Week 9 - August 14
This blog is your insider guide to everything edible on LBI. No tourist traps, just good food, local tips, and a little buzz from the beach. Whether you’re here for a week or a whole season, I’ve got you covered with where to eat, what to drink, and how to order like a local!
When you think of Barnegat Light, you can’t help but think of Kubel’s. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a piece of LBI history. For decades, locals and “washashores” alike have been pulling up a stool at this iconic spot for fresh seafood, a cold beer, and a dose of that authentic island charm that’s getting harder and harder to find.
Kubel’s has been that kind of spot since the 1920s, weathering storms, changing hands, and somehow keeping the same divey, worn-in feel.
🍕 This Week’s Bite
The Bacon Wrapped Scallops at Kubel's
If you’re only ordering one item from Kubel’s, order the bacon-wrapped scallops. They’re everything a splurge should be: fresh, juicy Viking Village scallops wrapped in neatly flawless bacon, topped with a chili bacon jam that is both smoky, hot, and sticky-sweet at the same time. The entire production is set against a backdrop of mashed sweet potatoes, so each bite has a rich, buttery undertone. It’s more indulgent than your typical island bite, but with fall right around the corner, this is the perfect comfort food on a chillier August night.
The atmosphere here is pure, unadulterated “salty dog.” The air smells of a mix of fried seafood, cold beer, and the Atlantic just a few blocks away. The walls are adorned with photos of fishermen and old-time locals, each one a testament to the decades of stories told within these walls. You don’t come here for fancy; you come for the feeling of being somewhere real, a place with a soul that runs as deep as the Barnegat Inlet. It’s a genuine community hub, a true local’s joint.
👆 Insider Tip: Kubel’s is just as good in January as it is in July, if not better. The crowd might shift from beach shorts to cable-knit sweaters, but this food was made for colder weather. The Irish Coffee is perfect for a crisp day with a view of the icy bay and without the summer crowd.
And the food? At Kubel’s it’s the definition of hearty island fare. It’s food built to warm you up after a wind-whipped walk on the beach, to fill you up after a morning fishing trip, or to soak up a round or two at the bar.
The menu is an ode to classic shore fare, but it’s not just for the seafood purists. While the standards—like the steamed clams and the decadent scampi trio —are always a solid bet, the kitchen understands that a fisherman’s appetite isn’t always for what came out of the water. They offer a menu that’s equally comforting for landlubbers, with robust choices like their jagerschnitzel and daily specials that often feature things like a tender pork osso bucco.
Whether you’re craving the taste of the sea or a classic, stick-to-your-ribs meal, Kubel’s has a dish for everyone in your party.
🌟 Must-Orders
Chum Pot – Home made potato chips topped with crab meat, home made beer cheese sauce, bacon, saracha, and scallions
Honorable Mentions
- Kubel’s Crab Pie – House favorite! Jumbo lump crab meat in a rich sherry sauce with herbs, spices, onions, and peppers. Topped with a puff pastry.
- Chicken & Crab Special – Chicken francaise topped with jumbo lump crab over rice with lemon caper sauce, artichokes, and sundried tomatoes.
- Barnegat Light Sea Scallops – Broiled with a lemon buerre blanc and topped with seasoned bread crumbs.
Worth The Trip
Even if you’re staying on the south end, it’s worth the drive up to Barnegat Light. Make an afternoon of it and walk the jetty, climb the lighthouse if you’re feeling ambitious, then head straight to Kubel’s for a pint and some comfort food to replace the calories you just burned off.
It truly does feel like a pilgrimage, especially during the season when the lights are on. But that’s precisely what makes Kubel’s so special and so worth the drive. You’re not just going out for dinner; you’re making a conscious decision to seek out a place with history, a place that feels distinct from the rest of the island’s bustling summer scene.
It’s an escape to a quieter, more authentic corner of LBI, where the promise of a cold beer and some of the best and freshest seafood on the shore makes the extra miles entirely worth it. It’s a destination for a reason.
So the next time you find yourself at the very northern tip of the island, stop in. Order a beer, grab a plate, and listen to the stories. You’ll understand why some things never go out of style.
