Mark your calendars – this year, Mother’s Day lands on May 12th and here at the Jersey Shore In Motion, we’re all about celebrating those women in our lives that deserve way more than a hug! This year, pull out all the stops for a true Jersey Shore Mother’s Day that will blow your mom’s mind.
We’re talking fancy brunches with mimosas, delectable chocolate desserts, 5-star dinners, and over the top adventures. From family fun to nights out on the town, we’ve got something to do for every mom out there. Just remember, to thank her for being a pain in the you-know-what for all those years.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the Jersey Shore Moms out there!
Go for the chocolate gold this Jersey Shore Mother’s Day with some homemade chocolates. You’ll win big with mom when she bites into one of Jean Louise Candies’ delicious chocolates. With a variety of styles, you’re sure to find the treat that won’t be beat. 1205 Third Avenue, Spring Lake 732-449-2627 http://www.jeanlouisecandies.com/
Whether you decide on brunch, lunch, dinner, or even some cocktails, The Marina at Oceanport is a one stop restaurant. Everything from seafood to burgers and pastas, there’s plenty to love – especially the waterviews. (And the deck is open again!) 10 Riverside Avenue, Oceanport 848-456-4396 https://www.marinaatoceanport.com/
Take your mom to all of her favorite downtowns – Red Bank and Asbury Park – to eat at one of the most delicious diner destinations. Toast is a go-to breakfast and lunch spot for a reason. Regulars love their dishes like Huevos Rancheros, Bananas Foster French Toast, and Benedicts of all kinds. 516 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-776-5900; 45 Monmouth Street, Red Bank 732-224-1234 https://redbank.toastcitydiner.com/
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Kale Pizza, Eggs Benedict, and plenty of speciality cocktails, Beach Tavern is a local favorite that brings together chef specialities with waterfront views. 33 West Street, Monmouth Beach 732-870-8999 http://beachtavern.net/
Bring some hand dipped chocolate covered strawberries from Suzi’s Sweet Shoppe to your mom and all with quickly be forgiven. If you were a true pain in the you-know-what, you may want to up the ante with some Fancy Chocolate Covered Strawberries. 1100 Highway 35, Middletown 732-796-0115 http://www.suzisweetshoppe.com
Impress your mom with homemade pasta and her favorite bottle of wine at Porcini. With plenty of specials and a brand new spring menu, you’ll quickly make your way to the top of mom’s list. 168 Bay Avenue, Highlands 732-291-3080 https://www.restaurantporcini.com/
Making their own fudge since opening, Van Holten’s brings together over 60 flavors to choose from including Cookies & Cream, Death by Coconut, Pistachio, and even red Velvet. Pick and choose to make a unique and sweet treat for your mom. 800 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights 732-830-2220 http://www.seasidesweetshop.com/
If your mom loves wine, wine not (sorry, we had to), take her to one of the many wineries a part of the Garden State Grower’s Association. From a Mother’s Day Brunch complete with live music at Tomasello Winery, to free wine tastings at Terhune Orchards, and a special Mother’s Day featuring continental breakfast, live music, food trucks, and of course… wine at Working Dog Winery – there’s plenty to sip on. http://www.newjerseywines.com
If you were lucky enough to score a Mother’s Day brunch reservation at the iconic Molly Pitcher Inn – you know that you’ll definitely be in mom’s good graces for the entire year ahead. 88 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank 732-747-2500 http://www.themollypitcher.com
Maybe you can’t take your mom on an exotic trip, but why not take her to enjoy exotic food instead? At Bombay River, you’ll enjoy a culinary paradise featuring Indian food. Whether you choose to check out the all you can eat lunch buffet on Saturday and Sunday or head there for dinner, they’ll be no plan or tickets needed. 90 Broad Street, Red Bank 732-530-1598 http://www.bombayriver.com/
Voted one of the best Italian restaurants in the state, Bareli’s By the Sea will bring a bit of elegance to your Jersey Shore Mother’s Day. Located inside The Grand Victorian Hotel right across from the Atlantic, it’s an impressive location with equally impressive dishes. 1505 Ocean Avenue, Spring Lake 732-769-5700 http://www.barelisbythesea.com/
Celebrate Mother’s Day with Blu Grotto on the grounds of Monmouth Park Racetrack. Italian inspired brunch dishes are the star (as is the stunning dining room). Brunch will be served from 11am – 2pm with the normal dinner menu available 3:30 – 9pm. (Maybe mom will even want to stop in at the Beer Garden!) $35 per person, reservations recommended. 200 Port Au Peck Avenue, Oceanport 732-571-7900 www.blugrottonj.com
Known for their brunch featuring plenty of seafood from right off the dock, Klein’s is a destination that any mom would appreciate. With the heated and covered porch, your mom will even enjoy her meal outside (with $4 Mimosa’s and Bloody Mary’s). 708 River Road, Belmar 732-681-1177 www.kleinsfish.com
Make a reservation for Mother’s Day brunch or dinner at Piero’s Italian Restaurant – either way, you can’t go wrong. Serving plenty of Italian specialities with all of your mom’s brunch favorites, you’ll find out why locals have become regulars here. Brunch $40 per person with dinner being served from 3:30 – 9pm. Reservations recommended. 1411 Route 26 West, Union Beach 732-264-5222 www.pierosrestaurant.com
