Jersey Shore Guide » jersey shore restaurants

Cape May Culinary Delight: Tisha’s!!! Here for Awhile. New Address

Joe — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:09:59 +0000

One of my wife’s and I favorite places to explore is Cape May and its culinary cuisine. With so many places that offer fine dining and have such great reputations, this Cape May County, Jersey shore resort located at the southern tip of New Jersey, or exit 0 on the Parkway, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state.
We recently were walking down the Washington Street Mall and came across a new eating establishment, Tisha’s. It was lunch time so we checked out the menu and were pleased to see a different variety of offerings with a little twist to some. While looking at the menu, I learned that Tisha’s was originally started in Wildwood New Jersey, just north up the coast by the current owners mother. In 1995, Paul and his wife Jennifer opened Tisha’s fine dining at the Solarium building on the beach. They recently relocated to the center of the Washington Street Mall, and we are glad they did.
The lunch menu offered small plates of Calamari with roated peppers, hot peppers capers and honey mustard, Mussels and Clams, and Broccoli Rabe. There are also soups and salads that caught the taste buds and all salads could add grilled chicken or shrimp. The entreees consisted of sandwiches and burgers and the choices were mouth watering.
My wife choose the Big Gun Panini, which had grilled chicken with roasted peppers, fresh spinach, gorgonzola cheese and drizzled balsamic glaze. Since that sounded good to me also, we decided to share that and for my choice I had an Italian Burger, which came with roasted peppers, spinach, goat cheese, and drizzled balsamic reduction. We ordered the specialty salad, which had baby greens, candied pecans, goat cheese, craisins, and a rasberry balsamic vinaigrette. With these three choices, we decided to share them all.
The salad came out first and it was plentiful for two of us to share and the ingredients were substantial. Everything was extremely fresh and the greens had a variety which brought out the flavors of everything. We both thouroughly enjoyed this first course. When our sandwiches arrived, we both took a bite and moaned with the exciting taste. The burger with the goat cheese, roasted peppers, and balsamic glaze could have been the best burger I have ever had. I would never had thought the combination of the toppings could go so well with a burger, but it was fantastic. The pannini was great also, but after tasting the burger, I really did not want to share. But I did. We both had a wonderful lunch, and we were able to sit outside and enjoy the walkers and shoppers. The weather was perfect and it became a perfect day.
Tisha’s also serves dinners and the price for lunch with iced teas came to $37.00 and worth every penny. You can find Tisha’s at 322 Washington Street in Cape May. If and when you are in Cape May, Tisha’s should be a must eat!!!
609-884-9119/www.tishasfinedining.com

Jersey Shore Restaurant: 800 Bay in Somers Point. Great Food. Great Fun

Joe — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 11:21:16 +0000

There are so many great restaurants at the Jersey Shore. Atlantic County, New Jersey has hundreds if not thousands of wonderful dining establishments. In Somers Point, New Jersey, which is located on the west side of the Inlet near Ocean City, you will find many well established dining experiences and they have a new one in town.
800 Bay is a new dining experience located on the water on the infamous Bay Avenue. The name is the address and the dining and atmosphere is wonderful. My wife and I were driving to one of our favorite waterfront eateries in Somers Point when we went by 800 Bay and decided to turn around and give it a try. The building is very open and even though it was a warm summer day, we decided to eat out on the covered deck so we could take in the views. With the Inlet in front of us and Ocean City in a distance, the warm summer breeze along with the fans keep us cool and comfortable.
We were eating lunch today and even though the menu was limited, we felt the selections were ample. With a little bit of everything offered, from salads and soups, sandwiches that included burgers, steak, chicken, fish, and crab sliders, we had a tough decision to make. My wife decided to start with the coconut shrimp with a strawberry jalapeno glaze and pineapple salsa, and have a salad with goat cheese, apples, proscuitto, and an apple vinegrette. I could not decide on whether I wanted the crab sliders or the steak sandwich. I went with the opened face steak sandwich with oinion strings, and a horseradish sauce.
We shared the coconut shrimp and it was delicious. The shrimp were very large and the sauce and salsa made the taste come out of the shrimp. My wifes salad was excellent and although it was a salad, she felt it to be very filling and more than just your average salad. My steak sandwich was prepared medium and came out perfect. It was tender and the onion strings and horseradish sauce gave it a fabulous taste. We dinned in a quiet, peaceful atmosphere as we watched the water and the boats passing by.
Our waiter informed us that there is nightly entertainment, usually a one or two piece band, and occasionally a singer plays the piano inside and entertains the dining guests. For those of you who know Bubba Mac, he sometimes plays to a weekend crowd.
We looked at the dinner menu and again, there were about fifteen items on the menu and they all looked great. 800 Bay Restaurant and Bar was a wonderful find for my wife and I and we will definately be back.
800 Bay, 800 Bay Ave., Somers Point, NJ 08244 609-926-3500, www.800bayrestaurant.com

