The Columns, located in Avon-by-the-Sea NJ, is a seasonal shore favorite! Established in 1883, The Columns is a Restaurant, Bar & Night Club offering fresh.
As a local, I have visited The Columns for many events, dinners and late night fun. I have never reveiwed it but have decided that it is about time. One of my most recent experiences was just terrible. We do all we can to never eat in the regular restaurant/porch area. In recent years we have found not only the service to be terrible but the food as well.
I was with a group of 5 people and we sat at the bar in the main room for a cocktail which was not crowded at all, maybe 12 people in all. We proceeded to order drinks and this was the best part of our experience.
We were waiting for the Grille Room to open which was supposed to at 1PM. There were 3 sandwich boards outside the restaurant that stated 1 PM. At 1PM we went to the Grille Room and was advised it would be at least another 30 minutes. This did not go over well with us as we wanted to get back to the beach.
They should have changed the time on the 3 boards. In the process of finding out there would be at least a 30 minute wait, 2 of my friends proceeded to order from the bartender in the regular bar restaurant as they wanted to order off the regular menu.
When we found out that the Grille Room was not opened yet we wanted to cancel the other order placed because we wanted to get back to the beach. The bartender then informed us that the order was already being prepared. One of my friends ordered a beer, which they are still waiting for. We then proceeded to order an appetizer. Believe it or not, the appetizer came out and then we were told that they did not make the other orders. We would have never ordered the appetizer, which was terrible. We canceled the other order and paid our bill and left.
We were not offered any compensation when it was apparent we were not happy with the service in the regular restaurant bar. The best part about The Columns is the Grille Room. It is serve yourself/no frills. Bring your own crackers for the crab legs and lobsters but most likely, if you are a professional, you will not need them.
Saturday nights and Sunday early evenings are extremely crowded and there will be line. The band in the grille room can be very loud.
So bring ear plugs. Also people do hover for tables. It is fun with a large group and the food is always good. Try the seafood bisque, it is delicious!!!!
Grand, elegant and modern - Columns Hotel offers something for everyone. Columns Hotel offers a unique New Orleans blend of modern amenities and antique decor.Built in 1883 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Columns Hotel is located in the beautiful upper Garden District in New Orleans, Louisiana. Conveniently overlooking the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, Columns Hotel is minutes away from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the historic French Quarter, and many shopping districts.