The Bistro at Red Bank

How many restaurants have you dined in that you thought were flawless? OK, now how many restaurants have you dined in that you thought were really good with a few misses? I’d say the latter question begs the majority. The Bistro is near and dear to my heart as it is an in-​town staple and it has always served up a wide variety of food at an exceptional price, always maintaining high quality standards. They deliver on a proper sushi menu, a few limited Italian offerings, and a year ’round pre fix menu that beats out just about anything Restaurant Week has to offer in the area. Yet, time and time again, I’ve found myself wondering how management has not addressed consistent customer service shortfalls including in their own management staff. It’s this one shortfall that prevents the Bistro from hitting the 5 out of 5 mark.
The veteran wait staff and hostesses who have been there for years really carry this place and are on a first name basis with many of the frequent customers, a touch of old school service which has long been lost at many establishments. While that goes on, their younger staff and some of the management seem to take a hands off, lax approach to customer service which really sets things back for the Bistro.
If you’re looking for a solid BYOB in town, the Bistro is it, just don’t expect to get blown away by hospitality.