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Located at 1090 NJ-173 in Asbury, NJ, Muddy Waters Gastropub is a vibrant and eclectic destination that masterfully blends the best of a restaurant, dance hall, gastropub, and live music venue into one unforgettable experience. This is a place where culinary craftsmanship meets soulful entertainment in a laidback yet stylish setting, making it a standout spot for locals and visitors craving more than just a meal.
At its heart, Muddy Waters Gastropub serves up an inspired menu with a comforting European flair. The cuisine draws you in with savory classics such as the perfectly crisp Wiener Schnitzel—each bite boasting a golden, crunchy crust that gives way to tender, flavorful meat inside. Pair this with the clean, refreshing notes of their cucumber salad or delight in the traditional heartiness of chicken paprikash, a dish steeped in rich, paprika-infused sauce that warms the soul. For those who enjoy a satisfying snack or starter, the soft pretzel—remarkably fresh with just the right balance of a chewy interior and a subtly salty crust—is a crowd pleaser, often complemented by local Yuengling Lager. The menu doesn’t shy away from indulgence either, featuring inventive plates like the Reuben egg roll and the equally tempting flatbread and bratwurst. And don’t miss the Floating Apple Strudel or Kaiserschmarrn, which serve as decadent finales that evoke memories of cozy European dessert traditions.
The gastropub’s atmosphere nurtures a sense of warmth and camaraderie. Step inside, and you’re greeted by a tastefully decorated space that effortlessly balances rustic charm with modern comfort. Guests often mention the inviting vibe, where attentive and knowledgeable staff enhance the experience with friendly and personalized service. Further enriching the evening is the live music on weekends, adding a soulful soundtrack that perfectly complements meal and drink. Outdoor seating also beckons during warmer months, where softly glowing lights create a magical canopy under which patrons can relax, unwind, and savor the scenic surroundings.
What truly sets Muddy Waters Gastropub apart is its feeling of discovery—a gem off the beaten path that offers not just a dinner but a complete night out. As one satisfied guest, Veronica Delgais, puts it, “The chef was fantastic and so friendly and knowledgeable… I absolutely enjoyed it and the drinks were fantastic.” Another visitor, Nikesh Amin, echoes this sentiment, reflecting on the “monstrous” portions and exemplary dishes that left a lasting impression. Whether you arrive early to enjoy a perfectly crafted pretzel, as Chris Behrman did, or immerse yourself in the lively music and welcoming crowd during an evening visit, you’ll find the experience consistently delightful. Even those with specific food dreams have taken note; Joseph Freda’s hopeful suggestion for anchovy butter alongside the schnitzel speaks to the creativity Muddy Waters inspires.
In short, Muddy Waters Gastropub is more than just a place to eat—it’s a dynamic social hub where great food, music, and atmosphere collide. Whether you’re seeking a relaxed date night, a casual catch-up with friends, or a live music venue with exceptional dining, Muddy Waters delivers with a genuine spirit and culinary magic that beckons you back again and again.
I have to say I was not expecting it to be as good as it was. Definitely should be somewhere more people go to. The chef was fantastic and so friendly and knowledgeable. The service was great, everyone was friendly. I absolutely enjoyed it and the drinks were fantastic. I also haven’t had desert that good in a really long time. It was a great date night spot. The space is great also. The live music, it’s definitely going to be a place that we go back to.
Stopped in to honor Muddy Waters. Place was very cool. It was early so I didn’t catch any live music but was worth the quick stop. Staff was friendly. Only got a pretzel so can’t comment on the food. But the pretzel was really good.
What a gem. We decided to try somewhere off the beaten path and outside of the Valley and just happened across this listing in Maps. Boy am I glad we chose it. The place is decorated very tastefully and everything that we had was top notch. My Weiner schnitzel was exceptionally crisp and tasty with a delightfully clean tasting potato salad on the side. The portion is monstrous and could have been split between the two of us. My companion's burger was perfectly cooked and she complimented the beef both on taste and texture which she ascribed to the coarseness of the grind. We're already looking forward to our return visit!
If you’re looking for a place with a laid-back vibe and a bit of culinary magic, Muddy Waters Gastropub is the spot. They’ve got this beautiful outdoor seating area where you can just chill and enjoy the nature around you under lovely lights. Indoors, they’ve got plenty of seating and even live music on the weekends, which definitely adds to the charm. Food-wise, prepare to be wowed. We met their chef, Attila, who hails from Austria, and he’s bringing some serious talent to the table. I started off with their beets napoleon and a Reuben eggroll—both were absolutely amazing appetizers. And for the main event, the chicken wienerschnitzel was just delicious. As for drinks, they’ve got a specialty cocktail called the Muddy Waters. It’s kind of like an old-fashioned, but they make it extra special by adding fresh apple juice from a batch of apple strudel they press in-house. It was all just really, really good. In short, highly recommend this place for a great evening out. You won’t be disappointed!
Went on Saturday and was very nice. Service was great, drinks and food came out fast, and everything was delicious. I thought the pretzel would have been larger (its the size of a standard NYC pretzel), but it still tasted great. Looking forward to going again, and hoping maybe the chef can make a anchovy butter as a side to go with the schnitzel. That would have put it over the top.
Neighborhood pub meets Master Chef....Wow! What a surprise to find gourmet chef dishes at a reasonable price all wrapped up in a cozy pub atmosphere. I attended a special event which allowed me to sample many menu items in one visit. Artisan flatbread with wild mushrooms and real truffle oil ricotta cheese, beet and goat cheese arugla salad, wiener schnitzel with german potato and cucumber salads, and Grandma's ragout! All fabulous and flavorful and different than every other restaurant in the area. And then the desserts....perfection! Authentic apple strudel in a vanilla cream sauce and traditional, real Italian Tiramisu...Chef Atilla, I will definitely be back very soon! Just 10 minutes from Clinton....you're gonna love it!
My brother and I stopped here during a long drive. The host and chef made us feel very welcome. They were so friendly and accommodating! I wish we had more time and energy to stay and enjoy the space more. It was very clean and the food was great.
I'm pretty much a regular here at this point. The owners are European like me. The menu is not the typical wings and burgers kinda place most Americans expect (that said, they do have a burger and OMG is it good) A lot of weird names scare folks but if you can get over that you can schnitzel (breaded and fried pork chop/chicken) your way to a spatzle (hand made pasta), you can ragout (meaty deliciousness) your way to a paprikash (creamy paprika-ey chicken-ey goodness).Those are the difficult ones, the rest you'll recognize. They have something for everyone - Chef might even cook up something not on the menu if you're nice! The owners are the nicest folks and dare I say a wee bit wild when the opportunity arises :) I haven't had a bad meal here. I haven't had a bad experience here. The place is great, the bar staff are the best, the wine is delicious. its a nice wee escape from the daily grind