Long Beach Island is a barrier island and popular Jersey Shore beach colony in Ocean County, NJ. Located between Atlantic City and Seaside Heights, it is an 18-mile island dotted with charming shore towns, beautiful beaches plus an historic lighthouse and park. After several years, I recently went back for the day and enjoyed the experience!! My focus was on the northern tip in the town of Barnegat Light, rather than the more touristy Beach Haven to the south.
My first stop was at Viking Village. This is a series of old fishing shacks that have been turned into a number of boutique shops, markets and a coffee shop. These include The Seawife, a charming store for antiques and collectibles and How You Brewin Coffee Company which is a fun, casual spot for coffee drinks, ice cream and baked goods.
Others include Cassidy’s Fish Market, Frank’s Produce and Viking Fresh Off the Hook for seafood takeout. You can also walk the docks and see the fishing boats of Viking Village, Inc, a commercial fishing company with focus on scallops, tuna, mahi mahi, swordfish and others. You can buy these at Cassidy’s Fish Market. 1801 Bayview Ave.
Next on my list was Kubel’s. Popular with the locals, this is a casual bar and grill located at 28 W 7th St, Barnegat Light. It opened in 1927 across from the docks. It was made popular by Anthony Bourdain who filmed one of his TV shows there. It is currently on the Anthony Bourdain New Jersey Food Trail. You can see a number of his photos inside. I enjoyed my creamy New England clam chowder, the crab cake sandwich and the service! It has both inside and outside seating.
After lunch stop in for ice cream at Poppy’s Ice Cream Parlour at 607 Broadway. I loved the butter pecan!!
Then head north to the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park where you can visit the historic Barnegat Light or “Old Barney” built in 1859. It was illuminated again in January, 2009. You can climb the 217 steps to see the views from the top and walk along the water on the 1.9 mile Barnegat Lighthouse trail or visit the Maritime Forest Trail. You can see the Island Beach State Park across Barnegat Bay which is south of Seaside Heights, NJ.
Barnegat Light Historical Society & Museum: After visiting the lighthouse, you can then visit the Barnegat Light Historical Society & Museum along with the beautiful Edith Gwinn Gardens in the back of the property. Here you can learn about the history of the Lighthouse and the area.
Three other restaurants getting great reviews include:
Mustache Bill’s Diner for breakfast and lunch, at 8th St. & Broadway in Barnegat Light. It has been open for over 50 years.
Daymark Bar & Restaurant, recommended to me by a local, is a popular spot for seafood at 404 Broadway in Barnegat Light. It is open for dinner as well as Sunday brunch.
Also the Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House. Located on the mainland in Manahawkin, just off Long Beach Island, this is a casual tavern featuring a raw bar, seafood, steaks and cocktails plus live weekend music. 1201 E. Bay Ave.
Also, high on my list to try is Lucille’s Country Cooking to the west of Long Beach Island at 1496 Main St. in Barnegat, NJ. This is a casual breakfast and brunch spot, that was also a favorite of Anthony Bourdain’s. It is also on the Anthony Bourdain New Jersey Food Trail.
