409 places across 50 Shore towns. Press picks and reader picks tagged.
The Shore’s standouts
Ranked by press mentions + reader Sand Dollars. Updated as picks accumulate.
Restaurant · Asbury Park
Pizzeria · Belmar
Pizzeria · Bradley Beach
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Every place type, grouped by what kind of trip you’re planning.
Mexican-influenced cuisine on the bay. Outdoor deck dining, graffiti wall art, margaritas to-go.
Local chain with locations in Toms River and Ship Bottom (LBI), year-round
Zoo is outdoor; indoor value is limited
Some attractions are indoor, some outdoor
Good rainy evening option
Major Cape May County rainy-day anchor
Seasonal status should be checked
Bar and grill with burgers, seafood, live music, and cold drinks
Waterfront dining at the marina; dock-and-dine, indoor and deck seating
Year-round seaside restaurant. Fresh daily seafood, grilled steaks, prime rib.
Upscale seafood and American dining on Twilight Lake. House-made desserts, oysters, entrees. Waterside patio or indoor seating.
All-day brunch menu, reopened 2023 with rooftop, multiple NJ locations
Major indoor entertainment venue
Longstanding seafood restaurant and bar; live music, craft beer events, happy hour
Oceanview bar with dance floor, happy hour, mixed and frozen drinks. Often requires advance ticket purchase.
Good group rainy-day option
Bayside on Ludlam Island in Strathmere. Sprawling deck, beach bar, lawn lined with Adirondack chairs facing the water.