Top 5 ‘Hidden Gem’ Restaurants on LBI

Here are my top 5 hidden gems on LBI for 2026.

10 South Martini Lounge & Wine Bar

This may be the most hidden place on this entire list.

You typically don't find 10 South. Someone tells you about it, or you accidentally stumble across it. I did the latter a few summers ago and was shocked I hadn't heard more about it sooner.

Tucked away inside the Sea Shell Resort & Beach Club, I thought the concept might be more gimmick than substance. It didn't take long to realize I was wrong. 10 South quietly serves some of the best craft cocktails on the island.

Part of what makes it stand out is how different it feels from the typical island bar scene. While LBI is filled with great waterfront spots, live music venues, and casual beach bars, 10 South offers something entirely different. The atmosphere feels more like a speakeasy than a shore bar, with a cozy, intimate setting that encourages you to slow down, settle in, and enjoy a well-crafted drink.

The cocktail menu is creative without trying too hard, and the bartenders clearly know what they're doing. Every drink feels thoughtfully made, striking that difficult balance between approachable and unique. While other spots generate the buzz, 10 South has been quietly doing it right for years.

Part of the reason it remains such a hidden gem is that they don't seem to do much advertising. As of early July 2026, their Instagram hadn't been updated since the previous summer, leaving many people to wonder whether it was still operating. I can confirm it is open daily for the summer beginning at 5 p.m., making it one of those places that somehow continues to fly under the radar despite consistently delivering a great experience.

The best part is that it still feels like a discovery. Even in the middle of summer, you'll often find people experiencing it for the first time and wondering how they never knew it was there.

Bōhdy

Chances are you've driven past Bōhdy dozens of times without realizing it was there. The futuristic Walters building greets you as you leave the island, and while it's impossible to miss, a lot of people don't realize there's a café tucked inside.

Look for the lightning bolt on the side of the building and you'll find Bōhdy, a passion project from local business owners and friends Matt Agnello and Matt Walters. From the moment you walk in, it's clear a lot of thought went into every detail.

The space feels modern, bright, and effortlessly cool. Its polished coastal aesthetic is reminiscent of the cafés you'd find in places like West Palm Beach or Southern California.

The menu is built around simple, whole ingredients that let the quality of the food speak for itself. You can build your own bowl using organic ingredients, with everything thoughtfully prepared and lightly seasoned. Everything is organic and seed oil free, and all of the sauces and salsas are made in house, giving you plenty of ways to customize your meal.

I've worked my way through a good portion of the menu, and I've genuinely enjoyed everything I've tried. My favorite is the steak and eggs bowl with their homemade salsa. It's one of the best clean breakfasts you'll find anywhere on the island.

Don't skip the coffee either. The lattes are excellent, the baked goods are made in house, and both are good enough to stand alongside some of the best cafés on LBI.

Bōhdy is one of those places that's hiding in plain sight. Once you know it's there, you'll probably find yourself stopping in a lot more often.

Taqueria Rendon

One of my favorite discoveries of the past year, Taqueria Rendon fills a gap on LBI that many people don't realize exists until they're craving it. While there's certainly no shortage of Mexican restaurants on the mainland, the options on the island are surprisingly limited, especially on the north end.

The Rendon family spent years building a loyal following at their original Northfield restaurant before expanding to Long Beach Island, and thankfully they did.

What immediately stands out is how fresh everything tastes. Having eaten at plenty of Mexican restaurants on the mainland, I find Taqueria Rendon to be a nice change of pace. The flavors feel lighter, brighter, and more vibrant, letting the ingredients do the talking without weighing you down. Whether you're ordering tacos, burritos, bowls, or a side of fresh guacamole, everything tastes thoughtfully prepared and packed with flavor.

The lineup of homemade hot sauces lets you customize every meal, taking things from mild and approachable to something with a serious kick. It's the kind of place that works equally well for someone looking for simpler, more familiar flavors and someone chasing a spicier dish.

The people behind the counter are just as memorable as the food. Friendly, welcoming, and genuinely appreciative of every customer, they make the experience feel personal in a way that's becoming increasingly rare.

It's primarily a takeout operation with a handful of outdoor tables, which honestly fits the island perfectly. Pick up some tacos, grab a few sides, mix up margaritas back at the house, and you've got yourself an easy summer night. For anyone looking for authentic Mexican food on LBI, Taqueria Rendon is well worth seeking out. I hope this one is here to stay.

