A Local’s Guide to Jersey Shore BYOB Restaurants

Updated May 2024: Jersey Shore BYOB restaurants are the best of both worlds. Not only are they rich in flavors, including everything from seafood to pancakes, but they’ll also make you richer, saving you some money on the alcohol portion of the bill. We hope you enjoy these restaurants as much as we do because even though they lack a bar menu, they make up for it elsewhere.

We’ve taken the time (and the pounds), yet again to comb through a number of Jersey Shore restaurants (even taking advice from our readers – thanks!) to come up with an updated Jersey Shore BYOB restaurant list that is sure to please every palette.

For the sake of geographic simplicity, we’ll classify the Jersey Shore as Monmouth and Ocean Counties for this article (take a look at our more in depth guide to Monmouth County BYOBs and Ocean County BYOBs). Yes, we know the Jersey Shore spans much farther south. Give us time… our stomachs are getting there!

An Insider’s Guide to Jersey Shore BYOB Restaurants 

Two words… VooDoo Shrimp! (We just can’t think of much more to say here. Everything on the menu at Drew’s Bayshore Bistro is delicious – it’s Mardi Gras in your mouth!) 44 E Front Street, Keyport 732-739-9219 www.drewsbayshorebistro.com/

Porcini‘s young culinary power couple has successfully transformed this small space into a pasta powerhouse. Don’t believe us? Go try it for yourself – and whatever you do, don’t forget to order their homemade linguini with clams, scallops, and shrimp in a delicious white clam broth, which goes perfect with that dry rosé you were saving. 168 Bay Ave, Highlands 732-291-3080 https://restaurantporcini.com/

Friendly service, delicious classic Italian dishes that Italian home cooks approve of, and a location that makes it a mini secret, Via Veneto may soon become your family’s Sunday hangout. 2410 Highway 35, Manasquan 732-722-8458 viavenetoristorante.com/

There’s nothing quite like the Boondocks Fishery in Red Bank during the summer months. It’s one part lobster shack and one part party! Order up your favorite dish and start cracking as you open up some bottles of wine or cold beer and maybe even catch some tunes! There’s nothing quite like a summer night here (if we weren’t clear about it – this place is only open during the summer months, so get there before they head back down to the Keys!) 1 Marine Park, Red Bank 732-747-1777 https://theboondocksfishery.com/

Taking over the old haunts of one of our favorite restaurants is Semolina Restaurant. Newly opened this past June, it took Red Bank by storm with its fresh pastas and farm-to-table mentality. If it resembles the luxurious and delicious dishes of another seaside Italian restaurant, it should, since owner Chuck Lesbirel of Ama in Sea Bright is behind it. 13 White Street, Red Bank 732-945-6816 www.semolinarestaurant.com 

The Navesink Fishery has been family owned and operated for over 20 years. Their fish has been personally hand-picked and purchased, for the last few decades, from Hunts Point Market, NY and local markets. All of their dishes are prepared per order with fresh ingredients that pair perfectly with your favorite bottle of wine. 1004 Hwy 36, Atlantic Highlands 07716, 732-291-8017 https://navesinkfishery.com/

For over 50 years, Wally’s has been a family-owned Surf City dining landmark. With an ownership change in 2014, the Tomko family, made it their mission to take Wally’s to the next level. They made sure to maintain the nostalgia and warm welcome, all while increasing menu options to include gluten-free, vegan, family-friendly, and innovative dining options. Stop into Wally’s after a day at the beach, BYOB and dine under the bistro lights strung across Wally’s back patio. 712 Long beach Blvd, Surf City 08008, 609-494-1667 https://www.wallyslbi.com/

Avon may be small, but they are quite mighty when it comes to their restaurants, especially Clementine’s Restaurant, a place where we tend to gravitate to when we’re looking for a beachy, Southern, Cajun, and Creole dinner vibe. 306 Main Street, Avon-By-The-Sea 732-988-7979  http://www.clementinesavon.com/

