A Very Jersey Shore Valentine’s Day: Ideas on Places to Eat, Drink, Play, and Stay

A Very Jersey Shore Valentine’s Day: Ideas on Places to Eat, Drink, Play, and Stay


No matter what your relationship status is this year, we guarantee (with some help from our friends) to make it a sweet Jersey Shore Valentine’s Day. We’re putting all of those clichés behind us and giving you insider information into turning your V-Day into a fun (and delicious) day.

Start off with some homemade fluffy pancakes, then reserve your spot at one of the Jersey Shore’s hottest dining locations and end your night with a sweet treat. If you’re looking for a bit more fun, there are plenty of chances to enjoy live music, games, and if you’re lucky – breakfast in bed.

So hop on the heart wagon and get ready to enjoy a Jersey Shore Valentine’s Day that’s full of delicious dishes, rich chocolates, bubbly champagne, lots of fun, and plenty of things to do with your Valentine!

Romantic Dinner Ideas For Valentine’s Day at the Jersey Shore

Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant

Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot to share a romantic candlelight dinner or grab a cocktail with a friend, Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant is the perfect spot. On Valentine’s Day, Rooney’s will be serving their a la carte menu along with innovative specials. Plus, perfect ocean views to complete your meal. Reservations recommended. 100 Ocean Avenue N, Long Branch 732-870-1200 http://www.rooneysocean.com/

Porcini

Spend one of the most romantic evenings of the year at one of the Jersey Shore’s most romantic restaurants. At Porcini, Chef Chris will prepare you and your date exquisite dishes made to perfection. Be sure to reserve your special table today! 168 Bay Avenue, Highlands 732-291-3080  https://www.restaurantporcini.com/

Johnny Piancone’s

Johnny Piancone’s wants you to feel the love this Valentine’s Day. This family owned Italian restaurant in Long Branch has decorated the dining room and bar area for the holiday and they have a special menu starting February 14th that will continue all weekend. Call them at 732-229-0300 to make a reservation. 591 Broadway, Long Branch 732-229-0300 https://www.johnnypiancones.com/

Drew’s Bayshore Bistro

Drew’s new location on Front Street offers up the perfect ambience for all you romantics out there. BYOB, cozy up and be prepared to take on Chef Drew’s Cajun inspired menu. Just make sure you leave enough room for dessert – it’s decadent! 44 E Front Street, Keyport 732-739-9219 http://www.bayshorebistro.com/

Charley’s Ocean Grill

What’s better than a romantic date with water views? Charley’s Ocean Grill in Long Branch has a distinguished menu and atmosphere that’s inspired by a beach-life attitude. Share a tuna pizza, Shrimp Ravioli al Limone and a delicious Key Lime Pie with your date. 29 Avenel Blvd, Long Branch 732-222-4499 https://www.charleysoceangrill.com/

McDonagh’s Pub

Start your day of love off right at McDonagh’s Pub where you’ll enjoy chef specialties and live music. With this combo, you’ve got a night to remember. 2 West Front Street, Keyport 732-264-0999 https://www.mcdonaghs.com/

Old Glory Kitchen + Spirits

Enjoy chef specialties all weekend long with those you love. At Old Glory Kitchen + Spirits, you’ll dine on dishes that will get anyone in a romantic mood. Reservations recommended. 84 Broad Street, Keyport 732-497-5555 https://www.oldglorynj.com/

Trama’s Trattoria

Trama’s Trattoria is known for having a menu that’s packed with unique Tuscan-inspired eats. The menu at Trama’s is always changing and evolving but you can always count on everything being incredibly fresh and delicious. Grab a glass of one of their many wines or a cocktail and end the night with a sweet dessert. 115 Brighton Ave, Long Branch 732-222-1121 https://tramastrattoria.com/

Klein’s Fish Market & Waterside Café

Klein’s Fish Market & Waterside Café is known for delicious and fresh seafood dishes and beautiful water views. You’re guaranteed a perfect date night at Klein’s. 708 River Road, Belmar 732-681-1177 http://kleinsfish.com/

MJ’s at Buttonwood Manor

Join MJ’s at the Buttonwood Manor for what promises to be the most romantic meal of the year. Couples will feast on sweetheart specials like Surf & Turf, Pappardelle Pasta and Chocolate Molten Lava Cake. Receive a complimentary MJ’s Sundae Dessert with any Sweetheart Special. Reservations can be made by calling 732-566-6220. 845 Route 34 North, Matawan 732-566-6220 mjsrestaurant.com

