Manasquan used to be a summer town with wooden bungalows along the oceanfront, but it has now transformed into a year-round community. In the summer, both locals and visitors enjoy the mile-long beachfront, downtown area, fishing pier, boat launches, wildlife sanctuaries, and a bike path from North Main Street to Allenwood. The Manasquan dog beach is a popular spot for dog lovers, offering a great way to spend a day or night in the summer.
If you’re planning to visit the beach or explore the downtown area, you’ll want to check out the top places to dine, enjoy coffee, savor delicious desserts, and more. We’ve compiled a list of our 20 favorite spots to fuel up in this close-knit beach community.
Squan Tavern has been serving pizza and Italian style food to the Manasquan community since 1964. The Tavern has been through many changes since 1964, but what has never changed is their commitment to providing customers with Italian food that their ancestors would be proud of. 15 Broad St, Manasquan, 732-223-3324 https://squantavern.com/
If you’re looking for quality diner food in Manasquan, head to the Paramount Diner. They serve wholesome options for breakfast, lunch and dinner in an eclectic setting. 130 Main St, Manasquan 732-722-8242 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552202996082
Come hang outside and dive into one of Manasquan’s newest eateries, Buoy’s. Grab a hearty breakfast on your way to the beach or some lunch after soaking in the morning rays. They have wraps, subs, sandwiches, breakfast toasts and a whole lot more. 539 E Main St, Manasquan https://www.buoysmanasquan.com/
There are many ways to enjoy the menu at The Salty Whale. They are open for indoor dining, outside under the tent, take out, and delivery through DoorDash. They offer a wide array of specials throughout the week as well as live entertainment. Their guesthouse accommodations are also available for summer seasonal rentals and wedding room blocks. 390 E Main St, Manasquan 732-592-3344 https://www.thesaltywhale.com/
Over the years, the Committed Pig has gained popularity among North Jersey locals in Morristown and Summit and now at their Manasquan location. The Committed Pig is the spot to be if you’re looking for awesome burgers that’ve been listed in the Top 3 Burgers in Health and Life Magazine, fantastic pancakes and outrageous pork rolls. 165 Main St, Manasquan 732-837-9800 https://thecommittedpig.com/
Leggetts is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a great time. Featuring daily specials and an incredible staff, you are sure to have a wonderful dining experience. Try the Crab Cake Sandwich, Brick Oven Pizzas, or a delicious burger. Stay late and play some darts, listen to live music and play shuffleboard a block from the beach. 217 1st Ave, Manasquan 732-223-3951 https://www.leggetts.us/
The Breeze is a fantastic place to fuel up for your day at the beach. This spot is located only block from Seawatch Beach and features Avocado Toast, Bagels, Muffins, Salads, Burgers and more. 101 1st Ave, Manasquan 732-279-7973 https://squanbreeze.com/
Max Devros serves classic food with an amazing twist. They are chef owned and operated with specials that change every week for lunch and dinner. Come and have a drink to compliment the fabulous food you’re all used to. 142 Main St, Manasquan 732-528-1414 http://www.maxdevros.com/
Grandma’s Meatball is a quaint, upscale restaurant serving fine Italian cuisine. They offer catering, weekly specials and some of the best homemade Italian food in the area like homemade pasta, seafood dishes and desserts. 105 Taylor Ave, Manasquan 732-292-4580 https://www.grandmasmeatball.com/
When translated from Italian, Qua literally means “here”. But for this Roman Style Pizza joint, it means a lot more. It’s a common thread that is found in so much of what they do and why they are here. Their Roman style pizza is made from long-fermentation and high-hydration dough, baked in blue steel pans resulting in a crisp crust and a light, soft, and airy inside. The crust is what makes their Roman Style Pizza so different from many traditional square pies. 179 Main St, Manasquan 732-223-3388 https://www.quapizza.com/