Cape May New Jersey: Fine Dining at The Black Duck

Joe — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 14:07:43 +0000

When visiting the Jersey Shore, if fine dining is what you are looking for, Cape May is the place to go. Once you get there, to choose from the many fine dining establishments may be dificult. On the list of the best should be The Black Duck.
Located at 1 Sunset Boulevard on the corner of Sunset and Broadway, The Black Duck is set in a Victorian Style house with little rooms that make the atmosphere fun and creative. My wife and I were excited by the decor and well lit manor and the host was extremely friendly and helpful. When we inform her that we have never dined at The Black Duck, she tells us about the menu and that there are a few specials for the evening.
Atlthough the menu only has about eight entrees, I’m tempted to try about half of them. They sound very interesting and after hearing the nights specials, I decide to go with one of them. I start my meal out with the Stilton Salad, which has Mesclun greens, granny smith apples and glazed wlanuts tossed in a port wine vinegrette and topped with Stilton cheese. This salad is presented perfectly and I am sometimes concerned with the small portion of Stilton, but in this case, there was ample cheese to get the taste in every fork full. My wife starts off with the Lobster Bisque that has large chunks of Lobster and Lobster Frittas. The taste of the soup was excellent. It dared me to lick the bowl once my wife agreed to let me have a taste.
For our entrees, my wife chose the Surf & Turf which offered an interesting option on both. The surf was a Szechwan spiced beef over an udon noodle, Asian vegetable and peanut stir fry, while the Turf was tempura shrimp. The beef had just enough spices to give it a little kick, and the tempura shrimp was very tastey.
I chose the Red Snapper which was served over a Lobster Risotto, with a Mango Salsa on top and a Tabasco Butter Glaze. The Snapper was very fresh and the combination of the Mango Salsa and Tobasco Butter Sauce gave it an unbelivalbe sweet and spicy taste. Both entrees were ample in quantity and the food was excellent.
After eating meals like that we were inclined to pass on dessert, but my wife talked me into sharing a Creme Brulee, which was light and fulfilled the evening.
The Black Duck is a Cape May County treasure, and a must try if you enjoy fine dinning at the Jersey Shore. This restaurant is BYOB and for a party of two you are looking at $100.00 to $125.00, but worth every penny of it.

North Wildwood 4 bedroom Handicapped Accessible Townhouse!!! 415 E. 23rd Street Unit 100

Joe — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:09:30 +0000

Located just one block to the beach, This Cape May County New Jersey, North Wildwood four bedroom, 3 bathroom handicapped accessible townshous is a must for familys of all kind. Only a very short walk to the Wildwood Boardwalk with it’s arcades and summer fun, this unit also offers a mother-in-law suite on the first floor consisting of a full bedroom with kitchenette and a private bathroom. Centrally located to all of the shopping, restaurants, and much more, this “Family Only” vacation rental will allow you to enjoy the jersey shore, the beach and it’s cool breezes and everything Cape May County has to offer. Just a short ride to Cape May, Stone Harbor, Avalon, and even Atlantic City, North Wildwood will allow for a vacation you will want to have time and time again.

KAREN & REI’S RESTAURANT: ONLY 4 MILES FROM THE BEACH AND WORTH THE RIDE!!!

Joe — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 19:40:50 +0000

Located just four miles from the ocean on Rte 9 in Clermont NJ, Cape May County, Karen & Reis is worth the drive no matter where you are coming from. Not just for dinner any more, this fine dining restaurant offers a breakfast and lunch menu on weekends that will satisfy everyone’s dining needs and won’t break the bank.

The breakfast menu, although limited, offers exquisite options that are individually prepared and the taste are like no others you will find. My wife and I have had the pleasure to dine at this “wonder of the culinary world” many times and it is still by far one of our favorites. We were excited to get the opportunity to have breakfast and could not wait to see what Karen and Rei had to offer.

