Best Of

Jersey Shore Dining Guide – Sea Bright Edition

On this edition of our Jersey Shore Dining Guide, we will take you through the best restaurants Sea Bright has to offer. From high end, to your local pizza shop to the best place to get a cup of coffee, we cover it all. Let us know your favorite spot to grab a bite to eat or your favorite dish. More dining guide editions to follow!

Woody’s Ocean Grille

Woody’s offers the area’s top fine casual dining destination. Their menu is California coastal with a southwestern flare which includes fish tacos, fresh seafood, and exciting southwestern creations. You will always find something satisfying at this upscale and laid back establishment like the Woody’s signature Orange Crush drink. 1 East Church Street, Sea Bright, (732) 936-1300 https://www.woodysoceangrille.com/

More from Woody’s Ocean Grille:

Drifthouse by David Burke

Internationally awarded, celebrity Chef David Burke is redefining New Jersey’s dining scene winning numerous accolades along his way. The first restaurant he opened in the Garden State established the recipe for his growing empire: a world class menu set in a fun, friendly, sassy ambiance reflecting each iconic location. That restaurant was DRIFTHOUSE by David Burke. It opened in 2018 and soon after earned “Best New Restaurant” by both Star Ledger and NJ Monthly.

The full-service oceanfront, year-round restaurant has a trendy, beach-chic interior serving a seafood focused menu. During warmer seasons there is an outdoor dining deck. A private dining room with views and an authentic wood-burning fireplace provides a perfect setting for social and business events. DRIFTHOUSE, the only oceanfront restaurant in Sea Bright, is located in the Driftwood Cabana Club owned by the Stavola family, who have owned and operated the club since 1957! 1485 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright (732) 530-9760 https://drifthousedb.com/

More From Drifthouse by David Burke:

Tiki Bar at Driftwood

Driftwood Tiki Bar is owned by by Drifthouse by David Burke and offers incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Tiki bar is open all year round and their heated indoor bar is perfect for the Winter months and the outdoor space is perfect for the Summer. The menu features tasty options including tacos, pizza, burgers, prime grilled steaks, fresh raw bar selection and an array of cocktails, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 1485 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright, 732-842-2273 https://driftwoodtikibar.com/

Ocean House Tap & Grill

Ocean House is a collaboration of local business owners who wanted to bring new life to this beachfront location. The lively atmosphere mixed with incredible food checks all the boxes. They feature live music and upbeat beach vibes and have both indoor and outdoor dining and feature multiple party rooms for all your special occasion needs. They also have over 20 TVs throughout for all your sport viewing pleasure. OH’s menu has something for everyone and Chef Brian has daily specials that are one of a kind. 1072 Ocean Ave. Sea Bright, (732) 704-3620 https://oceanhousetapandgrill.com/

Tommy’s Tavern

If you’ve ever driven by Tommy’s Tavern in Sea Bright or Freehold, you’ll noticed that they are always packed, which plays a huge part into why they won the “Best Bar Food in Monmouth County” award in 2022. Happy Hour at this establishment runs 3-6pm Monday-Friday at the bar, with specials including $8, $9, and $10 appetizers. All draft beers are $2 off, House Wines are $5, Cocktails are $2 off and Sangria is only $6! For the full Happy Hour menu, be sure to click here! 1030 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright 07760, (732)-842-5044 https://www.tommystavernandtap.com/seabright-nj

Yumi Sea Bright

Yumi menu is inspired by their chef who has traveled across Asia to learn the original techniques on how to make great sushi dishes. Yumi introduces a modern twist to make the finest Asian cuisine uniquely American. 1120 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright, (732)-212-0881 https://www.yumirestaurant.com/

Melonhead

Melonhead’s humble beginnings can be traced back to the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica. Founder Nick Frangipane lives an active lifestyle – regularly practicing jiu-jitsu, surfing, and exercising whenever possible. After traveling around the world, Nick fell in love with the natural high that he experienced upon eating fresh fruits and vegetables picked directly from the Costa Rican countryside. Upon concluding the international leg of his journey for the perfect superfood, Nick took some time to see how his fellow countrymen had fared in delivering Açaí to the masses, and was happy to find that the vibe was spreading from San Diego all the way to Montauk. Nick finally felt that his ideas, research, and planning had been validated. It was time for Melonhead to become a reality with Melonhead’s flagship location in Sea Bright. 1146 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright, (732) 852-2522 https://www.melonheadcafe.com/

Sea Bright Pizzeria & Restaurant

Sea Bright Pizzeria is a family owned and run pizzeria since 2006. From Teggiano, Italy to Brooklyn, NY and eventually the Jersey Shore, Chef Cono continues to practice the trade he loves. Using only San Marzano  tomatoes, Grande mozzarella, and products imported from Italy, Cono continues to create the best craft pizza you’ll ever have. You will be certain to enjoy high quality, great tasting food every time. 1068 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright, (732-219-8770) https://www.sbpizzeria.com/

