If you’re looking for a coffee shop on Long Beach Island with great prices and ocean views, Andy’s Coffee Shack is a must. With a great location and generous community, this is definitely a place to check out, especially if you’re in the Barnegat Light area. Andy’s at the Light officially opened their coffee shack in October 2025 after closing it since 1999.
Andy’s Coffee Shop is open every day from 7AM – 5PM.
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 lap top 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 down 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 has poured into this iconic business that has sat just along the northern inlet for years. And I couldn’t wait to check it out, hoping it was a place to sit down and relax with a drink. It did not disappoint!
After having a nice chat with the workers and ordering my pumpkin chai latte, I plopped down at a table with water views. I glanced around and saw people reading books, having nice conversations, working, and just enjoying the views.
Andy’s Coffee Shack is a great spot to grab a good-priced coffee, sit down at the assortment of tables, and disconnect. No matter where you sit, you can get some sort of view of the inlet. Whether you’re alone, or with friends and family, there’s something so peaceful about sipping a nice warm drink while watching all the 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 by. So cool!
It’s also a convenient place to work. From the few months it has been open, I’ve already gone a bunch of times to sit down and work on my lap top with water views. There are many options for seating with a good amount of outlets. And it’s Wi-Fi friendly.
Speaking of friendly, the staff is super nice. And every time I’ve gone, I’ve met someone new. So if you’re feeling lonely during the winter months and looking to meet people, this could be your new spot.
If you don’t want to sit down, grabbing and going is also an option. After ordering my pumpkin chai latte, I’d go for a peaceful walk around the lighthouse. A 16 oz drink lasted me the entire trip out along the jetty and the nature trail. It was refreshing having a place to grab a drink and go for a stroll that didn’t consist of cars flying by you. Only this time, you have to watch out for those fishing lines.
Andy’s Coffee Shack has also given me the incentive to ride my bike an hour north. It’s a great pit stop to stay hydrated with a tea, or to refill your energy with a coffee, while supporting a local business. There are places to lock your bike in the Barnegat Lighthouse parking lot, just around the corner from Andy’s. I highly recommend you make the trip!
About the Author
Patrick Johns is a New Jersey writer with a background in engineering and mathematics. He spent his summers on LBI glued to his beach chair reading his next favorite book. He worked at Custard Hut, Country Kettle Chowder, Thundering Surf Waterpark, and Long Beach Island Foundation. After working for a large engineering firm for 3 years outside Washington D.C., he discovered his passion for writing and decided to move to Spain. For 4 years he taught English overseas, wrote and published his own fantasy and poetry books, wrote and performed his own music live, and got involved in many freelance projects like copywriting, editing, and book coaching. Currently back in the US, Patrick is passionate about inspiring people with non-writing backgrounds to gain the confidence, routine, and skills to finally start the book they’ve always wanted to write. He’s convinced his writing journey blossomed from those days reading on the beach in Long Beach Island.
When he’s not writing, you can find him…
🏄 Out in the ocean, surfing some narly waves
📚 Reading whatever he can get his hands on
🗺️ Traveling and seeking inspiration for his next book
Follow Patrick’s writing journey on his website:
www.patrickjohnswrites.com