Andy's

Still hidden to many, Andy's quietly opened its coffee shop in the fall of 2025, adding another reason to visit one of the island's most unique spots. While the store itself has been a fixture in Barnegat Light for years, the coffee counter is a relatively new addition that plenty of people still haven't discovered.

What makes Andy's special isn't just the coffee. It might have the best view of any establishment on LBI.

Perched directly along the Barnegat Inlet, it's the kind of place where you can grab a cup and watch boats pass through the inlet while the Barnegat Lighthouse stands in the distance. If you're lucky, you might even spot a few seals swimming nearby.

Everything about Andy's feels frozen in time in the best way possible, including the prices. Open year-round, it quickly became a favorite gathering spot for locals during the offseason, whether they were catching up with friends, getting some work done, or simply enjoying a quiet morning by the water.

While word has started to spread and summer crowds have followed, Andy's still feels like a hidden corner of the island. During the offseason especially, there's something uniquely peaceful about grabbing a coffee and taking in one of the best views anywhere on LBI.

It's the kind of place where a quick coffee stop somehow turns into an hour.

Lighthouse Juice Bar

Tucked away at the northern tip of the island sits Lighthouse Juice Bar, a place that's surprisingly easy to miss. Sharing a building with Barnegat Light Massage, it's not exactly the kind of location that grabs your attention as you drive by.

I was shocked when I stopped in for the first time this June and learned they were already entering their fourth season.

The setup is simple, and that's part of the charm. Everything runs through a takeout window, and I'll admit I'm a sucker for a takeout window. There's something nice about not being jammed inside somewhere waiting for your order. Order at the window, grab a seat in their pleasant outdoor area, and enjoy the chill Barnegat Light vibes until your name is called. It all adds up to a genuinely relaxing experience.

I started with an acai bowl, made in-house and topped with fresh fruit, bee pollen, and a variety of other toppings. The bowl was refreshing, balanced, and not overly sweet. Everything tasted fresh, which is exactly what you're hoping for when ordering an acai bowl.

I also tried the Windsurfer juice, a blend of apple, lemon, and ginger. Ginger tends to be a love-it-or-hate-it ingredient, but for anyone who enjoys it, this juice absolutely delivers. The ginger comes through clearly without overpowering the other flavors, creating a drink that feels both refreshing and well-balanced.

Coming from someone who drinks a lot of juices, it was one of the best I've ever had.

The owners recently expanded to consistent daily hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., making it easier than ever to stop by. Whether you're looking for a healthy breakfast, a post-beach refresh, or simply a lighter option during a week of indulgent vacation meals, Lighthouse Juice Bar is a hidden gem that's worth adding to your list.

Here are my top 5 hidden gems on (and near) LBI for 2025.

Dock & Claw Clam Bar

Located in the heart of Beach Haven, I debated including this one because it's not really tucked away or in a random shopping center like some other places on this list. But the fact that it only has 110 Google reviews (as I write this article) was enough proof that not enough people have tried this place.

If you are in the market for a unique dining experience on the island, look no further. Possessing the rare (unprecedented?) combo of neighborhood bar vibes where you can bring your own alcohol with a creative and fun food menu, this place is truly one of a kind.

Everything I have tried here has been packed with layers of flavor. My favorites include the Crab Birria tacos, the "Double Dock Burger," and the street corn (maybe my favorite rendition ever on it). If you like spice, don't forget to try the hot sauce. It's made with fresh Jersey peppers and hits you with the perfect combo of heat and flavor.

If you sit at the bar, chances are you will meet one of the passionate owners, Steve or Kevin, adding to an already enjoyable experience. As the popularity increases by the day, this may be the last year I can include D&C on this list. So make sure you get there this summer while it's still hidden(ish).

Viking Fresh Off the Hook

Located on the northern tip of the island, it can be easily explained why Viking Fresh Off the Hook gets overlooked. Many folks simply don't venture off to Barnegat Light. If there ever was a reason to head to the north end, "Off the Hook" is it.

Located on one of the prominent fresh seafood hubs in the region, Viking Village, the "Fresh Off the Hook" name is not hyperbole. True to its name, the restaurant features seafood dishes in abundance. It offers fresh lobster, scallops, salmon, flounder, tuna, and mahi mahi prepared in sandwich, platter, and taco form.

