"No doubt Anchor's Bend has it's inconsistencies in terms of service and cuisine. But, with the right expectations going in, you find that you get what you need. We were just looking for a mellow spot to get out of the sun for a while close to the beach so we could rest our eyes and feet and still watch summer waning this Labor Day Weekend. This place on the North end of Convention Hall on the Asbury Park boardwalk was all that. A bit ramshackled with very high cement ceiling and floor, and aquamarine painted woodwork that had been through hurricane and nor'easter and August heat, the joint felt like a sailor's roost. Liked the vibe alot. Tank tops and flip flops were dressing up. We grabbed a wobbly high top along the north brick wall with a great view above North Beach. I already had a good latte from across the Hall, and my companion ordered a Laganitas IPA. Our several servers didn't seem to mind that was all we wanted as there was plenty of room in the early afternoon and they were more into socializing with the bartenders (don't blame them). Sure, that beer was a buck or two more than buying it at Canal's, but what is one hour of pleasant out of the sun mellow worth? Certainly the price of a day beach pass for the two of us. Especially, when considering all the great rockers who had been here doing the same thing during rehearsal breaks. Felt like the in crowd to me."
