BEST WATERFRONT DINING

in Monmouth & Ocean Counties – 

Top of the List for Waterfront Dining

Dining Out at the Jersey Shore isn’t complete without a list of the best Waterfront Dining in Monmouth and Ocean Counties!

 

BY DEBORAH SMITH AND FIONA SHERIDAN

CHEF MIKE’S ABG

Seaside Park

Check out Chef Mike’s ABG in Seaside Park – a lively, coastal destination providing elevated American cuisine and delectable seafood dishes amidst stunning ocean views. From seafood appetizers and raw bar selections to land-and-sea entrees and more, Chef Mike’s ABG has something for everyone. Sip on one of their various selections of wine or a delicious signature cocktail while overlooking the ocean. Discover the ideal summer dining spot to unwind after a day of soaking up the sun on the beach and exploring the vibrant attractions of the Seaside Boardwalk. {10 24th Central Avenue, Seaside Park; 732.854.1588; www.chefmikesabg.com}

 

 B2 BISTRO + BAR

Bayville

With a casual waterfront dock featuring live music and a vibrant bar scene complemented by a stylish and contemporary indoor dining area, put B2 Bistro & Bar in Bayville on your list of must-try eateries this summer. In the summertime, indulge in a fantastic meal while watching boats glide past from their spacious deck, groove to the beats of the Jersey Shore’s vibrant nightlife at their lively Tiki Bar, or take a dip in their Bayside pool. You can also dock and dine while you enjoy menu selections such as their wood-fired pizza, sushi, and entrees from both land and sea. {125 Bayview Avenue, Bayville; 732.269.3000; www.b2bistro.com}

 

DONOVAN’S REEF

Sea Bright

If you are looking for the perfect outdoor summer hangout, Donovan’s Reef in Sea Bright is just the place. With a classic pub menu, an outdoor tiki bar and patio, private lifeguarded beach, and frequent live music, you’ll see in one visit why Donovan’s Reef has been voted “One of the Top 21 Beach Bars in America,” as stated on their website. Not only does it showcase a great outdoor beach bar, but it also offers daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From burgers, wraps, and wings to quesadillas, pork roll eggs, cheese sandwiches, and more, your meal is made complete with incredible beach and ocean views. {1171 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright; 732.530.1833; www.donovansreefbeachbar.com}

DRIFTHOUSE BY David Burke

Sea Bright

With ocean views, picturesque sunsets, and delicious eats, Drifthouse by David Burke in Sea Bright presents innovative and creative cuisine against the backdrop of an “elegant yet beach casual full-service restaurant.” Always giving guests something to look forward to, Drifthouse features a jam-packed schedule that includes: Tuesday Burger and Taco Nights; Wednesday Lobster and Prime Rib specials; and live music on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. You can also enjoy their Tiki Bar Thursdays-Sundays for a more casual, upbeat beach experience with complete with cornhole fun and a DJ. {Located at Driftwood Cabana Club, 1485 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright; 732.530.9760; www.drifthousedb.com}

Drifthouse

MOLLY PITCHER INN

Red Bank

Near downtown Red Bank with incredible Navesink River views, the Molly Pitcher Inn is your ideal destination for dining as well as a beautiful location for weddings and private parties. It offers a “Dusk on the Navesink” prix-fixe menu in the dining room every Sunday – Thursday, 3:00pm – 9:00pm, with a 10 percent discount if dining 3:00pm – 5:00pm. Enjoy breathtaking views of the sunset on the river while indulging in filet mignon, scallops, rack of lamb, and more. The inn also serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch as well as a range of cocktails at their International Bar. {88 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank; 732.747.2500; www.themollypitcher.com}

PEARL AT THE OYSTER POINT HOTEL

Red Bank

Priding itself on its “contemporary American cuisine with tastes of Asia and the American Southwest,” Pearl at The Oyster Point Hotel in Red Bank boasts an incredible view of the Navesink River. The many unique dishes on Pearl’s unique menu include Duck Sliders, Swordfish Milanese, Fig-Glazed Chicken, Butternut Squash Ravioli, and so much more. You can reserve your table for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch. {146 Bodman Place, Red Bank; 732.530.8200; www.theoysterpointhotel.com}

 

SALT CREEK GRILLE

Rumson

A polished and stylish location with classic meat and seafood dishes, Salt Creek Grille in Rumson provides guests with a panoramic view of the Navesink River, thanks to its incredible wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. The restaurant’s menu comes with a great selection of options: Start your meal with Burrata & Fig Jam or BBQ Chicken Flatbread, and then move on to your entree with choices including Coffee Encrusted New York Strip, Citrus Brown Butter Salmon, French Onion Burger, Scampi Gnocchi, and more. Salt Creek Grille also has a whole sushi kitchen as well as an extensive wine menu, so you can take in gorgeous views while sipping on a delicious glass of red, white, or sparkling wine. {4 Bingham Avenue, Rumson; 732.933.9272; www.saltcreekgrille.com}

PARKER’S GARAGE

Long Beach Island

An “easygoing venue with a nostalgic vibe” with bayfront dining and gorgeous views defines Parker’s Garage in Long Beach Island. Its extensive menu consists of a vast raw bar selection as well as classic seafood selections like Iberico (paella, pork belly, and mussels) along with Scallops and “Bacon” (celery root and truffle), lobster, halibut, salmon, and more.

RIVER ROCK SPORTS BAR & GRILL

Brick Township

River Rock Sports Bar & Grille is more than just a restaurant; it’s a lively hub for entertainment, community, and relaxation. The restaurant is situated on the waterfront, offering guests an exceptional dining experience and a vibrant bar and nightlife scene. The menu is diverse and features a variety of delectable dishes, including seafood appetizers, sandwiches & wraps, soups, salads, specialty burgers, wood-fired pizza entrees, and a kids menu. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch or a fun night out, River Rock has something for everyone to enjoy. {1600 NJ-70, Brick Township; 732.840.1110; www.riverrockbricknj.com}