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Saint & Second
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Saint & Second
8.2
Two-story gastropub resembling a ski chalet serves locally-sourced seasonal cuisine with organic cocktails. Executive chef Shelly Bojorquez creates New American dishes from duck meatballs to bison short ribs. Rooftop patio offers prime 2nd Street people-watching while maintaining surprisingly calm ambiance inside.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck Meatballs, Bacon Burger, Roasted Bone Marrow
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Multi-level gastropub combining Hofman family hospitality with chef-driven seasonal fare and curated whiskey selection
Who should go: Groups and gastropub fans seeking craft cocktails with elevated bar food
When to visit: Sunset on rooftop patio or weekend brunch with mimosas
What to order: Duck meatballs with hoisin glaze, bacon burger, truffle artichoke flatbread
Insider tip: Second-floor outdoor bar perfect for casual drinks with killer people-watching
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 2nd Street and side streets - competitive after 5pm. Paid lot one block north on Broadway. Arrive 15min early for weekend dinners.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice tops work perfectly. Belmont Shore vibe skews beachy-chic rather than formal.
Noise level: Moderate upstairs, lively downstairs bar area. Rooftop patio surprisingly calm despite 2nd Street foot traffic. Can hold conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 45-60 minutes without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm. Rooftop bar seating first-come basis.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes Tuesday-Thursday lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including truffle artichoke flatbread, roasted vegetable plates, and several salads. Seasonal menu rotates veggie-forward items.
Vegan options: Limited but workable - 2-3 dedicated options. Kitchen accommodates modifications. Call ahead for current seasonal offerings.
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF buns available for burgers, several naturally GF entrees. Kitchen aware of cross-contamination. Not celiac-certified but takes requests seriously.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. Rooftop provides romantic sunset views without stuffy atmosphere. Noise level allows conversation. Diverse menu handles different tastes. Reserve indoor table if you want quieter setting; rooftop works for confident conversationalists.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early weekday dinners (before 6pm) - yes, usually fine. Weekend dinners - risky without reservation, but rooftop bar does walk-in seating. Arrive at 5pm for dinner or grab bar seats and wait for table turnover around 8:30pm.
Is it kid-friendly? More appropriate for teens and adults. No kids menu, sophisticated ambiance, bar-centric vibe especially evenings. If bringing children under 12, stick to early weekday dinners (5-6pm) and request quieter upstairs table away from bar noise.
How's the happy hour? Strong value play - discounted craft cocktails and select appetizers weekdays 3-6pm. Rooftop fills quickly with after-work crowd. Duck meatballs at happy hour pricing are the move.
Can I just come for drinks? Absolutely - rooftop bar designed exactly for this. No pressure to order full meal. Whiskey selection and organic cocktails are highlights. Better for drinks than many dedicated bars in the area.
Best For
Better for: Saint & Second wins for: multi-level ambiance variety (rooftop vs. indoor dining options), elevated gastropub fare over typical bar food, craft cocktail program, people-watching on 2nd Street, and groups wanting shareable plates with substance. Better whiskey selection than most Belmont Shore spots.
Skip if: Skip if you want: quiet romantic dinner (try Nick's or Caffe Piccolo instead), budget-friendly meal (head to Berlin Bistro or Restauration), authentic Italian (go to Michael's Pizzeria), or beachfront ocean views (this is inland 2nd Street). Also skip for families with young kids - atmosphere skews adult.
Saint & Second
8.3
Two-story New American restaurant from the Hofman family blending chef-driven seasonal cuisine with come-as-you-are hospitality. The rooftop bar and locally-sourced menu attract both families for casual dinners and cocktail enthusiasts for elevated drinks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak and Fries with Brandy Peppercorn Sauce, Truffle Fries, Pistachio Brown Butter Cake
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Third-generation family restaurant with rooftop bar and curated whiskey collection
Who should go: Families and groups seeking quality New American with cocktail bar
When to visit: Weekend brunch or sunset drinks on rooftop, reserve ahead
What to order: Steak with peppercorn sauce, truffle fries, brown butter cake
Insider tip: Upstairs rooftop bar perfect for 2nd Street people-watching
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 2nd Street and side streets - competitive but turnover is decent. Public lot at Bay Shore & Bennett ($2/hr). Arrive 10-15 min early for dinner.
Dress code: Coastal casual to smart casual - jeans and nice tops work, sundresses common. Rooftop bar skews slightly dressier than downstairs dining room.
Noise level: Moderate upstairs at the bar (cocktail crowd buzz), quieter downstairs in dining room - conversation-friendly at all tables.
Weekend wait: 45-75 minutes without reservation Friday/Saturday after 6:30pm. Rooftop bar first-come seating fills quickly at sunset.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, typically seat within 10 minutes Tuesday-Thursday lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 dedicated options including seasonal vegetable plates, grain bowls, and creative salads. Chef accommodates modifications.
Vegan options: Limited - 2 menu items, but kitchen will adapt vegetarian dishes. Call ahead for best experience, especially for larger parties.
Gluten-free options: Yes - most proteins can be prepared GF, substitutions available for sides. Staff knowledgeable but not a dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - upscale enough to impress but relaxed Belmont Shore vibe keeps it pressure-free. Request downstairs for quieter conversation, or rooftop if you want energy and sunset views as a conversation starter.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinners (before 6pm) usually yes. Weekend dinners are risky - try the rooftop bar for walk-in drinks and small plates while you wait, or arrive right at 5pm opening.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - downstairs dining room welcomes families with high chairs and kids menu. Works best for ages 5+ who can handle 45-min meals. Rooftop bar is 21+ after 8pm.
How's the rooftop bar situation? First-come seating, no reservations for bar area. Gets packed 5-7pm for happy hour and sunset. Arrive by 4:45pm weekends for prime spots, or come after 8pm when it thins out.
Can I just get drinks or do I need to order food? Drinks-only is fine at the rooftop bar. Downstairs dining room is table service with expectation of ordering entrees, though you can make a meal from small plates and sides.
Best For
Better for: Versatile crowd-pleasing - works for family dinners, date nights, and friend hangs in one spot. Hofman family pedigree shows in consistent execution. Rooftop bar gives it an edge over other Belmont Shore New American spots that lack the two-story layout and cocktail program.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge innovative cuisine or Michelin ambitions - this is elevated comfort food, not avant-garde. Also skip if you need guaranteed quiet romance (opt for Nick's on 2nd) or if you're seeking beach-view dining (no ocean views here).
Saint & Second
8.1
Multi-level New American restaurant by the Hoffman family brings chef-driven seasonal cuisine to the site of their original 1950s establishment. Former 555 Steakhouse chef Shelly Bojorquez crafts contemporary dishes with locally-sourced ingredients, complemented by extensive whiskey selection and organic cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
S&S Signature Burger, Bison Short Rib, Pistachio Butter Cake
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Multi-generational family legacy with rooftop patio and ski chalet aesthetic
Who should go: Business professionals, casual groups, weekend brunchers
When to visit: Weekday lunch for business; social hour 4-6pm for deals
What to order: Duck meatballs, signature burger, short rib pasta
Insider tip: Second-level outdoor patio offers best 2nd Street people-watching