BEST PATIO DINING AT THE JERSEY SHORE
By Deborah Smith
The best patio dining at the Jersey Shore!
The Beach Gallery, Keansburg
The recently opened Beach Gallery offers brunch, a rooftop bar, and a gallery cafe in the heart of historic Keansburg, NJ. Step into their upstairs studio bar and enjoy panoramic views of the ocean, plus distance views of the NYC Skyline. Their rooftop studio bar is available for a quick drink with friends, or available for booking a large celebration such as a wedding or birthday party. The Beach Gallery is also home to various art shows, with works available for purchase. Check out their website for more information on their current exhibit. {260 Beachway Ave., Keansburg; 732.769.5089; beachgallerykeansburg.com}
Limoncello at Piazza Di Roma, Matawan
Authentic Italian cuisine in a picturesque garden patio — what could be better? Limoncello in Matawan provides the perfect setting to lounge outdoors with a cocktail and small plates. The outdoor garden dining space offers gorgeous views with hedges lining the patio, lemon trees, herb gardens, and blooming flowers. Enjoy dinner and a glass of wine outdoors, listen to music, and feel as though you have been transported to a villa in Italy. {1178 NJ-34, Aberdeen Township; 732.583.3565; piazzadiroma.com}
Donovan’s Reef, Sea Bright
Donovan’s Reef has just what you need to make a memorable summer night out! Not only do they have everything you could wish for with their classic pub menu (wings, tacos, chips and salsa, and more) they also have an outdoor tiki bar and patio, a private lifeguarded beach, as well as live music, making dining on their patio the perfect summer hotspot! Not only are they a great outdoor beach bar, they also offer daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No matter the occasion, your meal or night out is made complete with the incredible beach and ocean views. {171 Ocean Ave., Sea Bright; 732.530.1833; donovansreefbeachbar.com}
Drifthouse, Sea Bright
Drifthouse by David Burke offers incredible ocean views with the most picturesque sunsets, and, of course, innovative and creative cuisine. Gaze out over the beach and the ocean while enjoying one of many specials like Tuesday Burger and Taco Nights, Wednesday Lobster and Prime Rib, plus live music on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. You can also enjoy their tiki bar Thursdays through Sundays for a more casual and fun beach experience featuring cornhole and a DJ. Menu highlights include their raw bar and seafood towers, stuffed lobster, surf and turf, and much more! Grab a drink from the bar, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ocean breeze while listening to some local live music! {1485 Ocean Ave N #2225, Sea Bright; 732.530.9760; drifthousedb.com}
The Molly Pitcher Inn, Red Bank
Overlooking the Navesink River, The Molly Pitcher Inn is a 19th-century Federal-style hotel that features a fine-dining restaurant serving contemporary American fare. While their indoor dining space is beautiful with chandeliers and window-lined walls, Molly Pitcher also features an incredible outdoor patio with the best views of the Navesink River. Enjoy cuisine such as crab cakes, filet mignon, duck, and a selection of pot pies while taking in the picturesque river views. The Molly Pitcher Inn is the perfect choice for those summer evenings when you want to treat yourself to an upscale dining experience. {88 Riverside Ave., Red Bank; 732.747.2500; themollypitcher.com}
The Pearl at Oyster Point Hotel, Red Bank
Outdoor dining with waterfront views? That sounds like heaven! Make your way to Pearl, The Oyster Point Hotel’s restaurant and enjoy incredible views of the Navesink River. As they state themselves, “Pearl is a destination: a place for our guests to unwind after work, to meet friends for cocktails or enjoy an after-theater or concert rendezvous” making it the perfect place for outdoor summer dining. Relax and unwind with a cocktail lunch, dinner, or brunch, and take in all of the views. On a breezy summer day, make Pearl your go-to destination! {146 Bodman Pl., Red Bank; 732.530.8200; theoysterpointhotel.com/pearl-restaurant-lounge}
Saffron, Red Bank
Experience the essence of Saffron, a culinary gem manifested by four devoted foodies determined to revolutionize the Indian restaurant industry. Nestled in a newly renovated 1,700 square-foot space, Saffron offers seating for 65, with the added allure of outdoor dining in pleasant weather. Embrace their unique vision, which blends traditional Indian spices and aromas with Western techniques and flavors, resulting in an exceptional dining experience. Whether you’re craving a flavorful lunch or a memorable dinner, Saffron welcomes you to indulge in their delectable creations. And with the added perk of being BYOB, every visit promises an unforgettable culinary journey. Join them for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday, and savor the fusion of cultures and flavors at Saffron. {31 W Front St., Red Bank; 732.230.6700; saffronredbank.com}
