Point Pleasant Beach has a long history, starting with the Lenape Native Americans who called the area “Land of Tall Timber” and used it as a ceremonial meeting place around 1500. In 1609, Henry Hudson and his crew noticed the area while traveling north to explore the Hudson River, and crew member Robert Juet described it as “a very good Land to fall with and a pleasant Land to see”. The first European settlers, mainly fishermen, farmers, and boat builders, arrived in the area around 1665.
Point Pleasant Beach is now known as a great place to visit the beaches, boardwalks, and inlet with our friends and families. Many of us have been to the amusement section on the boardwalk, hung out at Martell’s, or set up camp for the day on the rocks to catch some fish. Our love for PPB is strong, so we’ve compiled a list of our favorite dining spots in the area.
In 1940, the land where the current Shrimp Box now sits was purchased to become a commercial fishing dock. The dock and the adjoining retail fish market, selling and transporting fish along the Atlantic Coast was established. The restaurant began as small take-out seafood stand. After several years, the stand was so successful it moved to the retail fish store and expanded it’s seating to 36 from the four original counter stools. The restaurant’s growth has been a success thanks to a devout local following cultivated under the current ownership of the Gyftakis family who remodeled the property, built a harbor-side outdoor patio and revamped the menu now firmly placing the restaurant as a Jersey Shore Institution. 75 Inlet Dr, Point Pleasant Beach https://theshrimpbox.com/ (732) 899-1637
Over the last twenty years, Shore Fresh Seafood has established itself as the Jersey Shore’s face of simple, fresh, and genuine seafood. Shore Fresh’s unique twist on a classic fish market welcomes you year-round with two locations in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. The friendliest staff in the area will host you at a beautiful outdoor seating area for a casual, relaxed dining experience like no other. BYOB too! 57 Channel Dr Point Pleasant Beach https://shorefreshseafood.com/ (732) 899-1300
Atlantic Offshore Fishery is able to serve local, wild-caught seafood right from the docks of Point Pleasant Beach, NJ to the tables of their seafood restaurant in Point Pleasant Beach. Jersey Shore native and commercial fisherman Captain Mike Sarapochillo continues to supply fresh fish to his restaurant and seafood market straight from the boat. 212 Channel Drive, Point Pleasant Beach https://atlanticfisherynj.com/ (732) 206-6958
The Wharfside Seafood & Patio Bar has been a Jersey Shore destination since it’s inception by Jack Baker in 1963. Dedicated to fresh local seafood, The Wharfside partners with trusted Point Pleasant Beach purveyors F/V Heather Ann and F/V Major Expense. Unlike those that crop up and burn down with the tides The Wharfside is here to serve the best seasonal catch year-round. 101 Channel Drive Point Pleasant Beach https://www.wharfsidenj.com/ (732) 892-9100
After an epic dive trip leading to one of Bill Cleary’s many deep-water certifications, Bill’s instructor Bob Wilson suggested they celebrate at Red’s. Bill fell in love with the bucolic new England style of the place and of course the fresh seafood. In 2014 after years of negotiating and other successful restaurant ventures, Bill and his partner Marisa Tanner bought Red’s. With Bill’s attention to detail and Marisa’s outstanding management and customer service skills, Red’s has grown in popularity! Positive changes are always being made without impacting the traditions that long time Red’s customers love. 57 Inlet Dr, Point Pleasant Beach https://www.redslobsterpot.com/ (732) 295-6622
Located in Point Pleasant Beach the entrance to Channel Drive Boatyard401 is a must-visit! Their open-air concept lets you enjoy great food inside with that outside feel. Two floors and a huge outdoor deck overlooking marinas and boatyards along the Manasquan River give you a panoramic view of this incredibly quaint Jersey Shore town. The second floor is a great place to view everything Point Pleasant Beach has to offer! At night Boatyard401 becomes a hub for local bands and DJs, plus other great events. 401 Broadway, Point Pleasant Beach https://boatyard401.com/ (732) 714-6689
Nestled near the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk, Chef Bass at Daniel’s serves mouth-watering cuisine with a touch of French finesse. Whether you seek a romantic dinner for two or a lively night out with friends, the restaurant caters to all. Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience featuring locally caught fish and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Also, try the signature desserts – the decadent bananas foster and berries flambé are both prepared tableside. 115 Broadway, Point Pleasant Beach https://www.dbistronj.com/ (732) 899-5333
A true signature beach bar – come to the Point Pleasant Beach North Inlet and enjoy the shore in style. Sip craft beer and cocktails while you watch the sunset. Grab an awesome sandwich or pizza and then hit the waves. The day is yours, and Jenks Inlet Bar is here to make it fun and relaxing. 3 Broadway, Point Pleasant Beach https://jenkinsons.com/food-drink/inlet-bar/ (732) 899-0569
The seafood restaurant with views of the water and fishing boats is a premier place for lunch in the Point Pleasant Beach, NJ area. Experience the unbeatable flavor of Point Lobster Co’s fresh seafood prepared by a team of local professionals. Their world-famous dish, the Point Lobster Roll draws crowds from all over. BYOB and enjoy the waterfront scene. 1 St Louis Ave, Point Pleasant Beach https://pointlobster.com/ (732) 892-1718
Sinner’s Steakhouse offers only the finest locally sourced ingredients available and are determined to provide a quality dining experience for you and your family. They take pride in using the best quality corn-fed beef, sourced from cattle farms across Iowa and Nebraska. 20 Inlet Dr, Point Pleasant Beach https://sinnerssteakhouse.com/ (848) 232-1672
