Lobster, pizza, drinks and more on the menu at these Jersey Shore outdoor dining spots
Summer is the time when the Shore's dining scene really shines, especially when it comes to outdoor dining.
As seasonal restaurants reopen, many of them — along with some year-round restaurants — are brushing off their patio tables and umbrellas.
From sidewalk seating in busy downtowns to tables with an ocean view, here are some outdoor dining options for summer dining at the Shore.
Avenue, Long Branch
Located just steps from the sand, this Parisian-inspired restaurant, rooftop lounge and beach bar has brunch dishes like croque madame and brioche French toast, dinner options like steak tartare and duck à l'oranger, and moules frites with an aperol spritz at happy hour.
Go: 23 Ocean Ave N.; 732-759-2900, avenuelongbranch.com.
The Boondocks Fishery, Red Bank
Who says you need to get dressed up to enjoy a lobster dinner? This casual seasonal restaurant on the Navesink River is known for two-for-one lobster nights, plus lobster rolls, tuna ceviche, fried whole belly clams, shrimp cocktail, and fish and chips.
Go: 1 Marine Park; 732-747-7177, theboondocksfishery.com.
More: Here's when your favorite Jersey Shore restaurants will reopen for summer season
Broadwalk, Red Bank
From May through late September, Broad Street between Red Bank's Front and White streets is converted into a pedestrian-only area where visitors can enjoy a meal and shopping outdoors. Live music and string lights add ambience, and restaurants like Bistro Red Bank, Char Steakhouse and Patrizia's of Red Bank take part.
Go: Broad Street between White and Front streets; redbank.org.
Caribbean Pete's Island Grille, Waretown
This restaurant at Key Harbor Marina, overlooking Barnegat Bay, returns for its second season Wednesday, May 22. This year's menu was being finalized as of press time, but last year's dishes included braised jerk short ribs, jerk chicken wings, and bananas Foster with rum.
Go: 2 Point Road; 732-503-8042, search Caribbean Pete's on Facebook.
Downtown Night Out, Toms River
On Friday and Saturday nights between May 31 and Oct. 12, the restaurants on Washington Street in downtown Toms River join local businesses outdoors. Spend a night eating pizza and pasta at Capone's, or pork belly sliders and spinach artichoke macaroni and cheese at A Thyme for All Seasons. Then grab a beer at Battle River Brewing.
Go: Washington Street, downtown Toms River; downtowntomsriver.com.
More: Park Social bar, restaurant and lounge to open this summer in Neptune City
JakeaBob's Bay, Union Beach
Perched along Raritan Bay, this restaurant and tiki bar reopens for the season Thursday, May 16. Go for fried clams, crab cakes and a cold one in a fun atmosphere.
Go: 525 Front St.; 732-264-3730, facebook.com/jakeabobs.bay.
Mister C's Beach Bistro, Allenhurst
There's room for more than 100 diners outside at Mr. C's, which sits above the beach. Sip a cocktail and try blackened tuna bites, fish tacos, lobster rolls and more. If you'd rather eat inside, the restaurant's dining room windows offer a great view, too.
Go: Ocean Place and Allen Avenue in Allenhurst; 732-531-3665, mistercsbeachbistro.com.
More: The new PaciDough's Pizza Joint in South Toms River has sourdough pizza and a '90s theme
One Willow, Highlands
Enjoy views of Sandy Hook Bay and the New York City skyline at One Willow, which reopened for the season with new dishes for lunch, dinner and happy hour. Menus include dishes like tuna crudo, clams and spaghetti, lobster rolls and truffle fries. If you can't get an outside table, don't worry: Thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, the view is just as great from the dining room.
Go: 1 Willow St.; 732-730-7770, onewillowhighlands.com.
The Sea Shell Resort & Beach Club, Beach Haven
This beachfront hotel has outdoor dining, a martini lounge, oceanfront sushi bar and fire pits in a setting that will make you feel like you're on vacation. Try steamed clams, bacon-wrapped scallops, lobster rolls and prime rib, paired with a frozen margarita or a Key lime martini. The resort also is home to Compassion Café, a coffee shop and cafe run by adults with disabilities.
Go: 10 South Atlantic Ave.; 609-492-4611; theseashellresort.com.
More: Los Barbaros Birria to open a third restaurant, this time in Ocean County NJ
Wharfside Seafood & Patio Bar, Point Pleasant Beach
A local favorite for seafood and waterfront dining for more than 60 years, the Wharfside restaurant offers outdoor dining with a view of the fishing boats in Manasquan Inlet. On the menu, find dishes like oven-roasted clams, lobster bisque, fried scallops with Old Bay fries and crab cakes. The adjacent patio bar serves a pared-down food menu, plus drinks like rum buckets and margaritas.
Go: 101 Channel Drive; 732-892-9100, wharfsidenj.com.
Sarah Griesemer joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2003 and has been writing all things food since 2014. Send restaurant tips to sgriesemer@gannettnj.com, follow on Instagram at Jersey Shore Eats and subscribe to our Jersey Shore Eats newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Jersey Shore NJ restaurants with excellent outdoor dining
