B2 Bistro + Bar — Restaurant in Toms River

I don't like to leave negative feedback and I'm not one to review a restaurant unless I enjoyed it. That being said, I'd like to offer some feedback for today's visit.

I had lunch today with a friend. Our server, John, was polite, friendly and attentive. The restaurant itself is quite nicely decorated and clean.

I had read the menu online and was excited/enticed by the menu options and had anticipated a delicious meal.

I began with a serving of french onion soup. I found the broth to be quite bland. When I think of french onion soup I want a thick helping of gooey and golden brown cheese melting over the top of the crock. Sadly, I got none of this and at $10 a serving I truly expected this dish to be above average.

My main course was better. French dip. The baguette was crusty, the steak was thick and satisfying, which is different than the standard thin cut roast but still good, and the aus jus had the body and flavor that would have been nice to see some of in my first course. That being said, the fries were over cooked and hard. Oh well, just fries anyway. Nothing special, though I was under the impression they were going to be seasoned in some manner with herbs and cheese.

Lastly, I ordered tres leches with strawberries. I was rather excited for this since I love tres leches. It was only ok. There was IMHO too much whipped cream and not enough cake. Also, I would have much preferred one fresh strawberry over the jammy strawberry compote used to fill out the dessert. Your results may vary pending personal preference.

I will likely visit again, at some point, to have dinner. I believe most restaurants deserve at least a second and even a third shot to get things right. Especially, in today's difficult environment and also for a new establishment.

There are some very enticing items on the menu that I hope will make up for this first and mostly forgettable visit.

Thank you to the staff...

Let me start off by saying I've never had a bad meal at B2 in North Brunswick. Unfortunately, the red haired hostess at the door made this visit the worst. We had a reservation for 6:45. I expect to be seated because I MADE A RESERVATION. Her nasty attitude and excuses as to why there was no table for us was unacceptable. Id put her around 19, so yes age and inexperience, but she acted like a pissy teenage girl snapping back at her mom (I get enough of that at home, I don't need it when I go out to eat from someone else's kid). Back to what happened, yes it had rained/poured which takes away from outside seating, but I didn't want outside seating when I made my reservation, nor did I ask to be in one of those bubble things, which was what was available. Her excuse, we are busy and it rained which wasn't in the forecast. Um..it was predicted all day , which I told her. I asked what's the point in making a reservation if you aren't going to honor the time. We actually went back and forth and finally I was done with her so I asked to speak to a manager. Well, she was no better. She didn't give a hoot and had an attitude as well. Not an apology.. Nothing. The rest of the night, I enjoyed my family, but watched as the hostess actually pulled our server aside more than once talking to her and starting directly at us. Our server seemed fine towards us, but the whole incident with the hostess really ruined the rest. She needs some customer service/conflict resolution training. Probably won't be back any time soon.... Sorry B2, sometimes 1 bad apple does...

First the staff was above and beyond. Greeted coming through the door. Waitress was energetic and charismatic.

Second the restaurant itself was clean and organized. Only downside was the sound atmosphere. It was loud and we felt we almost needed to yell to hold a conversation across the table. It was not packed only 8 tables sat in our area and sound traveled from every one of them.

Third the food had some disappointments.

$24 - Lamb burger was small compared to the bun it was on. There was more than a 1/4 inch of untouched bun around the burger. The pairing of squash and sun dried tomatoes was different but fell off the sandwich. The large cut fries were cooked well however over salted. There were only 8 fries but equated to an entire potatoe.

$30 - The shrimp Alfredo over linguini. It was a generous of noodle. However the dish had only 4 large shrimp.

$12 - pepperoni pizza, medium size. Good crust, tangy sweet sauce. A good pizza.

$9 - kids chicken fingers. Frozen prebredded chicken deep fried 3 pieces with a side of fries. Seasoned with appropriate amount of salt.

No complaints from the bar, all drinks on par and made quickly.

Overall we were not impressed and most...