Monmouth Meats

Nothing says you love someone like cooking them up a candlelit meal at home. If you’re a home cook, why not head over to Monmouth Meats where they can send you home with a USDA Prime Filet Mignon and Bone in Short Ribs for your loved ones. 112 Monmouth Street, Red Bank 732-741-5292 www.monmouthmeats.com

Woody’s Ocean Grille

Celebrate the love of food with your love at Woody’s Ocean Grille in Sea Bright. They are located right off the beach, have a delicious California Coastal inspired menu and for Valentine’s Day you can count on their desserts being the perfect end to your meal. 1 East Church Street, Sea Bright 732-936-1300 https://www.woodysoceangrille.com/

The Atlantic House

If you and your Valentine are cocktail connoisseurs, The Atlantic House is the spot to hit. They have so many creative cocktails and their menu is loaded with deliciousness with a little something for everyone. Order a few shareables or opt to try their entrees. Everything is always made fresh! 67 First Ave Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. (848) 300-2408 https://www.theatlantichousenj.com

Blue Swan Diner

Nothing says I Love You quite like a big plate of pancakes topped with a whipped cream heart and fruit. If you and your Valentine love breakfast, start the day off right at Blue Swan Diner for a quaint breakfast with amazing prices. 2116 NJ-35, Oakhurst, 732-493-2424 https://www.blueswandiner.com/

Bum Rogers Crabhouse & Tavern

Bum Rogers Crabhouse & Tavern in Seaside Park is a favorite destination for both seafood and land lovers. Located right near Island Beach State Park, the specialty house restaurant has served as a communal, spirit-lifting destination for decades. Dine in for Valentine’s a split some lobster, crab and a few cocktails. 2207 SW Central Ave, Seaside Park 732-830-2770 http://bumrogerstavern.com/home

The Coal House

For a more casual Valentine’s Date Night, plan on visiting The Coal House in Sea Girt. They have the best coal fired pizza, wings, soup and so much more. BYOB or order takeout and enjoy a cozy night at home with delicious food. 2100 35 North, Sea Girt 732-359-8400 https://www.thecoalhouseseagirt.com/

Little Silver Bottle Shop

If you’re dining at a BYOB for Valentine’s Day be sure to pick up a bottle of wine from Little Silver Bottle Shop. They have it all from the lower end wine to the higher end wine and you get a 20% discount on a mix/match case of wine! 497 Prospect Avenue, Little Silver 732-741-3343  https://www.facebook.com/LIttleSilverBottleShop/

Mar Belo Restaurant

Leave it to some tapas and mixed drinks at Mar Belo Restaurant to bring you to the shores of Portugal for a vacation that you will most likely not be taking on Valentine’s Day. Thankfully, a trip to Long Branch for some authentic Portuguese and Spanish cuisine is definitely in the cards. 611 Broadway, Long Branch 732-870-2222 https://www.marbelorestaurant.com/

Mutiny BBQ Company

Show your significant other how much you love them with a huge tray of all their BBQ favorites from Mutiny BBQ. Everything on the menu is made fresh daily from ribs, to pulled pork to all of their scratch made sides.  808 5th Ave, Asbury Park 732-366-9985 https://www.mutinybbq.com/

Oyster Creek Restaurant & Boat Bar

Oyster Creek Restaurant and Boat Bar is the perfect place to take your date night photos with 360 degree water views around the restaurant. Their seafood and sushi bar are sure to impress too this Valentine’s Day. 41 North Oyster Creek Road, Leeds Point 609-652-8565 http://oystercreekrestaurant.com/

Pasquale’s Pizzeria

If you’re looking for a more casual dinner at home but still want to show your partner how much you love them, order a heart shaped pizza from Pasquale’s Pizzeria in Wall with all of their favorite toppings! Call to order. 2601 East Hurley Pond Road, Wall (732) 280-9255 https://www.pasqualespizzawallnj.com/

The Pour House

The Pour House has made their updated restaurant even more homey with their Valentine’s decorations this year. Dine in, feel the love and dive into their menu filled with comfort food items and specials. 640 Shrewsbury Ave, Tinton Falls (732) 842-4337 https://www.pourhouserestaurant.com/

Taka

For Valentine’s Day, be sure to order the heart shaped Special Salmon sushi roll from Taka in Asbury Park. Don’t forget to make your reservations ahead of time! 660 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park  732-775-1020 https://www.takaasbury.com/

