50 Best Bars near Rio Grande

“Wish I could go back to the days when "Old Man Menz" and his daughter would serve us his fabulous meals and chat with us. What a family! We ate there soooooo many times and my family just loved it. We went there in the early 70's and 80's . What a place......it was a real experience. THANK YOU, MR. MENZ. You were so special!“

“I have used Lucky Bones’s Eric three times in the last five years for catering parties at my home/in my yard. Twice I also booked waitresses with my party. The food is always delicious, the service reliable. We ran out of chicken tenders for the kids once and they brought over a new batch! Everything is set up as ordered and arrives on time. You can’t go wrong with them for your party. My father’s small after-funeral reception was in their back room and my husband and I eat at the restaurant at least once a month. Highly recommend.“

“Food, service and view excellent“

“Had a birthday get together. The manager Dave was awesome, reserved a few tables for us and allowed us to keep the cake in the cooler so it wouldn't melt all over! The servers and bartenders were great as well! Thanks you for helping us create a great memory!“

“This was our second time here, and it was just as good as the first. We got to have Sandy as our server. She always makes the experience great with her attention and charisma. We love the ambiance and fine dining here. We will gladly make the hour long trip just to come here!“

“Food was excellent as well as the service. We were patrons on a slower paced night, so we were able to walk around and check out the decor, which was pretty cool IMO. If you ever are in the area, stop in for a meal. I would bet you will be happy with the experience.“

“I took my family here for lunch on Saturday. Your manager is the sweetest lady I’ve ever met. She was so hopeful, pointing out new menu items. I think her name is Ester? Can you guys please bottle up that pineapple jerk sauce so I can drink it? Crispy chicken tacos are a must-try. Two thumbs up. We’ll definitely be returning!“

“Well, this summer we decided to take a trip to Wildwood. We did some research regarding places to stay and of course restaurants. Well, we found a very nice motel. Well anyway, one morning we went out to one of the recommended restaurants, and happened to notice this restaurant across the street called pasta pesto. We noticed there was some signage outside regarding Tuesday night martinis special Thursday night prime rib special so we decided to venture there on Tuesday night. Well first of all the surroundings were very inviting along with a very relaxing atmosphere. So we had the martinis specials, which were very cheap and actually very very good. The service was awesome and we met the one lady there named Peg who is very very nice. Well, then, we decided to go back Thursday night for prime rib night. He had the prime rib, which was more then he even expected and I had the ravioli with meatballs. Both dishes were very, very good again. The service was excellent. The atmosphere was very relaxing plus it was very busy that Thursday night, which I’m not surprised. So I would highly recommend this restaurant if you are in the Wildwood area. We definitely would go there again for dinner. Unfortunately, I only took a few pictures, and hopefully it captured the relaxing atmosphere of this establishment.“

“The absolute BEST place for a night out with friends! Heather's by the Bay serves delicious prime rib, seafood, and has nightly specials available. We love to go there to see a band called Jump The Line! Fantastic band, welcoming staff, and friendly people. Villas Fishing Club is a most excellent place for beautiful sunsets, as it is right on the bay.“

“Great dinner waitresses were great fast service excellent meal“

“My wife & I stayed at Congress Hall Hotel. After a nice meal we decided to relax in the Brown Room there.

We just love LOVE the atmosphere here!! Lights dimly lit. Nice fire going in the fireplace. Staff kept logs on the fire to keep it just right.

Our server Michelle was awesome! She was professional, friendly and excellent service!! All with a big smile. The bartender made a perfect Old Fashioned drink. Don’t know who he was. Kudos to you.

Mike the guitar player was excellent. It was so cozy sitting in the lounge with a nice fire and listening to Mike’s playing. Wow!!! He played (& sang great)!!

Thank you Michelle, Mike & bartenders for making this such a memorable stay. Looking forward to a visit in the future.“

“Excellent!! Our only disappointment is that we just discovered this Wildwood gem after coming here for years. Everything was fantastic & the staff were all awesome! The live music was the icing on the cake. Fantastic!“

“My wife and I really enjoyed dinner. We had fish tacos that were absolutely fantastic.“

“One of our favorite spots!!!Good food and great kid friendly atmosphere!“

“Good food, good beer. Best Brussels sprouts ever!“

“We stayed here from Aug 30-Sept 1 2024. Absolutely an amazing stay. I would say this hotel is not one you stay in if you’re there for a whole week and expect to live in your room but for us it was everything we needed at a fantastic price. The room was clean, comfortable, updated and all around great. The staff, let me tell You how wonderful they are, we needed to check in later they said “okay we got it” no issues, our room was cleaned and refreshed within an hour of us being out the door and back from the store. We asked for a later check out and they had no issue giving us an extra hour. They were beyond accommodating when we needed assistance the day we checked out and even offered to let us use the accommodations they provide for guests. We will be coming back and staying here again.“

“We go to Owen’s Pub multiple times every summer and always have a great experience. The daily specials are one of our favorite things about coming here, and there’s always something good to try. The wait staff is consistently friendly, welcoming, and attentive, which makes every visit enjoyable.

