The Black Swan Public House, Asbury Park, NJ:
A Restaurant Review

The Black Swan Public House, a European gastropub, is the creation of Owner and Executive Chef James Avery, and business partner Sebastian Walker.

The Black Swan is a contemporary version of the traditional Irish-British pub. Patrons come for a variety of reasons; They come to watch a soccer game with pints of Guinness, or for a romantic date, or to meet up with friends for good drinks & food, a good vibe, in a vibrant pub atmosphere. It's a great spot for beer and sports enthusiasts while also catering to individuals who'd rather not dine at a sports bar.

The 5,000-square foot restaurant with indoor seating for 150 plus more outdoor tables wrapping around the building's rounded corner, is located in the Byrum Building, a five-story Romanesque fortress of limestone blocks and arched doorways, originally built in 1886.

The beautifully designed, upscale, renovated restaurant with British styled decor, has a warm and cozy vibe to it. It's divided into four separate areas in order to offer something for everyone.
The Pub area has a dark interior with full-service bar, and large display TV's great for watching soccer games.
The main Dining Room is a an attractive area with dark exposed ceilings, hanging chandeliers, dark wood flooring, and lots of spindly flower arrangements that climb the marble columns.
The Tea Room is done up with ornate carpeting, Victorian-style furniture and walls adorned with paintings.
The 4th area is The vault, an ideal place for a before or after dinner cocktail. The ambiance is charming with oriental rugs covered from wall to wall with and rich wood furniture.

Chef James Avery comes with excellent culinary credentials. He received his formal culinary training at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. He later honed his skills under acclaimed Chef David Burke at the former Fromagerie in Rumson, under Michael Mina's former Sea Blue in Atlantic City, and later on as a consulting chef on Gordon Ramsay's hit FOX television show "Kitchen Nightmares." Prior to opening The Black Swan, he served as Executive Chef of the Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten and Executive Chef/Partner at the former Bonney Read.

The innovative menu is approachable and features various cultural influences that appeal to different tastes, including Indian-inspired curries, pastas Shepherd's Pie, and Fish and Chips, Steaks, and other popular pub style comfort foods.

The Black Swan is open Seven days/Week for lunch and dinner.

(Updated September 2024)