2nd Jetty Seafood

A local establishment since 2017, lobster lovers have been heading to 2nd Jetty for their fill of one of our favorite crustaceans for years. Pick up a Steam Pot for dinner that comes with a 1.25lb. lobster, dozen clams, 1/2 lb. mussels, 1/2 lb. steamers, 1/2 lb. shrimp, 2-piece snow crab clusters, celery, onions, corn, potatoes, and chef’s seasonings. They’re also available to hire for some catering – you’ll soon understand why their seafood is so coveted. 140 Ocean Ave, Sea Bright 732-224-8700 http://2ndjetty.com/

The Rum Runner

On December 31, 1986 local entertainer Tim McLoone and a group of his friends purchased the original Rum Runner from the Egidio family. The following October, after considerable reconstruction, McLoone’s Rum Runner finally opened to much fanfare. The excitement surrounding this new eatery was only amplified by the arrival of Bruce Springsteen on a nearly daily basis as he used the banquet room to rehearse his upcoming “Tunnel of Love” tour. Thus began a 25-year run, interrupted occasionally by some vicious storms, but then concluded with Superstorm Sandy’s destruction of this beloved landmark in November of 2012.

The decision to rebuild was a complicated one, particularly given the financial realities following Sandy but, in the end, it was an easy decision for Tim and Beth McLoone. Their greatest desire was to return to Sea Bright and be part of the rebirth of that great little town, which they’ve successfully done since reopening in 2015. 816 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright, 732-842-2894 https://www.mcloonesrumrunner.com/

Anjelica’s

Since 1996, Anjelica’s Restaurant has been one of New Jersey’s premier Italian restaurant destinations. Family owned and operated, Anjelica’s maintains a credo of excellence in its quality of food, warm service and gracious hospitality. The menu draws inspiration from the deep culinary traditions of family heritage- which has roots in both southern and northern Italy; more specifically Avellino, Sicily and Lombardy- while also giving appreciative nods to beloved Italian American cuisine. 1070 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright, (732) 842-2800 https://anjelicas.com/

Alice’s Kitchen

Alice’s Kitchen came back strong after Superstorm Sandy tore through this little beach town in 2012. Since then, Alice Gaffney rebuilt and has been bringing the authentic tastes of Ireland to Sea Bright. Over the years, this cozy café has become a staple of the community. The menu even features a lot of recipes and ingredients that come straight from Ireland. 1108 Ocean Ave Sea Bright, (732)-747-5999 https://www.aliceskitchen.net/

Gigi’s Pizza

Sea Bright is home to the ever-popular Gigi’s New York Style Pizza & Restaurant. With great pizzas on the menu, it isn’t hard to see why. You’ll also find more than pizza on the menu. Try some of the local top dishes like the Stuffed Shells and Chicken Francese, or bulk up your meal with some delicious fries. 1142 Ocean Ave, Sea Bright (732) 963-4490 https://www.gigisnewyorkstylepizza.com/

Donovan’s Reef

Since originally opening in 1976, Donovan’s Reef has been a favorite spot on Jersey Shore. Their newly rebuilt oceanfront bar with private, lifeguarded beach easily separates them from the crowd. And what a great crowd they get; filled with locals, students and beachgoers of all ages. Plus Donovan’s is one of the only bars in NJ that serves cocktails in the sand. Chill out at the beachfront Tiki Bar, or overlook the Atlantic on their outdoor decks. Come inside to catch a band or just relax and watch a game. 1171 Ocean Ave, Sea Bright, (732) 530-1833 https://www.donovansreefbeachbar.com/

Almost Home Coffee

Think big and shop small. Almost Home Coffee believes in putting the community first by supporting local farms and small businesses and they list all of their suppliers on the back of their menu so you can check them out, and know what you’re eating. Life is too short for bad coffee so head to Sea Bright for a fresh and delicious cup. 1136 Ocean Ave N, Sea Bright, (732) 383-5891 https://almosthomegeneral.com/

Super Golden

Super Golden Restaurant offers authentic and delicious tasting Chinese and Thai cuisine in Sea Bright, NJ. Super Golden’s convenient location and affordable prices make our restaurant a natural choice for dine-in or take-out meals in the Sea Bright community. Our restaurant is known for its variety in taste and high-quality fresh ingredients. Come and experience our friendly atmosphere and excellent service. 1120 E Ocean Ave, Sea Bright, (732) 530-8223 https://www.supergoldenseabright.com/

Moo Yai Thai Restaurant

Moo Yai Thai’s mission is to share the authentic flavors of Thai family cooking Mama Sang has perfected throughout her years as both a home cook and a professional chef. Featured on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives Cruisin’ Coast To Coast episode, this local Thai restaurant is worth the stop in. 1064 Ocean Ave. Sea Bright, (732) 945-6790 https://www.mooyaithai.com/

Let us know what your favorite places to eat are in Sea Bright and if we missed a business you think we should add!

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Jersey Shore InMotion Staff

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