Cardinal Provisions, Asbury Park, NJ:
A Restaurant Review

A Restaurant review of Cardinal Provisions, Asbury Park, NJ

Cardinal Provisions
513 Bangs Ave,
Asbury Park, NJ

Cardinal Provisions: Restaurant Highlights

Fare: New American Cafe

Price: Moderate

Food Quality: Well-executed, inspirational menu, using fresh locally sourced ingredients.

Service: Friendly, attentive.

Ambiance/Decor: Cozy, retro brick-walled setting.

Liquor: BYOB.

Recommended For: Diners who enjoy a healthy, well-executed, artfully presented Breakfast/lunch menu in a funky retro brick-walled setting.

Not Recommended For: Diners who enjoy a traditional diner style menu.

Recommended dishes: When available, The Cacio e Pepe Scrambled Eggs with pecorino, parmigiano, arugula salad, breakfast sausage, cracked pepper, benchmark garlic toast; The Banana Skillet Cake, with miso caramel, salted honey butter (if you can wait 25 minutes); and The Quiche Lorraine with free range eggs, bacon, caramelized onion, Gruyere.

Cardinal Provisions is a cherished hidden gem in Asbury Park, a Jersey Shore town celebrated for its vibrant dining scene.

Owned and operated by Chefs Grace Crossman and Laura Brahn, this cozy eatery shines with a daytime focus on healthy, artfully crafted breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes, while evenings pivot to intimate catering events featuring seasonal, small-batch ingredients.

Before launching Cardinal Provisions in 2015, both chefs honed their skills in Asbury Park kitchens (Porta, Pascal and Sabine, Talula’s), with Crossman further refining her craft in NYC restaurants and on an organic New Jersey farm.

Their expertise translates to a menu brimming with seasonal salads, sandwiches, and plates that spotlight locally sourced produce. Standouts include house-made pastries and exceptional coffee, alongside thoughtfully curated vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

The 1,400-square-foot interior exudes warmth with retro brick walls and soothing decor, complemented by a friendly, attentive staff. In fair weather, enjoy outdoor seating—including three dog-friendly tables—on a heated sidewalk patio. Families are welcome, thanks to a dedicated kids’ menu.

Hours: Open Tuesday–Monday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (Closed Wednesdays). Weekends often see 30-minute waits, but the fresh, flavorful fare is worth it.

A must-visit for wholesome, inventive meals in a laid-back setting, Cardinal Provisions embodies Asbury Park’s eclectic charm.

(Updated: February 2025)

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