We’re making our annual pilgrimage to Ocean Grove, and know that Covid, etc. has closed a lot of places. We’re adventurous editors from Boston, looking for delicious food and fun atmosphere. We’ll have an unvaxed child with us for part of the time, and given Delta, we’ll probably do a bunch of takeout. Prefer non-ethnic places, since we are blessed with plenty of that in our area. Love Southern/cajun, Eastern European, “mom and pop places”, “dives and joints”(if the food is stellar and it’s reasonably clean). Adults may make a drive as far north as Keyport, and as far south as Point Pleasant for really exceptional food. But mostly we’ll be in the Asbury/Bradley/Belmar/ area. Anything in this area inland?
I’ll leave it to the asbury experts on the board to give their advice, but if you want pizza you have some excellent spots nearby in Vics Bradley beach, Pete and eldas in Neptune, and talulahs in asbury. Also Jimmy’s in asbury is a classic for an old school table cloth, red sauce joint but might not be most kid friendly spot.
If you’re going to keyport, Drew’s is Cajun spot and universal praise is found for his food.
There’s a cpl southern spots non asbury that I’m sure the experts here will come up with soon as well
+1 for Drews (and you can do takeout from there if you want)
Also:
-if you appreciate Indian food, Aarzu in Freehold is a DON’T MISS
-Medusa and Talula’s in AP for Neapolitan style pizzas
-Ada’s Gojjo for Ethiopian in AP
-Nicholas Creamery for ice cream
-Sami’s mediterranean street food in AP
-Berg’s Smoked Meats Montreal style meat + poutine (Delivery ONLY)
-Jersey shore BBQ and/or Local Smoke
I can’t believe it, but I haven’t tried Berg’ yet – the people I know who have are raving about it!
I should also add that if you want to have one spectacular meal out (and they do have outdoor seating), go to Il Nido in Marlboro. Still one of the best meals I’ve had in six years of living here! Heirloom Kitchen is one of the others.
I’m going to keep thinking of things… Technically in Neptune, but literally a few blocks behind the Bradley Beach train station is Cat’s Luck, which is a vegan bakery. I’m not vegan, but she’s a damn good baker! i’m especially fond of her cookies and if she has them, the pistachio/big bar.s And it’s all to go.
What’s the name of the bar/restaurant in Neptune City that was serving some good food? I know I went twice(?) and liked it but for the life of me can’t remember the name. I’m asking you because I’m pretty sure it was your recommendation that made me try it.
@NotJrvedivici Highly likely it’s Grand Tavern, but I didn’t mention it here, partially because it’s not new, and partially because it’s really not food I’d want to take out…
Also DUH… Los Barbaros Birria on Main Dtreet is new! And as of today, there’s a new Brazilian food truck at North East, which is on the north end of the AP boardwalk. I haven’t tried it yet.
Also meant to add that you’ll find mention of most/all of these places on here if you do a search.
