Red Fox Beach Bar & Grill

Island Beach State Park, NJ - After spending a long, sun-soaked afternoon at Island Beach State Park, finding a casual, welcoming spot to unwind with family and friends without having to drive far is a true luxury. Located at 1 Shore Rd in Berkeley Township, NJ 08721—steps away from the park's pristine white sand beaches—Red Fox Beach Bar and Grill has quickly earned its reputation as one of the Jersey Shore's favorite summertime hot spots. During my first trip to Island Beach State Park, making this our post-beach stop proved to be the absolute best decision of the day.

ScoJo's Eatery in Surf City, NJ

SURF CITY, NJ - Finding a dependable, family-owned restaurant that consistently satisfies both locals and seasonal vacationers is the holy grail of Long Beach Island dining. Located at 307 Long Beach Blvd, Surf City, NJ 08008, ScoJo's Eatery has been delivering exactly that since 1998. Step inside this longtime staple, and you are greeted by a clean, modern, yet wonderfully informal space that feels built for comfort and community. Whether you are rolling in off the beach with the family or meeting up with neighbors for a hearty morning meal, the atmosphere strikes the ideal balance between relaxed coastal charm and bustling kitchen energy.

LaScala's Beach House

BRIGANTINE, NJ - Whenever we visit Brigantine, heading to LaScala's Beach House at 1400 Ocean Avenue is always high on our dining itinerary. Situated in a stunning oceanfront spot right along the beach, this restaurant effortlessly captures that quintessential Jersey Shore vacation energy. The atmosphere is vibrant yet relaxing, elevated by the sound of the ocean and the frequent addition of live music that sets a lively backdrop for dinner or afternoon drinks without overwhelming table conversation.

A Barnegat Light Staple: Poppy's Ice Cream Parlor on LBI

BARNEGAT LIGHT, NJ - No evening on the northern tip of Long Beach Island is truly complete without a walk down to Poppy's Ice Cream Parlor at 607 Broadway in Barnegat Light, NJ 08006. Located just a short stroll from the iconic Barnegat Lighthouse, this charming shop captures the quintessential nostalgic Jersey Shore summer vibe. Whether you are stopping in first as a mid-afternoon cool-down or making it your second stop after a scenic sunset walk around "Old Barney," the parlor offers a lively, welcoming atmosphere that makes it the perfect place to end a coastal night.

The Chicken or The Egg

BEACH HAVEN, NJ - No trip to the southern end of Long Beach Island is truly complete without a visit to The Chicken or The Egg on North Bay Avenue. Affectionately known by locals and seasonal regulars as "Chegg," this expansive eatery has rightfully earned its reputation as an LBI staple. Despite being a large restaurant with plenty of seating to accommodate the massive summer crowds, the atmosphere remains consistently casual, lively, and welcoming. It is an ideal environment for families coming off the beach, and the BYOB policy makes it an easy, budget-friendly choice for evening dinners and weekend gatherings.

Ozzie's Luncheonette

LONGPORT, NJ - Finding an authentic, old-school diner at the Jersey Shore that still holds onto its original charm can be rare. Still, Ozzie's Luncheonette at the corner of 24th and Atlantic Avenue is the genuine article. Known to many as Longport's most recognizable landmark, this spot has been a barrier-island tradition since Ozzie Lenzsch opened the luncheonette's doors in 1952. Stepping inside feels like walking into a cherished piece of local history, where neighbors and beachgoers have been gathering for generations.