In the winter, all we can think about is comfort food. Hearty dishes that make us feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and maybe tempt us into climbing into bed for a few days after eating them. These Jersey Shore comfort food dishes are some of the best in the area. They never fail to warm us up on a cold day, or remind us of Mom’s cooking.
Beach Tavern never lets the menu get boring. This is the Garganelli featuring wild boar sausage with kale, sage and pecorino. Some of their other comfort food items that may be on your hit list are their specialty thin crust pizzas, braised short ribs and a fisherman’s stew that would make any captain blush. 33 West Street, Monmouth Beach (732) 870-8999 http://beachtavern.net/
If you haven’t had a sandwiCHEESE yet from The Cheese Cave, there’s no better time to start then now because the Big Cheese has done it again. This sandwich features succulent cinnamon and red wine braised beef brisket, topped with sweet caramelized onions, and sharp vintage cheddar, all served on a toasted brioche bun – that’s what food dreams are made of. Add on a bowl of Tomato-Mascarpone Bisque and it’s a lunch date in comfort food heaven. 14 Monmouth Street, Red Bank (732) 842-0796 https://thecheesecave.co/
The Voodoo Shrimp at Drew’s is a classic New Orleans comfort food dish. For people coming from below the Mason-Dixon Line, the intense, creamy flavors may remind them of the authentic Southern food they know and love. But for us, it reminds us of home, the Jersey Shore – because nobody do Voodoo like Drew do! 25 Church Street, Keyport (732) 739-9219
Since transitioning to Graze, Chef Junior has even taken over our lunch. Bringing his passion for culinary flair to lunch, especially his sandwiches, in particular the Short Rib Grilled Cheese. Undo a notch on your belt as you bite into a French baguette packed with a braised short rib, sliced apples, held together by melted Brie and blue cheese. Things just got real. 151 Markham Place, Little Silver (732) 747-9988 http://graze.restaurant/
Ask any college student from New Jersey what food from home they miss the most, we’d be willing to bet most of them say pork roll. It’s a New Jersey staple, and Jersey Freeze has paired it with their amazing burgers to bring us the “Jersey Giant”: 7 oz. burger made with hand rolled ground chuck, pork roll, grilled onions, and cheese on a hard roll. Tastes just like the Jersey Shore. 120 Manalapan Ave, Freehold (732) 462-3008
The just launched fall menu at the Marina at Oceanport is full of enticing comfort food dishes like this Gulf Shrimp and Sun-Dried Tomato Risotto. You just can’t go wrong with this dish or their Twice a day Happy Hour. Be sure to put this hidden gem on your to-do list. 10 Riverside Avenue, Oceaport (848)456-4396 http://www.marinaatoceanport.com/
No matter where you are, there’s something about a classic Irish pub that feels so welcoming and familiar. Walk into McDonagh’s Pub and you’ll instantly get that feeling like you’ve just come home. Better yet, order the Mini Shepherd’s Pie that’s anything but mini, and you’ll be in Jersey Shore comfort food heaven. 2 West Front Street, Keyport (732) 264-0999
We’ve never looked forward to Tuesdays quite like this before. What can we say about Tequila and Taco Tuesdays at Mister C’s besides delicioso? Seriously. Mexican food is comforting and when it’s on special, it’s even better because your wallet gets a break. Besides the work week gets much better, much quicker. 1 Allen Ave, Allenhurst, NJ 07711 (732) 531-3665 http://www.mistercsbeachbistro.com/
How can you make pork belly even better? Serve it the way The Molly Pitcher Inn does – shaved fennel, red endive, Gala apple salad, autumn spiced pumpkin seeds, and a maple-apple cider vinaigrette that provides the perfect acidic counter to the rich and fatty meat. Oh yes. http://www.themollypitcher.com 88 Riverside Ave, Red Bank (732) 747-2500 http://themollypitcher.com/
What could be more comforting that Sunday gravy just like Nonna’s? Luckily Porcini’s Rigatoni, Meatballs, and Sunday Gravy are available on the menu all the time! Take a bite, close your eyes, and you can practically hear Nonna telling you you’ve got to eat more. 168 Bay Ave, Highlands (732) 291-3080 http://www.restaurantporcini.com/
A lot of menu items at the Pour House can be classified as comfort food: Pierogies, Chicken Parm Sandwich, French Onion Soup, and a lot of their daily specials like Chicken Pot Pie. But Our favorite, by far, is a burger smothered in their famous cheddar sauce. We could eat that stuff by the spoonful. 640 Shrewsbury Ave, Tinton Falls (732) 842-4337 http://www.pourhouserestaurant.com/
Pull up a chair at Rooney’s, where you can look out over the beach that you know and love, and warm up with their Seafood Gumbo. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s even more satisfying knowing you’re just yards away from the freezing cold ocean, but you’re warm and dry inside, enjoying an outstanding meal. 100 Ocean Ave, Long Branch (732) 870-1200
Talk about extravagant. Start with a traditional pot pie that’s creamy with a flaky crust. Now add lobster and you’ve got yourself a party. With the Lobster Pot Pie at The Sitting Duck you’ll take an ordinary evening out into an extraordinary one with one bite. 104 Myrtle Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740 (732) 229-5566 http://www.sittingduckrestaurant.com
If you’ve ever had the good fortune to eat to Temple, you’ve experienced Chinese food like never before. Don’t believe us? Enter their new Jersey Shore fall menu that features this tasty entree. Jumbo U12 shrimp are lightly battered, then wok-fried and tossed in Temple’s own spicy lemon aioli and topped with crunchy minced garlic. Delicious. http://templegourmet.com/
Toast’s menu is full of comfort food classics (and spins on classics) whether your visit is for breakfast or lunch. Last week, we had a Shrimp & Bacon sandwich on a homemade multi-grain with Old Bay Mayonnaise served with fries that was a home run. These creative twists on classic dishes are just one of many reasons that Toast has garnered a strong local following since opening their Asbury Park and Red Bank locations. 517 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park (732) 776-5900; 45 Monmouth St, Red Bank (732) 224-1234 http://toastasburypark.com/
Don’t take it just from us. The Chicken Breast at Trama’s Trattoria (recent winners of the Jersey Shore’s Chef Challenge) is a big favorite thanks to its rainbow carrots and braised leeks on top of a bed of creamy mascarpone polenta in an artichoke broth. It’s comfort food that makes you feel good (thanks to the veggies!) 115 Brighton Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740 (732) 222-1121 http://tramastrattoria.com/
Nachos and a beer at the bar – everyone has been there and done that, don’t deny it. There’s just something about the spicy, cheesy goodness that pairs so well with a cold one. Walt Street Pub has plenty of delicious classic pub fare, but we can never resist a big plate of nachos. 180 Monmouth St, Red Bank (732) 741-5936 http://waltstreetpub.com/
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