When it's warm at the Jersey Shore, no one wants to be inside.
So why would dining be any different? Who wants to gaze through a window when they could be munching on delectable bites while soaking up the rays?
Luckily, there are countless local restaurants that fit the bill. Here are some of the many spots where outdoor dining is available in and around the Shore.
B2 Bistro + Bar, Berkeley Township
This elevated but casual bistro is known for its waterfront dock, live music and satisfying bites. Try the pan-seared scallops, sushi and co*cktails.
Go: 125 Bayview Ave., Bayville section of Berkeley Township; 732-269-3000, b2bistro.com/bayville.
Bird and Betty's, Beach Haven
This Long Beach Island favorite offers ample outdoor dining with umbrellas, gorgeous views of the Manahawkin Bay section of Barnegat Bay, and a menu featuring pizzas from Margherita to peach with stracciatella, prosciutto and chilis.
Go: 529 Dock Road, Beach Haven; 609-492-3000, birdandbettys.com.
The Black Swan, Asbury Park
This gastropub serves European fare (particularly Irish and English), great beer and good times, whether you sit inside or outside on the sidewalk in busy downtown Asbury Park. Try the shepherd's pie!
Go: 601 Mattison Ave., Asbury Park; 732-361-7159, theblackswanap.com.
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The Bonney Read, Asbury Park
This nautical spot serves fresh seafood, rum co*cktails and an expansive raw bar.
Go: 525 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park; 732-455-3352, thebonneyread.com.
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Delaware Avenue Oyster House, Beach Haven
Just blocks from the beach and Fantasy Island amusem*nt park, this restaurant formerly employed local celebrity Chef Britt Rescigno. Still boasting some of her signature dishes, like crab fried rice, it's a Long Beach Island staple. Try the exciting co*cktails.
Go: 13211 Long Beach Blvd., Beach Haven; 609-492-3352, delawareaveoysterhouse.com.
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Drifthouse by David Burke, Sea Bright
Expect the same elevated service indoors and out at this oceanfront restaurant, with fine crystal, silverware, china and a refreshing sea breeze. Dine on fresh seafood, Burke's famous clothesline bacon and more. This is a great spot to watch the sunset.
Go: 1485 Ocean Ave N., No. 2225, Sea Bright; 732-530-9760, drifthousedb.com.
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The GOAT by David Burke, Union Beach
This new pizzeria known for comedy nights and cravable bites has a partially covered porch that patrons can enjoy.
Go: 1411 Route 36, Union Beach; 732-264-5222, thegoatbydb.com.
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Half Moon, Keansburg
This spot in Keansburg also delivers to the beach, which is directly across from the restaurant. Try the fish tacos (with seasoned mahi, pineapple slaw, Calypso sauce and street corn salad) or chipotle chicken melt (with a chipotle-glazed fried chicken thigh, buttermilk slaw, dill pickle and fries). Check out the bay views and New York City skyline.
Go:2 Beachway Ave., Keansburg;732-787-3560,halfmoonkb.com.
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Iron Whale, Asbury Park
This fresh seafood hub is known for an expansive raw bar, fish dishes and expansive outdoor dining. Try the fish tacos and lobster mac 'n' cheese.
Go: 1200 Ocean Ave., Unit 504, Asbury Park; 732-361-5185, ironwhalenj.com.
Mud City Crab House, Stafford
A staple for fried and fresh seafood on the mainland, Mud City offers firepit tables outside where guests can enjoy their food. Try the clam strips!
Go: 1185 E. Bay Ave., Manahawkin section of Stafford; 609-978-3660, mudcitycrabhouse.com.
Red Horse by David Burke, Rumson
At another David Burke spot, enjoy outdoor dining at umbrella-topped tables and upscale bites like sushi, or the 8-ounce Wagyu sirloin.
Go: 26 Ridge Road, Rumson; 732- 576-3400, redhorsebydb.com.
The Robinson Ale House, multiple locations
At this restaurant's Asbury Park, Red Bank and Long Branch locations, you'll find ample outdoor dining and a laid-back atmosphere. Sip on craft beer on tap or a specialty co*cktail, and order a burger or bites from an expansive raw bar.
Go: 1200 Ocean Ave. N. in Asbury Park, 732-774-1400; 26 Broad St in Red Bank, 732-383-8219; and 68 Ocean Ave. N. in Long Branch, 732-222-2212; robinsonalehouse.com.
Rum Runner, Sea Bright
This seafood hub with outdoor riverfront views specializes in fun co*cktails, and fresh fish like the pan-seared salmon.
Go: 816 Ocean Ave., Sea Bright; 732-842-2894, mcloonesrumrunner.com.
Sun Harbor Seafood and Grill, Barnegat
Known for outdoor dining, good vibes and live music, come here to enjoy refreshing bites — like a Caprese toast stack — with views of Barnegat Bay.
Go: 451 East Bay Ave., Barnegat; 609-622-6190, sunharborseafoodandgrill.com.
The Crab House
Enjoy nautical bites at this beloved location, located 10 minutes from Cape May. The Crab House offers gorgeous sunset views and boat slips.
Go: 1 Fish Dock Road, Wildwood Crest; 609-522-1341, twomilelanding.com.
A few more favorites
- Captain's Inn: 304 E. Lacey Road, Forked River section of Lacey; 609-693-3351, captainsinnnj.com
- LandShark Bar & Grill: 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City; 609-431-4120,atlanticcity.landsharkbarandgrill.com
- Mister C's Beach Bistro: Ocean Place and Allen Avenue, Allenhurst; 732-531-3665, mistercsbeachbistro.com
- One Willow: 1 Willow St. in Highlands; 732-730-7770, onewillowhighlands.com
- Palm Grill and Palm Tree at The Sea Shell Resort & Beach Club: 10 South Atlantic Ave., Beach Haven; 609-492-4611,theseashellresort.com
Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to glaracca@gannett.com.
Parts of this story have previously been published.
