This month has definitely been a tasty one, especially because of what is turning out to be the foodie event of the year – the first ever Jersey Shore Local Restaurant Month. We’ve introduced you to some old favorites, new finds, and chef inspired dishes that have hopefully updated your idea of just what dining at the Jersey Shore means. Well, there’s one week left and it’s going to be a big one. Grab your forks and knives and head out to any one of the 50 plus restaurants participating in Local Restaurant Month because it’s going to be… wait for it… legendary.

Jersey Shore Local Restaurant Week Highlights

Dino’s On Main, Asbury Park
Quickly becoming a late night hot spot as well as a faithful one stop shop for breakfast, dinner, and everything in between, Dino’s On Main (300 Main Street, Asbury Park 732-775-1033) is pulling out all the stops with their special dinner menu that also includes a complimentary glass of wine. Try out the Berkshire Center Cut Pork Chop stuffed with pancetta, apple, and sage that has our stomachs growling.

Dominick’s Pizzeria, Wall Twp.
Who said pizzerias can’t have some fun during Local Restaurant Month? We know just how much you crave your favorite Italian home-style dishes from your local pizza joint, which is why the menu from Dominick’s Pizzeria (2601 East Hurley Pond Road, Wall Twp. 732-280-9255) is the perfect solution to what’s for dinner tonight. Who ever said no to a big family portion of Chicken Parmigiana, pasta, salad, and bread?

Doolan’s Shore Club, Spring Lake Heights
A true fixture of the Jersey Shore, Doolan’s Shore Club (700 State Route 71, Spring Lake Heights 732-449-3666) is not just a wedding venue. During Jersey Shore Local Restaurant Month you’re getting a chance to sample some of their party dishes without having to dance the Macarena. For just $32.95, try out three courses that include their infamous Lamb Duo. A tasty one-plate combination of Grilled Lamb Chops and Slow Roasted Braised Lamb Shank.

Fresh, Highlands
The name says it all. At Fresh (144 Bay Avenue, Highlands 732-708-0328), you’re guaranteed a dinner that is not only inspired by seasonal flavors, but also seasonal ingredients. Enjoy every tantalizing bite during this three-course dinner for just $35. Maybe it will be the Shrimp Spiedini served with Risotto Primavera, tart lemon butter, and a warm root vegetable salad, the Porcini Ravioli, or the Chocolate Tatin that will be the hook that will keep bringing you back. We guarantee it will be a bite you’ll savor all month long.

Hansel ‘n Griddle, Red Bank
We love happy hours, so when Hansel ‘n Griddle (38 West Front Street, Red Bank 732-219-7090) decided to have a daily “Smoothie Happy Hour” from 2-5pm, we were excited. For just $2.50, you can try out smoothies like Strawberry Covered Oreos and the Hansel Colada. Plus it’s the perfect excuse to eat some of their cheesy bacon ranch tots.

Patrizia’s, Red Bank
When the famed New York Italian restaurant, Patrizia’s of Red Bank (28 Broad Street, Red Bank 732-741-5555) makes its way to the Jersey Shore, we’re in. This month, bring the family and enjoy an eight-course family style dinner (yes, we said eight-course) for just $40 per person during the week or $45-55 on the weekends. Enjoy Neapolitan pizza from their wood burning oven, Baked Clams, Fioretti Boscaiola, and of course delectable homemade Italian desserts.

Prepped Culinary, Manasquan
For those of us foodies that love to eat well, but hate to cook and really just don’t have the time to do anything during the week, Prepped Culinary (2640 Highway 70, Manasquan 732-233-9195) has the perfect Local Restaurant Month deal for you. You’ll get five home cooked meals for just $45. Get perfectly portioned dishes like the spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese and Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Pasta. It’s your favorite dishes, lightened up.

Reels at Pier 281, Brick
No need to catch your own dinner. At Reels at Pier 281 (281 Princeton Avenue, Brick 848-232-1361), they’ve done all the work for you. Choose from a list of entrees that cover everything from surf to turf. We’re partial to the Grilled London Broil, a classic dish done right, but the Stuffed Sea Bass has also caught our taste buds. Add a salad or soup and a dessert and it’s an unbelievable steal at just $25.95 per person.

Temple Gourmet Chinese, Red Bank
Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner, Temple Gourmet Chinese (91 Broad Street, Red Bank 732-212-8858) has you covered with pre-fixe specials that will give you a whole new view of Chinese food. The $11 lunch special gives you everything from soup to dishes like Sesame Chicken, while the $30.16 pre-fixe dinner offers old and new favorites including one of ours, a 3 Scallion Steak. This dishdoesn’t disappoint with tender cuts of flank steak sautéed with button mushroom, onions, and scallions, topped with brown garlic sauce and served on a sizzling platter.

Harborside Grill, Atlantic Highlands
This month, Harborside Grill (40 1st Avenue, Atlantic Highlands 732-291-0066) is going Italian. During Local Restaurant Month, Italian cuisine reigns supreme. Start off with a bowl of Pasta Fagioli and a Shrimp Pasta Appetizer, then end with your choice is chicken three ways – Parmesan, Franchise, or Marsala – and pay just $24.95. Three tasty reasons you shouldn’t bother cooking tonight.

McGillicuddy’s Tap House, Loch Arbor
Temperatures may not call for a drink outside at McGillicuddy’s Tap House’s (601 Main Street, Loch Arbor 732-531-5555) tiki bar, but things are definitely heating up on the inside all month long. With specials every day of the week on everything from drink specials to build your own pizza for just $10 and appetizer specials all weekend long, it’s a place we’ll be hiding out in no matter what the weather.

The Downtown, Red Bank
Come for the happy hour, stay for the music. At The Downtown (10 West Front Street, Red Bank 732-741-2828), there’s always something going on. Enjoy happy hour every day of the week from 4-7pm with nightly specials including their popular Sushi night where you can choose two appetizer rolls and a domestic draft beer or house wine for just $12. On Sunday’s, don’t miss out on their $15 brunch (that comes with a cocktail). The Downtown has successfully made every day feel like a Friday.