I’ve spent countless hours celebrating the best of LBI’s dining in this blog, from dockside dives to elegant and elevated destinations up down our 18 miles. But what about the hidden gems just a short drive away? What about those places that don’t have an ocean view, but still serve up a meal worth traveling for?
For this article, I’m taking a slight detour inland to explore the “off-island eats”, the local joints we year-rounders enjoy when the island shuts down, when we want to avoid the summer crowds, or when we want to check out the competition in other coastal towns.
With summer 25’ coming to an end, it’s time to experience the full flavors of South Jersey. Let me introduce you to some culinary treasures that prove delicious food isn’t confined to the 08008 zip code. So, grab your keys, roll down the windows, and get ready to discover the other side of great food.
*all times estimated from Causeway Bridge – click button to jump to section.
- Clemmy’s: Waretown
- Skipper’s Sea Dog Grille: Barnegat
- Barnegat Oyster Collective X Haute Feast: Barnegat
- Mud City: Manahawkin
- Old Causeway: Manahawkin
- Xina: Toms River
- Loving Kitchen: West Creek
- Kosta’s Grille: Tuckerton
- Sad Boyz: New Gretna
- Spring Lake Seafood: Spring Lake
- The Block: Long Branch
- La Modina: Brielle
- Charlie’s: Bay Head
- Knife and Fork: Atlantic City
- Summer Salt: Avalon
- Oyster Creek: Leeds Point
- 410 Bank Street: Cape May
- Two Mile Landing: Cape May
- Exit Zero: Cape May
Just Over the Bridge
Clemmy's
Clemmy’s is a seasonal New American BYOB that’s known for its incredibly creative menu, fresh ingredients, and stunning presentations. It’s an intimate, small restaurant that’s perfect for a special meal. With weekly rotating dishes, you’re always in for something that feels new, well-thought-out, and expertly crafted.
Barnegat Oyster Collective
While not a restaurant in the traditional sense, this is a cooperative of local oyster growers that provides a farm-to-table dining experience at their location. They recently teamed up with Haute Feast, and now offer an extensive raw bar and a rotating menu of the freshest seafood and local oysters you can find. It’s a great spot for true oyster aficionados who want a unique, educational, and delicious experience.
Skipper's Sea Dogs Grille
A classic seafood market that is so much more than just a place to buy fish. They have a full kitchen and a menu of perfectly prepared seafood, fried platters, and other classic dishes. The vibe is extremely casual, with the focus squarely on fresh, high-quality seafood. It’s a must-stop on your way to or from the island, and don’t forget to grab one of their Key Lime Pies on your way through!
Mud City
This is the quintessential off-island spot, a rustic crab house that is a local institution. They are famous for their steamed blue crabs, fresh seafood platters, and a lively, high-energy atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for a boisterous, messy, and delicious seafood feast with friends.
Old Causeway
A sister restaurant to Mud City, Old Causeway is known for its high-end steaks and impressive raw bar. It’s a lively locals spot with a rustic-chic vibe and a great cocktail list. It’s the perfect place for a celebratory dinner with a group or when you’re looking for a top-quality meal on the mainland.
A Little Further
Xina
When you’re craving high-quality sushi and Asian fusion, Xina is the best option in my opinion. This popular spot has a sleek, trendy atmosphere and an extensive menu of creative rolls, fresh seafood, and other Asian-inspired dishes. It’s a BYOB restaurant and a local favorite that’s always alive and buzzing, so reservations are a good idea in busier months.
Loving Kitchen
Don’t let the unassuming location (another gas station, except this one is functioning!) fool you, this is an authentic hidden gem. This small but mighty Indian restaurant is known for its flavorful curries, biryani, and other traditional dishes. It’s a great option for a delicious and affordable meal when you’re looking for a change of pace from the typical shore fare.
Kosta's Grill
For a taste of authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, Kosta’s Grille is a must-visit. They’re a local favorite known for their traditional dishes like gyros and souvlaki, all made with fresh ingredients imported from Greece. It’s a casual, family-friendly BYOB spot with generous portions and welcoming hosts.
Sad Boyz
This burger joint is a local (and Tik Tok) sensation, known for its creative, delicious, and hefty smash burgers and breakfast sandwiches. They operate out of a permanent location but still have that fun, edgy food truck vibe. It’s a satisfying, quick stop for one of the best burgers you will ever have if you find yourself driving down Route 9.
