For those of you that haven’t been to Asbury Park lately, or have just been reading about it through an outsider’s perspective, it’s time we, as locals, help you get into the game. Asbury Park has been continually praised by the likes of Travel & Leisure and even The New York Times, becoming the new “it” town at the Jersey Shore. White, sandy beaches, a bustling boardwalk, and an equally hopping downtown, Asbury Park is quite literally, “the city by the sea.”
We wanted to help you make sense of a day, evening, or weekend out in Asbury Park, so we’ve put together some places to that are perfect to indulge in. With our guide to Asbury Park restaurants, you’ll be dining and ordering like a local and maybe even making a few stops along the way!
Johnny Mac House of Spirits: Buy a beer and you’ll get a pizza, a few tips from the wall, and maybe a chance to play some ping pong outside. 208 Main Street, Asbury Park 732-776-6666 www.johnnymacbar.com/
Cardinal Provisions: This breakfast and lunch spot combines the classic decor we dream about with dreamy dishes like their Fried Chicken and Waffles along with a number of sweets (don’t miss the Xuixos). 513 Bangs Avenue, Asbury Park 732-898-7194 crdnal.com
Pascal & Sabine: The only French restaurant to grace Asbury Park, think luxurious velvet, low lighting, and unctuous dishes. 601 Bangs Avenue, Asbury Park 732-774-3395 www.pascalandsabine.com/
Moonstruck: Picture wrap around porches, strong martinis, and classic dishes, the perfect date night. 517 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park 732-988-0123 moonstrucknj.com
Barrio Costero: Coastal Mexican cuisine meets the Jersey Shore, especially during their “Daily Escape.” 610 Bangs Avenue, Asbury Park 732-455-5544 www.barriocostero.com/
The Complex: Encompassing three restaurants and four bars (Bond Street Bar, Loteria, Capitoline) that range from burgers and brews to tacos and margaritas, there’s a 100% chance you’ll find yourself in one of them (or underground). 639 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-774-1575 http://www.thecomplexap.com
Cross & Orange: Situated on a corner with windows overlooking Kennedy Park, Cross & Orange is a throwback to when the food you ate excited you with every bite. 508 Cookman Avenue 732-361-5502 crossandorangeap.com
Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room: You could almost argue that Brickwall is AP’s very own watering hole, a relaxed atmosphere, pub grub, and lots and lots of beers. 522 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-774-1264 http://www.brickwalltavern.com/
Brando’s Citi Cucina: Great food, quality ingredients, and excellent service make up this “osteria” where they’ll make you feel right at home. 162 Main Street, Asbury Park 732-774-2222 http://www.brandosnj.com/
Crust & Crumble Pizzeria: Pizza lovers rejoice, this intimate pizzeria is the perfect place to congregate and enjoy pizza that can be made vegan, gluten-free, and delicious. 633 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park 732-776-7767 http://www.crustandcrumble.com/
Reyla: Mediterranean tapas makes this lunch, dinner, and brunch spot a place where the more company you have, means the more dishes you can try. 603 Mattison Avenue, Asbury Park 732-455-8333 https://www.heyreyla.com/
Modine: From the masterminds of Talula’s comes a modern twist on classic coastal Low Country fare complete with vegan fried chicken that will fool anyone. 601 Mattison Avenue, Asbury Park 732-893-5300 https://www.modineasbury.com/
Pasta Volo: Small yet mighty might be the way to think about this hidden fresh pasta joint where you can make al dente pasta, your way. 419 Bond Street, Asbury Park 732-361-5549 https://www.pastavolo.com/
At the Table: Blink and you may miss this hidden gem where Chef Janice Murphy serves up Southern style dishes that will bring you back to an evening out in Charleston. 311 Bond Street, Asbury Park 732-455-5093 www.atthetablenj.com
Twisted Tree Cafe: Open for breakfast and lunch, this (mostly) vegan joint is the perfect place to grab a fresh wrap and smoothie on your way to the beach. 609 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-775-2633 www.twistedtreecafe.com
Belmonte’s: Half price pasta nights and a BYOB make this Italian joint a fun spot to feel like part of the family. 632 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-776-7500 belmontesap.com/
Asbury Ale House Sports Bar & Grille: While you dig into some of their mac ‘n cheese specials, shoot some hoops, play some shuffleboard, or some video games – it’s where adults can be adults and act like kids. 531 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-455-3808 http://www.asburyalehouse.com/
