Week 3 - July 3
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
The Fried Chicken at Clemmy's
The Fourth is finally here, the weather is finally ~somewhat~ normal, and the island is at peak capacity. If you are exhausted from fighting the beach crowds during the day and don’t mind driving over the causeway to escape the nightime wait lines, head over to Clemmy’s in Waretown.
If you happen to be here on a Monday, and are craving some good old fashioned American BBQ but aren’t afraid of a twist, be sure to try the Fried Chicken. Tossed in a black garlic soy sauce, served with kimchi, and topped with cilantro and lime, this will become your favorite post-Sunday Scaries craving.
Opening in 2023, Clemmy’s has quickly become the talk of the town. It’s popped up in just about every Jersey Shore round-up since and absolutely lives up to the hype.
👆Insider Tip: They don’t take reservations, so avoid peak dinner hours if you can. Shoot for around 8pm—or if you’re early and end up waiting, the outdoor setup (complete with fire pits, string lights, and BYO-friendly vibes) invites you to sip your wine to pass the time.
The Concept
The menu changes weekly based on what’s fresh and locally in season, so don’t get too attached to your favorite dish because it might not be there next time. But that’s kind of the point! Everything that comes out of the kitchen is insanely fresh, locally sourced, and consistently exceeds expectations.
🌟 Must-Order Dish
Old Bay Crab Bucatini — Fresh Tomatoes, Old Bay, Crab
I can’t promise this will be on the menu when you go, but it does seem to make pretty regular appearances so it’s clearly a crowd favorite. If you’re lucky enough to be there on a night it’s offered I suggest you try it while you can.
Honorable mentions go to:
- Grammy’s Famous Orange Cake (I keep a slice in my freezer at all times with the homemade Vanilla Gelato)
- Viking Village Scallops or Tuna specifically with the Pepperoncini Sauce
- Classic Caesar Salad
Some places you try once, but I promise you Clemmy’s will not be one of them. I guarantee this will become a part of your summer – if not weekly – rotation.
📍 Located at 290 US-9 Waretown, NJ
Monday, Thursday, Sunday: 4-9pm
Friday & Saturday: 4-10pm
🌊Weekend Washashores
Not every beach day calls for a cooler. Sometimes, you just need a solid sandwich you can grab on the way home and eat with sandy hands on the drive or on the deck. These spots are fresh, inventive, and local favorites. Their sandwiches are stacked and never leave you hungry.
🍹This Week's Sip
Drink of the Week: PBR and Lemonade at the Porthole
What’s more American than a dive bar and a PBR?
- Maybe it’s the nostalgia, maybe it’s the simplicity. Either way, the Portholes’ lemonade and PBR pairing has been a local go-to for decades.
🤙 Order Like a Local
If you find yourself over the causeway looking for some reprieve from the crowds, try Blacky’s Clam Stand for some of the best-tasting (and best-priced) clams around. Don’t let the dilapidated building or overgrown salt bays deter you-people have been lining up here for decades. They open at 10, sell only clams, are cash only, and once they’re out, that’s it!
📍 Located at 1128 East Bay Ave. Stafford, NJ
👂 Word on the Beach
Introducing LBI’s New Matcha Stand ~Lulu’s Sips
The island is no stranger to some great coffee shops. But I’ve always been disappointed by the Matcha options. Then Lulu’s Sips hit the scene, and I can honestly say it’s some of the best Matcha I’ve had not only on LBI, but in New Jersey.
For those of you who aren’t attuned to the craze, Matcha is a Japanese Tea that releases caffeine slowly over a longer period of time. So you get the buzz of a coffee but without the jittery crash out. Lexi Mandel discovered Matcha while in college and was moved by the traditional tea ceremony, and inspired by the ritual, the mindfulness and the culture behind the refreshing beverage. To her it’s more than a drink, it’s a practice.
Lexi made it her mission to share that intentional sipping experience with others. Having grown up working on the island and connecting with the locals and vacationers, she knew she wanted to help them discover something they loved and to see the joy it brought. She aspires to share that same connected feeling through every cup of Matcha she makes.
The Name:
“Lulu’s Sips comes from a nickname my mom has called me since I was little; Lulu. It felt like the perfect fit for something so personal and close to my heart. I’m incredibly grateful to my family for always encouraging me to turn this passion into something real and for supporting me every step of the way”
The Drink:
Upcoming Pop-Ups:
- Saturday, July 5th at 506 Boutique
More Dates Coming Soon – Follow Along For Upcoming Events
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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