Belmar is a popular Jersey Shore destination. When in town don’t miss Klein’s Fish Market and Waterfront Cafe, a local institution since 1929. This is a great spot for lunch along the water at 708 River Rd., at Main St. It has a large menu of seafood, sushi and pastas. They are also known for their Sunday brunch.
Recently opened is the Marina Grille at 905 New Jersey 35. It is a large restaurant for seafood, drinks and live music overlooking the Belmar Marina. Open for lunch and dinner, it features items from their raw bar plus salads, chowders and bisques, pizzas, burgers and seafood entrees. I enjoyed the lobster roll for lunch. They also feature live music so check their online schedule. The views of the Belmar Marina are really outstanding from the outdoor seating.
Locals also recommend Ragin’ Cajun for good Cajun food and jazz and blues on Tuesday nights. 1102 River Rd. (Rt. 35).
Turnstile Coffee Roasters is a great spot for a latte at 1607 Highway 71 in Belmar. They roast their own coffee in their attractive store.
Recently opened is the Beach Haus Brewery in Belmar at 801 Main. They do offer tours and their tasting room upstairs is a great spot. I really enjoyed trying the Herb’s Rye – American Wheat Beer that was very smooth to drink. They also make a number of pilsners, lagers, IPAs, ales, porters and seasonal offerings like a Pumptoberfest pumpkin marzen/Oktoberfest beer. It is part of the Jersey Shore Craft Beer Tour.
I normally don’t think of NJ when I think of barbecue, but I was tempted when I saw this casual spot in Belmar on the Jersey Shore. Jersey Shore BBQ is a fun spot when you are tired of seafood!! Their Texas-style barbecue is pit-cooked on local hardwoods. They have an extensive menu of ribs, platters or sandwiches with pulled pork, pulled chicken, brisket and brisket burnt ends. There are some great sides, starters, and salads. They do offer quesadillas, nachos plus some seafood po-boys. There are several BBQ sauces to choose from. I enjoyed the pulled pork platter with slaw, sweet potato fries and a piece of corn bread. One of the other diners loved his meal so much that at he started serenading the others! 811 Belmar Plaza.
