Updated August 11, 2020 To say this year has been different would be an understatement. Every summer we look forward to enjoying meals outside at some of our favorite Jersey Shore outdoor dining in Monmouth County. This summer is no exception, except now it’s mandatory. Three years ago we published our first outdoor dining guide. We never could have imagined that outdoor dining was all we would have for the spring and summer of 2020.
In this updated guide for Jersey Shore outdoor dining in Monmouth County you’ll see many restaurants that have transformed themselves, with expanded outdoor dining so that we can not only enjoy a great meal, but also stay safe. Whether they’ve had outdoor in the past, or have added new patios, we all need to get out of the house and eat a summer meal outdoors!
The Beach Tavern is a stunning shore restaurant that boasts outdoor seating complete with sunset river views, the gentle sway of boats, and summer breezes. Stop by any day of the week to make it just a bit more fun. 33 West Street, Monmouth Beach (732) 870 8999 http://beachtavern.net/
It’s hard to top Rooney’s when it comes to outdoor dining. With plenty of tables, from covered to open air, you’re guaranteed to find a seat with a view (oceanfront too!) 100 Ocean Avenue, N. Long Branch 732-870-1200 www.rooneysocean.com
The festhalle room may be closed for now, but the rooftop is open at Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten. Get your brat and beer fix with full service dining, seven days a week. 527 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park 732-997-8767 www.asburybiergarten.com
Small plates, plenty of seafood dishes to choose from (fish tacos anyone?), and handcrafted cocktails, The Atlantic House is a must visit when you’re in downtown Atlantic Highlands. 67 First Avenue, Atlantic Highlands 848-300-2408 www.theatlantichousenj.com
Brunch it up any day of the week at Toast in Asbury Park or Red Bank where they’re still making pancakes, eggs benedict, and more. We can’t think of a more relaxing morning than ordering some pancakes with a carafe of OJ (and of course we’re bringing our own bubbly). 516 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-776-5900 http://asburypark.toastcitydiner.com
Grab one of the outdoor tables at The Galley Pizza & Eatery to experience one of the best pizzas you will have in your life. We’re not being dramatic, it’s just the truth. 1313 Memorial Drive, Asbury Park 732-775-7711 http://thegalleyasbury.com/
With a newly installed awning, there’s plenty of shaded, outdoor seating to enjoy Chef Trama’s mussels, crafty cocktails, and more. At Trama’s Trattoria, you’ll find all of your favorite menu items, with some added summer breezes. 115 Brighton Avenue, Long Branch 732-222-1121 http://tramastrattoria.com
Take in the Navesink from the Pearl Lounge at the Oyster Point Hotel. We can’t guarantee a rainbow like the one above, but we can guarantee exceptional food, cocktails, and plenty of deck seating. 146 Bodman Place, Red Bank 732-530-8200 www.theoysterpointhotel.com
Owner and head “lobstuh” lover, Kelly Ryan, is still playing it cool at one of the Jersey Shore’s favorite summer hot spots. The Boondocks Fishery & Grill has plenty of outdoor seating and lobstuh lover items (as well as other seafood dishes) to keep you coming back all summer long. 1 Marine Park, Red Bank 732-747-7177 https://theboondocksfishery.com/
After a day spent at the shore, enjoy an evening dinner at Neapoli where not only does 95% of their “indoor” seating open to the outdoors thanks to floor to ceiling doors, but there’s also plenty of tables on their outdoor patio. 10 Wallace Street, Red Bank 732-741-1321 http://neapolinj.com/
Outdoor seating? Klein’s Fish Market has you covered – quite literally! Two decks, a tiki bar, and plenty of space to celebrate the summer in Jersey Shore style. 708 River Road, Belmar 732-681-1177 http://kleinsfish.com/
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, if you haven’t dined outdoors at the Molly Pitcher Inn, now is your chance. Step away from downtown Red Bank and the beach to enjoy spectactular river views. 88 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank 732-810-0313 www.themollypitcher.com
