A Local's Guide to Jersey Shore Waterfront Restaurants That Feature Great Food and Water Views (2024)

Updated May 2024:

The pandemic brought a new meaning to the term “outdoor dining”. At the time, it was the only way you could visit your favorite jersey shore restaurants- weather and seasons permitting. Well, spring at the Jersey Shore is now in full swing and dining out is pretty much back to normal. We wanted to celebrate the move back to normalcy by sharing an updated list of our favorite Jersey Shore waterfront restaurants.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. After all, it’s not summer at the Jersey Shore until you’re enjoying a co*cktail on the deck!

Embracing their oceanfront location, Rooney’s has been attracting diners for over 20 years with their delectable cuisine and one of a kind views of the Atlantic. Sit outside on their multi-tier deck or enjoy co*cktails in their open air bar. 100 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch 732-870-1200 http://www.rooneysocean.com/

DRIFTHOUSE by David Burke is the only oceanfront dining spot in Sea Bright. The full-service oceanfront, year-round restaurant has a trendy, beach-chic interior serving a seafood focused menu. In the warmer months, dine outside, soak in the sunshine and ocean views and enjoy Chef Burke’s signature dishes, premium wines, artisan co*cktails and local craft beers. DRIFTHOUSE is located in the Driftwood Cabana Club owned by the Stavola family, who have owned and operated the club since 1957! 1485 Ocean Ave, Sea Bright 732-530-9760 https://drifthousedb.com/

Experience Klein’s Fish Market in the height of summer and you’ll quickly understand why it’s been a staple restaurant on the Shark River Inlet. For 88 years, Klein’s has served up the freshest seafood with tasty co*cktails, the perfect stop for after the beach! While you’re there, visit Klein’s Fish Market experts for all your fresh fish needs! 708 River Road, Belmar 732-681-1177 kleinsfish.com

Outdoor dining is the name of the game at Boondocks. Since opening, diners have flocked to this outdoor, waterfront restaurant for can’t beat ‘em “lobstah” dinners in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. 1 Marine Park, Red Bank 732-747-7177 https://theboondocksfishery.com/

It’s not ocean, but the view over Lake Lefferts at MJ’s at Buttonwood Manor does not disappoint. Offering classic American cuisine, it’s a great respite when you need a break from the salt air (and crowds!) with TONS of outdoor dining. For all you JAWS fans, you’re sitting just upstream from the creek that made headlines in 1916 and inspired the classic film. 845 NJ-34, Matawan 732-566-6220 www.mjsrestaurant.com

Sit outside with views of Barnegat Bay at MJ’s Restaurant in Bayville. With all of your favorite dishes, it’s a perfect opportunity to sit back and relax this summer. 905 Bay Boulevard, Bayville 732-269-7764 www.mjsrestaurant.com

The Molly Pitcher Inn features an all new, all-day outdoor dining menu that will not disappoint. With views overlooking the Navesink River, you’ll enjoy items like buttermilk chicken and waffles and their famous pot pies. Or you can always just sip on a classic martini, because there’s nothing like enjoying a drink with a view!88 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank 732-810-0313 www.themollypitcher.com/

Outdoor dining at Pearl Lounge at The Oyster Point Hotel has never been as needed as it is this summer. With an expansive outdoor deck and panoramic views of the Navesink River, it’s a must visit on our Jersey Shore waterfront dining list!146 Bodman Place, Red Bank 732-530-8200 www.theoysterpointhotel.com

Soak in the ocean views while enjoying quality meals and co*cktails on Charley’s Ocean Grill’s porches! Their distinguished menu and atmosphere are inspired by a beach-life attitude, offering all patrons a seaside experience year round! 29 Avenel Blvd, Long Branch 732-222-4499 https://www.charleysoceangrill.com/

Outdoor dining in the “Crab Room” has always been fun and this summer is no different. Sit outside at Oyster Creek and dive into a menu that’s packed with all of your seafood favorites, including sushi. 41 Oyster Creek Road, Leeds Point 609-652-8565 http://oystercreekrestaurant.com/

