Spring at the Jersey Shore: Amazing Eats, Treats, Family Fun and More
(Updated May 2023) Spring into… well, spring as we venture out of our homes and into the world to enjoy all of our favorite Jersey Shore restaurants and businesses. May brings us a month full of brand new spring dishes (check out Porcini’s below), as well as plenty of fun events, deals, and Jersey Shore brunches and dinners to choose from.
We’re so happy that spring is here that we couldn’t help to make our own list of Spring things to do at the Jersey Shore. For many chefs, spring is all about new menus featuring items like fresh mushrooms, asparagus, and beautiful pea shoots. There’s also the thrill of summer just around the corner.
So, if you’re like us and already busting out the flip flops, you’ll really enjoy our ode to spring. There’s plenty of things to do and eat from now until June!
Jersey Shore Spring Dishes, Events, and Desserts!
Porcini is welcoming spring the best way they know how – with a some spring inspired dishes like their grilled hanger steak with garlic mashed potatoes, crispy shallots, and maître d’ butter. Also, their latest cheesecake is a spring exclusive – creamy homemade lemon cheesecake, almond sponge cake crust, lemon curd glaze. Be sure to check out Porcini’s social media for the latest weekend specials and menu updates! 168 Bay Avenue, Highlands 732-291-3080 www.restaurantporcini.com
As the weather gets nicer, why not spend a day at Rooney’s Oceanfront where you can enjoy the beach (without being a little chilly!) On Mother’s Day bring the family to enjoy their regular dinner menu along with innovative specials, all day long. Not to be outdone for Jersey Shore spring festivities, they’ll also be hosting “Cinco by the Sea-O” featuring a fun filled day of live music and plenty of traditional Mexican cuisine. 100 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch 732-870-1200 www.rooneysocean.com
Whether you’re dining under the crystal chandeliers of the Molly Pitcher’s Dining Room or you’re outside on the patio sipping on an apple margarita, the Molly Pitcher Inn serves some the most tantalizing cuisine in all of New Jersey. The panoramic windows provide a truly breathtaking vista. No matter what season, or time of day, the quiet stillness of the Navesink River envelops to all who dine here. 88 Riverside Ave, Red Bank 732-747-2500 www.themollypitcher.com
Not to be outdone by its sister hotel (see above), The Oyster Point Hotel’s Pearl Lounge is a gathering place where local sophisticates can meet world travelers over cocktails and lite fare. Their new spring menu is also in full bloom so making a reservation soon is a must. 146 Bodman Place, Red Bank 732-747-2500 www.theoysterpointhotel.com
Spring time is the perfect time to get out and explore some of the many wineries and vineyards local to the Garden State. There’s events going on at wineries every weekend all over the state! From food truck meet ups to live comedy shows, New Jersey’s wineries have a host of events happening every weekend! The Garden State Wine Growers Association is your guide to all things related to NJ wineries, so be sure to check out their event calendar for all upcoming events. State Wide, 856-761-9986 https://www.newjerseywines.com/
At Trama’s Trattoria, they’re all about featuring seasonal items. Now that spring is in full spring, that means items like Soft Shell Crabs and Clams Casino are back on the special menu. There’s something about eating a dish that came right from the ocean and is right in season (oh and seasoned perfectly!) 115 Brighton Avenue, Long Branch 732-222-1121 www.tramastrattoria.com
Dining in at Klein’s Fish Market & Waterside Cafe is a whole experience. Outside dining on the Shark River is a must at Klein’s and so is trying the new sushi rolls they just added to the menu with ingredients directly from their fish market. Talk about fresh! Their spring Happy Hour is also in full swing running all day on Wednesdays from 11:30am-8pm and Thursday – Sunday 3-6pm! 708 River Road, Belmar 732-681-1177 www.kleinsfish.com
Spring time is looking bright at Broad Street Dough Co. If you’re looking for only the best doughnuts, then visit Broad Street Dough Co. in Oakhurst, Freehold and coming soon, their new Wall location! You’ll surely find something that can satisfy your sweet tooth and they offer a variety of flavors to choose from! 2005 Route 35 North, Oakhurst 732-531-1401 | 177 Elton Adelphia Rd, Freehold 732-303-9000 https://www.broadstreetdoughco.com/
Mister C’s Beach Bistro just opened back up from their Winter Break and is embracing the warm weather with their unique cocktails and gourmet food! Enjoy relaxing views of the ocean, bright sunshine, and delicious food all in one place. Ocean Place & Ocean Avenue, Allenhurst 732-531-3665 https://mistercsbeachbistro.com/
Reopening on May 23rd, The Boondocks Fishery in Red Bank will once again become the place to dine on the water. Featuring breathtaking views of the Navesink, it’s just one of the many reasons to dine here – the lobster is on top of the list too! 1 Marine Park, Red Bank 732-747-7177 https://theboondocksfishery.com/
Avoid the Summer crowds and give the Oyster Creek Restaurant & Boat Bar a visit this Spring! The marsh views, unique cocktails, sushi bar and daily specials are worth a visit. We recommend the Clams Mexicali or the Jersey Devil Shrimp, you won’t find them anyplace else and you’ll be coming back for more. 41 North Oyster Creek Road, Leeds Point 609-652-8565 http://oystercreekrestaurant.com/