The Butcher’s Block, Long Branch
The Butcher’s Block is a unique steakhouse experience with meats ethically sourced from trusted suppliers from the Greater New York State area and New Jersey. The ambiance is noticeable from start to finish with its gorgeous interior, exterior, and outdoor patio area. Sit on their outdoor patio and enjoy the cozy fireplaces and ambient lighting. What makes your experience truly special is that you get to pick out your steak from their meat locker, making the meal truly personalized to your taste. Choose from premium beef, wagyu, dry-aged, and more. Plus, their appetizers and sides are unique, with choices like whipped feta, spicy penne vodka, and brussel sprouts with Cap’n Crunch and hot honey. The Butcher’s Block is a must-try for your next date night or celebration. {235 West Ave., Long Branch; thebutchersblocknj.com}
The Standard at the American Hotel, Freehold
Sit beneath a wide-brimmed umbrella on the patio, and savor a delightful meal at The American Hotel’s restaurant, The Standard. It’s located on Main Street in Freehold. Dining outside at the American Hotel is absolutely charming. You can enjoy a wide range of classic American dishes such as salmon, steak, sandwiches, burgers, and pasta, along with refreshing cocktails on their cozy patio. {18 E Main St., Freehold; 732. 431.3220; americanhotelnj.com}
Skratch Kitchen, Bradley Beach
Skratch Kitchen offers a chef-inspired, rustic menu, created, well, from scratch. Their menu offers a variety of dishes like cajun clams, pasta dishes, shroom tacos, pork chops, chicken parm, and more. Head out back to their outdoor patio where the ambiance is always delightful with hanging lights, plants, and of course, great food. Only two minutes away from the beach, Scratch Kitchen is perfect for those post-beach dinner outings. {812 Main St., Bradley Beach; 732.984.6363; skratchkitch.com}
Fratello’s, Sea Girt
If you’re looking for a summer night out in a quaint shore town, look no further than Fratello’s in Sea Girt. Enjoy Italian plates, seafood, and cocktails on their outdoor patio. Enjoy pasta, steak and chops, seafood dishes, and more while enjoying their cozy outdoor fire heaters. Plus, Thursdays and Fridays are live music nights as well, so be sure to check the schedule on their website. {810 The Plaza, Sea Girt; 732.974.8833; fratellosnj.com}
Scarborough Fair, Sea Girt
Scarborough Fair is well known for what they call their cozy “dining alcoves” and their eclectic decor, rustic architecture, and beautiful lighting. Step out back onto their beautiful patio where the mood is just as cozy and charming as indoors. Their upscale new-American menu is sure to please with choices like charcuterie boards and pumpkin hummus to start, wild mushroom ravioli, Brazil nut–crusted salmon, mariscada en salsa verde, and more. Sit out on their patio on a beautiful day, and enjoy the experience! {1414 Meetinghouse Rd., Sea Girt; 732.223.6658; sfseagirt.com}
Wharfside Seafood & Patio Bar, Pt. Pleasant Beach
The Wharfside is a casual, relaxing eatery that features gorgeous waterfront views seen from their outdoor patio. Wharfside has been serving the shore since 1963, and has been a staple for locals and tourists alike ever since. Dine on their patio ad experience casual seafood fare, local live music straight from the Jersey Shore, and of course, their famous rum buckets. Menu highlights include raw bar selections, local lobster, swordfish, halibut, crab cake, and more, as well as pizza, pasta, and steak for landlubbers. Plus, check out their “High Tide Happy Hour” Sunday-Thursday all day and Saturday 12pm-5pm. Grab some oysters, a rum bucket, and take in the ocean views while enjoying live music. {101 Channel Dr, Point Pleasant Beach; 732.892.9100; wharfsidenj.com}
Chef Mike’s ABG, Seaside Heights
Chef Mike’s ABG is a coastal hotspot offering American cuisine and seafood delicacies paired with breathtaking ocean panoramas on their outdoor patio. From seafood starters, a raw bar menu, hearty land and sea mains, and more, grab a bite and a cocktail while taking in the ocean vista. Uncover the perfect summer dining retreat to unwind post-beach or after a day on the Seaside Boardwalk. {10 24th Central Ave., Seaside Park; 732.854.1588; chefmikesabg.com}