For those of us that have yet to decide how we are celebrating Mother’s Day at the Jersey Shore – we’re coming to your rescue. We know that it’s less than a week away and if you aren’t one of those people who plan ahead (raised hand) or you happened to forget a gift or even a reservation for your favorite Mama, we have you covered. Just give one of these restaurants a call, stop by one of these shops, then pick up some flowers and just like that your Jersey Shore Mother’s Day is complete perfection.
Where to Brunch, Lunch, Dine, and Shop This Jersey Shore Mother’s Day
Show your Mom some Italian love this Mother’s Day with the help of Porcini. They’ll be featuring a homemade ravioli special that’s stuffed with ricotta and topped with a bright lemon basil sauce. Bring along a bottle of her favorite Prosecco and it’ll (almost) feel like you brought her to Italy for the day (well at least the meal!) 168 Bay Avenue, Highlands 732-291-3080 https://www.restaurantporcini.com/
Spend the morning with McDonagh’s Pub for their Sunday Brunch Buffet. With items like freshly baked scones, Belgian Waffles, Pub Corned Beef and Hash as well as shrimp, Salmon, and even a Baked Shannonbridge Pie, you can’t go wrong at just $24.95 per adult ($10.95 for the kids 4-11 years old). 2 W. Front Street, Keyport 732-264-0999 https://www.mcdonaghs.com/
Whether you’re looking for some “Good Morning” items like Bacon Cheddar Devlied Eggs and Texas French Toast or some “Good Afternoon” items like Smoked Salmon Pizza or Brick Oven Lobster Mac & Cheese, it’s your mom’s turn to pick at Old Glory Kitchen + Spirits. Serving their a la carte menu along with Mom Specials, it’s a day out that can’t go wrong – especially when it ends with their Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie or Blueberry Cheese Cake Milkshake. 84 Broad Street, Keyport 732-497-5555 https://www.oldglorynj.com/
For almost eight decades, moms have been receiving gifts of heart truffles, peanut butter hearts, and small and large milk chocolate foiled roses that from Jean Louise Candies. Nothing says thank you for being there during all of my ups and downs quite like delicious chocolates and candies. 1205 Third Avenue, Spring Lake 732-449-2627 www.jeanlouisecandies.com/
Bring Mom to one of the most talked about restaurants to open at the Jersey Shore this spring – Drifthouse by David Burke. Reserve your table at Mother’s Day Brunch from 11am – 2pm where Chefs David and Robert Burke are putting together quite a spread including a raw bar, carving station, tuna steak, crème brulee, and of course classic breakfast items (all with a view of the Atlantic and the Shrewsbury River!) 1485 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright 732-530-9760 https://drifthousedb.com/
It may be the quintessential breakfast, brunch, and lunch dinner spot, and chances are you’ve been here before, but that doesn’t mean Toast shouldn’t be on the top of your list for Mother’s Day. Bring a bottle of bubbly to go with your mom’s OJ and Huevos Rancheros. Peace, love, pancakes (just for mom). 516 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-776-5900 https://toastasburypark.com
Brunch has never looked or tasted so good at Beach Tavern. With the weather getting nicer every day, you can hang out by the marina then head inside for Eggs Benedict, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, and a Spicy Bloody Maria. 33 West Street, Monmouth Beach 732-870-8999 http://beachtavern.net/
Wine and Mother’s Day kind of just work together. Add on light fare, relaxing music, and stunning winery views, and you’ve got an afternoon at Terhune Orchards that will definitely impress even the pickiest of moms. From now until May 27th, from 12-5pm on Sundays, you can sit back, relax, and just enjoy each other’s company. 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton 609-924-2310 https://terhuneorchards.com/