With mouth watering options such as Eggs Florentine, which was described as eggs sautéed in olive oil served over sautéed spinach and toasted ciabbata drizzled with Romano sauce, or Crepes aux Pommes, which are French style crepes rolled with a Granny Smith apple filling, served warm with whipped cream, it was hard to make a decision on what to order.

My wife chose the Brioche French Toast, which is a combination of brioche and chocolate brioche dipped in a spiced cinnamon and vanilla batter served with fresh bananas and a dark sauce. This sounded like a decadent dessert, and my wife was thrilled with the freshness and fabulous combinations of the chocolate and bananas.

I love seafood, so I opted for the Jumbo Lump Crab Frittata. Their fluffy omelet served open faced with buttery browned onions, aged cheddar cheese and jumbo lump crab meat, came out hot and the aroma made me salivate. This was served with rosemary scented homefries, (which were the best homefries I’ve ever had), and toast. It was a breakfast like no others.

If you are a basic egg, potato, and meat breakfast person, Karen and Rei’s will prepare eggs your favorite way. They really aim to please everyone’s needs.

Being a veteran at Karen & Rei’s, I had great expectations for our breakfast, and every expectation was met. What surprised me was the cost of the meal. My wife and I had a wonderful eating experience and the check was under $30.00. This included beverages and tip. The price was no more than eating at a greasy spoon, but for quality, there was no comparison. If you have not dined at Karen & Reis, you don’t know what you are missing!

OLD MAN RAFFERTY’S RESTAURANT: DOWNTOWN ASBURY PARK. GREAT FOOD, GREAT PRICES!!!

Joe — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 19:31:50 +0000

Asbury Park, with its new revitalization has become a place for the young and old to visit for shopping and eating. On a Saturday evening, with the town starting to come to life, my wife and I wondered downtown and were looking for a light dinner. We came across “Old Man Rafferty’s” and saw that evening though it was only about 5:15, this place was almost filled to capacity. So we decided that it must be a great place for the clientele it was already accommodating.

We had to wait about fifteen minutes for a table, but Old Man Rafferty’s was worth the wait. An open area restaurant built in the historical Steinbach building, the developers must have spent major money renovating and repairing this building to what it is now. All the details were very impressive and the atmosphere was family fun. This is the third restaurant by the same owners, with the original being in New Brunswick known as the “Habit”.

The menu was plentiful and very reasonable for pub style dinning. We started with a cup of soup; I had French Onion, and my wife had Tomato Basil. Both were served in an oversized cup and there was plenty for each of us to share. We were impressed that the soups were served very hot, which sometimes is a disappointment when a restaurant is very crowded, they come out luke warm. Both had great taste and flavor, and we could not wait until our entrees arrived.

My choice of entree was the Chateau Steak Sandwich, which was tender sliced Chateau steak topped with fresh greens tossed in a Sherry Wine Vinaigrette with Gorgonzola cheese, poached pears and sautéed red onion. This was served on a toasted ciabatta roll and served with French fries and dill pickle slices. It tasted as good as it sounds. I thoroughly enjoyed it and even though I thought I would not be able to finish it, I did.

My wife went with the Italian Country Salad which had fresh Mesclun Greens, sliced poached pears, Gorgonzola cheese, and candied walnuts. This was topped with delicate Sherry wine vinaigrette. And again, it was delicious.

We could not eat dessert, but opted for a takeout piece of one of their many homemade desserts. We went with the classic strawberry cheesecake, and a few hours later we were enjoying our fine choice.

Old Man Rafferty’s was a great find for good pub food at a very reasonable price. The total for our meal with tip came to less than Fifty dollars including dessert. You can’t beat that and you must visit Old Man Rafferty’s on your next visit to Asbury Park.

Sandy Hook Restaurants

Ryan — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:44:08 +0000

Restaurants in Sandy Hook include eateries in the boroughs of Highlands, Atlantic Highlands and Sea Bright. Seafood, while rampant here—and certainly delicious—isn’t the only thing on the menu. German, Italian, French, Mexican, New Orleans Creole, Asian Fusion, Japanese, and American fare are served. Also, many residents are used to fine dining in Manhattan due to its close proximity, so many of them expect superior dining in their area.

The Bay Avenue Trattoria, located in Highlands, is similar to the trattorias of Italy with its quaint setting and colorful accents. With a blend of Italian and American cuisine, this restaurant serves up lunch, dinner and dessert—and also includes complete take-out and catering. Prices are reasonable here and the food feels like it came straight over off the boat.

