Updated October 18, 2022

When the leaves start to fall, football games take up our Sundays, and our flannels become a mainstay in our closets, it can only mean one thing – autumn. What makes this season even better is the food. Full of butternut squash, gamey meat, fresh seafood, and pumpkins… lots and lots of pumpkins, autumn is a season we can get behind. Celebrate the harvest along with some of our favorite Jersey Shore fall menus to welcome the flavors of fall, whether you’re in the mood for some squash, a tasty seafood dish, sweets, or some cocktails, it’s a fall flavor feast for the senses.

Fallin’ For These Cocktails

Spiked Apple Pie at Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant, Long Branch

Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant has answered the age-old question – another cocktail or dessert? With their Spiked Apple Pie cocktail, you don’t have to choose. Starting with apple and cinnamon-infused Jameson that’s combined with apple cider that’s only amplified by the cinnamon and sugar piecrust rim. 100 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch, 732-870-1200 http://www.rooneysocean.com

Cozy Cocktails at Oyster Creek Inn, Leeds Point

We’re falling for Oyster Creek’s Cozy Cocktail menu! Featuring all the flavors that go hand in hand with the Autumn season, order up a Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini, Salted Caramel Martini, or a Caramel Apple Mule while taking in the gorgeous marsh views. 41 Oyster Creek Rd, Leeds Point, 609-652-8565 http://www.oystercreekinnnj.com

Football Season Food & Drink Specials at Rory’s Pub, Sea Bright

You know Autumn has arrived when the leaves start to change, you can feel a chill in the air and Football Jerseys become part of everyone’s weekend attire. At Rory’s Pub in Sea Bright, they do Football season right. From serving large portions of Steak and Pot Pies, to Bloody Mary and Beer specials, to playing all your team’s games in their Courtyard, there’s no better place to celebrate the best season of the year other than at Rory’s! 1124 E Ocean Ave, Sea Bright, 732-383-7685 https://rorys-pub.business.site/

Mezcal Paloma at TAKA Restaurant, Asbury Park

Taka in Asbury Park dishes out the best sushi you’ll find on Cookman Ave. This Fall, pair your favorite rolls with the Mezcal Paloma cocktail. Made with Sweet Vermouth, Grapefruit, and Lime Juice/Agave, it’s sweet, smoky and spicy! Put it on your Fall Cocktail list and next time you’re in Asbury, take a stop into Taka. 660 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, 732-775-1020 https://www.takaasbury.com/ 

Soup Season

Sweet Potato Soup & Wild Mushroom Bisque at Porcini, Highlands

Soup season is in full swing at Porcini Italian Trattoria in the Highlands. When the temperatures start to drop and there’s a chill in the air, you can count on their Wild mushroom bisque with rosemary cremè or the Sweet potato smoked chili bisque to warm you up. These soups are a Jersey Shore fall menu item with strong Italian roots. For a look at their fall menu, visit http://www.restaurantporcini.com/menus. 168 Bay Ave, Highlands, 732-291-3080

Manhattan Clam Chowder & New England Clam Chowder at Klein’s Fish Market, Belmar

As the weather cools down, soup season turns up at Klein’s Fish in Belmar! From Manhattan Clam Chowder to New England Clam Chowder, Klein’s only serves the best. Their fish market is also open all year round, so after dining in, stop into the market and bring some fresh fish home. 708 River Rd, Belmar, 732-681-1177 https://kleinsfish.com/

Fresh Seafood & Soup at Mister C’s, Allenhurst

The beach season may be over, well at least for bathing suits, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy it. Sit back and relax at Mister C’s, where you’ll enjoy a view of the ocean along with the taste of its bounty. They only serve the freshest seafood and you won’t be disappointed. They also have delicious soups to warm you up on even the coldest of days. Allen Avenue &, Ocean Pl, Allenhurst, 732-531-3665 http://www.mistercsbeachbistro.com/

Brunch With Us

Sunday Brunch is Back at Beach Tavern, Monmouth Beach

Now that Fall has arrived, Sunday Brunch is officially back up and running at Beach Tavern and we’ve got our eyes on the Cinnamon French Toast, Tex Mex Crab Hash, and the Chicken & Waffles. Cozy up with friends and family, order all your Brunch favorites and pair them with a Bloody Mary, Mimosa, or some Oyster Shooters. You can never go wrong with a BT Brunch. 33 West St, Monmouth Beach 732-870-8999 https://beachtavern.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Brunch-Final.pdf

Comfort Food

Carrot Cake Pancakes at Toast City Diner (Asbury Park, Montclair, Red Bank)