My favorite is the scallop taco, a generous portion of melt-in-your-mouth scallops, topped with lettuce, a fresh pico, cheese, sour cream, and chipotle mayo. Partnered with a generous handful of homemade potato chips, this entree is an ideal coastal lunch. I love these so much that I make the 25-minute trek up multiple times a summer to scratch the itch.

I have heard rumors that people come from near and far for their albacore tuna salad. As someone who currently turns down tuna salad, I cannot confirm its worthiness. However, I can vouch for the blackened mahi sandwich, salmon dinner, and shrimp tacos as other tasty options.

This is a seasonal business that is open Memorial Day to Labor Day, so get here before it's too late.

Livin' on the Veg

Formerly located on the island, "The Veg" is now located just a short drive from the causeway bridge in Manahawkin. Tucked away in an unassuming shopping center, this eatery fully embodies the "hidden gem" label. True to its title, LOV serves nothing but vegan food (if you're not a vegan, keep reading).

As someone who is not a vegan (and eats just about anything), I can honestly say this place has some of the best food in the area. Currently sporting a lofty 4.9 Google review, it's clear the community agrees. Open for breakfast and lunch, I would say the lunch window is the Veg's sweet spot.

I've tried just about everything on the menu and can say it's all fresh, well-presented, and loaded with flavor. My absolute favorites are the Tempeh Ranch (their rendition of a buffalo chicken wrap), the Avocado Club, and the Avocado Tempeh Melt. For breakfast, the granola bowl, albeit basic, will exceed your expectations.

They also offer daily specials that are always a great option, with the "Buffalo Soldier" and "Tofu Tolum" being two I'd keep an eye out for.

Some new additions to their offerings include "grab-n-go" dinners and 3-day organic juice cleanses.

In addition to their restaurant in Manahawkin, their products can be found in local businesses such as Pangaea Naturals Health Food, Agnello's, Pearl Street Market, and Black Sheep Studios.

Polly's Dock

Located on the Beach Haven waterfront, Polly's is surrounded by some of the island's biggest stars. As amusement park-like lines form at neighboring restaurants, Polly's remains secluded from the action. On an island mainly void of waterfront dining, Polly's delivers with bayside dock dining at an affordable cost.

At Polly's, the recipe for a good experience is simple. Get the clams and garlic bread, bring your favorite alcoholic beverage, and try to time it with a sunset. For those who aren't carb conscious, I suggest ordering an extra side of garlic bread to mop up the remaining broth.

If you are still hungry, get a handheld made with premium ingredients. Burgers made with Okie's famous beef blend, cheesesteaks made with shaved ribeye, and fish sandwiches made with fresh cod or flounder will be sure to please.

Polly's is also boater friendly, offering boat rentals and a "Dock and Dine" option for boat owners.

Crêperie de la Mer & French Café

Hidden amongst a sea of residential homes lies the lone business on Beach Ave, Crêperie de la Mer & French Café. Located in a building of a shuttered general store, this cafe exudes charm and good vibes. The model here is simple: do a few things and do them right. The menu consists of crêpes, pastries (imported from France), and various beverages (coffees, teas, smoothies).

This is the one place on the list I haven't been a regular visitor of, but was so blown away on my first visit that I felt obligated to include it. I tried the "Butter and Sugar" and the "Lemon and Powdered Sugar" crêpes and the "Complète" galette (which essentially is a crepe/omelet hybrid).

All 3 were delicious, but I have to give the nod to the "Butter and Sugar" style. Possessing a simple yet powerful flavor profile, this confection set a new watermark for my crêpe rating scale (which admittedly, as an Italian, may have been programmed improperly).

They took the razor-thin path of sweet and savory and navigated it to perfection. The flavor profile, partnered with the soft, tender texture, really made this a delectable treat. The side of homemade whipped cream was the cherry on top, enticing the eater to up the sweetness.

I did not get a chance to try the coffee or pastries, but I am told the pastries are imported directly from France. I'm inclined to think that any pastry making the 3,500-mile trek across the pond has to be good, right?

Although this business has year-round hours, it's worth noting the crêpes are only available in-season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), so get here while you can.