MJ’s offers seven locations throughout Monmouth and Ocean, all with plenty of outdoor dining. So no matter where you find yourself – from Matawan to Monmouth Beach, Neptune or Tinton Falls, there’s always an opportunity to eat more wings! https://www.mjsrestaurant.com
Jersey Shore outdoor dining in Monmouth County wouldn’t be complete without highlighting the restaurants that have transformed Cookman Avenue into an outdoor dining hot spot. So there’s absolutely no reason to go without your favorite sushi! 660 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-775-1020 www.takaasubry.com
Take the opportunity to dine oceanfront at Bareli’s By the Sea. With just a limited amount of tables available on their deck, you and your fellow diners will feel like you’ve hit the jackpot once you score a table (they all come with a view.) 1505 Ocean Avenue, Spring Lake 732-769-5700 www.barelisbythesea.com
Reserve your table at Porcini, where they’re still serving up plenty of Italian specialties including homemade pastas and delicious desserts. Don’t forget to BYOB! Reservations are required. 168 Bay Avenue, Highlands 732-291-3080 www.restaurantporcini.com
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 this summer! 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 http://www.marbelorestaurant.com/
Pour House, Jersey Shore Outdoor Dining
You may not think of Pour House for outdoor dining, but they’ve successfully converted their parking lot into a little outdoor oasis. Complete with stringed lights and umbrellas, you can order up all of your favorites and daily specials at one of their 20 tables. 640 Shrewsbury Avenue, Tinton falls 732-842-4337 www.pourhouserestaurant.com
Via Veneto Italian Ristorante is taking an opportunity to transport you to Italy this summer. Reserve your table to enjoy authentic Italian comfort food dishes and white tablecloth service (just because you’re outside doesn’t mean your meal can’t be fancy!) 2410 Highway 35, Manasquan 732-722-8458 http://viavenetoristorante.com/
Walk right up to Old Glory Kitchen + Spirits in Keyport any day of the week for a no reservations needed outdoor meal. A no stress, no fuss meal that’s just as laid back and delicious as it was before quarantine. 84 Broad Street, Keyport 732-497-5555 http://oldglorynj.com
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Dine al fresco in Patricia’s of Holmdel’s own outdoor garden, complete with shady trees, gorgeous flowers, and of course, plenty of delicious Italian dishes. 2132 Route 35 S Holmdel 732-275-0234 www.patriciasofholmdel.com
Spend any evening on the bayou, we mean bayshore! At Drew’s Bayshore Bistro, Chef Drew has you covered with outdoor tents, walk up tables, and plenty of Cajun inspired dishes to spice up any summer night. 25 Church Street, Keyport 732-739-9219 http://drewsbayshorebistro.com
Receive 25% off when you purchase 5 Jersey Shore Local Decals!
Pazzo MMX, Jersey Shore Outdoor Dining
Outdoor table service and promotional pricing?? At Pazzo MMX, you get both! Reserve your seat outside under Pazzo’s large covered patio or in their expanded dining area and enjoy specials like half price pizza and pasta and prix fixe menus. 141 W Front Street, Red Bank 732-747-4551 http://www.pazzoredbank.com/
Sugar Bake Shop, Jersey Shore Outdoor Dining
More than just a bake shop, Sugar Bake Shop has you covered whether you’re craving something sweet or savory. Grab a Pork Roll Egg and Cheese Stuffed and some crumb cake to sit outside at one of their picnic benches. 406 Higgins Avenue, Brielle 732-612-8282 www.sugarbakegourmet.com
McDonagh’s Pub, Jersey Shore Outdoor Dining
Walk in any day of the week and you’ll find that McDonagh’s Pub, a bright spot in downtown Keyport, is always open (well almost always). Sit on the patio and enjoy some pub favorites – whether it’s at noon for a quick lunch or for a midnight snack (kitchen is open until 12am Thursday – Saturday and till 10pm Sunday – Wednesday.) 2 W Front Street, Keyport 732-264-0999 www.mcdonaghs.com
Jersey Freeze, Jersey Shore Outdoor Dining
Ice cream, burgers, hot dogs, and more, Jersey Freeze has been serving up what we crave since 1952. Bring the family and sit outside for a nostalgic and much needed summer dinner. 120 Manalapan Avenue, Freehold 732-462-3008 http://jerseyfreeze1952.com/
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