- Attraction: Drew’s Bayshore Bistro
- Location: 44 E Front St, Keyport, NJ 07735
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: http://drewsbayshorebistro.com
Chef Andrew Araneo turned a childhood passion into culinary legend when he opened Drew’s Bayshore Bistro in 2005, bringing the bold flavors of Louisiana and the Low Country to his hometown of Keyport.
This isn’t your typical neighborhood spot. After training at Brookdale Community College and honing his skills at prominent Jersey Shore restaurants like Joe and Maggie’s and Whispers, Drew made waves on the Food Network when he beat Bobby Flay in a throwdown featuring his now-iconic Voodoo Shrimp.
Today, his bistro stands as one of the region’s most celebrated dining destinations, earning Drew a James Beard Foundation semifinalist nomination for best Mid-Atlantic chef in 2010.
The restaurant recently relocated to a stunning new space just steps away from its original location. You’ll find it fits beautifully into Keyport’s historic downtown, with an interior that balances casual elegance and welcoming warmth.
Tables fill up fast here, with food lovers traveling from all over New Jersey and beyond to snag any available reservation slot.
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Keep Exploring →Menu Highlights
The Legendary Voodoo Shrimp: This is the dish that made Drew famous, and it’s easy to see why. Succulent jumbo shrimp swim in a rich, spicy Worcestershire cream sauce that takes hours to prepare, starting with dark beer as the base.
The real genius? The shrimp sit atop jalapeño cornbread that soaks up every drop of that decadent sauce, adding a crunchy-sweet contrast to the creamy, savory topping. You’ll want to use your spoon to get every last bit.
Perfectly Seared Scallops: These tender, juicy beauties are cooked to absolute perfection. You might find them paired with pesto risotto or butternut squash risotto depending on the season, creating what diners describe as a true explosion of flavor. The scallops practically melt in your mouth, and the creamy risotto provides the perfect backdrop for their delicate sweetness.
Broiled Oysters: These have become such a favorite that regulars joke about ordering two portions as their main course. The charbroiled preparation adds a smoky depth while keeping the oysters plump and briny. They’re prepared with such care that they’ve earned a spot among the most talked-about items on the menu.
Shrimp and Grits: This southern classic gets the Drew treatment with Gulf shrimp, thick-cut Benton’s bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, and scallions piled over cheesy grits. The bacon adds a wonderful smoky crunch, and the combination of textures and flavors transports you straight to the South. It’s comfort food elevated to an art form.
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Discover MoreThe Famous Pork Du Jour: There’s almost always a pork special on the menu, and it’s become something of a tradition for regulars to order it sight unseen. Whether it’s thick, juicy pork chops, pulled pork, or pork belly, Drew’s preparations showcase his skill with this versatile protein. The portions are generous, and the seasoning is always spot-on.
City Jambalaya: For those who like heat, this dish delivers. Packed with chicken, andouille sausage, tasso ham, trinity vegetables, and shrimp Creole, it comes with lots and lots of spice. It’s a flavor bomb that captures the spirit of New Orleans in every bite.
Crawfish Étouffée: Rich, comforting, and authentically seasoned, this classic Louisiana dish features crawfish smothered in a deeply flavored sauce served over rice. It’s the kind of dish that makes you understand why people drive from Charleston just to eat here.
Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes: These are packed with sweet, fresh crab meat and minimal filler. The preparation lets the quality seafood shine through, with just enough binding to hold them together and a perfect golden crust.
Nashville Hot Chicken: If you enjoy spicy food, this dish brings genuine heat. The chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a fiery seasoning that’ll make your taste buds dance. Be warned though—it’s authentically hot, not just mildly spicy.
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Keep Exploring →Seasonal Specials & Sides
Rotating Menu: The menu changes with the seasons, and you’ll find incredible specials that showcase Drew’s creativity and technique.
Past favorites have included pan-seared duck breast with blueberries, blackened ribeye with BBQ shrimp, soft shell crabs, Dr. Pepper braised short ribs, and swordfish specials. The daily specials are posted on their Facebook page between 11 AM and noon each day.
Caesar Salad with a Twist: The southwestern Caesar features tortilla strips instead of traditional croutons, adding a fun textural element and subtle corn flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing.
