The Squire

Honoring the past while embracingthe future, Steve and Amy Meyer have restored one of Monmouth County’s most cherished gathering places into a destination for memorable dining, celebrations, and community. Today, guests from throughout Monmouth County and the Jersey Shore visit The Squire for fresh seafood, Certified Prime Angus steaks, handcrafted cocktails, live entertainment, and the warm hospitality that has made it one of the area’s favorite dining destinations.

Rich History

Classic Jersey Shore cuisine, genuine hospitality, and a rich sense of tradition come together at The Squire Restaurant & Bar {123 Monmouth Rd., West Long Branch; 732-542-5050; thesquirenj.com}, where owners Steve and Amy Meyer have thoughtfully revived one of Monmouth County’s most cherished dining destinations. Blending scratch-made comfort food, handcrafted cocktails, live entertainment, and heartfelt service, The Squire has become a place where every meal feels like a celebration and every guest is welcomed like family.

Located on the site of the original Squire’s Pub, a local favorite from the 1970s through the 1990s, the property has long been a gathering place for the community. When the Meyers purchased the landmark property and the adjoining Branches Catering Hall in 2021, they embraced its rich history while giving it a fresh new life. The restaurant was completely reimagined with beautifully renovated dining spaces, an inviting bar, and private event areas, while Branches was thoughtfully refurbished to preserve its reputation as one of Monmouth County’s premier wedding and banquet venues. Their hands-on approach and commitment to exceptional hospitality have created a destination where lifelong traditions continue and new memories are made every day.

The Squire Reimagined

The casual yet refined main dining room in The Squire is spacious without sacrificing comfort, creating an atmosphere that’s equally suited for date nights, family gatherings, and celebrations. A stunning rustic stone fireplace serves as the room’s focal point, complete with a custom mantel that is beautifully decorated for each season, adding warmth and charm year-round. The wraparound bar, outfitted with four big-screen TVs, offers a lively gathering place for cocktails, while high-top tables create the perfect setting for Happy Hour and casual get-togethers. Thoughtful soundproofing ensures the expansive space remains comfortable and conversational. “We soundproofed the ceiling,” Steve explains. “The fireplace side stays quiet and intimate, while the wine room side is where you’ll find live music, family dinners, and business lunches.”

The décor blends nostalgic elegance with coastal charm, creating a warm, family-oriented atmosphere. Iconic black-and-white photographs of Frank Sinatra, James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, and Jackie Kennedy line the walls, adding timeless character throughout the restaurant. For summer, the ceiling is accented with hanging candlelight, delicate floral arrangements, and tasteful seasonal décor, creating an inviting setting that feels both sophisticated and welcoming.

That welcoming atmosphere is rooted in genuine hospitality. “Steve visits every table,” Amy says. “He takes the time to get to know our guests, and that’s what makes people feel so comfortable, appreciated, and truly at home.” Extending that same personalized experience is an intimate private dining room that accommodates up to 25 guests, making it the perfect setting for anniversaries, birthdays, bridal and baby showers, rehearsal dinners, business gatherings, and other special celebrations.

Quality and Consistency

Behind the scenes, The Squire Restaurant & Bar and Branches Catering Hall operate with two dedicated kitchens, each staffed by a team of three chefs to ensure every meal is prepared with the highest level of quality and consistency. One kitchen focuses exclusively on restaurant service, while the other is devoted to weddings, banquets, and special events. “On Saturdays, we often have multiple celebrations happening at once,” says Steve. “I jump in wherever I’m needed. That’s what being hands-on is all about.”

Entertainment is just as important to the experience. Live music fills the restaurant every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, creating an energetic yet welcoming atmosphere. Amy personally curates every performer. “I only book talent I’d want to listen to myself,” she says. “I audition everyone—it’s like our own version of American Idol.” The Squire’s event calendar is packed with favorites, including Lobster Nights every Thursday through Sunday all summer long, Movements & Martinis, which combines yoga and cocktails, and Family Nights featuring beloved children’s entertainer Craig Daniels. This summer also brings two special evenings celebrating the timeless music of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin on July 9 and August 13, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., transporting guests back to the golden era of classic crooners.

Conveniently located just minutes from Monmouth University, Long Branch beaches, and Monmouth Park Racetrack, The Squire has become a favorite destination for everything from casual family dinners and business lunches to anniversaries and special celebrations. Together, exceptional cuisine, live entertainment, and genuine hospitality make every visit to The Squire feel like a celebration.

Comfort Food & Crafted Cocktails

Come hungry—The Squire is known for its generous portions, scratch-made recipes, and elevated comfort food that has quickly become a favorite in West Long Branch. “Everything is homemade,” says Amy. “From our fresh pasta and mozzarella sticks to our salad dressings—and even the ice cream we serve for dessert. We also feature fresh seafood, Certified Prime Angus steaks, and seasonal chef-inspired specials that give our guests something new to enjoy throughout the year.”

For lunch, Steve’s top recommendation is the signature Squire Burger—an 8-ounce blend of beef chuck, short rib, and Angus brisket topped with melted cheddar, house-made tomato-bacon-onion jam, pickled jalapeños, and served with crispy homemade fries. The lunch menu also features house-made flatbreads, fresh homemade pasta, handcrafted sandwiches, crisp salads, shareable appetizers, and many of the restaurant’s signature dinner favorites. Families will also appreciate the dedicated kids’ menu, making The Squire a welcoming destination for guests of all ages.