Doris and Ed’s has plenty of seafood on the menu, Owner/operator Jim Filip and Executive Chef Russell Dare create masterpieces in the kitchen, the wine cellar and among the tables. With the Manhattan skyline sparkling across Sandy Hook Bay, this restaurant has been awarded countless dining awards and reviews, which have helped it to earn a positive reputation. Pan-Seared Wild Alaskan King Salmon and Crisp Black Sea Bass on Tomato-Basil Coulis are just some of the famous dishes here.

For a relaxing meal, head over to Beacon on the Bay. This cozy restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining, as well as entertainment on the weeekends and a lively bar. Beacon on the Bay is the sister restaurant to the Beacon Street Grille in Neptune. With a strong attention to detail and delicious Continental fare, the Beacon on the Bay is an exceptional restaurant with stunningly scenic details—enjoy a view of Manhattan’s skyline and dine in style.

Head down to Sea Bright and stop over to McLoone’s Rum Runner. Located on Ocean Avenue, this eatery serves up lunch, dinner and brunch. On the weekends, check out the notable piano bar. Prices are on the more expensive side, but dishes such as Saffron Mushrooms and Clams and Tequila Tilapia are well worth the trip.

The Copper Canyon serves up Southwestern American cuisine in the heart of Atlantic Highlands. Although lunch and dinner are on the menu, tequilas are huge here. Choose from more than 20 types of tequila. Dinner includes enticing gourmet quesadillas to fish enchiladas.

With so many coastal restaurants to explore, you’ll always find somewhere to eat in Sandy Hook. There are upscale restaurants and charming eateries that make for a satisfactory expeirence no matter which meal you’re ready for.

Seaside Heights Restaurants

Ryan — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:43:04 +0000

Known as the Jersey Shore’s hotspot for dazzling nightlife and one of New Jersey’s quintessential boardwalk locations, Seaside Heights is also home to some wonderful restaurants. Located just over the Barnegat Bay, here are some eateries to add to your list of must-trys.

For great Italian food, Gabriella’s is the place to be although only in the summer. Located on Route 35 North and 1st Avenue, this restaurant offers the usual meals—all cooked to perfection. Experience the tastes of Italy with dishes such as Chicken Savoy and Eggplant Rollentini. Imported pastas are served wth everything from garlic and butter to homemade alfredo sauce. Prices are affordable and this is an ideal restaurant to enjoy a casual family meal.

Klees, located on The Boulevard, is a place kind of like Cheers—everybody knows your name here. Sit down with good friends and enjoy a casual meal that’s tasty and satisfying. From delicious beer to juicy burgers, you’ll find a traditional Irish pub menu here, plus great service. The restaurant also plays host to some of the Jersey Shore’s best entertainers, and also offers a private party room and catering services. So if you want that down-home good taste for your next special event, they can serve it up in style or bring it to you!

Also on The Boulevard is Hemingway’s Café. Here’s a place where you can enjoy casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere. The food is delicious, too! They serve up everything from steak to seafood and pasta. There are a large selection of hot and cold appetizers including sushi and brick oven pizza. Hemingway’s also offers a late night menu, after-work happy hours, great cocktails, cold drafts and a full wine list. There are 20 HD TVs to watch the games, billiard tables and dart boards and nightly entertainment—plus dancing. This is an ideal place to enjoy a meal and hang out afterwards for more fun!

You can also spice things up when visiting Seaside Heights by checking out Havanna’s. They serve up delicious Cuban cuisine, which offers something different when it comes to dining at the Jersey Shore. You can bring your own wine or beer here to add to a beautiful ethnic meal.

During the summer, seafood is a must. So a trip to the Seaside Crab House is in order. This oceanfront restaurant is located on the boardwalk and features delicious cuisine with enjoyable views. From their Crab Cake Sliders to Dungeness Crabs, you’ll like a traditional Jersey Shore dinner in the heart of Seaside Heights.

There’s plenty to do in this Ocean County town, so you’ll need a few nights (some over the course of years) to enjoy all that this lively town has to offer. While many restaurants here are open only seasonally, there are a few gems that stay open all year round.

Point Pleasant Beach Restaurants

Ryan — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:41:16 +0000

Home to several restaurants, bars and other eateries, choosing a good place for a good meal in Point Pleasant Beach can be difficult. There are plenty of waterfront restaurants, enticing cafes and charming downtown eateries. With so much going on in Point Pleasant Beach, there’s a place to eat that matches your taste.