We’re not sure what our buddies up in Northern Monmouth are doing right, but we can’t complain. Yet another fantastic Jersey Shore BYOB restaurant, Christines Italian Restaurant offers a romantic dinner out with classic Italian dishes. 42 1st Avenue, Atlantic Highlands 732-872-4790 www.christinesitaliandining.com 

Outstanding, excellent, extraordinary – adjectives that describe everything from the dishes to the service and atmosphere. There’s a reason locals and visitors alike keep flocking to Stefano’s – and we 100% agree. 1814 Long Beach Blvd., Beach Haven 609-492-1100 https://stefanoslbi.com/

Real. Authentic. Mexican. Food. Yes, the periods in between are necessary because we want you to understand just how authentic the food at Doña Julia Mexican Restaurant in Pt. Pleasant Beach actually is. Yes, you can bring as many cervezas as you want, but even if you come empty handed, the owners will still treat you like family and give serve you the (extra) large portion of Chiliquilles. 1308 Richmond Avenue, Pt. Pleasant Beach 732-892-0021 https://www.facebook.com/DonaJuliaMex

Situated just across the street from a very convenient liquor store, Il Giordinello’s in Toms River has been a long-standing Italian tradition in Toms River. Locals keep returning for the warm atmosphere, deliciously large portions of the Shrimp Pestaciale and Chilean Sea Bass as well as the friendly prices. Our favorite part of our meal is being told that the menu is a guideline. And just like that we go from a pretty good Italian place, to an excellent one! 1232 NJ-166, Toms River 732-286-9111 ilgiardinello.com

It’s possible you’ve driven by Raimondo’s in Ship Bottom without stopping before. What may seem like just your ordinary restaurant turns out to be nothing but extraordinary when you start checking out the menu. Offering Italian seafood specialties like Shrimp Oreganata with Broccoli Rabe and Linguini in a very romantic atmosphere, Raimondo’s is the perfect place to bring that fancy bottle of Semillon you’ve been waiting to open. 1101 Long Beach Blvd., Ship Bottom 609-494-5391 www.raimondoslbi.com

This old school Italian restaurant takes no prisoners when it comes to their kitchen. Everything from the pizza to the ravioli dishes is a tradition at Graziano’s in Point Pleasant Beach, which opened back in 1966. Loyal clientele have been coming here for years, with a bottle of red or white in their hands (and we’re fairly certain a break in tradition won’t be happening anytime soon.) 3119 NJ-88, Point Pleasant 732-899-6336 www.grazianosnj.com/

For some, it’s hard to imagine that such an upscale dining experience could also be a Jersey Shore BYOB. Piccolino Italian Kitchen is one of those gems that locals really have a hard time beating. Great prices, attentive service, and of course the ability to enjoy some Clams Oreganata and Penne Vodka check off our main points for a fantastic (and delicious) evening out. 1177 Fisher Blvd, Toms River, 732-270-2020 https://www.piccolinoitaliankitchen.com/home

As a restaurant, when you hit the trifecta (excellent food, service, and scenery), you know you’re “winning” and Xina Restaurant in Toms River is doing just that. A mix of Japanese and Chinese dishes, diners can enjoy all of their favorite sushi rolls along with an extensive oyster raw bar. Bring along a Sapporo six-pack and make it a night to remember. 3430 NJ-37, Toms River 732-279-6327 www.xinarestaurant.com/

The Galley Pizza & Eatery isn’t your average pizza joint. They serve real food including Detroit style pies, dry rubbed smoked wings, juicy burgers and house cut fries in a casual setting. Everything is homemade and made to order, so bring some wine or beer and relax to some good tunes and fishing shows on the TVs. 1313 Memorial Drive, Asbury Park 07712, 732-775-7711 https://www.thegalleyasbury.com/

Let us know what your favorite BYOB’s are and if there’s a business you think we should add!

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