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Charlie’s of Bay Head, located on Twilight Lake is serving up contemporary American cuisine and a line-up of creative, house made desserts. Enjoy their waterfront views, extensive wine list and a large selection of locally produced brews. 72 Bridge Avenue, Bay Head 732-295-1110 https://charliesofbayhead.com/

From their exceptional raw bar with ocean views to their outdoor bar that will keep you coming back for another co*cktail, One Willow has it all. Rain or shine, there are plenty of outdoor, waterfront seating options that will turn your summer evening into an exceptional one. 1 Willow Street, Highlands 732-730-7770 https://onewillowhighlands.com

Palm trees, salt air, and seafood, the Captain’s Inn checks off all the summer necessities. Watch the boats meander past you as your hang out in the all new Tiki tent or stop by after the beach to cool off with some refreshments and live music. 304 E Lacey Road, Forked River 609-693-3351 http://captainsinnnj.com/

You’ll feel like a million bucks after dining underneath the stars on the Navesink River at Salt Creek Grille. Featuring fire grilled dishes, a wide selection of wine, beer, and co*cktails, it’s a great date night out (especially when you’ve been stuck inside!)4 Bingham Avenue, Rumson 732-933-9272 www.saltcreekgrille.com/rumson/

Take any seat at Sunset Seafood in Seaside Heights and you’ll be immediately transfixed by the views of the Barnegat Bay and the gorgeous sunsets. Come for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or dock and dine, you can’t go wrong. 419 Bayside Terrace, Seaside Heights 732-250-1686 https://sunsetseafoodnj.com/

Reserve your table at Bahrs Landing or head to their Front Bar or Tiki Bar for some of the freshest seafood along the Navesink River. Family owned and operated since 1917, stop in for lunch or dinner and take in the water views! 2 Bay Ave Highlands 732-872-1245 https://bahrslandingnj.com/

Barnacle Bills in Rumson is know for their award winning burgers, seafood, live music and gorgeous views of the Navesink River. Plan a visit for a casual waterfront dining experience in an excellent atmosphere. 1 First Street, Rumson 732-747-8396 https://www.barnaclebillsrumson.com/

This place is what many waterfront restaurants probably looked like from Keyport to Cape May. Simple, fresh, affordable and family run. The Keyport Fishery is a historic seafood eatery located in downtown Keyport, NJ. Located across from the Raritan Bay, the Keyport Fishery’s building has stood for more than 73 years. Keyport Fishery is committed to serving the freshest, best quality fish at a fair price with a dining menu to match. 150 West Front St, Keyport 732-264-9723 http://keyportfishery.com/

Hovering above the famous Asbury Park Boardwalk and commanding sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, Watermark occupies 8,000 square feet of interior/exterior space on the second floor of the First Avenue Pavilion. Surrounded by important historic Asbury Park landmarks including the Casino, the Carousel, the Power Station, the Empress Hotel and the Stone Pony, Watermark is part of a complex that is uniquely Asbury, yet universal in its appeal. Gather with friends or family, enjoy some incredible small plates and co*cktails and take in the killer views. 800 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park 732-749-5786 https://watermarkap.com/

Overlooking the Forge Landing Marina on the Metedeconk River, this Brick NJ Restaurant was built using reclaimed wood from the iconic Beacon Manor Hotel. The brand new Beacon 70 is a Full-Service Restaurant, Sports Bar & Marina. Great food, great drinks and great times all around at Beacon 70. 799 Route 70, Brick 848-232-4235 https://www.beacon70.com/

Warm summer days and nights are on the horizon, and sometimes, there’s nothing better than soaking up the sun while enjoying a great meal. Join The Shrimp Box & Outside The Box Patio Bar for lunch or dinner and experience some of the best outdoor dining at the Jersey Shore. 75 Inlet Drive, Point Pleasant Beach 732-899-1637 http://theshrimpbox.com/

TheRobinson Ale House is the perfect place for a quick lunch or a night out in celebration. They offer a vast beer and wine selection, variety of menu options and some of the best views of the Atlantic Ocean. Watch the waves roll in from their two levels of dining. 1200 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park 732-774-1400 https://www.therobinsonalehouseasburypark.com/

Let us know what your favorite waterfront places to eat are and if there’s a business you think we should add!

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