Toast has a pretty simple mantra: Peace, Love, and Pancakes. It’s a philosophy that says when you combine great food with a great staff and a great attitude, you become more than just another restaurant – you become part of the community. At Toast, you’re always greeted with a warm smile. Visit one of their 3 locations this Fall for some Breakfast, Lunch or Brunch and order up some Carrot Cake Pancakes or a Pumpkin Spice Latte and embrace their Fall flavors. 17 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park (732) 776-5900 / 45 Monmouth St, Red Bank (732) 224-1234 / 700 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair 973-509-8099 https://toastcitydiner.com/

Nonna’s Rigatoni & Homemade Pappardelle Bolognese at Pazzo MMX, Red Bank

Nothing says comfort food on a chilly day quite like a big bowl of your favorite pasta. Pazzo MMX in Red Bank makes it easy to enjoy your favorites at a discounted price! This long-running special for 1/2 off Pizza and Pasta items runs every Monday from 3PM to close, so order up their Nonna’s Rigatoni or the Homemade Pappardelle Bolognese. 141 W Front St, Red Bank, 732-747-4551 https://www.pazzoredbank.com/

Mushroom Bolognese Pappardelle & Organic Salmon at Trama’s Trattoria, Long Branch

The fall menu at Trama’s Trattoria is filled with winners, but we have to say Chef Pat outdid himself with the Organic Salmon with beluga lentils, roasted beets, baby carrots, Pat’s fennel pollen. Looking for something land friendly? Try the house-made Pappardelle, local mushroom “Bolognese,” with whipped ricotta and shaved black truffles. Pair it with one of their fall cocktails and it’s a night out that you’ll be reminiscing about for quite some time. 115 Brighton Ave, Long Branch, 732-222-1121 http://www.tramastrattoria.com

Weekly Specials at Patricia’s of Holmdel

The creativity of the Chef’s at Patricia’s of Holmdel definitely peaks in the Fall season, especially when it comes to their Specials Menu. The Pumpkin Fettuccine Pesto and the slow braised, Short Rib over pumpkin asparagus orzo is everything we love about Fall! These two dishes will make you want to keep coming back for more. 2132 NJ-35, Holmdel, 732-275-0234 https://www.patriciasofholmdel.com/

Chili & Buffalo Ranch Cauliflower Bites at The Galley Pizza & Eatery, Asbury Park

What could be more comforting on a chilly day than a big bowl of Homemade Chili with Cornbread? Since opening in 2019, The Galley Pizza & Eatery has launched weekly Secret Menu items that seem to keep getting more and more mouth-watering as time goes on. Recently added to the Secret Menu, the Buffalo Ranch Cauliflower Bites are Vegetarian, fried to crispy perfection in sunflower oil and coated in house Buffalo and Ranch sauce. 1313 Memorial Dr, Asbury Park, 732-775-7711 https://www.thegalleyasbury.com/

Baked Mac & Cheese and Bone-In Pork Chop at The Atlantic House

The just-launched Fall menu at The Atlantic House is full of enticing dishes like the Grilled Bone-In Pork Chop with Turnip Mashed Potatoes and Spiced Apple Chutney. They also added the perfect side dish to any entrée, the Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Breadcrumbs. You just can’t go wrong with this combination. 67 First Ave, Atlantic Highlands, 848-300-2408 https://www.theatlantichousenj.com/

Chicken Pot Pie at Molly Pitcher Inn, Red Bank

How can you make Chicken Pot Pie even better? Serve it the way the Molly Pitcher Inn does in their dining room with panoramic views of the Navesink. Their famous pot pie puts a new spin on the classic dish, but is always fresh, warm and ready to eat. 88 Riverside Ave, Red Bank, 732-747-2500 http://www.themollypitcher.com

Sweet Potato Bisque & Duck Meatballs at Drew’s Bayshore Bistro, Keyport

Drew’s Bayshore Bistro puts out innovative and one-of-a-kind dishes every season of the year, but Fall is where it’s at for Drew’s. The Sweet Potato Bisque and the Duck Meatballs are warm, packed with flavor, and just what you need on a cold Fall night. 25 Church St, Keyport, 732-739-9219 http://drewsbayshorebistro.com/

Tuna Tartare Nachos & Grilled Steak Salad at Pearl at Oyster Point Hotel, Red Bank

Pearl at The Oyster Point Hotel recently released their Fall menu and it’s tastier than ever! Some new additions include the Tuna Tartare Nachos and the Grilled Steak Salad with marinated flank steak, tomato, cucumber, romaine, radicchio, bleu cheese sun dried tomato vinaigrette, and crispy onions. The Oyster Point Hotel is also now accepting reservations for Thanksgiving, so reserve a table now by calling 732-530-8200. 146 Bodman Pl, Red Bank https://www.theoysterpointhotel.com/

