The Jersey Shore Restaurant Tour Everyone Should Take At Least Once

I love the Jersey Shore. I've spent summers all across the country, from Florida to California, but nothing can compare. While both states were wonderful in their own way, I've got a special place in my heart for the Jersey Shore. The water's warmer here than in California (by 5-10 degrees in August) and New Jersey isn't under the constant threat of hurricanes between May-November like Florida. Another thing that makes the Garden State special is that each and every beach town has its unique charm.

Last, but not least, the dining scene can't be beat (countless food critics agree, with Asbury Park often being labeled the epicenter of the culinary action). There are amazing eateries all along our coast but for this food tour, I'm focusing on the iconic Asbury Park area. If you love it (and I hope you do!), I'm happy to create more, focusing on the Southern Shore and other foodie towns. Without further ado, read on for food + fun...

Breakfast: The Buttered Biscuit, Address: 700 Main Street, Bradley Beach, NJ, 07720

This incredible breakfast/brunch spot is famous for its buttered biscuits, served with honey cinnamon butter and organic raspberry jam. I recommend trying one with your meal. The entire menu will make your mouth water, with dishes like Maui Meg's French Toast (Banana Bread Grilled and Topped

w/ Crushed Hawaiian Macadamia

Nuts & Toasted Coconut) and the Bradley Breakfast Burrito (Scrambled Eggs w/ Onions,

Jack Cheese, Black Beans, Sausage,

sliced Avocado & Homemade Salsa). A perennial favorite is the Nutella stuffed French toast (pictured).

Pair With: Shipwreck Island Mini Golf, Address: 800 Ocean Avenue, Bradley Beach, NJ, 07720

After breakfast, head here for a round or two of mini golf, right on the boardwalk. They open at 10 a.m. daily and offer 18 holes of beach-themed fun.

Lunch: The Starving Artist, Address: 47 Olin Street, Ocean Grove, NJ, 07756

One of the oldest established restaurants in Ocean Grove, you'll be anything but starving after a visit to this eatery. You'll find sandwiches, soups, salads, seafood, and a different quiche each day, inspired by the recipes of Julia Child. There's patio seating available and guests are encouraged to draw on their tables.

Pair With: Main Avenue Galleria + Beach Time, Address:

57 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove, NJ, 07756

After your meal, head to Main Avenue Galleria. More than just a shop, it's a haven for art-lovers and artists alike. You'll find an eclectic selection of merchandise including fine art, fun art, and art supplies, in addition to their classes, workshops, and special events. Head to the beach before dinner for swimming and sunbathing.

Dinner: Talula's, Address: 550 Cookman Avenue #108, Asbury Park, NJ, 07712

It's pizza for dinner at this Asbury Park pizzeria, but this pizza is anything but ordinary. You'll find gourmet pies topped with everything from hot calabrian soppressata to local honey. Vegan options are available, as are salads, pasta, and rice bowls.

Pair With: Silverball Museum Arcade, Address: 1000 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712

One of my favorite shore spots, this museum offers hundreds of games dating back decades with many modern options featuring the newest pinball tech. All games are playable and feature placards with historic info so you can learn while you play. There are also classic cabinet games like Galaga and Frogger. It's easy to spend hours here and you'll want to keep coming back for more.

Dessert: Coney Waffle, Address: 800 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ, 07712

This famed dessert destination with several Jersey Shore locations is open late (9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on Friday/Saturday) and offers out-of-this-world ice cream treats. They're known for their insane shakes, overflowing with all sorts of sweets, but you've also got to try one (or more) of their 40+ flavors scooped into a waffle shell. They're so good!

Pair With: Drinks at Johnny Mac House of Spirits, Address: 208 Main Street, Asbury Park, NJ, 07712

There are so many fantastic places to grab a drink in Asbury Park but this one comes with perks like free pizza or omelettes (with a drink purchase) and skeeball (with competitions and prizes on Tuesday nights). Open daily until 2 a.m., Johnny Mac's is the perfect place to end your evening.

Sound like fun? This food tour is a great way to experience the shore and I'd love to do more. Let me know what you think, and what areas you'd like to be featured in the future. To discover other amazing eateries (with magnificent margaritas) in Asbury Park, click here for our Margarita Mile.