River Watch Restaurant and Lounge
799 Route 70, Brick
732-920-8900
riverwatchrestaurantlounge.com
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11:30 am to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 am to 2 am. Sunday, 11:30 am to 11 pm.
Price: $$
Style: Perched above the Metedeconk River, River Watch offers a surprising escape from the bustling traffic just outside on Route 70. The restaurant’s unique lighthouse-like shape presents multiple views of the river and adjacent marina. Décor is mainly maritime; so is the menu, but all food groups are represented.
Don’t Miss: You can make a meal of the hearty appetizers. Two jumbo crab cakes come with creole butter for $12; a nice portion of steamed little necks in a saffron wine sauce is the same price. Captain Nachos ($9) and Bourbon Street chicken wings ($9) are hard to resist. Entrée highlights include sweet potato-crusted grouper with sweet Cajun aioli ($22); roasted mahi mahi ($17); shrimp and crab gumbo ($17); and lobster mac and cheese ($18). Baby back ribs ($18), steaks and pastas round out the options. Leave room for splurge-worthy Bananas Foster ($6).
Heads Up: The spacious bar—with more than 16 beers on tap—draws a lively crowd. Local bands hold forth every Wednesday through Sunday.
The Scoop: River Watch was formerly the Pilot House, a once-popular Shore establishment. Taking over in November 2012, new owners changed the name, enlivened the menu and atmosphere—and have won a new following.
What are Quick Bites? Short takes on casual, affordable dining.