Timeless Favorites

Dinner, however, is where The Squire truly shines. Working closely with his culinary team, Steve keeps the menu fresh, creative, and approachable while staying true to timeless favorites. He recommends beginning with the restaurant’s signature mozzarella sticks—hand-formed, lightly breaded, and fried in olive oil—a must-order for first-time guests. Entrée favorites include the Parmesan-Crusted Halibut served with Spring Pea Risotto & Citrus Beurre Blanc and the Spicy Rigatoni with sautéed peppers and onions, and Calabrian chili in a tomato cream sauce. Another standout entrée is the 14-ounce Berkshire Pork Chop, a guest favorite that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Perfectly prepared and served with creamy whipped sweet potatoes, house-made cornbread, and a rich maple bacon and apricot chutney, the dish strikes a delicious balance of savory and sweet, making it one of the restaurant’s most memorable signature offerings.

The Butcher’s Corner showcases a premium selection of Certified Prime Angus Beef, including a tender Filet Mignon available in 6-ounce or 9-ounce cuts. Expertly seasoned with coarse sea salt and prepared to your preferred temperature, each steak delivers exceptional flavor, tenderness, and quality that steak lovers will appreciate. One of the menu’s standout showstoppers is the Surf & Turf Board, a feast designed for sharing. Perfect for two or more guests, it features a 32-ounce Porterhouse steak, two 6-ounce cold-water lobster tails, and three jumbo stuffed shrimp, creating an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the best of land and sea.

Seasonal Cocktails

The bar program is equally impressive. The restaurant’s talented mixologists craft an ever-changing lineup of seasonal cocktails alongside creative mocktails, complemented by an extensive wine list, local and imported beers, and specialty Italian wines showcased in the adjoining wine room. Steve and Amy both recommend the restaurant’s signature Espresso Martini, while the rich, chocolatey Toblerone Cocktail has become another guest favorite. A fun summer handcrafted cocktail is the Blackberry Cosmo with Ciroc Red Berry, Triple Sec, lemon juice, muddled blackberries, and agave.

Perfect Ending

Be sure to save room for dessert. That sweet finale comes from the Meyer’s other family business, Ryan’s Homemade Ice Cream, a Jersey Shore favorite since 1988, featuring handcrafted ice cream, custom ice cream cakes, and seasonal creations made fresh every day. Each of their three locations, Tinton Falls, Hazlet, and Oakhurst, serves 52 handcrafted flavors that are also served exclusively for The Squire. “Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or special celebration, we’ll create a personalized ice cream cake made with our homemade ice cream,” says Amy. Favorite flavors include Chocolate Snowfall, PB&J, Spumoni, and the decadent Raspberry Bomb—the perfect ending to any meal.

Along with Ryan’s Homemade Ice Cream sundaes and custom cakes, guests can indulge in Key Lime Pie, New York-style Cheesecake, Zabaglione, Tiramisu, Cannoli, and other house favorites. It’s the perfect ending to an evening that celebrates homemade food, genuine hospitality, and the timeless comfort of gathering around the table.

Whether guests are looking for a quick business lunch, a relaxed family dinner, or an upscale date night, The Squire offers something for every occasion.

The Evolution of an Icon

Some restaurants serve meals. Others become part of a community’s story.

For decades, 123 Monmouth Road has been one of those special places. Long before The Squire Restaurant & Bar welcomed guests, the property was home to Joseph’s, a beloved gathering place throughout the 1960s for local families, Monmouth Park racegoers, and the surrounding community.

In the mid-1970s, the property became the iconic Squire’s Pub, where countless weddings, Sweet 16s, proms, anniversaries, and milestone celebrations created memories that have lasted generations. When Steve and Amy Meyer purchased the property and the adjoining Branches banquet hall in 2021, they intentionally brought back  The Squire name—honoring its rich history while creating a fresh new chapter.

Personal Connections

Today, those memories continue to grow. “Our head bartender recently got married here,” says Amy. “Our Branches manager even has photos of her aunt and uncle’s wedding at the original Squire’s. It’s amazing how many people have a personal connection to this place.”

Steve hears those stories every day. “People stop us just to say thank you for bringing The Squire back,” he says. “They share memories from years ago, and now they’re creating new ones with their own families. That’s incredibly rewarding.”

At The Squire, the tradition isn’t just being preserved—it’s being passed on to the next generation.

One Landmark, Two Unique Experiences: BRANCHES 

{123 Monmouth Rd, West Long Branch; 732-542-5050; branches-events.com}

On the east side of the property is the renowned Branches Catering Hall, an elegant banquet venue that accommodates up to 300 guests for weddings, galas, corporate events, and milestone celebrations. Beautifully renovated, the space features soaring windows, timeless décor, and a bright, sophisticated ambiance. Designed for flexibility, the venue can be divided into smaller spaces, including a stylish cocktail lounge, banquet suite, and catering area to accommodate events of all sizes. A spacious dance floor anchors the room, while a stunning new central bar provides convenient access for guests throughout the celebration. The venue also includes a private Bridal Suite complete with dedicated hair and makeup stations, ensuring every detail is in place for a seamless and unforgettable event. Branches is one of Monmouth County’s premier wedding and event venues, hosting elegant weddings, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, corporate events, fundraisers, holiday parties, and milestone celebrations throughout the year.

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The Private Dining Room at the Squire 

Nestled inside The Squire, this sleek, modern private room accommodates up to 24 guests. An ultimate secluded backdrop for intimate family milestones and corporate gatherings alike. Contact the manager for more information and bookings. Private Dining at The Squire