The story of how The Lobster Shanty became the renowned seafood restaurant it is today is a fascinating American success story. In 1977, this great restaurant consisted of only two humble sawhorse tables, set out near the dock overlooking the Manasquan River Inlet in Point Pleasant Beach. Here a fisherman cooked and served his freshly-caught lobster and shellfish to his closest friends. But word got around fast in that seashore community, and seafood lovers from near and far clamored for a taste of his seafood. Soon, those two sawhorse tables were booked for days in advance. Today The Lobster Shanty in Point Pleasant Beach has grown to have five main dining areas. The Shanty still stands for the freshest local ingredients and a decades-old seafood tradition. All lobsters are caught and cared for locally from their very own docks to your dish. 83 Channel Drive Point Pleasant Beach https://www.thelobstershantynj.com/ (732) 899-6700
Chef Joseph Spano welcomes you to enjoy an authentic Italian dining experience representing the many regions of his Italian heritage. Every day Joseph is humbled by the outpouring of people who wait an hour or more to get a table and enjoy his culinary delights. Even with the rising costs of doing business, Joseph strives to keep his prices reasonable and recipes true to his early days when he opened his first establishment in Jackson in 1989 and then moving to Point Pleasant Beach in 2001. 719 Arnold Ave, Point Pleasant Beach https://www.spanos.net/ (732) 701-1600
Located in the heart of downtown Point Pleasant Beach, Bam Bam Burger Co. is a casual restaurant with a comfortable vibe. They are on a Quest to be the Best, using all fresh, top-quality ingredients in their burgers, sides and shakes that are crafted daily. 522 Bay Ave, Point Pleasant Beach https://bambamburger.co/ (732) 965-2018
Giacomo Pisano, the passionate CEO and founder of G’s Cheesesteaks, launched his cheesy empire in Staten Island back in 2015 when he was just 20 years old. But G’s Cheesesteaks isn’t just another sandwich shop – it’s the culmination of a family legacy that stretches all the way back to Giacomo’s grandfather who planted the family’s culinary roots with the opening of “Dana’s Pizza.” Giacomo’s father and Uncles have continued on the family pizza tradition and with such a rich family history in the restaurant business, it’s no wonder that Giacomo has found such success with G’s Cheesesteaks. It’s a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and the enduring legacy of his family’s passion for food. 713 Arnold Ave, Point Pleasant Beach https://www.gscheesesteaks.com/ (732) 202-7287
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 https://www.facebook.com/DonaJuliaMex 732-892-0021
There’s no place like the Jersey Shore for a great seafood dinner. While dining out can be a great experience, leaving the beach early to get ready for dinner can be a hassle. But what if there was a way to get in some extra beach time and still have that high-quality seafood dinner at home? Now there is. The Boiling Point’s Boils are filled with fresh local seafood, vegetables, sausage, and custom seasonings in single-use pots with simple directions for you to bring home, boil, and have a feast! 500 Washington Ave Unit 6, Point Pleasant Beach https://www.the-boilingpoint.com/ (732) 202-6664
After spending the better part of a decade in the great Lone Star State of Texas and learning the art of traditional smoked food, Doug Walsh brought his love of BBQ and his passion for creating a unique taste back home to the Jersey Shore. After hosting countless summer cookouts (and after numerous requests from friends and family to cook for their special events), the Jersey Shore BBQ and Catering Company was created—the genesis of Jersey Shore BBQ Restaurants. 710 Arnold Ave, Point Pleasant Beach https://www.jerseyshorebbq.com/ (732) 899-4400
Sweet Revenge offers a selection of hand-crafted milk and dark chocolates by the pound or in customized gift and entertainment options. Popular items include non-pareils, beach-themed chocolates and party trays, and the Lackawanna Rod—a pretzel dipped in caramel, crispy rice and chocolate and named after the iconic Lackawanna building that chocolatier, Meg, walked by every day during her time living in Hoboken. Sweet Revenge specializes in corporate gifts, such as custom chocolate with your business’s logo, and unique party favors for life’s celebrations. 527 Bay Ave, Point Pleasant Beach https://www.sweetrevengechocolate.com/ (848) 232-1017
From the patterned black and white tiles on the floor to the recessed tin ceiling above the bar, this casual eatery has a nostalgic, friendly appeal that makes you want to come back even before you look at the menu. It’s those quaint touches like the globed lamppost lights and the vintage Coca Cola signs that make this place familiar. Burgers are at the heart of Frankie’s homestyle yet substantial menu. The 10-ounce burgers, cooked on a char-broil grill either at the bar or in the kitchen, are widely considered among the best in the state. These juicy burgers are hand-made daily from a secret blend of cuts that was created over 25 years ago. 414 Richmond Ave, Point Pleasant Beach https://www.frankiesnj.com/ 732 892-6000
Pop’s Corner Restaurant & Bakery opened a little over a year ago and they are bringing fantastic breakfast, lunch, dinner and bakery items to Point Pleasant Beach. Their menu also features signature drinks like lattes, lemonades and Matcha. Their baker Raechel continues to refine her craft and delights in making a positive impact on the surrounding area through her delicious treats. 500 Arnold Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach https://www.popscornernj.com/ (732) 892-1700
We couldn’t end our Point Pleasant Beach dining guide without giving a shoutout to Jersey Mike’s, the sub spot that started in Point Pleasant in 1956. Since then, they’ve expanded to 2,800 locations but it all started here in this little beach town. Next time you give one of their locations a visit, be sure to order your sub Mike’s Way to pay homage to the man that started it all, Mike Manzo. 901 Richmond Ave, Point Pleasant Beach https://www.jerseymikes.com/1012/point-pleasant-beach-nj (732) 892-9546
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