Toast Asbury Park, Red Bank, Montclair, Cranford

Start your Valentine’s Day morning off right with Red Velvet Pancakes, special latte’s and staff with the biggest hearts at one of Toast’s four locations. Toast is open 8am-2pm on Valentine’s Day. 45 Monmouth Street, Red Bank 732-224-1234 https://toastcitydiner.com/

Sweet Treats to Fall in Love With

Jersey Freeze

Your favorite Valentine’s Day Treats are back at Jersey Freeze. These ice cream hearts are sold in boxes of 6 (4 vanilla, 2 chocolate) for only $20! Call their Freehold or Bell Works Locations to reserve a box. 120 Manalapan Ave, Freehold (732) 462-3008 https://www.jerseyfreeze1952.com/

Broad Street Dough Co.

Dear Cupid: Forget the card, just get doughnuts from Broad Street Dough Co! Order up a box of custom Valentine themed doughnuts or order off their regular menu. Either way your love won’t be disappointed. 2005 Route 35 North, Oakhurst 732-531-1401 https://www.broadstreetdoughco.com/

Frozen Flavors Homemade Ice Cream & Italian Ice

Get something sweet for your sweetie this Valentine’s Day and order a Sweetie Fish Jordini from Frozen Flavors Homemade Ice Cream in Middletown. Or come in and show your love for the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake homemade ice cream in a homemade waffle cone! 490 Palmer Ave. North Middletown 848-256-8266 https://frozenflavorswebsi.wixsite.com/my-site

Ideas to Stay Local This Valentine’s Day

Molly Pitcher Inn

Turn Valentine’s Day into a romantic weekend away at the Molly Pitcher Inn. Stay in a gorgeous room that overlook the Navesink and enjoy a romantic five course meal while you spend the evening and the morning with that special someone. Reservations required. 88 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank 800-221-1372 www.themollypitcher.com

Oyster Point Hotel

Also, turn an evening away into a full night stay at the Oyster Point Hotel. Enjoy a five-course meal and a cozy hotel room with stunning views of the Navesink River all night long. Reservations required. 146 Bodman Place, Red Bank 732-530-8200 www.theoysterpointhotel.com

The Hub Middletown-Red Bank

Love is in the air! The HUB celebrates Valentine’s Day every day in February. They have Romance Packages including a dozen roses and a complimentary bottle of champagne to make your stay even more special. 750 State Route 35, Middletown 732-671-3400 https://thehubmiddletown.com/

Crafts Workshops to Try This Valentine’s Day

Drifthouse by David Burke

Drifthouse by David Burke is hosting a Dine, Sip and Paint event on February 10th. It is 75 per person and includes a 3-course dinner, painting and glass of House Wine of Draft Beer. Grab your friends and enjoy a fun-filled evening dining on our amazing three course menu sipping on your drink of choice and creating a Valentine’s Day-themed masterpiece! Get your TICKETS! 1485 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright 732-530-9760 https://drifthousedb.com/event/2-10-dine-sip-paint/

Used to Be’s

Join Used to Be’s in Mantoloking on February 8th for a Galentine’s Crafts & Cocktail Party! Gather up your BFF or girls squad and let your creativity run wild. Each participant will also receive a complimentary cocktail! Call 732-892-3770 to reserve your spot! 287 Highway 35 North, Mantoloking 732-892-3770 https://usedtobesnj.com/

Spa Day at the Jersey Shore

Kur Wellness Studios

Valentine’s’ Day is right around the corner, what better way to relax with your special someone than a day of pampering! Kur Wellness Studio‘s Couple’s Day Spa Package is $479 for 2.5 Hours and includes Deep Tissue Massages with Aroma Therapy and Hydrating Unstress Facial with a warm oil scalp add on. Call 732-361-8956 to book! 412 Bond Street, Asbury Park 732-361-8956 https://www.kurstudios.com/

Shopping Around the Shore for That Perfect Valentine’s Gift:

Asbury Park Valentine’s Bazaar

Shop & Stroll at Two Locations: The Asbury Hotel + Grand Arcade of Convention Hall. Pick up perfect gifts for your loved ones (or yourself). Vendors will be selling gifts and goods ranging from handcrafted jewelry, art, home goods, and chocolates. Photo Opportunities are also available so bring your sweetheart and take beautiful photos at their immersive Valentine’s Day Photo Stations. Pick up beautiful fresh flower bouquets for your loved one at both locations. https://fb.me/e/cnJkbKdhw