Best Brunch at the Jersey Shore
From Victorian elegance to beachfront mimosas, find your perfect shore brunch
Jersey Shore brunch ranges from legendary pancake houses to oceanfront fine dining. Whether you want bottomless mimosas with an ocean view in Asbury Park, Victorian elegance in Cape May, or a no-frills stack of pancakes after a beach morning, the Shore delivers. Here are the best spots to start your day.
Top Brunch Spots
The Ebbitt Room
$$$$Cape May · Upscale American
Elegant brunch in the historic Virginia Hotel with seasonal menus
Must-try: Lobster benedict, champagne flight
Reservations: Highly recommended
Toast
$$Asbury Park · Creative American
Trendy spot known for creative dishes and strong coffee
Must-try: Red velvet pancakes, avocado toast
Reservations: Walk-in (expect a wait weekends)
The Columns
$$$Avon-by-the-Sea · Classic American
Historic inn with oceanfront porch dining and classic brunch
Must-try: Eggs Benedict, Belgian waffles
Reservations: Recommended weekends
The Committed Pig
$$Manasquan · Gourmet Comfort
Bacon-centric brunch with creative egg dishes
Must-try: Pig candy, breakfast burrito
Reservations: Walk-in friendly
Peter Shields Inn
$$$$Cape May · Fine Dining
Oceanfront Georgian Revival mansion with exquisite brunch
Must-try: Crab cake benedict, brioche French toast
Reservations: Required
Uncle Bill's Pancake House
$Cape May · Classic Pancake House
Legendary no-frills breakfast spot since 1959
Must-try: Blueberry pancakes, creamed chipped beef
Reservations: No reservations (expect lines)
Langosta Lounge
$$Asbury Park · Coastal Mexican
Beachfront brunch with Latin flair and ocean views
Must-try: Huevos rancheros, lobster tacos
Reservations: Recommended for patio
The Buttered Biscuit
$$Bradley Beach · Southern ComfortBYOB
Southern-inspired breakfast with homemade biscuits
Must-try: Biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits
Reservations: Walk-in
The Mad Batter
$$$Cape May · Creative American
Victorian B&B restaurant with inventive brunch menu
Must-try: Banana stuffed French toast, crab omelets
Reservations: Recommended
Avenue
$$$Long Branch · Modern American
Trendy Pier Village spot with weekend brunch and ocean views
Must-try: Steak and eggs, avocado toast
Reservations: Recommended
Brunch by Style
Oceanfront/Beachview
Brunch with a view - nothing beats mimosas overlooking the Atlantic
Where: Langosta Lounge, Peter Shields Inn, The Columns, Avenue
Best for: Special occasions, Instagram moments
Classic Diners & Pancake Houses
No-frills, generous portions, quick service, local favorites
Where: Uncle Bill's, local diners throughout the Shore
Best for: Families, budget-conscious, hungover mornings
Trendy/Modern
Creative dishes, craft cocktails, stylish atmosphere
Where: Toast, Langosta Lounge, Avenue
Best for: Foodies, date brunch, groups of friends
Historic Inn Dining
Elegant brunch in restored Victorian or historic properties
Where: Ebbitt Room, Peter Shields Inn, Mad Batter, The Columns
Best for: Romantic brunch, celebrations, visitors wanting shore charm
Brunch by Region
North Shore (Monmouth County)
Asbury Park, Long Branch, Bradley Beach, Avon, Manasquan
Mix of trendy spots and classic diners, year-round options
Top pick: Toast in Asbury Park
Tip: Asbury Park has the best variety; weekends get crowded by 10am
Central Shore (Ocean County)
Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights, LBI
Family-friendly spots and boardwalk breakfast
Top pick: Local diners and seasonal spots
Tip: Many places seasonal; check hours off-season
South Shore (Cape May County)
Cape May, Wildwood, Ocean City, Stone Harbor
Victorian elegance meets beach casual
Top pick: The Ebbitt Room or Uncle Bill's depending on mood
Tip: Cape May dominates for brunch; reserve ahead in summer
Brunch Tips
Beat the Crowds
Popular brunch spots fill up fast on weekends. Arrive by 9am or wait until after 1pm. Weekdays are much easier.
BYOB Brunch Hack
Some shore spots are BYOB - bring your own champagne for mimosas and save significantly. The Buttered Biscuit in Bradley Beach allows it.
Make Reservations
Upscale spots like Ebbitt Room and Peter Shields require reservations, especially summer weekends. Book 1-2 weeks ahead.
Check Seasonal Hours
Many shore brunch spots have limited hours or close entirely off-season. Always call ahead September-May.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best brunch at the Jersey Shore?
Cape May has the most acclaimed options including The Ebbitt Room for upscale brunch and Uncle Bill's for classic pancakes. Asbury Park's Toast is beloved for creative dishes. For oceanfront dining, try Langosta Lounge in Asbury or Peter Shields Inn in Cape May.
Are there BYOB brunch spots at the Jersey Shore?
Yes! The Buttered Biscuit in Bradley Beach is BYOB, perfect for bringing your own champagne for mimosas. Several smaller spots throughout the shore are also BYOB - call ahead to confirm.
Do I need reservations for brunch at the Shore?
For upscale restaurants like The Ebbitt Room, Peter Shields Inn, and Mad Batter, yes - especially on summer weekends. Casual spots like Toast and Uncle Bill's don't take reservations but expect lines.
What time should I arrive for brunch?
Popular spots get crowded by 10am on weekends. Either arrive early (8:30-9am) or late (after 1pm). Weekdays are much less crowded and often a better experience.
Which shore town has the best brunch scene?
Cape May and Asbury Park lead the pack. Cape May offers Victorian charm with spots ranging from Uncle Bill's to fine dining at Ebbitt Room. Asbury Park has trendy options like Toast and beachfront Langosta Lounge.
Are shore brunch spots open year-round?
Major spots in Cape May and Asbury Park operate year-round, though with reduced hours. Many seasonal beach towns close brunch spots after Labor Day. Always check hours October-May.
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