Andy’s at the Light: A Coffee Shop with Ocean Views

As soon as I heard about a new coffee shop opening on the island, I hopped in my car and headed south on the Parkway to Exit 63. I packed my laptop and drove the distance from Beach Haven Crest to the northern tip — usually something I do once a year for my annual Barnegat Lighthouse trip. Thankfully this time the lights were flashing yellow, the speed limit legally cranked up, providing a smooth sail up to Andy's Coffee Shack.

As I drove north, I recalled all those times I begged my parents for a souvenir at Andy's at the Light after our lighthouse voyage. It felt like new life had poured into this iconic business that has sat just along the northern inlet for years — and I couldn't wait to check it out.

A Familiar Name, A Fresh Start

Back After 26 Years

Andy's at the Light officially reopened their coffee shack in October 2025 after closing it back in 1999. That's over two decades of locals and visitors making the trip to the northern tip without this spot to land at — and it shows just how much it was missed. The shop is open every day from 7 AM to 5 PM, making it an easy stop whether you're starting your morning or winding down an afternoon walk around the lighthouse.

After having a nice chat with the workers and ordering my pumpkin chai latte, I plopped down at a table with water views. Around me, people were reading books, having conversations, working, and just taking in the scenery. It did not disappoint.

The View From Your Seat

Inlet Views, Warm Drinks, Zero Pressure

No matter where you sit, you get some sort of view of the inlet. Whether you're alone or with friends and family, there's something genuinely peaceful about sipping a warm drink while watching boats come and go. After thirty years of coming to Long Beach Island, it felt like I was experiencing it again with new eyes as I watched a giant Coast Guard boat motor past. That's the kind of moment this place creates.

The atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried. People aren't rushing. There's an assortment of tables, plenty of natural light, and enough space that you never feel crowded — even on a busy morning.

Work, Walk, or Ride

A Surprisingly Good Place to Get Things Done

From the few months it's been open, I've already gone a bunch of times to sit down and work on my laptop with water views. There are solid seating options with a good number of outlets, and the Wi-Fi is reliable. It's become a go-to winter workspace — the kind of place where you actually stay longer than you planned because the view keeps pulling you back up from the screen.

Grab One and Go

If sitting down isn't your thing, grabbing and going is just as good. After ordering my pumpkin chai latte, I'd go for a walk around the lighthouse. A 16 oz drink lasted the entire trip out along the jetty and the nature trail — and it's refreshing to have a place to grab a drink before a stroll that doesn't put you right next to traffic. Just watch out for the fishing lines.

Worth the Bike Ride

Andy's has also given me a genuine reason to ride my bike an hour north. It's a great pit stop to stay hydrated with a tea or refuel with a coffee — all while supporting a local business. There are places to lock your bike in the Barnegat Lighthouse parking lot, just around the corner. Highly recommend making the trip.

A Community Corner

The staff is genuinely friendly — and every time I've been in, I've met someone new. If you're on the island during the quieter winter months and looking to connect with people, this could be your spot. There's a warmth to this place that goes beyond the coffee. Andy's at the Light isn't just a convenient stop on the way to the lighthouse. It's the kind of place the north end of LBI has needed for a long time — and it's great to see it back.