Yes, we’re updating our picks of the best Jersey Shore BYOB restaurants in Ocean County… again. We’ve gone through two compilations and for the third time, have kept some and added some.
There’s something on here for everyone, for every occasion – from a dinner date to a Mad Men business lunch to a boozy and fun girls brunch, we’ve got you covered and where to go. You’re only job is to bring the booze. Whether you’re stopping for a Pacifico six pack or a classy bottle of Brunello, there’s a Jersey Shore BYOB restaurant that’s ready to make your meal complete.
So stop at your local liquor store and head out into the evening. Just because you brought your own doesn’t mean it won’t be the best meal of your life. Here’s our list of the top Jersey Shore BYOB restaurants in Ocean County (listed alphabetically) and while you’re at it check out our guide to Jersey Shore BYOB restaurants in Monmouth County. Cheers!
We know your idea of Italian food may be dishes that are smothered with cheese, which is why Via Roma is the Italian restaurant for vegans. Seriously, you don’t even have to be a vegan to love the Vegan Stromboli and Eggplant Parmigiana! 2360 Lakewood Rd, Toms River 732-364-1980 viaromatomsriver.com
Friendly service, delicious classic Italian dishes that Italian home cooks approve of, and a location that makes it a mini secret, Via Veneto may soon become your family’s Sunday hangout. Kennedy Mall, 629 Brick Blvd, Brick 732-477-2618 viavenetoristorante.com/
There’s no need to choose between breakfast, lunch, or dinner here. Open late night, The Chicken Or the Egg is the ideal spot to bring a few beers to pair with their (very hot) wings or some champagne to pair with the egg. There’s no reason to choose because they’re served all day and night. 207 North Bay Avenue, Beach Haven 609-492-3695 www.492fowl.com
Real. Authentic. Mexican. Food. Yes, the periods in between are necessary because we want you to understand just how authentic the food at Doña Julia Mexican Restaurant in Pt. Pleasant Beach actually is. Yes, you can bring as many cervezas as you want, but even if you come empty handed, the owners will still treat you like family and give serve you the (extra) large portion of Chiliquilles. 1308 Richmond Avenue, Pt. Pleasant Beach 732-892-0021 juliamexicanrestaurant.com
This old school Italian restaurant takes no prisoners when it comes to their kitchen. Everything from the pizza to the ravioli dishes is a tradition at Graziano’s in Point Pleasant Beach, which opened back in 1966. Loyal clientele have been coming here for years, with a bottle of red or white in their hands (and we’re fairly certain a break in tradition won’t be happening anytime soon.) 3119 NJ-88, Point Pleasant 732-899-6336 www.grazianosnj.com/
Situated just across the street from a very convenient liquor store, Il Giordinella’s in Toms River has been a long-standing Italian tradition in Toms River. Locals keep returning for the warm atmosphere, deliciously large portions of the Shrimp Pestaciale and Chilean Sea Bass as well as the friendly prices. Our favorite part of our meal is being told that the menu is a guideline. And just like that we go from a pretty good Italian place, to an excellent one! 1232 NJ-166, Toms River 732-286-9111 ilgiardinello.com
We’re going to warn you, there may, actually there will be a wait. However, when you have a cold six pack in your hands already, does it really matter? Mud City Crab House is worth the wait, no matter how long it is, trust us. Once your name is called just dive straight into their infamous Blue Crab with garlic seasoning and the Seafood Bisque. It’s fresh, it’s messy, and it’s a classic Jersey Shore BYOB. 1185 E. Bay Avenue, Manahawkin 609-978-3660 mudcitycrabhouse.com/
Located at almost the southernmost part of Ocean County, you can dock and dine at this Tuckerton waterfront Italian restaurant featuring a creative menu by Chef Ivar Johnson. 101 Parker Rd, Tuckerton 609-294-4281 www.paninibay.com/
It’s possible you’ve driven by Raimondo’s in Ship Bottom without stopping before. What may seem like just your ordinary restaurant turns out to be nothing but extraordinary when you start checking out the menu. Offering Italian seafood specialties like Shrimp Oreganata with Broccoli Rabe and Linguini in a very romantic atmosphere, Raimondo’s is the perfect place to bring that fancy bottle of Semillon you’ve been waiting to open. 1101 Long Beach Blvd., Ship Bottom 609-494-5391 www.raimondoslbi.com
For some, it’s hard to imagine that such an upscale dining experience could also be a Jersey Shore BYOB. Rockafella’s in Ortley Beach is one of those gems that locals really have a hard time beating. Great prices, attentive service, and of course the ability to enjoy your Shrimp and Clam Marichiara inside or under the stars check off our main points for a fantastic (and delicious) evening out. 1855 NJ-35, Seaside Heights 732-793-2400 https://www.facebook.com/Rockafellas-By-The-Sea-70353632293/
Yet another upscale Jersey Shore BYOB establishment that is rumored to have the best clam chowder on the island (and possibly in the tri-state area). We’ll let you decide the next time you visit Stefano’s in Beach Haven for their generous sized portions of Shrimp Pomodoro and of course, the Flourless Coconut Cake as the sweet end to your evening. 1814 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach Twp. 609-492-1100 stefanoslbi.com/
It may not look like one of the best Japanese restaurants in the Jersey Shore area from the outside, but trust us, there’s really no better place to order up your favorite roll (or try out one of the many different specials including the Y2K roll) than at Teresa’s Osaka in Toms River. With every dish you order, the owner’s close attention to the quality of the fish, ingenuity of dishes, and friendly service are front and center. 1801 NJ-37, Toms River 732-929-3900 www.teresasosakatomsriver.com/
As a restaurant, when you hit the trifecta (excellent food, service, and scenery), you know you’re “winning” and Xina Restaurant in Toms River is doing just that. A mix of Japanese and Chinese dishes, diners can enjoy all of their favorite sushi rolls along with an extensive oyster raw bar. Bring along a Sapporo six-pack and make it a night to remember. 3430 NJ-37, Toms River 732-279-6327 www.xinarestaurant.com/
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