Ultimate Guide to Long Beach Island, The Ideal Summer Escape

By liketheteaEATS on June 27, 2025 • ( 1 Comment )

Over the past few years, my wife and I have made Long Beach Island in New Jersey our regular weekend getaway. It’s quickly become one of our favorite summer destinations. Compared to the busier Delaware shores, the beaches here feel wonderfully peaceful, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and discovery.

What I love most is that every trip brings something new. Despite our many visits, we keep uncovering new-to-us spots and fresh favorites that make this island feel like an endless adventure.

Here are some of our top spots on Long Beach Island — from the best coffee to tasty eats — plus a full map at the end so you can find them all.

Coffee Spots Worth Waking Up For

Whittingham Coffee House – First-rate coffee that shows the owners care. Their Adult Chocolate Milk is a luxurious morning treat.
The Local Market and Kitchen – If you want creative coffee drinks, this is the place. Their Rainbow Cookie Latte is a fun and delicious must-try, topped with an actual cookie for that extra touch.
How You Brewin – A beloved LBI staple
Birdy’s Cafe & Artisan Market – seasonal bites, smoothies, and coffees alongside a small boutique
The Mermaid Room – another spot that’s part coffee shop/part boutique
Cool beans – this down to earth coffee shop is perfect if you’re in the mood for an iced coffee to start your day

Breakfast/Lunch & Casual Bites

Pearl Street Market – Great bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. They also have a solid lineup of prepared foods for an easy beach picnic.
Fratellos Market – My latest obsession. I can’t get enough of their sandwiches—perfect for a satisfying beach lunch.
Polly’s Dock and Clamhouse – If you want to hang on a dock and eat seafood, this is your spot. It’s BYOB, which makes it even better.
Holiday Snack Bar – The vibes are 100% inside this beach shack. The breakfast burrito hits the spot, but the real star is the cakes; pre-order one and make any beach day a celebration.
Barrel Surf Cafe – Great breakfast and sandwiches before a day in the sun. They open early and serve La Colombe coffee on draft.
LBI Pancake House – Our go-to spot for a classic, satisfying stack of pancakes.
LocOhana Tropical Grill – Outdoor beach shack with laid-back vibes and amazing coconut shrimp.

Dinner & Evening Vibes

Dock & Claw Clam Bar – Our go-to dinner spot. The best seats are inside at the bar. Don’t miss the tuna poke and the clams — both are must-orders.
La Riva – A fun, modern vibe with delicious pizzas and a spritz bar. Pro tip: book your reservation about 15 minutes after sunset to soak in the last golden rays over the bay.
Black Eyed Susans Tavern & Restaurant – Cozy but lively spot that’s ideal for date night. Amazing cocktails, pizzas, and small plates — plus a solid full dinner menu.
Terrace Tavern – Laid-back outdoor seating, occasional live music, and plenty of seafood make this a solid, relaxed night out.
The Arlington – Great for groups and consistently excellent across the board. Everything we’ve tried has been a hit.
Stefano’s Restaurant– Classic Italian with generous portions and consistently great dishes. Save room for the rainbow cake — it’s legendary.
Ship Bottom Shellfish – A favorite for fresh fish dishes. The tuna steak was cooked to perfection.
The Beach House – Casual coastal vibes and a seafood-forward menu, plus an amazing wraparound porch for breezy dining. Bonus: it’s BYOB.

A Sweet Treat

The Woo Hoo – Home to some of the most inventive and fun ice cream flavors on the island.
Poppy’s Ice Cream Parlour – Near Barnegat Light, offering a wide variety of flavors—don’t miss the cinnamon churro.
Big Dipper – Serves Richman’s Ice Cream with two convenient locations on the island.
Dairy King – A nostalgic, old-school shack known for its excellent milkshakes.
Barry’s Do Me A Flavor – Classic beach grill fare plus a solid ice cream lineup and creative sundaes.