Best of LBI 2026

Breakfast proved to be one of the most hotly contested categories in the competition, and our second most voted overall. After trailing for much of the voting, LBI Table made a late charge to overtake longtime leader Uncle Will's and secure the top spot. Wally's and Scojo's remained close behind, making this one of the tightest races from start to finish.

Since opening in 2022, LBI Table has quickly established itself as one of the island's most popular breakfast spots. Founded by the original owners of Scojo's, it's no surprise they know what makes a great breakfast. The room is warm and welcoming, the portions are generous, and the menu balances classic favorites with creative twists. Known for standout breakfast bowls, Benedicts, pancakes, and a constantly changing lineup of specials, LBI Table has become a place many visitors and locals make a point to visit each summer.

Wally's set the pace from the start in the Family-Friendly category, finishing more than 250 votes ahead of the competition. The Chicken or the Egg claimed second place, but this was one of the few categories where the winner was never really in doubt.

Wally's has built its reputation around being a place where everyone can find something they love. The massive menu features everything from family favorites and comfort food classics to specialty dinners and its award-winning chowders. For families navigating food allergies, Wally's also offers the most extensive gluten-free menu on the island. Combine that with some of the friendliest staff you'll find anywhere, and it's easy to see why so many families make Wally's a regular stop.

This was, hands down, the most competitive category in the entire competition. The Tide Table Group's Ellis' Chicken & Crab Cakes held the lead for the first two weeks before Flour Child and Joy & Salt surged past, trading the top spot multiple times down the stretch. When the dust settled, Flour Child emerged victorious by just 15 votes, the closest finish of any category in the contest.

The restaurant burst onto the scene last summer to rave reviews, pairing a fun, memorable brand with a menu that feels perfectly suited for LBI. Owner and longtime pizza shop operator Rob Priskie set out to create the ideal beach pizza, one that travels well and holds up under generous toppings. Using bread flour, the result is a crust that's slightly thicker and softer than a traditional New York slice.

Beyond the pizza, Flour Child has become known for doing the little things right. Favorites like the garlic knots, ribs, and specialty pies have won people over. Just as importantly, the team has embraced the island community from day one. Their friendly, welcoming approach, combined with great food and a fun atmosphere, has quickly made Flour Child one of LBI's most beloved new restaurants.

Black Whale and Ship Bottom Shellfish traded blows the whole way, with Black Whale taking it by just 35 votes.

The Black Whale is woven into the Beach Haven routine. It's equal parts seafood restaurant, live music venue, and local gathering spot. From raw bar staples to expertly prepared fish dishes, the focus stays firmly on quality and simplicity done right. Standouts include local oysters, cioppino, tuna egg rolls, and rotating seasonal seafood specials that highlight what's freshest that day.

Despite acclaimed newer spots like The Boulevard Pizza, Flour Child, and Queen City Crust, along with longtime restaurant favorites like Russo's, Delaware Avenue Oyster House, and Black Eyed Susan's serving up excellent pies, the classic Bay Village Pizza reigned supreme, and in a loud way. It more than doubled second-place Russo's vote total.

Chances are, if you've been to LBI, you've had Bay Village Pizza. Set in the heart of Bay Village, it serves up the kind of pizza that has become synonymous with summers on the island: big, foldable slices with just the right amount of grease and the perfect balance of crispy and chewy. Bay Village keeps it simple, too, with plain, pepperoni, sausage, and mushroom slices instead of a huge specialty lineup. It's the slice HQ of the island, and for generations of visitors and locals alike, the taste of Bay Village Pizza is the taste of LBI summer.

In a tight three-way finish, beloved Bagel Shack and Bageleddies, both with passionate fans, looked like the favorites, but Bagels & Beyond had other ideas.

With two island locations, one in Surf City and one in Brant Beach, plus multiple off-island spots, Bagels & Beyond has established itself as a force in the LBI bagel scene. Known for its wide variety of freshly baked bagels, generous cream cheese selections, and reliable breakfast sandwiches, it has become a go-to morning stop on LBI. The convenient takeout windows are an added bonus, letting you order and wait outside instead of getting stuck in the inevitable summer morning bagel shop rush.

This category was a two-horse race between two of the most fun spots on the island, with Bird & Betty's ultimately pulling away from The Shell.

Bird & Betty's has become LBI's go-to destination for fun, live music, and nightlife, but it's far from just a gimmicky shore bar. They put real thought into their cocktail program. From their famous Sunday Orange Crushes made with fresh-squeezed orange juice to creative favorites like the frozen Shipwrecker, Blue Crush, and aptly named This Sh*t Is Bananas, the drinks are every bit as fun as the atmosphere. Pair them with bay views and a sunset, and it's easy to see why Bird & Betty's claimed the title.

In the end, the waterfront crowd won out as the two Tide Table titans battled for the top spot throughout. Bird & Betty's held the lead for much of the race, but was ultimately edged out at the buzzer by its dockside neighbor, Parker's Garage.

On an island with surprisingly few true waterfront dining options, Parker's Garage stands out. Set directly on the bay with sweeping views of Parker's Island, it feels uniquely LBI. Between the boats passing by, the open water, and the relaxed coastal atmosphere, it's the kind of place that leaves an impression long after the meal ends.

How You Brewin' didn't just win Best Coffee, it pulled more votes than any other establishment in the entire contest.

Second place came down to a close battle between The Local Market & Kitchen and Guapo's, two local mainstays known for their specialty drinks and steady regulars. But How You Brewin's combination of quality coffee, atmosphere, and quick bites has made it the unofficial HQ of LBI mornings.

Since opening in 2004, How You Brewin' has become part of the daily rhythm of the island. What started as a simple idea, a place built around a quality product and community, has grown into one of LBI's most recognizable spots. From smooth house cold brew to specialty lattes and expertly pulled espresso drinks, the menu keeps people hooked long after vacation ends. On summer mornings, the line often spills out the door, while in the offseason locals stop in to catch up with friends, get some work done, or simply enjoy a slower-paced island morning.

Skipper Dipper is an island icon, open since 1978 and still run by the family that founded it. Its ice cream cone logo is one of the most recognizable sights on LBI, and between that giant cone and the lines that form on summer nights, it's nearly impossible to miss as you head down the Boulevard.

There's a reason generations of families keep coming back. With dozens of flavors, every topping you could want, and a lineup of shakes, sundaes, and other frozen treats, Skipper Dipper has become a summertime ritual for many island visitors. The ice cream is worth the wait, the atmosphere is pure summer, and for many families, a trip to LBI just doesn't feel complete without a stop here.