The weather is turning, and honestly, it couldn’t have come at a better time. After what felt like an endless rainy season, we’re finally getting those warm, sunny days that make you remember why you live for summer on LBI. The water’s warming up, the boats are coming out of storage, and there’s this feeling in the air that the season is really about to begin.
What I love most about boating season here is how it opens up dining possibilities you just can’t get anywhere else. Instead of being tied to one spot for the day, you can actually cruise from restaurant to restaurant, enjoying both the journey and the destination. These waterfront spots have figured out that boaters want great food without having to give up their day on the water.
The Boatyard
2200 E Bay Ave Manahawkin, NJ 08050
The Boatyard’s location makes it incredibly convenient whether you’re launching from the mainland or already out exploring the bay. What started as a practical stop has become a destination in its own right, thanks to an atmosphere that’s genuinely worth the trip. They offer boat rentals, marina slips, and a boat up restaurant!
A great outdoor hangout that’s perfect for the kids (and even the dogs), you can dock your boat and spend the day right by the water playing games while enjoying good food and drinks. Choose from two food truck options, one with classic American food and another with fresh seafood. The drink menu hits all the essential draft beers, or you can choose a draft or canned cocktail.
Bird and Betty’s
529 Dock Rd Beach Haven, NJ 08008
Beach Haven has always had its share of lively waterfront spots, but Bird and Betty’s has managed to strike that perfect balance between fun atmosphere and quality food. Though they don’t offer boat slips, they’re easily accessible from the options nearby and offer waterfront views on the deck and in the bar area.
For history lovers like me, you’ll be happy to know that Bird and Betty’s is located in the old Acme Hotel building, still standing from the early 1900s, and rumored to have been the oldest tavern in LBI. Today, they maintain a different part of history, bringing the summer vibes of the 1960s and 70s.
Opening at 3pm on weekdays and 12pm on weekends, you can enjoy fresh seafood, specialty pizza, quality cocktails and vintage games like skeeball (my personal favorite). Stay for the night and dance to live music of all genres while transported to an era that embodied revolution and self-discovery.
Dock & Claw
506 Centre St Beach Haven, NJ 08008
Dock & Claw is the continuation of The Clam Bar, which has been an LBI staple for more than 50 years. The new venture promises to continue the tradition of offering locally-sourced seafood that won’t break the bank. Plus, the boat access makes it easy to grab a bite without interrupting your day on the water. Though they don’t offer boat slips, you can dock at the nearby Boatyard and then head over.
They describe themselves as a “local hangout with great food and good vibes,” and I’d have to agree! With a “no cell phones” policy, it’s the perfect place to forget about life for a while and spend real quality time with the people you love. It’s also BYOB, so no need to worry about expensive cocktails running up the bill.
This year, they’ve landed on the Philly Inquirer’s list of Best Seafood Shacks at the Shore, and the title is well-deserved.
Queen City Marina & Kitchen
525 2nd St Beach Haven, NJ 08008
Sometimes a day on the water deserves to end with something a bit more sophisticated. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, entertaining guests, or just want to treat yourself well, Queen City Marina & Kitchen delivers that elevated experience without sacrificing the waterfront convenience. They offer day slips, overnight slips and a flexible option that easily fit into your plans. Note: slips need to be booked in advance.
Their catering capabilities and flexible event spaces make them particularly valuable for special occasions, but the everyday dining experience is equally impressive. The attention to detail in both the food and the waterside atmosphere creates something genuinely special. The best part? They serve breakfast all day!
Polly’s Dock and Clam House
12 Northwest Ave Beach Haven, NJ 08008
In an area that’s seen plenty of change over the years, places like Polly’s represent something valuable, continuity. They’ve been serving the boating community for generations, which speaks to their understanding of what waterfront dining should be.
The combination of boat rentals and dining makes practical sense, but it’s the consistency and authenticity that keep people coming back. Sometimes the best recommendation is simply that a place has been doing things right for longer than most of us have been boating these waters.
Parker’s Garage & Oyster Saloon
116 Northwest Ave Beach Haven, NJ 08008
Parker’s Garage brings something special to the Beach Haven waterfront scene with their own boat slips and seating for up to 180 guests. What sets them apart is their commitment to recreating that golden era of LBI boating culture while delivering sophisticated food that matches the ambiance.
