50 Best American Restaurants near Ocean

“I always enjoy the sunset diner ever since I use to go out with the leauge after bowling and recently when I had my big sister in jersey for a weekend I took her there after bowling we had lunch together this place brings people and family together with excellent service and great food“

“We always have great service and the bar style food has been yummy…thanks Big Rob at the Ocean NJ location tonight for a great night YOU ROCK!“

“Good eats and super nice owners/staff and customers!!“

“Aug. 2025
Stopped in on tge way home from a event.
The one thing about chain restaurants is they all look the same and the menu are relatively the same. Which is a good thing. But tgey should allow them the opportunity to have 2 or 3 menu item that are independent from cooperate and their sister restaurants.

Mimi was exceptional with her service. Along with smile and ability to read people.
Our food was all typical for Applebee's. The exception here was that tha manager walked around to each table and asked about the food and service .
Atmosphere, hey cooperate. It's time to change a few things around and clean up the look.
This place is children friendly and parking is plentiful along with handicapped friendly.“

“Soul Kitchen is amazing! Our students love working with the great staff and always feel welcome and learn great skills and life lessons. The student favorite part of the soul Kitchen experience is of course the delicious food made by Chef Emily and her staff. The Matawan Regional staff and students want to thank Bon Jovi and all his supporters for a great experience and relationship!“

“It was Awesome! Best Branzino fish I ever had in NJ, the Riesling wine was also good, dessert was excellent and the staff was delightful and attentive, great job guys I give you 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️“

“Staff was very friendly. Food was very good. Prices reasonable. First time there and we didn’t know it was cash only or Venmo, but that’s ok. Will definitely be back“

“Wow! We really love this place. Would come every week. The food and drinks are great.“

“breakfast, lunch, or dinner... they have the best sandwiches at the most reasonable prices around“

“Was there after the lunch crowd today 2/1/22. The place was spotless, the restroom was also. Excellent choice of burgers and sandwiches. My wife and I both had burgers and we both agreed they were the best we have had in at least 20 yrs. Grade A meat and the french fries were freshly cut and fried. Can't wait to get back. If you are a movie buff like me you will love the decor. The service was great also.“

“Great little place. Food is excellent, waitresses are so nice. Very relaxing and enjoyable!“

“What is referred by my brother-in-law i was not disappointing“

“Located near the beach. (Busy 4th of July weekend. A Saturday. Parking is difficult. There’s a public parking garage for $40. What a ripoff from the town. Very little street parking. There was a lot charging $30 so we did that. But still. Well, that’s the jersey shore.) The parking has nothing to do with the quality of the restaurant. I’m just noting parking factors 😉
So now the food …. There aren’t entrees apparently Saturday and Sunday. But Mon - Fri apparently there is. On Weekends It’s burgers and things. There were several items they didn’t have such as the lamb pops. We were a party of 5. We truly had enough food. Enjoyed the drinks such as beer, shots, martinis. A French martini, lychee martini etc. I’m a vegetarian and there was a lot for me. We ordered a charcuterie board to share. It was a great time ! I highly recommend it. The staff is great.“

“7-19-2025.. The food was amazing! 7 members of my family today, 6 different dishes..everyone of them outstanding: Cobb Salad (2), Shrimp & Grits, Steak salad, Avocado Toast, Grilled Cheese, Flatbread..Creme Brulee, Blueberry Cheesecake. The service, the atmosphere..all perfect!. Thank you Chef Lou! I ❤️ my town and we are so lucky to call you and The Blend our own!“

“Food was excellent and great service“

“First time at Charlie’s of Lincroft after frequenting their Bay Head location for years. The experience was 5 stars all the way around. Food was excellent and our server Heidi was top notch! Highly recommend the octopus appetizer and the NY strip steak. Both done to perfection. Not a cheap night out but definitely a special night out. We’ll be back!“

“What a wonderful addition to Red Bank!!! Will definitely be back to try other menu items. Hope I can stop myself from ordering the Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Bowl. 😬“

“The best! Great food and service. They are always taking extra steps to make sure we are satisfied“

“The breakfast there was amazing and the bacon pancakes are to die for. That’s how good they were. That was the breakfast my family had“

“Amazing food and the service is great too. The portions are big, I get 2 meals! Come in for the baked items, so yummy!“

“This was my first time at Bistro Avon. I had lunch with a friend today. We had the Lobster and Crab Bisque, the Aloha Salad, Tiramisu and coffee. The food was delicious and the service was excellent! I would highly recommend this restaurant.“

“Consistently Excellent as always ! Great food Great service. Menu has something for everyone ! Local items are featured.! Be back soon“

“I am leaving a production catering review. My Kitchen Witch provided catering to a large production crew and security where I work (a large historical building on Wall Street). I couldn't believe how quick and professional that My Kitchen Witch was in set-up, the meals, and the breakdown of their service. The food was excellent, especially the pork carnitas and Mexican street corn! I definitely highly recommend and would love to head to their cafe in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey!“

“Delicious meal from start to finish! Don’t skip dessert ?“

“fune dining at its best! friendly staff. we just love it“

“I always order the Joey sandwich because it is always delicious. I love the ambiance. It is small but that is why I love that they take reservations. I have been in the past only for lunch and will say I have really enjoyed both times of day. Perfect place for a summer evening especially.“

