These are the spots that should be on your Summer 2018 check list:
The Sandbox Café The Sandbox Café is a great spot to enjoy a hearty breakfast on a beautiful day. There are two locations, but our favorite is the one with the outdoor café in Ship Bottom. The quaint little courtyard overflowing with plants, fountains and beach knick knacks creates a unique dining experience. Their variety of french toast, large pancakes dubbed “mancakes” and sizzlers are delicious. You'll want to come very hungry because you'll be leaving in a food coma.
Black Eyed Susans: Black-Eyed Susans is a wonderful little gem in Harvey Cedars and encompasses everything that gets us giddy about a dining experience. With locally sourced seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood right off the boats, and an inviting stylish dining room, they have it all. The Foie Gras torchon is our favorite way to start the meal and we can never get enough of their incredible Scallops. You can read more about Black Eyed Susans here.
Shipbottom Brewery If you're a beer lover, you need to make your way over to Shipbottom Brewery. With a focus on LBI and beach themed beers, you will be sure to find a brew to 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.
The Arlington The Arlington serves seasonal American food in a rustic & relaxed setting. The tap selection is extensive and ever changing, which will please even the snobbiest of beer nerds. They have a large dining room and an awesome bar room, which brings a Brooklyn hipster vibe to the island in the best possible way. The bacon mac & cheese and roasted oysters are some of our favorite items on the menu.
Raimondo’s: Raimondo’s has a romantic atmosphere and a flair for dramatic plating. Its a great spot for a formal dinner or date night. They serve up some classic Italian pasta dishes and have a solid selection of entrees. Our absolute favorite is the pork chop calabrese with hot & sweet vinegar peppers, onions and crispy potatoes in a rosemary wine sauce.
Parker's Garage: Located on the bay side of the island, Parker's Garage has a spectacular waterfront view, fantastic food and open-air seating. The menu, which is full of locally sourced ingredients, takes creative spins on popular seafood favorites. Most of the dishes are intended for sharing and the Lobster Corn Dogs & Tuna Crackers are two of our favorites. You can read more about Parker's Garage here. Two Dopes Tip: You'll want to go right before sunset and get a seat near the water.
The Plantation: The Plantation Resturant is the perfect spot to have a relaxing meal and a specialty cocktail. The tropical vibe creates a relaxing environment and works well with the large bar that is in the center of the restaurant. They serve American fare, but with a twist. The wild boar wontons and salmon with coconut gnocchi & basil ensalada are two of our favorites off of their menu.
Mustache Bill's Diner: Mustache Bill’s Diner brings the beloved Jersey diner vibe to LBI. They have your classic diner menu items, but also whip up some delicious & amazingly fun pancakes. Lets face it, who doesn’t love playing with their food before they eat it? We couldn’t resist getting a mustache shaped pancake for obvious reasons, but the shape your own pancake is as big as your imagination.
Hudson House: The Hudson House is the best dive-bar on the island. With a shuffleboard, arcade games and a jukebox, you really can't go wrong. Not to mention, the beach is just a quick walk away. Serving well drinks and beer, it’s a great place to hit mid-day to escape the hot summer sun, or at night to unwind after a long day.
Holiday Snack Bar: The Holiday Snack Bar is a favorite joint among the locals to get the classic Jersey shore burgers, fries, ice cream and milkshakes. It’s hard not to be charmed by the black and white tile floor, the large, circular wooden bar and the general 1950s vibe, but what really sets the Holiday Snack Bar apart from other burger joints is their delicious and wide variety of homemade cakes.
The Black Whale: The Black Whale serves great seafood and specialty cocktails in a casual-chic atmosphere. The copper top bar is a great spot to grab a few drinks and share some apps with friends. They have ever-changing specials that feature their current selection of fresh fish from Barnegat Light and Fulton’s Fish Market. One of our favorite specials was the bacon wrapped scallops.
Beach Haven Fishery: The Beach Haven fishery has a laid back and informal vibe. Its your classic order your seafood at the counter kind of joint. The seafood is always fresh, the staff is always friendly and its one of our favorite spots to get soft shell crab on LBI. It's a great spot to pop in for a quick bite, but they're also well equipped for large take out orders.
Living on the Veg: Living on the Veg specializes in vegan and raw foods. They prepare their dishes in the most delicious ways that you actually forget what you’re eating is good for you. We love the Black Bean Burger, The Buffalo Tempeh Wrap and the Nachos with their special vegan cheese sauce. They also have delicious juices that are made to order.
Blue Water Cafe: Blue Water Cafe is a great brunch spot! We love it because you can bring your own bottle of champagne and make your own mimosas with their freshly squeezed orange juice. Their Lobster Benedict is Jersey Shore brunch perfection, while the Blue Crab Burger served with Old Bay fries with will send you into a blissful food coma.
The Local Market & Kitchen: If you're looking for a killer latte, The Local is the place for you. Its one of our favorite spots for a breakfast pastry and caffeine fix on the Island. They also have nice selection of local products and groceries. Some of our favorite lattes are the S'mores & Tiramisu. We are also fans of their gourmet pop tarts and the cruffins.
Yellowfin: Yellowfin is small, upscale restaurant serving some delicious seafood, pork & duck dishes. Its a great place for an intimate celebration or a romantic date night. Their paella, which is often on their special menu, is always fantastic. Their Tuna Pizza is without a doubt one of our favorite appetizers on the island. Think about it, does it get any better than seared ahi tuna on a thin, cracker like crust with avocado, red onion wasabi sauce and capers?
The Daymark: The Daymark is a bright and airy restaurant featuring great taps and an eclectic menu. While its a great spot for lunch and dinner, we always go for brunch. Starting your day of with craft beer, mimosas and Avocado Toast with Smoked Trout & Fried Eggs is about as good as it gets. The views of the inlet are spectacular and the food is always delicious, making it the perfect brunch destination for the northern tip of the island.