The Speakeatery: Stop in for a sandwich or sit down for a leisurely lunch, either way treat yourself to one of the best Steak Sang-Gweech on the East coast. 705 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-898-9456 www.thespeakeatery.com
Proven Poke Co: The Hawaiian poke craze has officially taken over Asbury where you can now get fresh fish and toppings in a convenient bowl or wrap – perfect for the beach. 664 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-455-5969 https://www.provenpokeco.com/
DJ’s Delights Deli & Restaurant: Not just a grab’n go, their restaurant is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day for all of your BLD needs. 620 Mattison Avenue, Asbury Park 732-869-1100 www.djsinap.com
Tony’s Sausage: In 2011 Tony’s Sausage brought a family recipe dating to the 1940’s to guests who visited them on the Asbury Park boardwalk. Since then, they’ve been serving up some of the best sausage and steak sandwiches you can get your hands on at the Jersey Shore. (732) 670-6590 http://tonysasburypark.com/
MOGO Korean Fusion Taco: With two locations (on the boardwalk and on Cookman), MOGO is the place to go when you’re craving a spicy pork taco with crisp slaw. 850 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park 732-894-9188 www.eatmogo.com/
Anchor’s Bend: Just inside Convention Hall is a place where you can not only sit by the ocean and enjoy a cocktail, but actually sit on the beach and enjoy one… legally! 1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park 732-455-8500 theanchorsbend.com
Porta: With two large pizza ovens that were delivered from Italy, you can get why pizza aficionados sometimes refer to Porta as mecca of pizza. 911 Kingsley Avenue, Asbury Park 732-776-7661 http://pizzaporta.com/
Langosta Lounge: Vacation inspired cuisine is the name of the game at this boardwalk restaurant owned by local restauranteur, Marilyn Schlossbach. 1000 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park 732-455-3275 langostalounge.com
Robinson Ale House: It’s second location at the Jersey Shore now features can’t miss Atlantic views along with comforting dishes like Creole Shrimp. 1200 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park 732-774-1400 http://therobinsonalehouseasburypark.com/
Asbury Oyster Bar: Located in the beautiful Convention Hall, this small raw bar offers everything from oysters to ceviche and is a great stop before a concert. 1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park 732-455-8500 http://www.asburyoysterbar.com/
Pop’s Garage: Another menu from the Marilyn Schlossbach Group, think quick Mexican food made with sustainable ingredients. 1000 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park 732-576-2181 https://www.popsgaragenj.com/
Hoagitos
Hoagitos is the latest restaurant to develop out of the flourishing trend of mixing fast food convenience with high quality fare. They pride themselves on home roasted meats and fresh ingredients. Boardwalk, Asbury Park (732) 361-5454 http://www.hoagitos.com/
Frank’s Deli & Restaurant: Local’s know there’s really only one spot for a true pork roll sandwich at the shore and Frank’s is it. 1406 Main Street, Asbury Park 732-775-6682 franksdelinj.com/
Sunset Landing Luncheonette: Just before the bridge into Allenhurst is a breakfast place that will make you think you’re out in the country – ducks and canoes included. 1215 Sunset Avenue, Asbury Park 732-776-9732 www.sunsetlandingap.com/
Jimmy’s Italian Restaurant: Near the unofficial entrance into Asbury is an old school Italian restaurant that locals swear by – it’s Sopranos without the killer drama (and a spot for celebrity sitings like Paul McCartney). 1405 Asbury Avenue, Asbury Park 732-774-5051 jimmysitalianrestaurant.com
Plaza Tapatia: For authentic Mexican dishes look no further than Tapatia (and while you’re there check out their grocery store). 707 Main Street, Asbury Park 732-776-7826 http://tapatiarestaurant.com/
The Chat & Nibble: Just off of Main Street, you’ll find locals reading their newspapers and catching up over heaps of hash browns and pancakes from early morning till afternoon. 932 Asbury Avenue, Asbury Park 732-775-5100 http://www.thechatandnibble.com/
Cascada Restaurant and Bar: Well known for their night life, their menu is also must try with authentic Mexican and Latin American dishes. 1114 Main Street, Asbury Park 732-774-0081 http://cascadabarandrestaurant.com
Cielito Lindo 3 Mexican Restaurant: Expanding from Belmar to Asbury, all you have to know is that their sauces are addicting (and spicy) while their tacos are always on point. 1206 Main Street, Asbury Park 732-455-5745 http://cielitolindomexicanfood.com/menu/
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