NEW JERSEY - A trip down the Jersey Shore is a cherished summer tradition, but for those following a vegan diet, navigating the landscape of boardwalk pizza and seafood shacks can sometimes be a challenge. The good news is that the culinary scene at the shore has evolved beautifully, and there are now more fantastic vegan and vegan-friendly options than ever before. From dedicated plant-based cafes to traditional spots with thoughtful vegan menus, here is a guide to some of the best places to find delicious vegan food at the Jersey Shore.
Asbury Park & The Northern Shore: Vegan Hubs
This area has a high concentration of dedicated plant-based eateries, making it a true haven for vegans.
- Kaya's Kitchen (Asbury Park, NJ):
- A true pioneer of the Jersey Shore's vegan scene, Kaya's Kitchen is a beloved, casual eatery specializing in organic, plant-based comfort food. Their extensive, 100% vegan menu spans the globe, with hearty burritos, creative sandwiches, flavorful macro bowls, and a fantastic weekend brunch.
- Good Karma Vegan Cafe (Red Bank, NJ):
- Located in the vibrant downtown of Red Bank, Good Karma is another long-standing vegan institution. It's a cozy, welcoming spot with a deep commitment to healthy, organic, and plant-based eating, known for its diverse menu of house-made dishes, fresh juices, and smoothies.
Ocean City: Gluten-Free & Vegan-Friendly
- Heart Beet Kitchen (Ocean City & Westmont, NJ):
- Bright, modern, and cheerful, Heart Beet Kitchen is a dedicated gluten-free cafe where most items are vegan or can easily be made vegan. It's a perfect spot for a healthy and delicious breakfast or lunch, known for smoothie bowls, creative salads, avocado toast, and fantastic baked goods.
Sea Isle City: Refreshing Bites & Casual Options
- Playa Bowls (Sea Isle City & Multiple Shore Towns):
- A ubiquitous and popular spot in nearly every Jersey Shore town, Playa Bowls is a fantastic option for a quick, refreshing, and often vegan meal. Their menu is centered around acai, pitaya, and other fruit-based bowls, many of which are vegan as-is or can be easily customized (just be sure to request no honey).
- Casual Accommodations:
- Many of Sea Isle's popular bars and casual restaurants are now vegan-friendly. Look for spots offering the Impossible Burger or Beyond Burger on their menu, and don't hesitate to ask for a custom veggie-packed salad or sandwich.
The Wildwoods: Juices, Bowls & Boardwalk Fun
- The Wild Juicery (Wildwood, NJ):
- A fantastic destination for a healthy and refreshing option, The Wild Juicery specializes in fresh juices, wellness shots, and incredible smoothie bowls. It's a perfect spot to refuel with something nutritious and delicious.
- Boardwalk Finds:
- Don't underestimate the boardwalk! Many pizzerias will happily make you a veggie pizza without cheese—just be sure to ask. You can also find classic vegan-friendly treats, such as French fries (confirm they're fried in vegetable oil) and water ice. The Playa Bowls on the boardwalk is also a great go-to.
Cape May: Historic Charm & Accommodating Eateries
- The Mad Batter Restaurant & Bar (Cape May, NJ):
- An iconic Cape May institution located in the Carroll Villa Hotel, The Mad Batter is famous for its award-winning brunch and dinner. They are known for being very accommodating and often feature dedicated, creative vegan options on their menu, making it a perfect choice for a mixed-diet group in a historic setting.
- Good Earth Organic Eatery (West Cape May, NJ):
- Just a short bike ride from the main town, Good Earth Organic Eatery is a health-focused spot with a strong emphasis on vegan and vegetarian dishes. They offer a fantastic selection of fresh salads, creative sandwiches, and flavorful entrees in a relaxed, garden-like atmosphere.
- Tisha's (Cape May, NJ):
- For a more upscale dining experience, Tisha's on the Washington Street Mall is renowned for its fine American cuisine and its commitment to accommodating dietary needs. It's an excellent option for a special occasion dinner where you can request a thoughtful, chef-prepared vegan meal.
Enjoying a delicious vegan meal down the Jersey Shore is easier and more exciting than ever before. From dedicated plant-based institutions and juice bars to classic shore spots that have embraced vegan options, there is a wealth of choices to explore in every town. So, whether you're craving a healthy acai bowl, a hearty comfort food dish, or even a classic boardwalk slice with vegan cheese, the Jersey Shore's culinary scene has you covered.