Blend on Main is an upscale restaurant that’s open 7 days a week to serve you breakfast, lunch, dinner and an assortment of desserts. If dining in just wasn’t enough, they also offer Private Chef Dinners where you let Chef Lou & his team create an event to remember at your residence. You have a meeting with Chef Lou to create a custom menu to match the energy for your event and then you get to enjoy a fantastic homemade meal in your home. 152 Main St, Manasquan 732-223-0030 https://www.blendonmain.com/
La Cocinita is open Monday – Saturday in the heart of Manasquan. Featuring a wide array of classic Mexican dishes like quesadillas, empanadas, and burritos, your mouth will be watering as soon as you walk in the door. 144 Main St, Manasquan 732-722-8495 https://www.instagram.com/lacocinitademanasquan/
Town Grill celebrates the town they live in by serving breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week. From Apple Stuffed French Toast to Turkey Reubens to Triple Berry Cheesecake, you’ll never leave hungry after a visit to the Town Grill. 68 Main St, Manasquan 732-676-4914 https://www.towngrillmanasquan.com/
The Irish Rail started as a small family-owned business in the heart of downtown. Over the years, the restaurant has grown to become a staple of the community, serving delicious food and drinks to locals and tourists alike. The menu features locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal specials, so there’s always something new to try. They take pride in their extensive selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. 229 E Main St, Manasquan 732-223-9300 https://theirishrail.com/
By day, Main Street Kitchen is a café, serving up sandwiches, salads, soups and grab & go choices in their cases and freezer that change daily including dinner entrees, BBQ sides, Pot Pies, Hors D ’Oeuvres, Cheeses and Dips. They have a fresh, modern take on traditional ingredients, making everything from scratch, from marinades, stocks, sauces to baked goods. After hours, the kitchen becomes a boutique catering company and event planner. They can cater at your home, office or one of the many gorgeous venues available here in New Jersey. 140 Main St, Manasquan 732-223-6246 https://www.mainstreetkit.com/
From pizza and salads to pasta and buffalo wings, Esposito’s Pizza has something to suit every member of your family. Whether you are seeking take out, delivery, or just want to dine in and let them do the dishes for you, they are happy to take care of your next meal. If you’re nearby, give Esposito’s a try. 233 E Main St, Manasquan 732-528-1111 https://www.espositopizza.com/
Since first opening their doors four decades ago, Corner Bagelry’s first location in Manasquan, NJ has been serving the highest-quality homemade bagels, muffins, crumb cakes, and more to the Jersey Shore using only the finest ingredients. Fast forward a couple year and now Corner Bagelry now operates three locations across Monmouth County and they understand how important the simple pleasures of a toasted bagel with cream cheese or a pork roll, egg, and cheese on a hard roll can be. 233 E Main St, Manasquan 732-528-5801 https://cornerbagelry.com/
Batch. took all the things they love, every idea they had been collecting for years and put their minds together to create a space that they could be proud of. It wasn’t always easy, especially opening during the pandemic, but Batch. is humbled by their busy little coffee shop, and they are excited to be able to provide for their children and set an example that dreams do come true. 99 Main St, Manasquan 732-722-7480 https://www.batchonmain.com/
Papa Ganache is a small batch vegan bakery producing vegan & gluten free items in a dedicated kitchen. They offer amazingly delicious sweet and savory treats and their products are heart-healthy, cholesterol-free, no trans fat, no hydrogenated oil, no high fructose corn syrup, dairy-free, egg-free, all-natural, no preservatives, no animal products, and totally plant based. 217 E Main St, Manasquan 732-217-1750 https://www.papaganache.com/
At Main Scoop Creamery they have something to make everyone smile! From Premium Homemade Ice Cream, Dairy Free & Vegan flavors, Gelato, Sorbet & Italian Ice, Sugar Free Options, Cakes and much more, you’ll leave with your sweet tooth satisfied. Puppies are welcome on the patio also, they have treats for them too! 140 b Main St, Manasquan 732-223-3594 https://www.mainscoopcreamery.com/
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