Their shareable menu features standout dishes like lobster corn dogs and mussels toast, all served in a huge open-air space filled with old maritime decor. The fact that they’re BYOB gives you the flexibility to bring exactly what you want to drink, whether that’s a carefully chosen wine or your favorite local craft beer. The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between nostalgic charm and contemporary dining expectations.
Sun Harbor Seafood and Grill
451 E Bay Ave Barnegat, NJ 08005
Sun Harbor makes it easy with dock and dine slips available right at their waterfront location. This spot has built a solid reputation among boaters for reliable food and service, making it a dependable choice when you want to combine a day on the water with a satisfying meal.
The straightforward approach to waterfront dining here means you can count on them for exactly what you’re looking for, good seafood, convenient docking, and a welcoming atmosphere that doesn’t overcomplicate things.
The Waterfront
361 East Lacey Road Forked River, NJ 08731
The Waterfront delivers on its name with genuine waterfront dining that feels both accessible and authentic. Their approach to boat-accessible dining focuses on the fundamentals, fresh seafood, comfortable seating, and views that remind you why you love being on the water. They offer both in-water boat slips and outdoor rack storage.
It’s the kind of place that works equally well for a casual lunch after a morning of fishing or a more relaxed dinner as the sun starts to set. The simplicity of their approach often turns out to be exactly what a day on the water calls for.
Captain’s Inn Dockside Bar
304 E Lacey Rd Forked River, NJ 08731
Captain’s Inn offers 30 boat slips and gives you options for how you want to experience your meal, at their tiki bar, under The Captain’s Port Tent outside, or in their indoor restaurant. This flexibility makes it easy to match your dining choice to your mood and the weather.
The variety of settings all in one location means your group can move around as the evening progresses. It’s particularly convenient when you’re not sure what kind of atmosphere you’re in the mood for until you arrive.
Oyster Creek Restaurant
41 Oyster Creek Rd Leeds Point, NJ 08220
Located in the marshes of Otter Pond, off Oyster Creek and the Great Bay, this dock and dine seafood restaurant sits in one of New Jersey’s most unique dining locations. The journey to get there by boat is part of the experience, you’re truly getting away from the crowds and into the quieter waters that many visitors never see.
This old-time South Jersey seafood restaurant offers water views and an authentic connection to the area’s maritime heritage. The slightly more remote location means you’re dining in an environment that feels genuinely untouched by the more commercial aspects of shore dining.
B2 in Bayville
125 Bayview Ave Bayville, NJ 08721
B2 in Bayville offers a more contemporary take on waterfront dining, with a menu that balances classic shore favorites with modern preparations. Their boat-accessible location makes them a solid choice when you want something that feels both familiar and fresh.
Their menu is based on a “garden to table” concept, sourcing local ingredients with an American and Mediterranean influence. Their known for their barrel-aged cocktails, which use fresh, in-season fruits. The deck is enormous, with space to sit down and eat or hang out at the tiki bar while overlooking the water. They also have a pool!
MJ’s in Bayville
905 Bay Boulevard Bayville NJ 08721
MJ’s in Bayville has built a loyal following among local boaters for their consistent quality and welcoming atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can count on good food and service without any pretense, sometimes that’s exactly what a day on the water calls for. There are only about 5 boat slips available, but there are nearby options if it fills up.
Sunset Seafood of Tuckerton
101 Parker Road Tuckerton, New Jersey
Sunset Seafood’s recently opened Tuckerton location rounds out the options with their focus on fresh, local seafood served in a relaxed waterfront setting. The slightly quieter location makes it perfect for those times when you want to escape the busier areas but still enjoy excellent food with water views. BYOB and with waterfront dining from both their indoor and outdoor sections, enjoy live music every Friday after you dock (by reservation).
Making the Most of the Season
The real advantage of LBI’s boat-accessible dining scene is the flexibility it provides. You can plan a progressive dining experience, moving from breakfast at one location to lunch at another, with plenty of time on the water in between. The protected bay waters make this kind of restaurant hopping comfortable for boaters of all experience levels.
Timing your visits around sunset adds another dimension to the experience. There’s something particularly satisfying about watching the day end from the deck of a waterfront restaurant with your boat bobbing gently at the dock nearby.
Just remember that peak season means calling ahead, especially for weekend visits. These restaurants welcome boaters, but a quick call can save you the disappointment of arriving to find no available dock space.
With weather like this and water conditions that couldn’t be better, it’s time to take advantage of what might be the best part of living near the water!
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