Keeping Warm With Our Favorite Jersey Shore Soups and Stews

There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a big bowl of steaming hot soup in the winter. The feel of the warm bowl cupped in your hands, the steam rising, tempting you with herbs and spices. We know that you feel the same, which is why we’ve put together a list of our favorite Jersey Shore soups so you can get that same warm feeling even if its 10 below out.

So grab your warmest scarf and get ready to be bowled over with a list of Jersey Shore soups, stews, bisques, and even gumbos that will keep you warm all winter long. These soups leave nothing to be desired, except for maybe more bread for soaking up those last drops…

Our Favorite Jersey Shore Soups

Clam Chowder at Beach Tavern, Monmouth Beach
Starting off the ultimate Jersey Shore soup list strong is the one and only Clam Chowder at Beach Tavern. We’re not sure if it’s the fresh clams, smoked bacon, or lemony thyme that puts us over the edge, but whatever it is, we keep finding ourselves coming back for more. 33 West Street, Monmouth Beach 732-870-8999 www.beachtavern.net

Minestrone Soup at Dominick’s Pizzeria, Wall Twp.
In addition to Dominick’s three classic soups that are always hot and available (Chicken Noodle, Pasta Fagioli, and Italian Wedding), there’s their Minestrone Soup. It’s full of all the feel good ingredients that will make you want to curl up with a bowl on a cold winter day. Who knew Grandma’s recipe was just a phone call away! 2601 E. Hurley Pond Rd., Wall Twp. 732-280-9255 www.dominickspizzeriawallnj.com 

Crab and Andouille Gumbo at Drew’s Bayshore Bistro, Keyport
Soups, schoops… at Drew’s Bayshore Bistro it’s all about the gumbo, their Crab and Andouille Gumbo that is. If you’re lucky enough to be one of the diners who scores a bowl before Carnival Season is over, then you’ve hit the soup jack pot. 25 Church Street, Keyport 732-739-9219 www.drewsbayshorebistro.com/

Dublin Irish Stew at McDonaugh’s Pub, Keyport
Here’s how lunch on a Saturday goes at McDonaugh’s Pub… a warm bowl of Dublin Irish Stew made with slow cooked chunks of beef, mixed vegetables, and potatoes, floating in a rich gravy and served with a slice of rye bread paired with a cold glass of Guinness. Just a heads up – this ideal scenario can be yours any day of the week. 2 W. Front Street, Keyport 732-264-0999 www.mcdonaghs.com/

Atlantic Chowder at Molly Pitcher Inn, Red Bank
Yes, they’re famous for their out of this world brunches, but at the Molly Pitcher Inn, they’re also known for their Atlantic Chowder. Not a dish that can be competed with, this bowl of creaminess is filled with hunky chunks of Maine Lobster and potatoes in caramelized corn chowder scented with sherry and basil. 88 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank 732-747-2500 themollypitcher.com/

Pasta Fagioli at Mulberry Street, Brick and Toms River
This classic Italian soup is hearty and brimming with beans and pasta. Order it correctly – not pasta fazool people… say it with me pa-sta-fa-jo-le – and maybe the guys at Mulberry Street will even give you an extra ladle of this hot Jersey Shore soup. 474 Brick Blvd., Brick 732-477-4520 www.mulberrystreet.net/

Beer and Cheese Soup at Old Glory Kitchen & Spirits, Keyport
When two of our favorite food groups – beer and cheese – are brought together as one in a glorious soup featuring Wisconsin cheddar, Yuengling Lager, and crumbled bacon (you’re drooling aren’t you?) we know the world has done right by us. Thanks Old Glory for bringing this into our lives. (Customer Christopher Joseph whose photo is above knows what we’re talking about). 84 Broad Street, Keyport 732-497-5555 www.oldglorynj.com/

Lobster Bisque at Oyster Point Hotel, Red Bank
It’s been a staple dish on the lunch and dinner menu for as far back as they can remember and when you slurp that first spoonful of Lobster Bisque, you’ll know why. The fresh tarragon, the port wine, the lobster, and even the little lobster on top make this a Jersey Shore soup that will be sticking around for a long time. 146 Bodman Place, Red Bank 732-530-8200 www.theoysterpointhotel.com/

Lobster Bisque at Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant, Long Branch
Who said we couldn’t have two favorite Lobster Bisques? No one. Equally as good and slightly different, the Rooney’s version is a bit more on the classic side. Made with fresh lobster meat, heavy cream, sherry, shallots, and some secret ingredients that we attempted to get out of the chef, but failed. It’s ok, we’d rather have them make it anyway. 100 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch 732-870-1200 www.rooneysocean.com/