jerseyshoretour
restaurants

 

If you're looking for good food, the Jersey Shore is the right place to be. We'll list a couple of our personal favorites, but by no means is this an all-inclusive list. In no particular order:
  1. Jack Baker's Lobster Shanty of Point Pleasant Beach (known locally as the Lobster Shanty). 83 Channel Drive, 732-899-6700. Jack Baker owns a string of successful seafood restaurants on the Jersey Shore including one by the same name in Belmar. The Pt. Pleasant location is the flagship and remains tops for food and service. Try the broiled lobster stuffed with crabmeat. It's soooo good. If you like Manhattan clam chowder (the tomato-based one), this is the best short of Bookbinders in Philadelphia. There's also a wonderful piano player that's been there for years. . .looks like Satch Sanders of the old Boston Celtics. Ask for a window (dockside) table. They usually don't take reservations, even in the off-season, but the number to call is 732-899-6700. $$$

  2. Max's Hot Dogs - 25 Matilda Terrace in Long Branch. Telephone 732-571-0248. Corner of Matilda Terrace and Ocean Boulevard. Located about 10-15 minutes north of Asbury Park. The drive between the two towns is interesting because you go through towns called Deal (hometown of Patti Scialfa), Interlaken, and Elberon that feature some big-time money. Some interesting old mansions mixed with eclectic summer homes. Tell Mrs. Max Maybaum (she's the one behind the register) hello and ask her to point Springsteen's pictures out from among the many celebrities (from governors to sporting legends to entertainers) who have frequented the establishment since the days they were formerly located on the boardwalk in Long Branch.

    The hot dogs are made from a special blend of meats. This particular blend is only available in limited areas of New Jersey. The dogs come with a pot of boiling sauerkraut. The steak fries rival the best anywhere. $$

  3. Pete & Elda's/Carmen's Pizza in Neptune City. Route 35 in Neptune City just south of Coast Cities Coaches (now Laidlaw Bus) mentioned in song by Springsteen. If you like thin crust pizza, this defines the genre. Only blocks from Garry Tallent's boyhood home. Telephone: 732-774-6010. $$

  4. Vic's Pizzeria. Another very good Italian Restaurant. Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes once visited en masse after a show and numerous times individually. Located on the corner of Evergreen Avenue and Route 71 (Main Street) in Bradley Beach. Telephone: 732-774-8225. $$

  5. Hofbrauhaus. 301 Ocean Boulevard, Atlantic Highlands. Telephone: 732-291-0224. German fare. View of Sandy Hook and (with the use of coin operated binoculars) New York harbor is breathtaking. Fifteen minutes from The Trade Winds nightclub. $$$

  6. The Old Mill Inn. Old Mill Road, Spring Lake Heights. Off Route 71. Telephone: 732-449-1800. Classic American menu. Excellent food. Jacket and tie atmosphere but slightly more relaxed in the summer months. Stormin' Norman Seldin, whose former band once featured Clarence Clemons, plays the piano regularly. $$$$

  7. Kelly's. Route 35 in Neptune City. About a mile south on 35 from Pete & Elda's/Carmen's and located on a hairpin turn. Irish bar with big thick sandwiches. Try the mini-Reuben (you'll never eat the whole one yourself). Twenty foot long map of Ireland adorns the ceiling. Telephone: 732-776-9517. $$

  8. Casa Comida. 336 Branchport Avenue at the end of Atlantic Avenue in Long Branch. If you like Mexican food, this is the place. Very generous portions at very decent prices. This restaurant was awarded New Jersey Monthly magazine's Best Mexican Restaurant ten years running and the award is well-deserved. Try their enchiladas, chalupas, and burritos. But just about everything on the menu is great. The frozen strawberry margaritas, very refreshing like spiked Slurpees, are not to be missed. Max Weinberg and family eat here often and his picture is hung on the wall behind the cash register. Telephone: 732-229-7774. $$

  9. Pagano's Restaurant. 811 Ocean Avenue in Bradley Beach opposite the boardwalk. Another fine Italian restaurant. In the warmer seasons you can sit outside on their deck. Telephone: 732-775-0795. $$$

  10. Illiano's Italian Restaurant Over Ocean. 933 West Park Avenue in Wayside. Take Rt. 35 to the West Park Avenue intersection. Head west (away from the ocean). Great pizza, especially their white pie with sliced tomato. Telephone: 732-493-2003. $