As many of you know, I live “down the shore” here in beautiful New Jersey. You might say that the beach is in my blood. My Grandfather was one of the founders of Surfrider Beach Club and the original owner of the Tradewinds in Sea Bright.
So, since the beach is in my blood, it was only natural for me to end up living less than a mile from the sand here in Ocean County. In the summer when the tourists invade, the locals sometimes forget to treat their hometown like the vacation spot it is.
Since we are doing the “Staycation” this summer we are making every effort to “vacation” when we can. Last Saturday, Peter and I decided to take the long three minute drive to The River House in Brielle for a late lunch. This has just recently become one of our favorite waterfront restaurants. The view is spectacular as you can see and the food is excellent. It’s not often that you get both in the same package and Jimmy Buffet to boot.
We started our meal with the Fried Calamari with Jalapeño Aoli. The calamari 
was done perfectly, lightly dusted with flour, fresh, crispy and tender. No breadcrumbs here. You can actually taste the calamari. The Aoili was a nice change of pace and was definitely favored over the traditional marinara.
After we polished off the Calamari, we saw our neighbors at the bar get their order of clams on the half shell. They looked too good to pass up, so Peter quickly placed his order. I, unfortunately, am allergic to clams so I opted for the Shrimp Cocktail. Check out the size of those shrimp. They are U8 Jumbo Shrimp. So big I actually used a knife and fork to tackle them. One of our favorite touches with both of thes
e dishes was the extra bowl of horseradish. If you like things hot (like clear your sinuses hot) the added horseradish is a real treat.
You can find The Riverhouse’s deck menu on their website. (which, eh hem, needs a little help if you’re listening Riverhouse). So far we have tried their sushi and this raw bar experience. If I had to choose, I would go with the Raw Bar experience. It’
s more in keeping with the “vacation” vibe.
We asked some of our readers for their favorite waterfront spots up and down the coast. Jen Miller, who blogs at Down the Shore with Jen and is Author of ‘The Jersey Shore. Atlantic City to Cape May” recommends Cappricio at Resorts in Atlantic City for its fabulous views. Also, the Back Bay Ale House in AC.
Dani Friend who blogs at The Average Cook loves The Pirates Cove in Belford which boasts a “spectacular view of the city.”
We’d love to hear about your favorite Waterfront restaurant in New Jersey. Like I said, its not easy to find great food and a great view in one package. If you’ve got one to recommend, please leave a comment and share it with your fellow Jersey food lovers.
That is some nice looking seafood! Just joined Jersey Biters.
Have you ever been to The Pilot House? It has a beautiful view and the food has been very good (and consistent!). I can’t remember the town it’s in, but could find out if you are interested.
The Pilot House is in Brick. I haven’t been there in a while. When they first opened the service was terrible, but that was many years ago. I remember the interior being really nice. We’ll have to get back there soon.
Moonstruck in Asbury Park is our favorite. It is on the lake rather than the ocean, but you can see the ocean from many of the tables and every meal is wonderful.
NJs best kept secrtet….Pannini Bay in Tuckerton; waterfront en route to AC, accessible by car or boat… BYO, just this side of casual shore chic, not pretentious, intimate, very reasonably priced but with a priceless view; sit on the deck and emulsify in the gentle ocean mist while you dine.
Cheers,
Chris Craft Mc
Did anyone go to Antoinetta’s in West Creek NJ. The views and sunsets are amazing ! Very reasonable also. great food and atmosphere.
The Oyster Point down by Smithville has a great Seafood Pot Pie. Loaded with goodies. Does anyone know of any crab shacks like you find down south? Resonably priced with great crabs and very casual. Don’t understand why some of the restaurants along the bay shore in Ocean county can’t come up with some really good seafood to go along with their great settings. Am I the only one who feels this way?
Foyster’s Riverfront dining. Great New restaurant on the water. Riverside Nj
Just curious, you said your grandfather was the original owner of Trade Winds????? My father built Trade Winds in the late 50′s. Who was your grandfather?? We sold Trade Winds in 1981.
Small world:)) I do remember hearing we bought the property off Bev Anderson. I think I knew your Uncle Andy. Did your grandfather own a music store in Red Bank as well?? Wow, that is crazy. Your grandfather was quite the entrepreneur, like my Dad. I see where you get it from:))So happy I came across this , brings back so many memories.I loved that area and love seeing the nice changes everywhere.It was a great place to grow up, I don’t miss those cold winters though.Thanks for the memories. I look forward to reading Jersey Bites.