“Awesome food! My Maui Sliders were the BEST! Tater Tots with Cheese were so good as well!“

“Amazing food, view and atmosphere! Darrel and his team are top notch. Highly recommend lunch, dinner or happy hour at this spot!“

“Great food, drinks and great service. great atmosphere.“

“Went there with a party of 11. Everyone ordered something different and everyone's meal was excellent. And, the staff was extremely friendly and made everyone feel welcome. Wonderful experience.“

“If I tell you how wonderful the place, the people, the plates are will you promise not to go? It’s hard enough snagging a reservation without hoards of people trying to book a table after reading justifiably rave reviews. OK, here goes. Agnolotti pasta and sweet potato hush puppies as appetizers to start and oh, what a start it was. Monk fish and a bacon-jam encrusted pork chop, both cooked to perfection, as entrees. Lemon tart and a you-gotta-try-it-once-in-your-life “budino,” for dessert. (Do you know stressed spelled backwards is desserts?) What’s a budino you ask? Adult pudding, whipped by angels, so addictive it must have been created by Satan. Farm to Table, fresh, sustainable, local, tucked away on a side street in Red Bank… and you get to bring your own favorite wine. Don’t go. Don’t tell your friends. Let this gem be all mine.“

“I went to the Robinson Ale House on June 29, 2024. Service was excellent. The waitress was wonderful. My husband and I had lunch. I had a T-bone steak special , he had meatloaf. They were excellent. We had key lime pie for dessert. Really good too. We were seated outside on the side because we needed shade. Planning another trip in August. I can’t wait to try the Drunken Clams this time if it’s still on their menu. I hope I get the same waitress. If they still have the T-bone on their daily special I recommend you get that. I had mine medium rare. Quite pricey but well worth it. The rest of the menu is moderately priced. Good generous sized portions. Definitely recommend. 5 stars“

“I love this place. Great food, people, clean, friendly. Good vibe. Good music.“

“Stayed overnight for a one day work trip. After a 51/2 hour drive the last thing I wanted to do was drive anywhere for dinner ( didn’t want food in take out containers either) sat at the bar, had a Caesar salad and pasta primavera, added salmon.
The salmon was perfectly cooked as ordered ( medium rare) and it was excellent! A bit pricey, but excellent food and service!“

“Visited this excellent restaurant for the first time today. Our experience was terrific. The food was delicious, great presentation and the service from our waiter David was outstanding.“

“Everyone there is awesome and I trust them with anything they make me. My family has been coming here since they opened and all of them are family to me. You know it’s trust when you walk in and tell Anthony, make me whatever you want. Never fails and it’s always amazing.“

“Excellent service. Friendly atmosphere“

“Nothing fancy, but excellent food and service with a smile …. One of my favorites.“

“The breakfast is excellent at the Riverside Cafe . Their pancakes are among the best I have ever had with great texture and flavor, (no need for syrup). I also liked their egg sandwiches and homemade hash browns. Looking forward to trying more food from here. It is nice to have friendly service while enjoying the view of the boats as they move through the inlet.“

“Had the Tricolore Salad with grilled shrimp today and it was DELICOUS!!!! Dad has the poke bowl and loved it. Service and atmosphere were great!“

“food was great. service the best. ambience pleasant loved this place.“

“I had a really long day and actually wasn't feeling going put to dinner. Great experience, great staff, fantastic food. For us it was kid friendly and my children were becoming buddies with everyone. we will certainly be back with the whole family!“

“Solid pub/bar fare. You can't really go wrong with anything here, it's all just pretty damn good, but won't blow you away either. Let's be honest, you aren't walking into this place looking for a Michelin star quality meal, you want some wings, maybe a burger, and a few beers and yeah, you're gonna be very satisfied with what you get. 👍“

“We love the Oyster Point Hotel! The bartenders and servers are awesome.. couldn’t be nicer!! But… we miss the wasabi snacks!“

“Most relaxing place to dine.pancakes fantastic. Great coffee. Great people come to eat & relax.“

“The food was delicious, featuring an assortment of teas and coffee options. I enjoyed the Huevos Ranchero bowl, and we also shared the Great Pumpkin Pancake special, which was truly outstanding. Although this is not my first visit, I can confidently say that I have never had a bad experience here. The quality of the food is complemented by excellent service, an appealing menu, and a pleasant atmosphere.“

“Creative menu, excellent food and the staff was attentive. Highly recommended.“

“I went to the Robinson Ale House on June 29, 2024. Service was excellent. The waitress was wonderful. My husband and I had lunch. I had a T-bone steak special , he had meatloaf. They were excellent. We had key lime pie for dessert. Really good too. We were seated outside on the side because we needed shade. Planning another trip in August. I can’t wait to try the Drunken Clams this time if it’s still on their menu. I hope I get the same waitress. If they still have the T-bone on their daily special I recommend you get that. I had mine medium rare. Quite pricey but well worth it. The rest of the menu is moderately priced. Good generous sized portions. Definitely recommend. 5 stars“

“Atmosphere was beautiful , the food was amazing, and our waitress was so attentive and friendly.“

“My husband and I had breakfast here yesterday. It was our first time at Rise n Shine and we loved it!!! Great food and service. Our new favorite restaurant.“