📍 Located at 28 W 7th St, Barnegat Light
Daily: 11:30 am – ‘Close’
🌊Weekend Washashores: Three More Dive Bars Worth the Trip
If you’re still reading this week’s issue, chances are you appreciate a place that’s a little rough around the edges. A spot where a cold beer and a genuine conversation matter more than a fancy menu.
While Kubel’s holds a special place in my heart, that “salty dog” atmosphere isn’t limited to Barnegat Light. If you’re a true fan of the dive bar scene, here are three other staples on your LBI tour, each with its own brand of authentic charm.
The Hudson House
If you’re a true dive bar connoisseur, you’ll feel right at home at “The Hud.” Tucked away on a residential street in Beach Haven, this place prides itself on being unpolished. This is where you go to escape the summer crowds and find a real local’s hangout. With a jukebox, pool tables, and a legendary shuffleboard table, the stories here are as much a part of the decor as the old-school neon beer signs.
Surf City Hotel
The bar here has a classic shore feel that’s been welcoming locals and visitors for generations. It’s got a lively and unpretentious energy, a spot where vacationers can hang out with local hospitality workers after their shift. Stepping inside feels like walking into a postcard of a vintage LBI summer. You’ll find a crowd that’s there to have a good time, and it’s a great place to people-watch and feel the pulse of the island.
The Porthole
Located in Ship Bottom, The Porthole is another true LBI institution. Family-owned since the 1930s, it has that same wind-worn feeling as Kubel’s. The atmosphere is laid-back and local, and it’s a year-round gathering spot. Don’t forget to try their ‘world-renowned’ roast beef sandwich!
🤙 Order Like a Local
If you’ve been a regular at Mud City in the past, you know the old drill: you’d show up with a cooler of your favorite six-pack or a crisp bottle of white. But for anyone who hasn’t been in the last year or so, there’s a major change: Mud City is no longer BYOB. They switched in 2023, and it’s a detail you’d only know if you’re going every summer.
So, here’s your local tip: don’t bring a cooler. Head straight for the Barstream, their Airstream trailer-turned-outdoor-bar, and enjoy a cocktail next to the marsh. They also offer a decent selection of beer and wine, so you won’t be missing out on much.
🍹This Week's Sip
Since we’re on the topic of Mud City’s new bar, let’s talk about the best thing you can order from it. Forget about the beer you used to bring and put your trust in the bartenders on the Barstream. My pick for this week is the Passion Fruit Margarita.
👂 Word on the Beach
Where Did the Bright Side Kitchen Go?
If you were one of the lucky ones who stumbled upon Bright Side Kitchen a few years ago, you might be wondering where they went. Back then, they were what’s known as a ghost kitchen, one of the first on LBI, operating out of the Terrace Tavern.
If that term is new to you, it basically means they had no front door. You couldn’t sit down and eat; you just picked up your order from a back window or had it delivered. It was an unusual and unique new way to do business on the island, and the food was so good that it quickly became a word-of-mouth sensation.
Bright Side Kitchen has since moved off the island to a brick-and-mortar spot on Mill Creek Road in Manahawkin. The good news? You can still get all the amazing food that made them a hit. The owner, Sara Sellarole, is a master at creating fresh, elevated sandwiches and salads that are a serious step up from your average beach-day fare. We’re talking things like the “Sunshine Wrap” with blackened chicken and a killer chipotle ranch, or their “Sunset” roast beef sandwich with chimichurri aioli.
So, if you’re ever on the mainland and looking for a lunch that’s both healthy and delicious, you know where to go!
📍Located at 587 Mill Creek Rd., Manahawkin
Monday-Thursday: 10 am – 4 pm
Friday and Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm
Closed Sundays
About Me
Hey, I’m Hannah! I’ve lived just over the bridge from LBI for the past 25 years and if there’s one thing I know, it’s how to order the perfect after-beach meal like a local. I’ve spent every summer either working in restaurants or hopping between them, chasing the best cosmo, returning for a tried and true classic, exploring new weekly specials, and looking for the thrill of a just-opened spot that’s already getting some island buzz. From takeout in your beach chair to white tablecloths under string lights, I’ve got the inside scoop on where to eat, sip, and celebrate all season long. Let’s dig in!