Along the inlet exists Jack Baker’s Wharfside and Lobster Shanty. These are two fine dining restaurants, although the Wharfside includes a charming outdoor deck in the summer that comes alive with appetizers, cocktails and music. You can sit on the deck and overlook the beautiful Manasquan River, which leads out to the Manasquan Inlet. But for an elegant meal or brunch, the Lobster Shanty offers sumptuous food in a soothing ambiance, complete with private party facilities. Brunch is a specialty here, and they go overboard with it—but it’s fabulous.

Frankie’s Bar and Grill, located on Richmond Avenue, also known as Route 35 South, is the perfect place to unwind after work with friends. Watch the game and enjoy appetizers, or have a casual lunch or dinner. The food here—mostly American cuisine—is absolutely delicious, so you’re sure to find something you love here.

The gem on Bay Avenue, which is located downtown, is The Beanery. It’s the perfect place to grab a cappuccino or a bite to eat. The lunch menu includes gourmet selections with the perfect finishes. Choose from a basic BLT with an avocado dip or salads adorned with seasonal fruit. The food here is fresh and tasty, and it’s a great place for a lunch.

When it comes to keeping the vibe mellow, a trip to Surf Taco is in order. Here you can dine in for lunch or dinner, or grab some delicious take-out. The menu here is chocked full of fresh Mexican food. There’s nothing too spicy (though you can kick it up a notch at the salsa bar) but all the food has a distinct taste for being deliciously healthy. Choose from the Costa Rican Burrito or the Taco Salad, which is served up in a huge shell. Enjoy a wide range of natural fruit smoothies as well.

These are just a few of the wonderful restaurants in Point Pleasant Beach. There are plenty of options so be sure to try out new places and be sure to revisit your old favorites. Whether you come to Point Pleasant Beach for a summer beach day or want to enjoy the beach in the winter, you’re sure to find something you like here.

Long Branch Restaurants

Ryan — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:39:26 +0000

Located at the Jersey Shore but convenient to New York City, Long Branch features a growing number of fabulous places to eat out. Enjoy nautical-themed restaurants, as well as sophisticated dining experiences. Long Branch, New Jersey has it all!

A trip to Long Branch isn’t complete without visiting the Ocean Place Resort and Spa. This resort has a number of places to eat including the Ocean View Restaurant, which features a seasonal selection of scrumptious entrees. The Ocean View Lounge has a comfortable atmosphere to enjoy a meal or cocktails. The Spa Café puts a healthy touch on every meal, and the Ocean View Outdoor Café is a great place to unwind and enjoy ocean breezes and scenes while you enjoy a meal on the beach. For a variety of meals in a luxurious atmosphere, this is a great place to visit.

Experience sushi like never before at Sawa Steakhouse and Sushi Bar. Located at Pier Village, this bistro offers a unique and delicious dining experience along the ocean. The eatery offers a lush, full bar and spacious dining areas to enjoy. Enjoy yourself with a cocktail, glass of wine or a mixed drink. Experience a fusion entrée such as Grilled Filet Mignon or the signature Sawa roll. The restaurant can accommodate larger parties, from business meetings to birthday parties.

Enjoy a lovely brunch outside at My Kitchen Witch. Located in Beach Avenue in Monmouth Beach, this café features delicious food and a quaint feel. What’s better? You can order breakfast all day here. It’s the perfect place for casual fare along the Jersey Shore. Though just north of Long Branch, it’s worth a mention here.

Located at the center of Pier Village, McLoone’s Pier House offers exceptional oceanfront dining in a breathtaking location. From zesty salads, succulent burgers and fresh seafood to delicious pastas to a wide array of starters like savory crab dip or yummy sushi, there’s always diverse items on the menu. The extensive wine list and tropical drink menu add the perfect accent to each meal. This restaurant is also great because they have special events, such as their Thanksgiving buffet. The calendar here is always packed so you’re sure to get exceptional food and quality entertainment in the company of friends along the beach!

What other gems are in Long Branch? The Inkwell, located on 2nd Avenue, serves up delicious teas and coffees—not to mention sumptuous desserts—till all hours of the night. This old house is a delightful spot for an after-dinner drink or a relaxing night out. This coffee house is a staple at the Jersey Shore, and quite historical as well. It is certainly worth a visit, even for a simple cup of delicious coffee.

With so many developments happening in this happening Jersey Shore town, there are sure to be more eateries that will pop on to your list of favorites. These are just a few—explore them all!