Ivy Stone Diner and Lounge (Iselin)

Ivy Stone Diner and Lounge (Iselin)

Sadly the Ivy Stone Diner has closed. I can’t say I’m surprised as the location has been closed and reopened multiple times now.

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The Ivy Stone Diner and Lounge (Iselin) has been on my to-do list for a while.  As most people know, I like seafood a lot.  Growing up in Virginia Beach, you’re never far from seafood.  The Ivy Stone Diner and Lounge, claims to have the “the best seafood” around.

I met my friend, Christine, for lunch.  We arrived around noon, and there were only two other parties in the restaurant.

Ivy Stone Diner and Lounge (Iselin) Atmosphere: B
The Ivy Stone Diner and Lounge is having a major identity crisis.  Is it a diner? A nightclub? A bar? It’s a very fancy restaurant with minimal features that make it a diner.  It’s nice, but the luxurious chandelier or moonlit bathroom sink hardly classify it as a diner.

Ivy Stone Diner and Lounge (Iselin) Service: C
It was clear the server at the Ivy Stone Diner, and Lounge was new.  He was nice and refilled our beverages when we asked.  For only two other parties in the restaurant, the food came out very slowly. I felt like I’ve been to many other diners, much more crowded than the food came out quickly.  It was borderline slow for a buddy restaurant, let alone a diner with three parties.

Ivy Stone Diner and Lounge (Iselin) Coffee: B
The coffee at the Ivy Stone Diner and Lounge was good.  It was brought out hot and fresh.  We had plenty of refills as well.

Ivy Stone Diner and Lounge (Iselin) Food: C
The Ivy Stone Diner and Lounge menu is small.  It more resembles a bar more than a diner.  There aren’t a lot of breakfast options.  Since they are well known for their seafood, I ordered salmon and a Greek salad. I was shocked when I tasted the salmon.

It was apparently frozen and reheated. It wasn’t terrible, but the hardly quality I would label as “the best.”  The Greek salad was good, and I enjoyed the dressing.

Ivy Stone Diner and Lounge (Iselin) Price: $$
For my salmon, salad, coffee, the cost was $21.  It was more on the pricy side for the quality of food and size.

Summary/Would I come back to the Ivy Stone Diner and Lounge (Iselin)?

The Ivy Stone Diner and Lounge (Iselin) is interesting and not the usual “diner.”  It’s not a bad stop, just a very ok restaurant. I would be more likely to want to grab drinks.

Atmosphere: B
Service: C
Coffee: B
Food: C
Price: $12-20

You can see all of the diner reviews here.

Overall: C
Questions for you:
Do you like seafood?
Is your area known for anything?