lbi restaurants
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Being Jersey Shore locals, we have to recognize that we’re very lucky to have Long Beach Island – the beautiful beaches, quaint small-town feel, and of course the incredible LBI restaurants. Over the past year, we’ve tried our fair share of food and drinks at some of the best LBI restaurants, both on the island and in surrounding areas. Locals and visitors alike, be sure to check these out next time you head to LBI!
Do you have a favorite LBI restaurant that we missed? If so, let us know in the comments below!
20 of Our Favorite LBI Restaurants (in random order)
Ship Bottom Shellfish
Many will say this is the best seafood restaurant on the island. Really fresh seafood, ample lobster meat in their lobster rolls, crabs, shrimp, clams, oysters, and so on. Fried Oreos are also on the menu – a kids’ favorite (although us adults aren’t opposed to indulging a little). One of the locals’ favorite LBI restaurants, and a must-try for the seafood enthusiast. 1721 Long Beach Boulevard, Ship Bottom (609) 494-0088
Black Whale Bar & Fish House
Black Whale is home to one of the best Happy Hours on the Island, with $3 pints and drink specials. The garlic mussels are plentiful and fantastic and the crab cakes are packed with crab meat. The Sautéed Soft-shell Crabs, Spicy Tuna Spring Rolls, and the jambalaya are just a few more of the must-haves. 100 North Pennsylvania Avenue, Beach Haven (609) 492-0025
Uncle Will’s Pancake House
Uncle Will’s has been serving up LBI breakfast for over 50 years. Whether it’s a pork roll, egg, and cheese sandwich or a western omelet with bacon, Uncle Will’s has got you covered. Pictured above is corned beef hash, home fries, eggs and toast, a classic. We can’t wait to eat here on our way to the beach. 3 South Bay Avenue, Beach Haven (609) 492-2514
The Sandbox Café
We no longer stray from Sizzlers when visiting The Sandbox Café – not to knock any of the other food that they cook, because it’s all delicious! Sizzlers are essentially deep dish pancakes that, simply put, are heaven on a plate and a classic LBI breakfast. Pictured above is a Cannoli Sizzler, but we have also had Blueberry, Creamsicle, Chocolate Chip, and Raspberry, and each one is as outstanding as the last! 105 E Ship Bottom Ave, Ship Bottom (609) 361-2425
The Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House
We did a contest for the Best Bloody Mary at the Jersey Shore and didn’t include the “Jersey Deviled Mary” pictured above. Boy, did we hear it from our fans, and boy, where they right! Although this Bloody Mary is truly impressive, Bloody Marys certainly aren’t the only delicious items you will find here. The Oysters Rockefeller and BBQ Prime Rib are incredible. Pair them with a cold brew and enjoy some live music, and you’ll understand why The Old Causeway is an LBI staple! 1201 East Bay Avenue, Manahawkin (609) 488-1327
Shore Fire Grille
When we released our Top Burgers at The Jersey Shore article, we got a lot of feedback from our fans that we were missing a serious contender: The Shore Fire Grille. Their burger menu features more than ten options for the patty alone, from the 5-Star burger to crab cakes or Portobello. Then comes the bun, the toppings, the cheese… the options are endless. We recently tried the French Dip burger, and wow, does Chef Tim Kohlheim have something up his sleeve! All we can say is, stay tuned for our 2016 edition of the best Burgers at The Jersey Shore. 34 South Main Street, Barnegat NJ (609) 488-5586; 18th Street, Surf City NJ (609) 494-7100
El Swell Taqueria
Steak tacos: awesome. Fish tacos: awesome. Basically everything at El Swell is pretty awesome and always fresh. Pictured above is the Teriyaki Chicken Taco, but some other standouts are the steak burrito bowl or fish tacos, and don’t forget to get some corn on the cob! We are really looking forward to spending the summer chowing down on tacos at El Swell! 13504 Long Beach Blvd, Beach Haven Gardens (609) 492-1071
Black Eyed Susans
Have you heard of Microbiotic Bowls? In one bowl you get a balanced mix of whole grains, fermented and fresh veggies, beans, greens, seaweed and probiotic yogurt – vegetarian, vegan and gluten free. Our recommendation? The tile fish and scallops, for sure. Their food is all locally sourced to guarantee quality and freshness, and the staff provides outstanding customer service. Don’t forget to BYOB! 7801 Long Beach Blvd, Harvey Cedars (609) 494-4990
Pietro’s Italian Restaurant
You don’t need us to tell you that Pietro’s is great – these guys have become local legends in the years they’ve been around. Pictured above are their Italian Sub and Spaghetti with Vodka Sauce specialty slices. We would recommend anything here, but if you have never been, go for a plain slice – the ultimate tell-all when judging a place known for their pizza. Pietro’s certainly passes that test. 712 East Bay Ave, Manahawkin (609) 597-6708
Manera’s
From top to bottom, this fairly new restaurant is pretty amazing. The staff is excellent and the veal is some of the best we’ve ever had. It is also a BYOB which is a big plus, since we love BYOBs. We are really looking forward to coming back to Manera’s. Just look at how good that pork chop looks! Route 72, Manahawkin (609) 756-5420
Wally’s