It’s also a great place to watch Phillies games. They have multiple big TVs throughout the pub, so it’s easy to catch the game while enjoying a meal or a drink. Owen’s Pub has become one of our go-to spots, and we always look forward to coming back!“

“Best Guiness in Wildwood & excellent food...Favorite Pub in all of Wildwood! Be back in middle of August! SLAINTE“

“The best cheesesteaks!!!!!“

“best bar on the island and cheapest drinks“

“There aren’t enough words to explain how amazing this place is! If you love seafood….GO NOW!“

“Great food and drinks! Service has always been friendly and you never feel rushed.“

“Great place!! Beach bar is the best!!“

“Amazing bartenders! Hannah and Kaitlyn are outstanding!“

“We stopped here to grab a quick lunch/dinner before the 6pm ferry. Just wanted a quick and decent good meal. Wow were we impressed! Everything was delicious. Kendra was an amazing efficient server. We told her we were on a time crunch, and she made sure we had time to enjoy our food and not miss the Ferry. Thanks for the exceptional meal and service! We’ll stop by again on our next trip!“

“A friendly bartended is a good find; a friendly bartender who can make an expert cocktail is a great find. King Edward Bar delivers.“

“Excellent..everything!! nice waiter too!!“

“Great food and service! We will definitely be back! Anthony was a great waiter! Super friendly and knowledgeable!“

“Really good kid friendly place to eat and get some seafood on the boardwalk. The lobster roll and the fried shrimp both were great. I like that they have a to go counter for a quick bite as well as sit down option for dinner. We will definitely eat here again.“

“Great food and atmosphere“

“Always a great time! Love the Atmosphere!!“

“I will come back because I like the place but I just want to say that is has downgraded over the renovation.“

“Harpoons on the Bay just makes me smile. The Atmosphere, Views, Food, Staff and Clientele seem to fit perfectly to make your experience enjoyable and memorable!“

“Abigail was a great server Great way to kick of MDW2025“

“Water Star Grille | Waterfront Lunch & Bayfront Dining in Stone Harbor, NJ

If you’re searching for one of the best waterfront restaurants in Stone Harbor, a place to enjoy fresh seafood with bay views, or the perfect spot for a relaxing lunch overlooking the marina, Water Star Grille should be on your list.

Located directly behind The Reeds at Shelter Haven, Water Star Grille offers a true bayfront dining experience where the scenery is just as memorable as the food. Whether you’re visiting for lunch, brunch, cocktails, or simply to enjoy the waterfront atmosphere, this is one of those restaurants that immediately puts you into vacation mode.

We chose to have lunch outside on the waterfront patio, and it couldn’t have been a better setting. Boats cruised through the marina while guests enjoyed the sunshine, waterfront views, and the relaxed coastal atmosphere that makes Stone Harbor such a special destination.

The highlight of our lunch was the beautifully presented seafood tower, featuring fresh lobster, oysters, shrimp, and chilled seafood. It wasn’t just visually impressive—it showcased the quality and freshness you’d expect from a premier Jersey Shore seafood restaurant.

The outdoor seating is spacious and comfortable, making it an excellent choice for couples, families, friends, or anyone looking to enjoy lunch with one of the best bayfront views in Cape May County. It’s also the kind of place where you can easily spend an afternoon enjoying the scenery with a cocktail in hand.

Service throughout our visit was friendly, attentive, and professional. From the moment we were seated until the seafood tower arrived at the table, everything felt polished and well-paced.

If you’re staying at The Reeds at Shelter Haven, spending the day in Stone Harbor, or simply searching for a waterfront restaurant with outstanding seafood, beautiful marina views, and a relaxing coastal atmosphere, Water Star Grille delivers an experience that’s worth making time for.

