Red Bank

[Curlz]

I'm heading to Red Bank on Thursday with a co-worker who also enjoys a good meal...we both know that we've heard good things about restaurants in Red Bank, but neither he nor I can remember specific names! Heeeeelp?!? Any type of food, and as long as it's not crazy expensive, we'll go for it--just out of our own pockets, as we're not on a hot-shot expense account.

Thanks in advance, y'all! I know I can count on you!!

[tommy]

hopefully =mark will log on and see this. he's the king of red bank and knows his stuff.

as for me, i'm useless.

[Taboni]

While there are a few new cafe/bistro style places that have opened in the past couple of months, having not explored them fully yet, I would suggest either Sogno or Osteria Dante (both on Broad St)

[Rosie]

Red 3 Broad St Red Bank 732-741-3232

The Melting Pot, Galleria, 2 Bridge Ave, Red Bank (732-219-0090) Recently opened.

For Mexican Juanita’s 159 Monmouth St 732-747-9118

[rozrapp]

Gaetano's, an Italian trattoria-style place on Wallace St., just off Broad St., is a favorite of ours. Very good thin crust pizzas, well-prepared pastas, etc. Moderate prices.

Gaetano's

[bestgirlkk]

I have to agree Juanito's is great.

I like the Bistro in red bank, but only because I like the asian cesear salad they have.

Have fun.

Kristen

[Curlz]

Thanks, y'all! Keep 'em coming...

[Curlz]

Okay, last call...any other recommendations? We're heading down there tomorrow morning. Where's =Mark when Tommy says I need him?!?

[Cook456]

My vote is for Juanito's. It's not your regular Mexican. It's a BYOB, too! They do virgin Margarita's...you provide the liquor.

Another fav is a Thai place, the name of which I can't remember. It's across from the Galleria Bldg. It's also excellent.

You could also do a casual place like Basil T's ...a brew pub.

[Tom D]

Siam Garden is the Thai place your thinking of. IMHO it's OK just like all the places in Red Bank.

As Rozrapp mentions Gaetano's is probably the best.

For all the reviving that has occured in Red Bank over the past 10-15 years, the restaurants are still average at best.

Just my opinion, your mileage may vary.

Have fun wherever you go!!

Tom

[Curlz]

Thanks, gang! I'll certainly let you know where we end up!

Curlz

[=Mark]

Well, I finally saw this thread, and here it is, Thursday night.

Had I been able to respond in a timely manner I'd have recommended Osaka down by the river in Marine Park, weather permitting. It's an outdoor venue with excellent Japanese cuisine.

Otherwise I'd have recommended Buona Sera on Maple Ave and Monmouth st. Probably my favorite Italian spot in Monmouth County.

[Cook456]

Curlz,

Where did you finally wind up dining?

[Curlz]

We ended up having a very tasting and very reasonably-priced lunch (al fresco) at Sogno on Broad Street. My friend had been there before for dinner, and wanted to see what the lunch menu was like. His comment was that they've pared it down considerably, but we were both pleased with our dishes.

We shared an app of grilled zucchini, roasted tomatoes and mozzarella, and I was pleasantly surprised to see it served stacked, like a loose napoleon. There was just one slice of cheese on top of the zuke/tom pile, and it had been quickly broiled with some bread crumbs on top. Very nice sauce on the plate with a little bit of cream in it. And a big $9.95, iirc.

For lunch, he had chicken paillard over broccoli rabe, and said it was all cooked perfectly. I had the seared tuna salad; tuna done beautifully rare (as requested), and a wasabi-based dressing over good greens. My only complaint there was that they could have added at least one more strip of tuna-there were only three. But again, for under $10!

When we first sat down, it was just after Noon, and we were the only diners inside or out; by the time we left, there were at least 3-4 tables of people inside. Pretty room inside, and the service was attentive. I'd certainly recommend it!

Thanks for all of your suggestions!!

[Cook456]

Sogno is one of those places I've been meaning to try. Now, I'll have to put it on my list.

[jeffreys1]

FYI, Red Bank Melting Pot is not open yet. The message on their machine says late summer/early fall.