Summer 2017 is finally here and these Two Dopes could not be more excited for a summer full of salty air, flip flops, white wine and delicious food! Long Beach Island is home to many of our favorite Jersey Shore spots and we've compiled a list of the spots you gotta hit this summer!
The Sandbox Café
The Sandbox Café is a great spot to enjoy a hearty breakfast on a beautiful day. This outdoor café is in a quaint little courtyard overflowing with plants, fountains and beach knick knacks. Think Willy Wonka meets French garden. Their variety of french toast, large pancakes dubbed “mancakes” and sizzlers makes it impossible not to leave stuffed to the gizzards. The atmosphere is as unique as the food is delicious! Come hungry.
Gotta Try - Chipped Beef, Pancakes, or French Toast
1403 Long Beach Blvd, Surf City
The Olde Causeway
Right over the bridge in Manahawkin, the Olde Causeway sits in the marshland of Barnegat Bay. With a salty, upscale back-bay vibe, this joint is a great spot to grab some drinks, amazing bar food or a steak. The happy hour rules and they have a great selection of local jersey brews to accompany their impressive oyster selection. Oh and did we mention the mouth watering, to die for wings? If you don't get an order, hand in your foodie card.
Gotta Try - Wings, Daily Oysters or Parmesan Fries
1201 E Bay Ave, Manahawkin
Mud City
Right next to The Causeway sits the wonderful little seafood haven Mud City. With an array of seafood delights to choose from Mud City is the place to get your seafood fix. Everything is fresh and delicious and the crab cakes are things of legend. Grab your self a fine beer from the bar and a seat outside and enjoy some of the best seafood New Jersey has to offer.
Gotta try- Crab Cakes
1185 E. Bay Ave, Manahawkin
Black-Eyed Susan's
Black-Eyed Susans is a chic and quaint restaurant with a sophisticated menu. It is easily one of our favorite BYOB spots on the island and their menu is based on seasonal ingredients; many of which are organic and locally sourced. The scallops are so good here that it may be hard to contain yourself from spontaneously moaning. Grab your favorite bottle of wine, and enjoy the ever-changing fantastic menu.
Gotta Try - Any dish with scallops
LBI North End, 7801 Long Beach Blvd, Harvey Cedars
Shipbottom Brewery
If food is not your concern and you want to get your drank (or your groove) on, then you need to hit the only brewery on Long Beach Island. With the focus on LBI and beach themed beers, you will be sure to find one you love. Our favorites are the Shack IPA and the Chicken or the Egg IPA, which uses the famous Chicken or The Egg hot sauce as one of their main ingredients. Stop in for a friendly atmosphere, tasty beer and a wonderful view. If Kenny is tending the taps, tell him the Two Dopes sent you (hopefully you don't get tossed out).
Gotta Try - Any and all of their IPAs
830 N Bay Ave #23, Beach Haven
The Arlington
The Arlington serves great seasonal American food in a rustic laid back setting. The menu is as thought out and creative as the tap selection. The ever changing array of fantastic beers will please even the snobbiest of beer nerds. They have a large dining room and the awesome bar room brings a hipster vibe to the Island in the best possible way. Make sure you bring your adventurous side because we guarantee you will find something new here.
Gotta Try- Mac and Cheese or anything on tap
1302 Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom
Raimondo’s
Raimondo’s has a romantic atmosphere and a flair for dramatic plating. They serve up some of your favorite classic Italian pasta dishes with a range of different meats and delicious desserts. Our Dope Recommendation is to get the pork chop with hot and sweet vinegar peppers, onions and crispy potatoes in a rosemary wine sauce (pictured). With the strong flavors and a generous portion size you'll be sure to yell out "Momma Mia that's good!"
Gotta Try- Pork Chop Calabrese
1101 Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom
Parker's Garage & Oyster Saloon
Located on the bay side of the island, Parker's Garage has a spectacular waterfront view, fantastic food and intoxicating open-air seating. The food at Parker's Garage is meticulously sourced, with a focus on getting local ingredients. Using only the best ingredients, the menu takes creative spins on popular seafood favorites. Most of the menu is served as small plates intended for sharing. The Lobster Corn Dogs, which are sliced lobster tails on skewers and fried in hush puppy served with a chipolte mayo, are as inventive as they are savory. The fried croquettes filled with steaming clam chowder soup are an absolute delight, and don't even get us started about how good the Tuna Crackers are!
Gotta Try - Lobster Dogs or The Roasted Oysters
116 Northwest Ave, Beach Haven
The Plantation
With a tropical vibe, the Plantation Resturant is a great spot to have a relaxing meal. There is a large, wood panel bar downstairs which offers a great happy hour and a more intimate bar upstairs, serving speciality cocktails. The serve American fare, but with a twist, like wild boar wontons or salmon with coconut gnocchi and basil ensalada.
Gotta Try: Springer Mountain Farm French Cut Chicken Breast
7908 Long Beach Blvd, Harvey Cedars