrived at 12:30 and not only did they refuse to let us in, but an extremely rude “bouncer” got in our faces and demanded we leave and told us they were closed. They advertise that they are open until 2 am. The woman who collects the (absurd and not worth it) cover charge was also extremely rude. I have never felt so disrespected in my entire life. It was raining and they wanted us to stand out in the rain and wait for a ride, but a separate very kind bouncer set up an umbrella for us at a different spot while we waited. I am not exaggerating any of this. Save yourself the trip and money and DO NOT go to Donovan’s!!!! They are extremely stuck up and money-hungry. We always knew they were a bit jerky but never saw anything like this. They should be absolutely ashamed of themselves. I have never written a review on a place ever but I felt so compelled to do this because of how disgusted and disrespected I feel due to those two horrible staff members and their false advertising. If you are looking for a Jersey Shore bar to go to, go to Djais instead. Or go to Red Rock in Red Bank. Donovan’s is NOT worth your time!!!!! Even Bar A is better!!!!!! Donovan’s =...

Donovan’s is really nice and the beach is nice. I’ve been here multiple times over the years. But after my last experience I’m never going back. The staff at the front gate are the worst people I’ve ever met in my life.

We brought our 15 month old kid here and they were giving us a hard time of about bringing formula and cut up grapes through the front gate! I thought it was a joke. The guy said “do you usually bring food to a restaurant? We’re trying the make money here”.

Well I’m glad you’re trying to make money but I can’t find formula or baby foods on the menu? By the way we ordered fries and a burger and it took 45 minutes to come out! So not only are they aggressively strict on what you can bring in, they also suck at making food if you need it.

I understand if grown adults were trying to bring pizza and beers through the front gate, but baby formula!?! That’s an absolute joke and I’ll gladly take my business to another beach because of this.

You need to give your staff a lesson on customer service. You didn’t make any extra money by denying kids their formula and you’re going to lose $1000’s of dollars because I’ll never be back and by the looks of other customers reviews they won’t be coming...