Now that you know what (free) things to do and where to stay, let’s talk about where to eat. From Mexican to Italian and everything in between, Seaside Heights fulfills all of your cravings no matter what time of the day you’re craving it!

Whether you’re staying for the weekend and need everything from breakfast spots to upscale dining restaurants or just walking the boardwalk and craving something fast and salty, we’ve got you covered. Just remember, you still have to put that bathing suit on!

Italian, Seafood, and More Restaurants in Seaside Heights

It’s not a shock that with such proximity to the ocean (hello Atlantic!) and the docks, across the Jersey Shore, that there would be plenty of fresh seafood restaurants in Seaside Heights. For a restaurant that doesn’t disappoint in any category, including seafood, look to Savor Lounge. This trendy hot spot is not only home to Italian and American favorites, but with live music on the weekends and an upscale outdoor lounge, it’s a place where you can sit down for dinner and hang out way past curfew. If you’re digging (for) clams, check out the third generation clam bar, Park Seafood, on the boardwalk where their 100 plus years of combined experience will knock your shells off.

PJ’s Place is also a one-stop shop, offering fine dining in a relaxed shore environment, serving everything from breakfast to dinner (so going there more than once may be necessary!) Then there’s Goober’s 52 Original, which exceeds all expectations, from unique flavors to their world famous cheesy fries, they’ve literally trademarked “food gone wild.”

For a fiesta and a view of the ocean, check out Spicy Cantina Restaurant where they serve up fresh, house made margaritas. Whether you’re hanging out and enjoying the view with some chips and salsa or ordering one of their Mexican dishes off of their full menu, you’re bound to feel the Latin heat. As for enjoying some classic tacos on the boardwalk, there’s no other place than Santeria, which is Seaside’s unofficial “modern taqueria.”

If you’re looking for BBQ, don’t even think about getting out your grill. Thanks to places like ChopShop Barbecue which serves award winning BBQ, burgers, and Totchos aka Tater Tots topped with BBQ and salsa… yea, it got us too. Then there’s Old Buhkara Charhouse where you’ll experience the flavors of authentic uzbek charcoal grilling. It’s the best shish kebab you’ll ever have.

Quick Bites in Seaside Heights

Having fun in the sun doesn’t mean you have to stop for too long to eat. With countless restaurants to stop in for a quick bite or a beach snack, you can spend your entire day sunning, swimming, and playing without getting hungry! Since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, start off with a hearty breakfast. Bobber’s Family Restaurant, home of the $3.95 breakfast special where you’ll get to choose from eggs to pancakes.

For a hearty breakfast check out Jimmy’s Breakfast Restaurant and if you’ve got the whole family, there’s nothing like Just Breakfast (where they concentrate just on breakfast). Staying on the Southern end of town? Stop by Next Door Café, to experience the breakfast spot.

As for those looking to get out on the water? Not only can you get all of your fishing supplies at The Dock Outfitters, but at their Waterside Café, you can load up on everything from eggs to pancakes and biscuits and gravy (with upstairs dining that overlooks the Barnegat Bay). If you can’t wait another minute to make your way to the boardwalk, luckily for you there’s Seaside Eatery that hosts breakfast and brunch (for those late risers) and dinner (for those really late risers).

Heading out to the beach for a long day in the sun? Why not stop at In N Out Deli or Ryan’s Boulevard Deli for subs, grinders, and sandwiches – make your own or choose from some of their favorites. Then there’s Dockside Café at Breakwater Beach – a food pit stop for pre or post water slides.

Pizza, Cheesesteaks, and Boardwalk Bites in Seaside Heights

If you’re on the boardwalk, your choices are endless. Get involved in the great cheesesteak debate, seeing if Jersey really does do it better. Thanks to Midway Steak House, The Original Steaks Unlimited (also home to cheese balls), and Tornado Grill where Big Lou will cook you up a “baby cheesesteak,” we’re on the Jersey bandwagon. In the mood for a not so classic hot dog or burger, at Bubba’s Doghouse they’ve amped up their menu with out-of-this world combinations. For some clams on the boardwalk, visit Dentato’s Clam Bar or Jersey Shore Café for all of your favorite boardwalk classics.

There’s also no shortage of pizza in Seaside Heights, it’s trying to choose a favorite (impossible) that’s the problem. Go old school with Maruca’s Pizza at JR’s bar on the boardwalk that’s been serving up pies since 1950. You’ll also want to bump into one of the 3 Brother’s From Italy in one of, you guessed it, three boardwalk locations. Then there’s George’s Pizza on the boardwalk, Little Mia’s Pizza, Mamma Lucia’s Pizza & Grill, and Pier Grill & Pizza at Casino Pier. We told you there was plenty to choose from!

As for snacks, we promise you’ll never go hungry. Home to four different versions of boardwalk fries (Curley Fries, Fresh Cut Fries, Fry Me-Up, and Kuppers French Fries), you can rest assured your snacking game will excel. Then there’s the “can’t miss” Roasted Corn on the boardwalk, the best corn on the cob you’ll ever have.

Bars and Grills in Seaside Heights

Since you’re on vacation (hey even a day trip or night out counts!), a visit to one of Seaside Heights’ infamous bars and grills are in order. Stop by Hemingway’s Café, home to the best Friday night happy hour and the largest dance floor at the Jersey Shore. With a large selection of steaks, seafood, pasta, and even a late night menu, it’s no wonder we’ve been going here for years.

Another local favorite is Klee’s Bar and Grill, where happy hour specials will get you far from Monday through Friday, 3-6pm. As for Jimbo’s Bar & Grill, we’re partial to their live music choices and delicious and thirst quenching daily specials. If you’re looking for a true low key, relaxed vibe, the Beachcomber Bar & Grill is a “down-to-earth” hangout with live bands and all of your standard pub grub.