Calamari: Light, airy, and perfectly fried, the calamari comes with flavorful dipping sauces that complement the tender squid without overwhelming it.
Mac and Cheese: This isn’t your average side dish. The cheese sauce is velvety and rich, coating each noodle completely. Some find it so good they could make a meal of it alone.
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Discover MoreDesserts Worth Saving Room For
Homemade Ice Cream: Drew makes his own ice cream in flavors that change seasonally. The Jersey sweet corn ice cream has achieved legendary status among regulars.
Beignets: These fluffy fried dough pillows come dusted with powdered sugar and are sometimes offered with fun variations like apple cider beignets. They’re the perfect sweet ending to a spicy meal.
Bread Pudding: Served warm with ice cream, the berry bread pudding combines comfort and sophistication. The texture is perfectly custardy, and the fresh berries add brightness.
Seasonal Fruit Desserts: Depending on the season, you might find Jersey peach and blueberry crumble or strawberry chocolate cake. These showcase local ingredients and Drew’s commitment to seasonal cooking.
Atmosphere & Setting
The New Location: The restaurant’s recent move brought them to a gorgeous space that fits seamlessly into Keyport’s historic waterfront district. The building looks stunning from the street, with an exterior that honors the area’s heritage. Inside, dark wooden floors and walls create an intimate, sophisticated vibe that still feels approachable and warm.
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Keep Exploring →Open Kitchen Concept: You’ll notice the open kitchen setup where you can watch the culinary magic happen. Tables near the kitchen offer a quieter dining experience compared to the front of the restaurant, and some diners specifically request these seats for a more relaxed meal.
The Energy: This place buzzes with happy diners. The dining room typically runs at full capacity, creating a lively atmosphere where everyone seems genuinely thrilled to be there. It’s the kind of energy that comes from great food and satisfied customers.
The noise level can get a bit high when the restaurant is packed, as tables are often pushed together to accommodate larger parties, but most find it adds to the festive feel.
Casual Elegance: The decor strikes a perfect balance between simple and refined. You’ll feel comfortable whether you’re dressed up for a special occasion or keeping it casual for date night. The space feels intimate without being cramped, and the overall ambiance is welcoming from the moment you walk through the door.
Articles and Accolades: Keep an eye out near the bathrooms where you’ll spot various articles about Chef Drew and the restaurant. They’re a testament to the acclaim this local bistro has earned over nearly two decades.
Other Considerations
BYOB Policy: Drew’s doesn’t sell alcohol, but they encourage you to bring your own wine. They’ll provide setups, and there’s something special about pairing your favorite bottle with their Gulf Coast cuisine. The BYOB policy keeps costs down while letting you choose exactly what you want to drink.
Pricing: Expect to spend $50-$100 per person for dinner. While this puts Drew’s in the higher price range for the area, the generous portions, exceptional quality, and innovative preparations make it worthwhile.
Entrees are priced fairly for what you receive, and the complexity of flavors justifies the cost. Most diners feel they’re getting excellent value, especially considering the level of culinary skill on display.
Reservations Are Essential: You absolutely need to book ahead, especially for Friday and Saturday nights during summer months. Tables fill up weeks in advance, and walk-ins rarely have luck. Call (732) 739-9219 to reserve, as they don’t take reservations online.
Parking: You’ll find both street parking and a parking lot available, making access relatively easy for a downtown location. The parking situation is manageable even during busy times.
Best Times to Visit: If you prefer a quieter experience, early weeknight reservations tend to be less hectic. The 5:30 PM slot can be slightly cooler temperature-wise before the dining room fills and warms up. During hot weather, be aware that the AC can struggle to keep up when every table is occupied.
Menu Planning: Since daily specials change and aren’t available until late morning, you might want to check their Facebook page before your reservation if you like to plan ahead. However, you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu—regulars report never being disappointed no matter what they order.
Takeout Available: You can order takeout by calling (732) 739-9219. They don’t accept orders via email, so phone calls are the only way to place to-go orders.
The Experience: This is ideal for celebrating special occasions, date nights, group dinners, or any time you want a memorable meal. The food here impresses even visitors from major foodie cities like Charleston. Some describe it as the best restaurant experience at the Jersey Shore, hands down.
Drew’s Bayshore Bistro
📍 44 E Front St, Keyport, NJ 07735
