Summer-Only Restaurants
Seasonal spots worth returning for every Jersey Shore summer
Some of the best Jersey Shore restaurants only exist in summer. From waterfront bars in Highlands that pack up after Labor Day to seafood shacks on LBI that shutter in October, these seasonal spots are worth planning your trip around. When they're open, they capture everything magical about summer at the Shore.
Top Summer-Only Spots
The Windansea
Memorial Day - Labor DayHighlands · Waterfront Bar & Grill
Beachside bar with live music and direct Sandy Hook views
Must-try: Lobster roll and frozen drinks
Laid-back beach bar atmosphere
Bahrs Landing
Year-round (outdoor deck summer only)Highlands · Seafood Restaurant
Historic waterfront restaurant since 1917 with summer deck dining
Must-try: Fresh catch of the day
Classic Jersey Shore seafood institution
Ship Bottom Shellfish
May - OctoberShip Bottom · Oyster Bar & Raw Bar
Fresh oysters and clams, outdoor seating on LBI
Must-try: Dozen raw oysters, steamed clams
Casual seafood shack
Beach Plum Farm
May - OctoberCape May · Farm-to-Table
On-site farm with seasonal outdoor dining experiences
Must-try: Farm-fresh salads, grilled local catch
Rustic farm elegance
The Crab House
April - NovemberCape May · Crab Shack
All-you-can-eat crab legs on the harbor
Must-try: Snow crab legs, steamed shrimp
No-frills crab feast
Harvey Cedars Shellfish Co.
April - OctoberHarvey Cedars · Seafood Market & Eatery
Fresh seafood market with outdoor picnic seating on LBI
Must-try: Lobster roll, seafood platters
Local market freshness
Kubel's
May - OctoberBarnegat Light · Waterfront Restaurant
Classic LBI spot overlooking Barnegat Inlet
Must-try: Sunset dinner with fresh fish
LBI institution
Surf Taco
Year-round (peak summer)Point Pleasant Beach · Surf-Mex Fast Casual
Baja-style tacos and burritos near the beach
Must-try: Fish tacos, loaded nachos
Surfer beach town casual
Dune Grass Cafe
May - SeptemberShip Bottom · Breakfast & Brunch
Popular LBI breakfast spot with creative dishes
Must-try: Stuffed French toast, specialty omelets
Morning beach crowd favorite
The Clam Bar
Memorial Day - Labor DaySeaside Heights · Boardwalk Seafood
Boardwalk staple for fried clams and seafood baskets
Must-try: Fried clam strips, clam chowder
Classic boardwalk dining
Types of Summer-Only Dining
Beachfront Bars & Grills
Toes-in-the-sand spots that only make sense when the sun is shining. Live music, frozen drinks, and sunset views.
Best for: Happy hour, casual dinners, live music
Peak time: June - August, especially weekends
Examples: The Windansea, Bahrs Landing deck
LBI Seafood Shacks
Long Beach Island comes alive in summer with raw bars, lobster rolls, and fresh catch from local waters.
Best for: Fresh seafood, family dinners, casual vibes
Peak time: May - October
Examples: Harvey Cedars Shellfish Co., Kubel's, Ship Bottom Shellfish
Boardwalk Eateries
Classic boardwalk food stands and restaurants that only operate during the summer season.
Best for: Quick bites, family fun, beach day fuel
Peak time: Memorial Day - Labor Day
Examples: The Clam Bar, boardwalk pizza stands
Farm-to-Table Experiences
Outdoor farm dining and seasonal pop-ups that celebrate local summer produce.
Best for: Special occasions, foodies, unique experiences
Peak time: June - September
Examples: Beach Plum Farm, farm dinner events
Summer Dining by Region
Monmouth County
Highlands, Sea Bright, Long Branch, Belmar
Waterfront bars and seafood spots overlooking Sandy Hook Bay and the Atlantic.
Tip: The Highlands area has multiple summer-only waterfront spots with live music.
Long Beach Island
Barnegat Light, Harvey Cedars, Ship Bottom, Beach Haven
LBI transforms into a seafood paradise with casual shacks and fresh-catch restaurants.
Tip: Many LBI restaurants are BYOB—bring wine to pair with your fresh seafood.
Cape May County
Cape May, Wildwood, Stone Harbor, Avalon
Mix of farm experiences, historic dining, and beachfront casual spots.
Tip: Beach Plum Farm reservations fill up fast—book weeks ahead for summer.
Ocean County
Point Pleasant Beach, Seaside Heights, Lavallette
Boardwalk classics and beach town fast-casual dining.
Tip: Weekends get crowded—visit weekdays for shorter lines at popular spots.
Seasonal Dining Tips
Check Opening Dates
Seasonal restaurants don't follow a strict calendar. Some open at Easter, others Memorial Day. Check social media or call ahead before driving.
Make Summer Reservations
Popular spots book up fast July-August. For dinner at sought-after restaurants like Beach Plum Farm, reserve 2-3 weeks ahead.
Embrace the Wait
No-reservation spots often have lines in summer. Bring a drink (if allowed), enjoy the vibe, and treat the wait as part of the experience.
Visit Shoulder Season
Late May and September offer the same great food without peak-summer crowds. Many seasonal spots are open but less hectic.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do summer-only restaurants at the Jersey Shore open?
Most open between Memorial Day weekend and mid-June, though some seafood shacks open as early as Easter weekend. Peak season is July-August. Many close after Labor Day, though some extend through October.
Which Jersey Shore towns have the best seasonal restaurants?
Long Beach Island (Harvey Cedars, Ship Bottom, Barnegat Light) is famous for summer seafood spots. Highlands and Sea Bright have great waterfront bars. Cape May offers unique farm dining experiences that are summer-focused.
Do I need reservations at summer-only restaurants?
For casual seafood shacks and boardwalk spots, no—just expect a wait during peak times. For upscale seasonal dining like Beach Plum Farm, yes—book 2-3 weeks ahead in summer.
Are summer-only restaurants more expensive?
Prices tend to be slightly higher during peak summer season due to demand and staffing costs. Shoulder seasons (late May, September) often offer better value.
What happens to seasonal restaurants in winter?
They close completely. Staff move on to other jobs, and the restaurants shutter until the following spring. Some owners operate other businesses off-season or take extended breaks.
Can I bring my own alcohol to summer seafood spots?
Many casual seafood shacks on LBI and in smaller shore towns are BYOB, which is a huge money saver. Always check before you go—some waterfront bars obviously have full liquor licenses.
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