The Philly Food Fanatic Take: Water Star Grille isn’t just about the food—it’s about the entire waterfront experience. Fresh seafood, attentive service, boats passing by, and panoramic bay views come together to create one of the most enjoyable outdoor dining destinations in Stone Harbor. It’s the kind of place where lunch naturally turns into an afternoon you’ll remember.“

“This is a great spot for parents and kids. Parents can enjoy excellent service, great cocktails and decent barfood while knowing the kids are in a relatively safe environment. It beats going to Disneyland with all those weird middle aged forever kids riding scooters around the park.“

“We stayed here from Aug 30-Sept 1 2024. Absolutely an amazing stay. I would say this hotel is not one you stay in if you’re there for a whole week and expect to live in your room but for us it was everything we needed at a fantastic price. The room was clean, comfortable, updated and all around great. The staff, let me tell You how wonderful they are, we needed to check in later they said “okay we got it” no issues, our room was cleaned and refreshed within an hour of us being out the door and back from the store. We asked for a later check out and they had no issue giving us an extra hour. They were beyond accommodating when we needed assistance the day we checked out and even offered to let us use the accommodations they provide for guests. We will be coming back and staying here again.“

“I'm so impressed with this menu! Hot honey pistachio ricotta, amazing! Burrata, also amazing! Hummus with fresh veg, delicious! And the brisket melted in your mouth. You know, your going to a bar, you think meh bar food, but this place is incredible!“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We’re locals and chose Sax at the Reeds to celebrate our anniversary on a Tuesday night in September. Since many of the local steakhouses were closed, we decided to give Sax a try — and we’re so glad we did! From the moment we walked in, the staff was warm and welcoming. Our server, Patrick, was absolutely outstanding. He was attentive, incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and wine list, and even made something as simple as choosing a steak knife a fun and memorable experience. He explained where the knives came from, what they were made of, and offered his favorite — such a unique touch! The food was just as impressive. I went with a mix of apps and a salad — the shrimp cocktail (huge shrimp!), perfectly seared local scallops (I was expecting three and got closer to eight!), and the truffle cheese burrata salad, which was loaded with heirloom tomatoes, arugula, basil, balsamic reduction, sea salt, and basil oil. Everything was fresh and delicious. My husband had the New York Strip with truffle fries and grilled asparagus — a perfectly cooked, hearty steak that left him very satisfied. We left completely full and so happy with our experience. Sax exceeded our expectations in every way, and we’ll definitely be back soon. Highly recommend for both locals and visitors looking for a special dinner spot!“

“The food was great, and the staff was very helpful when we realized we had left our diaper bag behind while visiting from out of state. They made the process of getting it returned to us as easy as possible, and we really appreciated their help.“

“The food is decent but this location is all about where you are seated. Previously we were under the blue awning adjacent to Two Mile Landing and it was awesome. This time we were seated back by the bar in the middle of the deck. Tables were packed tight and people on top of you . Probably the worst outdoor seating area in the entire place. Highly recommend you be specific on where you want to sit instead of just selecting outdoor area as this was awful.“

“Great Beach Bar Fun Time Recommend“

“Oh my god.. When me and that bouncer locked eyes it was like a moment where time froze around him.. as his short ish hair flowed as the people sang I swear he gave me a wink as he watched the bar making sure nobody caused trouble... That handsome young BULL was doing his job so well and diligently I could have sworn he was born in the bar at 6' ft tall and that SHARP chin that could cut my frozen heart in two or shave it down to the perfect shape.. his white skin glistening in the bar light during the night as he watched over the bar and did his job with such GUSTO i wanted to take a BITE out of him... 10/10 just for that CHARMING gent. Call me one day if you see that Mr. H.... I want to know more about you.“

“If you’re searching for pizza in Stone Harbor, waterfront dining in Stone Harbor, happy hour near The Reeds, outdoor dining, cocktails, or a place to gather with friends and family, The Pizza Pub checks a lot of boxes.

Located directly on Shelter Haven Basin, this is much more than a traditional pizza restaurant. The atmosphere combines waterfront views, outdoor seating, specialty cocktails, craft beer, and a menu built around pizza, shareable plates, and a relaxed Jersey Shore vibe.

One of the highlights of our visit was the cocktail program. We sampled the cocktail flight and had the opportunity to try several of their signature drinks. The Watermelon Mojito was especially refreshing and perfect for a warm summer afternoon overlooking the basin. The drinks were fresh, balanced, and beautifully presented.