Wally’s has a staff that is always smiling and cheerful. The minute you walk in, the aroma of delicious food begins tempting you, and the old fashioned bar stools at the counter will make you feel right at home. Its close proximity to the beach makes it perfect for breakfast on the way there, or a late lunch on the way home. The Peaches and Cream French Toast is a can’t-miss item and a local favorite. 712 Long Beach Blvd, Surf City (609) 494-1667
Bisque Restaurant
The quality of ingredients that Bisque uses is recognizable in the food – from the apps to the desserts, you can taste the freshness in every bite. Pictured above is Wasabi Sesame Tuna: Ahi tuna, sushi rice, oriental slaw, soy balsamic vinaigrette with sriracha chili and wasabi aioli. But if you see the Coconut Macadamia-Crusted Halibut on the menu, trust us, you’ll want to order that. 2020 Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom (609) 361-2270
Howard’s Restaurant
This legendary LBI restaurant has been serving diners for over 65 years. Howard’s is known far and wide for their French Fried Lobster, which will immediately become your favorite dish once you try it, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Bonus points: it’s a classic Jersey Shore BYOB! 33rd Street & Long Beach Blvd, Beach Haven Gardens (609) 492-2319
1. The Chicken or The Egg
The Chicken or the Egg is one of our favorite LBI restaurants, but the “Chegg” is also a favorite of just about anyone else who has ever set foot on the island. Their legendary wings are worth navigating the crowds, especially on Wednesday Wing Night. And great news: they’re open 24 hours a day! First thing in the morning is the best time to go to avoid waits, but don’t worry – if you’re not in the mood for wings at the crack of dawn, they have some awesome breakfast items (and we know a thing or two about awesome breakfasts). You can also just use the No Wait App to save yourself some time. 207 N Bay Ave, Beach Haven (609) 492-3695
Antoinetta’s Waterfront Restaurant
This LBI restaurant has some of the best food around and a gorgeous view that is second to none. The staff is always great, and the menu never disappoints. We recommend going for the Calamari Balsamico and the Scottish Salmon. 523 Cedar Run Dock Rd, West Creek (609) 978-9785
Northside Bar & Grill
Clams, burgers, and fantastic drinks, right off the beach! Pictured above are Northside Nachos with grilled ribeye, chopped bacon, pickled jalapeños, pico de gallo, avocado creme, topped with a handful of hand-cut French Fries and Beer-Cheese Sauce. Great spot for lunch in between beach sessions or dinner at the end of a beach day. 1500 Long Beach Blvd, Surf City NJ (609) 494-3771
Mud City Crab House
Tequila lime skewers, king crab legs, blue claws, oysters, clams, crab cakes, and mussels, oh my! And just wait until soft shells hit the menu! Sit back and relax with your favorite cocktail and enjoy some of the best seafood that the Jersey Shore has to offer at this iconic LBI restaurant. The staff is always cheerful and the drinks are always ice cold. The Narraganset Clam Strips and the Dungeness Crabs are a few can’t-miss menu items. 1185 E Bay Ave, Manahawkin (609) 978-3660
Raimondo’s
Our go-to LBI restaurant when we get that craving for comforting Italian food. Must-have menu items are the Veal Scaloppini topped with crab meat and the Lamb Ragu. 1101 Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom (609) 494-5391
Buckalew’s Restaurant & Tavern
Buckalew’s is one of our favorite LBI restaurants because they’re home to some outstanding food, a friendly staff, and there’s always something going on – like live music Fridays and Saturdays, and food specials every day. The sushi, Seafood Jambalaya, Braised Short Ribs and Tomato Pies are some of our favorite menu items, and if you like She Crab Soup, be sure to order it here! 101 N Bay Ave, Beach Haven (609) 492-1065
Stefano’s
If you’re looking for an overall memorable dining experience, head to Stefano’s. White tablecloths, a nice glass of wine, and some of LBI’s highest quality food. You simply CANNOT miss their “world champion chowder”. We’re thinking it doesn’t get much better than that! 1814 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach Township (609) 492-1100
The Greenhouse Cafe
No matter the time of day or what kind of meal you’re looking for, The Greenhouse Cafe is always a good idea. Choose from their eclectic menu for a casual breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They’re also one of the best LBI restaurants for gluten free/celiac friendly options! 605 Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom (609) 494-7333
Carmen’s
Carmen’s “unique beach cuisine” incorporates locally harvested seafood and produce, presenting you with a menu of fresh food with a Mediterranean twist! Dinner at Carmen’s is a meal you won’t be soon to forget! 122 N Bay Ave, Beach Haven (609) 848-9650
La Spiaggia
La Spiaggia is one of those LBI restaurants that is constantly getting stellar reviews from the people who dine there. Their upscale Italian food and great service make it a perfect spot for date night! Don’t forget to BYOB. 357 W 8th St, Ship Bottom (609) 494-4343
Scojo’s
This breakfast and lunch spot has been serving the island for almost 20 years! Their comfort food may not be your best bet for maintaining that beach body for the summer, but it’s so delicious and well-loved, we have to say it’s worth it. 307 Long Beach Blvd, Beach Haven (609) 494-8661