Take your brunch to the next level with the help of Neapoli in Red Bank. Bring your own bottle of wine or champagne while enjoying a brunch menu packed with favorites (and new favorites like their Italian Breakfast Skillet and Apple Pie French Toast – that comes complete with ice cream on top!) 10 Wallace Street, Red Bank 732-741-1321 http://www.neapolinj.com/
Bring mom to Monmouth Park Racetrack for free this year! All ladies receive free admission (with the first 1,000 moms receiving a free flower courtesy of In the Garden), while the entire family will have fun hanging out with clowns, face painters, pony rides, and a bounce house. Make the day extra special and treat her to a pre-fixe brunch buffet (reservation required) and enter to have her in some great prizes. 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport 732-222-5100 www.monmouthpark.com
They may be known for their daily specials, but MJ’s Buttonwood is also the place to bring your mom this Mother’s Day. Choose from a brunch buffet featuring hot and cold breakfast and lunch items, an omelet station, and a prime rib carving station or a dinner buffet with seafood, poultry, pasta, and more – you’ll find they’re both complete with an unforgettable dessert display. $38.99 per person, $19.50 per child under 12, ages 3 and under eat for free. Reservations recommended. 845 Route 34, Matawan 732-566-6220 www.mjsrestaurant.com
Moms ride and eat free, all day long at iPlay America. After riding on the iPA Speedway and Spin Zone Bumper Cars, moms can enjoy a free entrée at Game Time Bar and Grill complete with a complimentary mimosa. 110 Schanck Road, Freehold 732-577-8200 www.iplayamerica.com
Even pirates have moms who they want to impress, which is why moms get on the ship for free all day long courtesy of Jersey Shore Pirates! Sail with the pirates and the family for a trip down the river – it’s a fun time for all (no looting required). 281 Princeton Avenue, Brick 732-899-6100 www.jerseyshorepirates.com
Your mom works hard, so why not treat her to the ultimate Recovery Brunch at The Proving Ground. She’ll dine on all of her favorites like Avocado Toast and Omelets, while sipping down a concoction from the Bloody Mary Bar. 56 Shrewsbury Avenue, Highlands 732-872-2266 www.theprovingground.com
End spring at the Jersey Shore with the very last brunch of the season. Rooney’s Oceanfront will be hosting a Mother’s Day brunch featuring all of your favorite menu items, with a few additional items like a carving station. Dinner will also be served with plenty of specials to choose from. Brunch will be served from 10:30am – 2:30pm, $49 per person and $19 for kids. 100 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch 732-870-1200 http://www.rooneysocean.com/
Served every Sunday, the brunch at McDonagh’s Pub is the perfect option for the mom who wants to relax with great food. A pub style breakfast includes items like the traditional Irish Breakfast (complete with bangers of course), an array of three-egg omelettes, toasts, and $1 Mimosas and $5 Bloody Mary’s. 2 West Front Street, Keyport 732-264-0999 https://www.mcdonaghs.com/
Another laid back option, bring mom in for a traditional brunch that’s packed with all her favorites from House Made Belgium Waffles to a Crab Cake Sandwich. You’ll only spend $16.99 for the meal and that still inlcudes a brunch cocktail (Salted Caramel Coffee anyone?) 84 Broad Street, Keyport 732-497-5555 https://www.oldglorynj.com/
It may not be a full moon viewing party, but the view from Mister C’s Beach Bistro and Bar is well worth the trip. Mom will feel like she’s dining on the beach, without the sand in her toes. Ocean Place and Allen Avenue, Allenhurst 732-531-3665 http://www.mistercsbeachbistro.com/
Mother’s Day Brunch at Oyster Point Hotel rivals its sister hotel, The Molly Pitcher Inn. Dive into a Seared Crab Cake Station, a Chef’s Antipasto selection, Fruits of the Sea, Omelet and Waffle Station, Salads, Pastas, Entrees, and even a Peking Duck Station for the afternoon seating! Oh and we can’t forget the Viennese Table. $57.95 per person and includes choice of Bloody Mary, Mimosa, or Champagne, $24.95 for children. Reservations required. 146 Bodman Place, Red Bank 732-747-2500 www.theoysterpointhotel.com
Take your mom on a little beach vacation without having to drive that far. The Sea Base Lounge/Arugula at White Sands Oceanfront Resort & Spa brings together the beach, the sand, and the food into one amazing afternoon. 1205 Ocean Avenue, Pt. Pleasant Beach 732-899-3370 https://seabaselounge.thewhitesands.com/
Specializing in rustic, yet classic Italian cuisine, Stella Marina is definitely a star of the Asbury Park boardwalk. Start with a classic appetizer of Calmari Fritti and Cozze (PEI mussels with nduja sausage), followed by the Valdostana entrée, and end with an Affogato. An Italian evening on the Jersey Shore! 800 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park 732-775-7776 https://stellamarinarestaurant.com/
Maybe you’ve walked by Sirena Ristorante and thought to yourself – for a special occasion. Well, Mother’s Day is what you’ve been waiting for. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Atlantic, while you enjoy an upscale evening of Italian food, wine, and service. Mom deserves it! 27 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch 732-222-1119 http://www.sirenaristorante.com
The heart of Sea Bright had quite a culinary invasion this year thanks to OAK Ocean Avenue Kitchen. This BYOB restaurant prepares dishes that everyone in your family will love in an intimate dining room. 1132 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright 732-747-5200 www.oakseabright.com
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