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Welcome to Iron Whale

Nestled on the picturesque Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park, Iron Whale offers a culinary journey that perfectly marries fine dining with a casual, beachside atmosphere. Known for its inventive small plates like the tantalizing Grilled Octopus and the succulent Charbroiled Oysters, the restaurant emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Iron Whale's commitment to exceptional service is evident in the attentive yet unobtrusive staff, enhancing the vibrant dining experience. Customers rave about the delightful flavors and unique presentations, making Iron Whale a must-visit destination for food lovers. With its lively ambiance and stellar offerings, it promises a memorable meal with every visit.

LOCATIONS

Welcome to the vibrant culinary haven that is Iron Whale, nestled along the stunning Asbury Park boardwalk at 1200 Ocean Ave Unit 504, Asbury Park, NJ. This innovative restaurant strikes a perfect balance between a lively atmosphere and exquisite dining options, making it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. If you’re seeking a place where fresh flavors meet outstanding service, look no further.

Iron Whale's delightful menu embraces the concept of sharing and savoring through its selection of small plates. Each dish is meticulously crafted, showcasing seasonal ingredients and bold flavors. For starters, you might indulge in the Rhode Island Calamari—crispy squid served with elephant garlic chips and a tangy Jersey tomato sauce—or try the Moules Frites, featuring succulent mussels paired with crispy fries and cilantro-garlic aioli, both priced at a reasonable $14.00.

The menu doesn't shy away from the extraordinary. You can see this reflected in the stunning Grilled Octopus served on a bed of garbanzo salad with roasted red pepper puree, whimsically priced at $24.00. Craving something unique? The Pork Belly Naan with Japanese slaw and blood orange reduction is an innovative twist that might just steal your heart at $17.00. And if you’re in the mood for an oyster experience unlike any other, the Charbroiled Oysters topped with chorizo and manchego cheese will awaken your taste buds for just $16.00.

Housemade salads offer a refreshing option as well. The Crab Louis salad, complete with fresh crabmeat and jalapeño thousand island dressing, perfectly encapsulates the coastal dining experience for $24.00. On the other hand, the Crushed Baby Beet salad with arugula and parmigiana delivers elegance on a plate at $13.00.

The warm ambiance of Iron Whale is complemented by friendly and attentive staff whose passion for service is evident from the moment you're seated. You can look forward to dining experiences akin to what Marisa Pellegrini described: “excellent salad and attentive service” that beckoned her to return.

For seafood lovers, the New England Clam Chowder is a must-try at just $8.00. Customer reviews brim with praises for this creamy delight, perhaps epitomized by Toby Williams’s experience where he savored each bite paired with a refined Old Fashion cocktail crafted by the talented bartending staff.

Alongside the culinary stars, Iron Whale's outdoor seating provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying your meal with friends and family while basking in the scenic beachside views. Whether you’re savoring the flavors of the Gump Tacos, with their shrimp-filled goodness, or relishing the rich taste of the Scallops described by enthusiastic patrons as “falling apart in your mouth,” Iron Whale ensures every visit feels like a special occasion.

Iron Whale is not just a restaurant; it's a celebration of sharing memorable gastronomical experiences. Each dish tells a story, each cocktail complements the experience, and the overall design and service create an atmosphere that encourages leisurely meals and laughter.

We invite you to take a trip to Iron Whale, where the seashells meet the chef’s creative mind—making every bite a treasure worth sharing.

For reservations and inquiries, contact them at +1 732-361-5185.

START YOUR REVIEW OF Iron Whale
Marisa Pellegrini
Marisa Pellegrini

I was a beautiful day to eat outside...excellent salad...I had the butternut squash salad with grilled chicken. Joe had the crabcake sandwich with an excellent chardonnay! Our server was attentive and knowledgeable. Not hovering, thank goodness and not rushing. Would definitely go back.

Toby Williams
Toby Williams

There are a few restaurants on the boardwalk to choose from and we picked the Iron Whale for dinner. First time guest. The food, service and atmosphere were very good . Our server Brandon was excellent. I started with the New England Clam chowder and then had the special seared Halibut for an entree. The bartender made a mean Old Fashion. I enjoyed this restaurant and will go back on my next visit to Asbury Park.

ketevan khvedelidze
ketevan khvedelidze

Fantastic experience from start to finish. The staff was friendly, the ambiance was perfect, and every dish was delicious. A must-visit spot for great food and great vibes!

Erica G.
Erica G.

Wow! Had to write a review as I sit here so I don’t forget! Everything we’ve tasted is absolutely devine! #1 the octopus! The sauce, the flavors, absolutely amazing. #2 Gump Tacos FILLED with shrimp! citrusy and so flavorful. # muscles and fries, just try it! Lastly but not least, their expresso martini is made to perfection, the proper way, dark, foamy, and not too sweet. We stayed here 2 days, been here 3 times

John Barnes
John Barnes

My wife and I visited Asbury Park on January 16th. We were walking on the boardwalk and decided to try the Iron Whale bar and restaurant. We were so glad we did! We only went in to have drinks since we we're going to have dinner later on. But they had Char-Broiled oysters on the menu so we had to try them. We haven't found any around the Reading, Pennsylvania area that we liked. But these oysters were fantastic. Paul was our bartender. He was a wealth of knowledge about the bourbons and other drinks they carried. It was fun talking with him. He's very personable. And his drinks were great. In the last couple of years, I've become a bourbon fan. I had my first old smoked old fashioned here. It added a different different element to the drink which was good. My wife and I highly recommend trying the Iron Whale if you are in the Asbury Park area. Ps. The bartenders have created some of the drinks on the menu. Give Paul's a try - the Argentino Tango. You'll like it. John & Debby - Reading, PA

Richa Sardessai
Richa Sardessai

Had lunch here after spending time at the beach. Great atmosphere and service. We were two of us and were seated at a table where we were next to each other, I really liked this concept instead of the face to face seating at a table for 2. We got two beers on tap, first two in the list, both were great. We started with fried calamari which was served quite quickly. For mains, we had banana foster French toast which was excellent and the crab cake sandwich. I love crab cakes and I loved it even more in a sandwich form as the bread, veggies and sauce added more flavours to the taste. It came along with some greens and pickle. The restaurant was busy, but the servers were efficient and attentive and there was never any wait. The outside section is dog friendly, we usually get our dog along, so this arrangement is helpful for future visits.

The True Queen
The True Queen

Kayla the waitress is the most professional waitress to the standard. The food omg if I could kidnap the Chef i would. Everything was spectacular. The viscosity of the sauce in the risotto is Devine , the scallops fell apart in my mouth, the ratio cheese to sauce . The lobster rolls are to die for , the Mussels and fries are absolutely delectable. The Mussels are on steroids. Thick and juicy. I will definitely be back as this is now my summer go too. Take all my money!!!Scott is a amazing managers very friendly, assured our service was a1 throughout the whole experience. Keep these type of people around. Now I have to wait in the parking lot to kidnap the Chef.

Sean Jaworsky-Traina
Sean Jaworsky-Traina

First time trying the Iron Whale. Sat outside for a beautiful lunch. Our service was wonderful and the food was wonderful as well. Fresh tasting and delicious. From the Calamari to the Lobster Roll. Give this place a try if you're in the area.