Up The Parkway
Spring Lake Seafood
This is a more elevated seafood spot that feels refined and modern. The menu is a mix of ocean-to-table classics and inventive Japanese fusion dishes, including a full sushi menu. They’re famous for their unique Tuna Pizza (a crispy rice patty topped with spicy tuna) and are a great choice for a slightly fancy night out. Spring Lake Seafood also boasts a fully stocked mocktail bar with delicious sips on top of their BYOB policy.
The Butcher's Block
For a truly unforgettable steakhouse experience, head to The Butcher’s Block (if you were lucky enough to get a table). It’s known for its high-end dry-aged steaks and a unique, theatrical dining experience where you get to select your own cut of meat. The atmosphere is rustic and industrial, with a focus on expertly cooked meat and an inventive, curated cocktail menu. This restaurant covets some of the hardest-to-get reservations in New Jersey, adding to the exclusive experience.
La Modina
This place brings a chic, modern approach to rustic Italian fare, with an upscale but lively atmosphere. The menu features handcrafted pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and classic Italian comfort food made with high-quality ingredients. Perfect for special occasions, its home to a beautiful enclosed patio and an excellent wine and cocktail list.
Charlie's Of Bay head
Charlie’s offers a sophisticated take on classic American cuisine, with a strong focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The food vibe is best described as refined but not pretentious. Dishes are beautifully prepared and thoughtfully composed, showcasing a blend of traditional coastal comfort food and elegant, contemporary touches. The menu feels both familiar and special, making it a reliable spot for a memorable meal.
Down The Coastline
Knife & Fork Inn
An Atlantic City landmark since 1912, the Knife & Fork Inn is as famous for its history as it is for its happy hour. Widely regarded as one of the best in the state for food, the happy hour features high-quality appetizers at 50% off menu price—a value so strong that people line up early (literally) for a seat. Add in strong pours and a lively bar scene, and it’s no wonder it’s a local favorite. Beyond happy hour, the Knife & Fork delivers on its reputation with quality steaks and fresh seafood at reasonable prices, making it a go-to for both everyday dining and special occasions.
Summer Salt
Starting off with a destination fit for a special occasion. A fancy, prix-fixe, farm-to-table BYOB restaurant that’s worth the hour trek. Located right on the Avalon dunes, this spot is perfect for an elegant dinner with views of the water. The menu highlights seasonal ingredients from Cape May County, and the dishes are just about as fresh as it gets. Reservations are highly recommended and can be tough to snag in the summer, so be sure to book well in advance.
Oyster Creek Inn
If you’re looking for a true pine barren dive-bar classic, Oyster Creek is it. Accessible by car or boat and situated in a wildlife preserve, it’s a rustic and casual spot with a raw bar that’s a local legend. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood, authentic salty-dog feel, and its visit from Guy Fieri. He wasn’t wrong, the Jersey Devil Shrimp are incredible. This joint is the farthest thing from fancy, but still feels like a special experience.
410 Bank Street
Tucked away in a historic 1840s carriage house, this restaurant transports you NOLA. The cuisine is a blend of French and New Orleans-style cooking with Caribbean accents, with a menu featuring fresh seafood and mesquite-grilled steaks. I recommend asking for the canopied garden and veranda seating when booking. Both make for a romantic and intimate dining experience perfect for date night or when you’re celebrating!
Two Mile Landing
A family-friendly waterfront favorite, Two Mile Landing is home to two restaurants: The Crab House and 2 Mile Restaurant & Bar. Whether you’re craving casual blue claw crabs and live music on the deck or a more upscale raw bar and steak dinner with the same great water views, you can find both here. It’s a great spot for watching the sunset and enjoying an authentic Jersey Shore vibe on the marshes. They’re known for their Orange Crush, and I can definitely confirm its hard to stop after just one.
Exit Zero Filling Station
This is not your average roadside stop. Housed in a funky, repurposed gas station, Exit Zero is known for its quirky and fun atmosphere and a surprisingly diverse menu. They serve up everything from classic burgers to globally inspired curries and Thai dishes, making it the perfect casual spot to hang out and grab a unique bite with friends.
