You’ve probably seen the headlines or the angry Facebook threads in local Jersey groups. Maybe you even saw that TikTok before it was scrubbed from the internet. When Taylor Sams Bay Head opened its doors in June 2025 at the old Dune Grass Cafe spot on Bridge Avenue, people expected the same cozy, scratch-made brunch vibes that made the Brick location a staple since 2013. Instead, the opening was overshadowed by a viral PR nightmare that had the entire Jersey Shore talking—and not about the pancakes.
Honestly, it's a shame. Because if you strip away the social media drama and the "f-off" rants that went viral, there's a reason Scott and Dawn Spivak have been able to expand from a single spot in Brick to Red Bank and even down to St. Pete, Florida.
The Drama Behind Taylor Sams Bay Head
Let’s address the elephant in the room first. Transitioning into a town like Bay Head is tricky. It’s a tight-knit, affluent community where people have very specific expectations. When Taylor Sams replaced Dune Grass, locals immediately started comparing prices. When a couple of customers complained that the bill was essentially double what they used to pay, things got heated.
Then came the video.
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Co-owner Dawn Spivak posted a TikTok that basically told critics to "f-off" if they didn't like the prices, claiming the food was "double the quality." In a town where reputation is everything, it was a bold—some would say disastrous—move. The apology that followed didn't necessarily land well either, with many feeling it was a bit tone-deaf to the local demographic.
But here is the thing: New Jersey is a "pay for what you get" kind of state. And Taylor Sams has always positioned itself as a "from scratch" kitchen. They aren't opening cans of pre-made hash; they are braising corned beef in-house for the #Hashtag Delicious. That level of labor costs money, especially in 2026.
What’s Actually on the Menu?
If you can get past the internet beef, the food is, well, quintessential Jersey. They take the "Taylor Ham vs. Pork Roll" debate and just lean entirely into the Taylor name.
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The Original Taylor is the gold standard here. It’s a pork roll, fried egg, and American cheese sandwich on a kaiser roll. Simple? Yes. But they do it better than your average bodega because the ingredients are actually fresh. If you’re feeling particularly hungry (or hungover), the Fat Sam is the move. It’s pork roll, cheese, bacon, egg, and homefries all crammed into a sub roll. It’s a lot. Like, "don't plan on doing anything for three hours" a lot.
The "Taylor's Choice" Highlights:
- Vicious Biscuit: This is a monster. We’re talking a homemade cheddar jalapeño biscuit, pimento cheese, and buttermilk fried cauliflower with hot honey. It’s messy, it’s spicy, and it’s arguably one of the most creative things on the Bridge Ave menu.
- Jersey Rolls: Think egg rolls, but stuffed with scrambled eggs, American cheese, and diced Taylor ham. It’s the kind of fusion food you only find in Monmouth and Ocean County.
- The Bella: For the lunch crowd, this pressed ciabatta with breaded chicken, fresh mootz (mozzarella), basil pesto, and serrano ham is a standout.
The Vibe and the "Daily Grind"
The Bay Head location at 58 Bridge Ave isn't just a place to grab a sandwich; it’s basically a caffeine laboratory. They take their coffee seriously. They have this menu called the "Daily Grind" which changes constantly, but the staples are the real draw.
The NJ Transit—espresso, hot chocolate, and frothed milk with cinnamon—is a local favorite. Or the Path Train, which is a hazelnut and caramel latte that's basically a dessert in a cup. It’s the kind of place where you see families with kids in sandy flip-flops sitting next to business owners in loafers. Despite the rough start with the local "old guard," the place is usually buzzing on the weekends.
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Is the Price Justified?
This is where the nuance comes in. A breakfast sandwich at Taylor Sams is going to run you more than the local deli. A Monster Sam burger is nearly $20. For some, that’s a non-starter. But when you look at the "from scratch" philosophy—making their own syrups, braising their own meats, and hand-separating egg whites—you start to see where the overhead goes.
Bay Head is an expensive place to operate. The rent alone on Bridge Avenue is enough to make any small business owner sweat. While the TikTok rant was objectively a bad PR move, the underlying frustration of a business trying to maintain high quality in a high-cost environment is something many restaurateurs feel.
Practical Info for Your Visit
If you're planning to head over, keep a few things in mind. They are generally open from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, but they are typically closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at the Bay Head location (though this can shift seasonally).
- Parking: It’s Bay Head. In the summer, it’s a nightmare. Be prepared to walk a block or two.
- Ordering: You can order online through their website or apps like Uber Eats if you want to avoid the crowd.
- Dietary Stuff: They are surprisingly good with gluten-free options, like the Beansie Tostada which uses a corn tortilla.
The Bottom Line
Taylor Sams Bay Head is a case study in modern restaurant culture. It’s a mix of high-quality, scratch-made comfort food and the volatile nature of social media. If you go, go for the Jersey Rolls or a Pecan Pie Matcha. Leave the internet drama at the door.
To get the most out of your visit, try to go on a Thursday or Friday morning to avoid the Saturday rush. Check their Instagram for the latest "Daily Grind" coffee specials before you go, as those change way faster than the main menu. If you’re a local, give the staff a chance—they’re usually just hardworking people trying to keep up with a very busy kitchen.