Of course, pizza is the star of the show. The specialty pizza we ordered arrived loaded with toppings, baked with a crisp crust, quality ingredients, and plenty of flavor. Every bite tasted fresh, and it’s easy to see why this has become a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

Another feature worth mentioning is The Crew Room, a separate event space upstairs that offers its own unique atmosphere. The nautical décor, dedicated bar, and waterfront-inspired design create a private-club feel that would be perfect for parties, celebrations, private events, and group gatherings.

What really stands out about The Pizza Pub is the overall experience. You’re not simply grabbing a slice of pizza. You’re enjoying waterfront dining in Stone Harbor, watching boats pass through Shelter Haven Basin, enjoying craft cocktails, sharing food with friends, and experiencing one of the most unique casual dining settings at the Jersey Shore.

What it’s known for:

✔️ Pizza in Stone Harbor
✔️ Waterfront dining
✔️ Outdoor patio seating
✔️ Cocktail flights and specialty drinks
✔️ Craft beer selection
✔️ Private events and The Crew Room
✔️ Shelter Haven Basin views
✔️ Family-friendly atmosphere

The Philly Food Fanatic Take: Whether you’re staying at The Reeds, spending the day in Stone Harbor, or simply looking for great pizza, cocktails, and waterfront views, The Pizza Pub delivers a complete Jersey Shore dining experience that goes far beyond pizza alone.

— ThePhillyFoodFanatic®
Trusted • Respected • Always Hungry“

“Always a great experience awesome bartenders and food“

“Great meal and friendly service. would recommend this place to everyone.“

“I probably don’t contribute to reviews as often as I should, but when I saw the negative reviews for the Blue Water Grille in Wildwood I had to write something.

We started coming here late last season and immediately became regulars for their Thursday Night Happy Hour and dinner special. They rotate their Happy Hour food specials. Their Shrimp cocktail is excellent and extremely reasonable but their Steamers (IMHO) are the absolute best on the island and the main reason I was addicted to coming here on Thursdays. And their Prime Rib Thursday dinner special for $25 can’t be beat.

We are retired and we are lucky enough to be able to spend our summers up here and our winters in Florida. We have had instances when we were looking forward to getting back to one of our favorite places in both Wildwood and Florida and when we got there, we found out that things had gone downhill since the previous season. New management, new kitchen staff, cost cutting due to inflation… who knows? but its very disappointing when that happens.

I went online to verify that the Thursday Happy Hour Specials hadn’t changed and when I did, I that, I saw a few pretty negative reviews and we were concerned that the Blue Water Grille may have gone the same route.

I’m very happy to report that it did not. We went Thursday night and everything was excellent!!!

We ended getting 3 orders of steamers, 2 shrimp cocktails and my wife and I split the prime rib dinner.
The soup of the day was crab and asparagus. I’m not a big asparagus person, my wife is, so I didn’t expect to like it. OMG it was fantastic. If it’s the Soup of the day when you are there, get it!

Our bartender, Stephanie, was great. She’s usually at the outside bar so this was the first time we me her and we felt like old friends by the time we left. The restaurant had gotten pretty crowded and I didn’t notice anyone having issues over the food or the service.

I feel bad fo the people that said they had a bad experience. Like I said we were regulars last season and we never had any issues here at all.

A couple of thoughts though. A few people mentioned wanting water front views. There are a few Blue Water Grill(e)s around the country. This one is several blocks from the beach so I have to wonder, did they post the review here for a different Blue Water?

Also, having grown up in another shore resort I know that, unless a restaurant is geared to locals instead of tourists, you can’t always get a fair assessment of a restaurant if you go off season. College kids are back at school, staffing can be tough and we know that often the Head Chefs head to busier southern resorts in the winter. I’m not saying that happened here, just speculating. I saw it happen where I grew up.

I noticed a few people complain in their reviews about how long they waited for food. This is a real restaurant, not a fast food place. Food is cooked to order. If you are looking to grab a fast bite, you might be better off grabbing something on the boardwalk, If you want a good dinner in a really nice setting , check out he Blue Water Grille“

“The North End is my go to restaurant on and off island. Great place to bring the little ones as well. The food is great and reasonably priced. The waitstaff is friendly and attentive. Live entertainment unlike some of the nearby places isn't so loud that you can't have a conversation or hear yourself think. The bartenders are also very friendly and go out of their way to make sure my wife gets the best chocolate martinis anywhere.“

“Good food and great atmosphere“