NEW JERSEY - Whether looking for some of the freshest seafood or pub grub on Long Beach Island, NJ, or grabbing a quick bite after relaxing on the beach, you've come to the right place!
Long Beach Island (LBI), the beloved 18-mile barrier island on the Jersey Shore, is a summer paradise. Beyond its beautiful beaches, LBI boasts a vibrant and diverse dining scene, featuring everything from classic breakfast joints and casual pizzerias to upscale seafood houses and lively taverns. Whether you're a lifelong visitor or a first-timer, navigating the island's best eats is a delicious adventure. This guide will take you on a culinary tour of some of the top-rated and most cherished restaurants LBI has to offer.
Essential Breakfast & Brunch Spots
Start your beach day right at one of these iconic morning eateries, but be prepared to wait – they're popular for a reason!
- Uncle Will's Pancake House (Beach Haven): A storied LBI standby with a homey, pig-themed decor. Uncle Will's is a must-visit for breakfast, serving classic favorites, but the real star is their incredible buttermilk pancakes. Don't miss the "Red Neck Benedict" for a savory, unique treat. (Location: 3 S Bay Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008)
- Scojo's (Surf City): This longtime, family-owned spot is famous for its hearty American bites for breakfast and lunch. Everyone on the island knows Scojo's is a top breakfast destination. Try the "Farmstand Breakfast Tacos" with chorizo and grilled chicken. (Location: 307 Long Beach Blvd, Surf City, NJ 08008)
- The Chicken or the Egg (Beach Haven): Known affectionately as "The Chegg," this vibrant, 24/7 (seasonally) staple is legendary for its wings, but also serves an amazing breakfast and brunch. Their "Cinnamon Roll French Toast" is the perfect indulgent start to a vacation day. (Location: 207 N Bay Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008)
- Wally's (Surf City): A time-tested fixture for American fare in a casual dining room. Wally's is another fantastic breakfast spot known for good food and great service. The "Weekend Warrior" platter is the perfect hearty choice to fuel a day on the water. (Location: 712 Long Beach Blvd, Surf City, NJ 08008)
- Sandbox Cafe (Ship Bottom): This quirky, colorful spot with a cozy patio offers a fantastic daytime menu of American diner fare. Sandbox Cafe is consistently praised for its outstanding food, service, and decor, all at a great value. (Location: 2604 Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008)
Seafood Havens & Waterfront Dining
You can't visit LBI without indulging in fresh seafood, and these spots deliver.
- Black Whale Bar & Fish House (Beach Haven): Fresh seafood is the star at this acclaimed restaurant. From the day's catch to whole lobsters, Black Whale offers it all in a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere, complete with excellent cocktails. (Location: 100 N Pennsylvania Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008)
- Howard's Seafood Restaurant (Long Beach Township): Craving fresh seafood in a classic dockside setting? Howard's is a long-standing institution. Their "French-fried Lobster" is a unique and mouth-watering specialty you won't want to miss. (Location: 13500 Baltic Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008)
- Tuckers Tavern (Beach Haven): An island favorite right off the beach, Tuckers Tavern is inspired by English and American pubs. The gastropub menu features coastal favorites, and guests can sip a cold craft beer while enjoying spectacular views from the expansive bayfront deck. (Location: 101 Southwest Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008)
- Ship Bottom Shellfish (Ship Bottom): This is a classic LBI seafood market and restaurant. Here you can find incredibly fresh fish and a variety of freshly caught shellfish, from Hawaiian Opah to Alaskan king crab. It's perfect for a casual seafood dinner or for picking up fresh ingredients to cook yourself. (Location: 1721 S Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008)
- Terrace Tavern (Long Beach Township): Located in a historic building, Terrace Tavern is a seasonal favorite known for its upscale yet rustic ambiance. Open since 1986, it's a great spot to enjoy local seafood and drinks on their patio. (Location: 13201 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach, NJ 08008)
- Pinky Shrimp's Seafood Company (Beach Haven): Located in the Beach Haven Terrace section, Pinky Shrimp's features fresh, local seafood in delicious dishes. The seafood here is known for being high-quality yet affordable. (Location: 8211 Long Beach Blvd, Beach Haven, NJ 08008)
- Black-Eyed Susans Tavern & Restaurant (Harvey Cedars): This spot specializes in locally caught seafood, offering a great way to sample the freshest flavors of New Jersey, like Atlantic cod, squid, and lobster, often paired with cold beers. (Location: 7908 Long Beach Blvd, Harvey Cedars, NJ 08008)
Lively Bars & Taverns
When the sun goes down, these spots offer great food, drinks, and atmosphere.
- Northside Bar & Grille (Surf City): As the island's premier sports bar, Northside offers high-tech amenities but maintains the cozy feel of a beach house. The menu features American classics like burgers and cheesesteaks alongside more creative choices like coconut shrimp. (Location: 1500 Long Beach Blvd, Surf City, NJ 08008)
- Bird and Betty's (Beach Haven): Blending vintage style with modern innovation, Bird and Betty's has a strong focus on live music, aiming to bring the fun of decades past to a new generation. It's an ideal destination for a fun night out with delicious food and drinks. (Location: 529 Dock Rd, Beach Haven, NJ 08008)
- Nardi's Tavern (Long Beach Township): A festive watering hole, Nardi's is the place to go for a lively evening out. With a full bar, pub grub, happy hours, and live music, you'll never go thirsty at this classic Jersey Shore pub. (Location: 11801 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach, NJ 08008)
- Hudson House Bar (Beach Haven): Possibly LBI's oldest public house, the Hudson House has a rich history as a former speakeasy during the Prohibition era. Today, it's a beloved local favorite for a casual drink, with many beers on tap and a classic bar vibe. (Location: 19 E 13th St, Beach Haven, NJ 08008)
The Perfect Pizza Slice
- Speakeasy Pizzeria & Restaurant (Ship Bottom): This family-run, BYOB joint is known for turning out some of the best pizza on the island. For authentic, hand-tossed thin-crust pizza with the perfect crunch, this is a must-try. Their Speakeasy White Margherita is a standout. (Location: 1318 S Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008)
- Bay Village Pizza (Beach Haven): Located in the charming Bay Village shopping hub, this pizzeria serves up classic NY-style pies with enormous slices, perfect for dining in or takeout after a day of shopping. (Location: 310 Taylor Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008)
- And Many More: LBI is dotted with great pizzerias like Barry's Do Me A Flavor, Panzone's, and Surf City Pizza, each with its own loyal following.
From sun-up breakfasts and casual pizza lunches to dockside seafood dinners and late-night tavern fun, Long Beach Island's restaurant scene is as diverse and delightful as the island itself. Exploring the local eateries is a key part of the LBI experience. So, on your next trip, be sure to dive into the flavors that make this Jersey Shore destination so special.
