Week 6 - July 24
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!
🍕 This Week’s Bite
Lobster Tostadas at Birdy's Cafe Market
There aren’t many places I haven’t heard of on the island, but when I first drove by Birdy’s Cafe Market in Harvey Cedars in late spring of this year I just had a feeling it was one of the North Side’s lesser known and better kept secret spots.
Having gone back quite a few times since, I have yet to be disappointed by anything on their menu. Operating as grab-and-go market and a causal dinner joint, Birdy’s uses fresh and local ingredients to craft their rotating menu. This week’s special, the Lobster Tostadas, is no exception.
Crispy tortillas piled high with homemade guac, hand-picked lobster, topped with a zingy chipotle crema, finished with pickled onions and served with a citrusy salsa verde, this dish is the move if you want something seafood-y without going full fried platter. It’s ideal for a light meal after a long day in the sun.
It’s definitely on the more trendy side, but if you don’t mind a little boho chic with your morning smoothie then I can’t recommend this place enough. It’s just a short stroll from the bay and a bike ride from the beach – perfect for a low-key brunch or laid-back dinner.
👆 Insider Tip: Grab a container, or three, of their chicken salad and a loaf of fresh bread to have on hand for your trip. It’s one of the best beach sandwiches this island has.
The Charm
Tucked into Harvey Cedars, Birdy’s is one of the best brunch spots on the north end. It’s BYOB, dog-friendly, and doesn’t feel overly curated or chaotic. It’s just a calm space with good food and a local feel.
The menu changes often and leans seasonal, with ingredients from nearby farms, bakeries, and fish markets. It isn’t your run of the mill diner and does lean more artisanal, but everything’s clearly made with care and intention.
You’ll see things like house-made focaccia, local eggs, fresh seafood, and herbs that probably came from their own garden. It’s the kind of place that actually strives to “support local”, not just puts it on a sign out front.
🌟 Must-Order Dish
Prosciutto Toast —House-made tomato butter and burrata on grilled Italian Bread
Honorable Mentions
Fresh Pressed Juices: The Dirty Bird – Cucumber, lime, celery, apple, ginger
Lobster Roll – Asian-style with crispy scallions, ginger and soy sauce aioli
Green Eggs and Ham- Scrambled eggs with fresh pesto and spinach, country ham, and home fries
The eyes eat first at Birdy’s, where every plate is a little love letter to LBI’s local flavor. From just-baked sourdough to garden-fresh herbs and Jersey-sweet tomatoes, you can taste the island in every bite. It feels like you’re eating a home-cooked meal in your backyard garden, and whether you’re brunching under the pines or grabbing a picnic to-go, Birdy’s serves up more than just a meal.
📍 Located at 7801 Long Beach Blvd. Harvey Cedars
Thursday – Saturday: 7 am – 2:30 pm, 5 pm – 9 pm
Sunday – Tuesday: 5 pm -9 pm
🌊Weekend Washashores
If you asked someone ten years ago what the island was missing, the answer was usually good coffee spots. Yes, there were bakeries to get your morning fix, but really How You Brewin’ was the only house-roasted option. In the past five years or so this has completely changed. Now you can find an aesthetically pleasing (and actually good) coffee shop in almost every township. I personally think the island is in its’ heyday of cafes, and in my opinion the ones below are absolutely worth checking out.
👂 Word on the Beach
The Corner Bakery
If you’re on the North Side of the island and looking for an early morning spot to satisfy your sweet tooth, be sure to check out this new spot.
📍 Located at 1700 Long Beach Blvd, Surf City
This family owned bakery operates on the idea that good ingredients aren’t cheap, and cheap ingredients are not good. They prioritize quality, believing their customers deserve the absolute best they have to offer. Specializing in “superior service, personalized attention,” I could taste the thoughtfulness in every bite. You just know from walking in, and from the irresistible smell, that all their goodies are baked with love.
🍹This Week's Sip
We are in the thick of summer now and it has been a hot one. If a chilled beer on the beach isn’t your sip of choice, Terrace Tavern might have just what you’re looking for.
Frose ~ fresh strawberries blended with rose wine
Who said you need palm trees to enjoy a frozen drink? Be sure to opt in to the Grey Goose and lemongrass essence floater for an elevated twist on a summer classic.
👂 Word on the Beach
The Jerz – An Ode To The Garden State
There is a decades long debate on LBI…who has the best ice cream? I think the question is a bit subjective, with nostalgia and location usually playing a factor in someone’s answer.
If you ask me, I would say objectively, The Woohoo is my winner. The unique and funky rotating menu always surprises you, and the homemade flavors (along with their more than generous portions) will keep you coming back for more.
For only one more week they are churning their state inspired flavor – The Jerz – made with sweet corn ice cream, candied pork roll, and blueberry swirl.
It’s the quintessential Jersey combination, a little out there and a whole lot of fun.
📍Located at 211 S. Bay Ave Beach Haven and 1909 Long Beach Blvd. Surf City
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!
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