Coal Fired Pizza & Football Season Takeout Special at The Coal House, Sea Girt

The Coal House’s authentic coal-fired pizza is always cooked to perfection in their 900-degree coal-fired oven. A fresh slice and a side of garlic knots or wings are nothing short of ideal Fall comfort food. For football season, The Coal House has a great offer running for 15% off on takeout orders when you place an order on Sunday, Monday, or Thursday! Just mention this deal when you place an order and fuel up for game days. Square Mall, 2100 NJ-35, Sea Girt, 732-359-8400 https://www.thecoalhouseseagirt.com/

Margherita Pizza & Stuffed French Cut Pork Chop at Johnny Piancone’s, Long Branch

Fall flavors have arrived at Johnny Piancone’s! Come try their Stuffed French Cut Porkchop with Granny Smith apples, cranberries, and sun-dried tomatoes in a port wine reduction with roasted fingerling potatoes and broccoli rabe. Not to mention that their Margherita pizza is back on the menu! 591 Broadway, Long Branch, 732-229-0300 http://www.johnnypiancones.com/ 

Grandma’s Turkey Sandwich Special, The Pour House, Tinton Falls

What’s better than a Thanksgiving dinner feast? When it comes in the form of a sandwich! The Pour House’s Grandma’s Turkey Sandwich Special is the ultimate comfort food. It’s put together with Turkey topped with house-made cranberry sauce, stuffing, and pan gravy on French bread, served with mashed potatoes. 640 Shrewsbury Ave, Tinton Falls, 732-842-4337 https://www.pourhouserestaurant.com/

Fall Catering

Fall Catering & Football Packages at Mutiny BBQ, Asbury Park

The height of Mutiny BBQ‘s Summer catering season is over and they now have availability for parties big and small through the fall season! Mutiny BBQ also has Football Packages available to feed all your friends and family members on Sundays. There are Wing Trays, Pork, and Brisket Combos, and Rib Feast packages available, so order ahead of time and do game days right. 808 Fifth Ave, Asbury Park, 732-366-9985 https://www.mutinybbq.com/

Brick Oven Wings & Catering at Neapoli Italian Kitchen, Red Bank

Neapoli Italian Kitchen is known for serving up fresh Italian dishes like the Linguini & Clams, Margherita Pizza, and Lobster Ravioli in their Red Bank dining room, but did you know that they also cater?! Catering is available throughout the Fall season. Their brick oven wings are always a big hit so visit their website and inquire about any occasion! 10 Wallace St, Red Bank, 732-741-1321 https://neapolinj.com/

Sweet Treats

Caramel Apple & Pumpkin Ice Cream at Frozen Flavors Homemade Ice Cream & Italian Ice, Middletown

On top of their extensive list of Ice Creams, Italian Ice, and Shake flavors, Frozen Flavors Homemade Ice Cream and Italian Ice has one heck of a Fall frozen treat menu. The Caramel Apple Ice Cream has decadent caramel swirls with tiny pieces of apple in every bite and the Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream is so rich and creamy, filled with just enough crushed graham crackers to make it a Fall favorite! 490 Palmer Ave, North Middletown, 848-256-8266 https://frozenflavorswebsi.wixsite.com/my-site

Apple Cider Donut Shake & Pumpkin Churro Shake at Jersey Freeze, Freehold & Holmdel

Jersey Freeze has been a New Jersey Ice Cream Shop staple in Freehold since 1952 and in Holmdel at Bell Works since 2020. New Jerseyans travel near and far to try their specialty, handmade ice cream and look forward to the 1st of every month when they announce their Shake of the Month. This Fall, head to Jersey Freeze for a Pumpkin Churro Shake or the Apple Cider Donut Shake that’s topped with a Battleview Orchard Donut! 101 Crawfords Corner Rd Holmdel & 120 Manalapan Ave, Freehold, 732-462-3008 https://www.jerseyfreeze1952.com/

Pumpkin Pie & Oreo Pancakes at Blue Swan Diner, Oakhurst

Just as any authentic Jersey Diner should, Blue Swan Diner has a display case filled with all your favorite desserts including Cherry Cheesecake and Pumpkin Pie! Even their breakfast menu is filled with a bunch of items that could double as dessert and will surely satisfy any sweet tooth’s cravings like the Oreo Crunch and Reese’s Peanut butter pancakes! 2116 NJ-35, Oakhurst, 732-493-2424 https://www.blueswandiner.com/