It is no longer a secret that the Jersey Shore boasts some of the best restaurants not just in New Jersey, but across the country. So we decided to find out what the Jersey Shore’s most popular dishes are according to a Chef’s, Owners and Managers at a number of Jersey Shore restaurants. These are menu items that are ordered again and again, classics, both old and soon-to-be, that make stomach’s growl and mouth’s water.
We’ve done our work, so now it’s time to do yours. Get out there and order these dishes to see what just all the fuss is about. They won’t disappoint – we promise!
Who knew authentic Spanish and Portuguese food was tucked inside the seaside town of Long Branch? Well, a lot of people actually, including us! Mar Belo’s menu is outstanding, but one of their pride and joy dishes is the Grilled Swordfish Salad. Fresh and perfectly cooked swordfish sits on a bean salad then topped with a pineapple vinaigrette transports us directly to a summer lounging on the Spanish coast. 611 Broadway, Long Branch 732-870-2222 http://www.marbelorestaurant.com
Oh, The Cheese Cave. When you’re looking for good cheese, you head here, but it’s also a one stop shop for some of the best sandwiches on the coast. Try out the New Orleans Muffaleta. We’ve sung its praises before and we’ll gladly do it again. Thanks to the can’t go wrong combo of capicola, salami cotto, mozzarella, provolone, and olive salad, this SandwiCHEESE is a must on our short list of what’s for lunch or dinner. 14 Monmouth Street, Red Bank 732-842-0707https://thecheesecave.com
How could you not expect a seafood dish from Klein’s Fish Market? Diners have been ordering their Famous Clambake for years – and for good reason! One of their most popular dishes include a succulent mix of steamed clams, shrimp, scallops, mussels, and a whole lobster served with drawn butter. – one our most popular dishes! Filled with succulent fresh seafood – Steamed Clams, Shrimp, Scallops, Mussels & Whole Lobster served with hot drawn butter. 708 River Road, Belmar 732-681-1177 www.kleinsfish.com
What was once a special at Rory’s Pub just became a huge hit. Thanks to regulars who couldn’t get enough, the Cajun Fish Sandwich was moved from special to the regular menu a few weeks ago. Made with fresh cod delivered daily that’s coated with Cajun spices, and drizzled with a spicy sriracha aioli, it’s no wonder you’d want it available every night of the week! 1124 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright 732-383-7685 http://roryspub.com/
There’s nothing that quite resembles the flavor and texture of homemade pasta. At Porcini, it’s tough to pass up their homemade Cavatelli Pasta that’s tossed with garlic, sweet Italian sausage, tangy broccoli rabe, and hot chilis – – all simmering in a white wine Parmesan broth. It’s pretty new to the menu, but it’s become a true customer favorite! 168 Bay Avenue, Highlands 732-291-3080 http://www.restaurantporcini.com
It was a toss up, but the most popular menu items at Toast’s three locations (Red Bank, Asbury Park, and Montclair) were the California Scramble and Eggs Benedict. We’re not surprised either since eggs are something Toast does best. 45 Monmouth Street, Red Bank 732-224-1234 https://redbank.toastcitydiner.com/
Some of Mister C’s Beach Bistro’s new dinner menu items have been hitting it out of the park on the tastebud scale. That includes the Almond Crusted Flounder. Pieces of crunchy almonds adorn freshly caught flounder, then it’s topped with a grapefruit emulsion that cuts through it all. Add on some julienned vegetables and seasonal rice and it’s a meal that is perfect to be enjoyed al fresco. Ocean Place and Allen Avenue, Allenhurst 732-531-3665 http://www.mistercsbeachbistro.com/
Happen to be a fan of Reubens? Why not try McDonagh’s Pub’s Mile High Reuben. Just make sure you’re hungry enough to tackle the mile high stack of corned beef, sauerkraut, swiss heese, house made Russian dressing, and marbled rye. 2 West Front Street, Keyport 732-264-0999 http://www.mcdonaghs.com
Burgers are a big deal around here, so when we say that a burger is special, trust us. The Big Lou at Old Glory Kitchen + Spirits fits the bill. It all starts with a fresh 10oz burger that’s then topped with slow cooked short ribs (yes, meat on meat – you read that correctly), melted cheddar cheese, candied jalapenos, crispy bacon, BBQ sauce, and baby arugula. Just try and fit it in your mouth in one bite. 84 Broad Street, Keyport 732-497-5555 http://www.oldglorynj.com
Pair your dinner and a view at Panini Bay with an order of the Grilled Bruschetta. The combination of fig jam, gorgonzola cheese, and thinly sliced prosciutto that’s then smeared on baked artisan bread that’s char-grilled is the jump start to an impeccable dining experience. 101 Parker Road, Tuckerton 609-294-4281 http://www.paninibay.com
Trama’s Trattoria is known for having a menu that’s packed with unique Tuscan-inspired eats. However, turns out Trama’s Pork Chop is the most popular Jersey Shore dish at the restaurant. A juicy, thick, bone-in pork chop sits on a bed of toasted farro and fava beans and is topped with dolce gorgonzola and a rhubarb marmalade. Sweet, salty, meaty, and bright – that’s what great dishes are made of. 115 Brighton AvenueLong Branch, NJ 07740(732) 222-1121 http://www.tramastrattoria.com
Learn from the locals and don’t just leave Rooney’s Oceanfront for dinner. At lunch, we keep diving into their Seafood Cobb Salad. Not only is it beautiful to look at, it tastes just as delicious thanks to jumbo lump crabmeat, shrimp, avocado, egg, crumbled bleu cheese, cherry tomatoes, and red onion all piled high on a bed of crisp Romaine and iceberg lettuce then drizzled with a tart lemon tarragon vinaigrette. 100 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch 732-870-1200 http://www.rooneysocean.com/
We love Marlin’s Cafe for their local vibe and outdoor deck. So when we head there for some dinner, it’s no surprise we order the local favorite: Marlin’s Seafood Paella. It’s a plate that’s packed with mussels, shrimp, clams, scallops, and calamari, some red peppers, diced tomatoes and Creole Rice. Oh wait… and also a 2oz lobster tail. 1901 Ocean Avenue, Pt. Pleasant Beach 732-714-8035 https://www.facebook.com/MarlinsCafe23/
The Jersey Freeze team didn’t come up short when they provided us with their heaviest hitters. The Jersey Melt (pictured) features 6oz of their signature beef blend, applewood smoked bacon and Swiss on grilled Rye. The next two heavy hitters are the Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese and the Breakfast Burger that features their signature burger blend with pork roll, cheese and a fried egg served on a roll. of course when you are finished their is a myriad of amazing ice cream, floats, custom shakes and more. They’ve been at this strong since 1952 and even the Boss is a huge fan. 120 Manalapan Avenue, Freehold (732) 462-3008 http://www.jerseyfreeze1952.com
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