Pazzo means crazy, and they’re crazy about food! This spring, stop into Pazzo on Mondays for 1/2 priced pizza and pasta items, try their new Ladies Night on Tuesdays for 1/2 priced drinks or try their Wine Down Wednesday for 1/2 priced wine by the glass or bottle! Reservations are recommended but walk ins are also welcome. 141 West Front Street, Red Bank 732-747-4551 https://www.pazzoredbank.com/
The specials at Taka sure do change with the seasons. This spring you can expect nothing but the freshest dishes on the menu at Taka in Asbury Park like the house-made Mascarpone Ice Cream with Lemon Shisito Cake and the Crispy Kani Roll with Waffle Chip. Make a reservation for indoor or outdoor dining! 660 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-775-1020 https://www.takaasbury.com/
The Atlantic House’s new spring salmon is a guiltless option with incredible flavor! Grilled Salmon on a bed of sautéed Swiss chard, roasted cauliflower, roasted red peppers, lemon butter sauce and carrot ginger purée. This new dish pairs great with the “Feeling Blue” cocktail made with Stoli blueberry vodka, fresh lemon sour, lemonade and club soda. 67 1st Avenue, Atlantic Highlands 848-300-2408 https://www.theatlantichousenj.com/
Now that Spring is here, Toast is breaking out the freshest salads you can imagine. The Kale Salad Bowl is the perfect blend of deliciousness AND healthy. Kale, grape tomatoes, toasted pumpkin seeds, black currants, poached egg, dressed with sea salt, olive oil, nutritional yeast and lemon. 516 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-776-5900 | 45 Monmouth Street, Red Bank 732-224-1234 | 700 Bloomfield Road, Montclair 9732-509-8099 https://asburypark.toastcitydiner.com/
Soak in the ocean views while enjoying quality meals and cocktails on Charley’s porches this spring! Their distinguished menu and atmosphere are inspired by a beach-life attitude, offering all patrons a seaside experience year round! 29 Avenel Blvd, Long Branch 732-222-4499 https://www.charleysoceangrill.com/
Dine out under Mutiny BBQ‘s covered porch for an early taste of summer. Enjoy some of the freshest, highest quality BBQ in the northeast in their relaxed, casual outdoor space and check out some of their new specials like the Texas sized pigs in a blanket or the delicious Hog Wings. 808 5th Ave, Asbury Park https://www.mutinybbq.com/
Two locations is better than one! It’s that time of year again! Frozen Flavors seasonal Union Beach location is now open along side their North Middletown location! Come drop by, try some new flavors and cool off your day because Frozen Flavors can’t wait to see you! Scooping everyday until 10pm. 490 Palmer Ave. North Middletown 848-256-8266 https://frozenflavorswebsi.wixsite.com/my-site
Nothing screams warm weather more than having your favorite frozen dessert on a hot day. We don’t need to tell you how delicious Jersey Freeze‘s frozen dessert are, we’ll let their sweet treats do the talking for us! Stop in now and try some yourself. 120 Manalapan Ave, Freehold 732-462-3008 https://www.jerseyfreeze1952.com/
Jersey Shore Pirates has set sail on their 15th season! Hop aboard the Sea Gypsy and create memories with friends and family! This is a perfect day trip whether you’re a local or a visitor to the area! 281 Princeton Avenue, Brick Township 732-899-6100 https://jerseyshorepirates.com/
Now is the perfect time to experience the beautiful harbors of the New Jersey shore on South Jersey’s first Pontoon Pedal Boat with Cape May Cycle Cruises! Offering Private Tours, Bachelorette Parties, Sunset Cruises, and Public Tours, you must add this Jersey Shore adventure to your list of things to do this Spring! 954 Ocean Dr, Cape May 609-200-6656 https://www.jerseyshorecruises.com/
Keyport has two incredible upcoming events to check out! On May 13th, join the fun at BayFest! Take a pirate cruise on the Keyport Princess, watch the Pirate Show at the Waterfront, enjoy live music from the Moroccan Sheepherders and Broad Street Jam, and be part of the Downtown Treasure Hunt. Don’t miss the delicious Chili & Chowder Tasting with samples from 16 participating eateries for only $25. Get your tickets now and experience a day of adventure, music, and great food! Tickets available at www.hearherellcnj.com
On June 15th, bring your four legged friends and enjoy a night on W. Front Street in Keyport. The street will be closed to dine, shop, stroll and enjoy music with your dog friends! There will be dog contests, street market with pet focused vendors, and rescue adoptions. End the night with live music by Madison Avenue. https://www.facebook.com/events/1626622604476724?ref=newsfeed
Enjoy a weekend adventure at the Jersey Shore! The Mother’s Day Weekend Spring Bazaar will feature shopping from local makers, artists, designers, crafters and collectors; fresh flower bouquets, mother’s day photos and photo stations; kids patch jean jacket bar; music & entertainment; craft workshops; face painting; brunch; delicious food, drinks and more. The bazaar will be located in two beautiful locations by the beach: Grand Arcade of Convention Hall (Sat & Sun May 13 & 14) and Whitechapel Projects in Long Branch (Sun May 14 only) https://www.asburyparkbazaar.com/spring-bazaar-2023