Jenna Giustino 
First dates get a bad rep. Maybe it’s earned, because we’ve all felt the awkwardness of the “where should we go?” conversation, and we can all relate to the should I or shouldn’t I say something mental note when your prospective first date proposes a restaurant or bar that you know just doesn’t fit the vibe you’re looking for. Everyone has different expectations for first dates; some prefer a meal, while others want to keep it quick for the initial meeting. JSG gets it, so we’ve compiled a list of local spots with first date potential, broken down into categories of the type of first date you’re looking for. Keep reading for a list of restaurants and bars at the Jersey Shore fitting for every kind of first date.
If Looking for Cocktails with a Vibe
Lana | 32 Laird Street, Long Branch
Lana is an upscale bar and restaurant in Long Branch. It has a moody vibe with dim lighting, crystal chandeliers, and leather and velvet seating. It’s a great first date spot if you’re looking to grab a drink, as Lana has an extensive list of crafted cocktails, along with a diverse selection of spirits and wines. It also makes JSG’s list as an appropriate spot for a first date since it’s 21 and over after 8PM, and there are plenty of cozy corners good for getting to know each other.
If The Date Goes Well, Try This Activity After: Lana often has a DJ go on at 9:30PM, so stay at Lana to listen to music. Or, walk around Pier Village, where there are plenty of other restaurants, bars, stores, and of course, the boardwalk overlooking Long Branch beach.
Read More: 23 Fun Things to Do in Red Bank, New Jersey
Park Social Lounge + Restaurant | 1311 NJ-35, Neptune City
Park Social is a sophisticated lounge and restaurant in Neptune City. It has a vintage glamour aesthetic and elevated food and chic cocktails that create a cool atmosphere for a first date. FYI: On Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5PM-7PM, and Friday + Sunday, 4PM-6PM, it has happy hour specials including discounted drinks and social bites.
If The Date Goes Well, Try This Activity After: Park Social also has a garden area, which is a full-service outdoor dining area featuring string lights, a romantic spot for dinner if drinks at the bar aren’t enough.
If Looking for a Pretty View
Marina Grille | 905 NJ-35, Belmar
Photo Credit: Marina Grille
Marina Grille is a waterfront restaurant and bar in Belmar. Marina Grille has an open-air atmosphere, featuring both indoor and outdoor seating with a pretty view of sunsets over Shark River. It’s fitting for a first date as Marina is a good go-to for a laid-back experience, whether looking for a drink at the tiki bar, lunch inside, or dinner by the water. Marina also often has live music, which adds a fun element to a first date.
If The Date Goes Well, Consider This Activity After: Visit the 9th Ave Pier in the summertime, or Beach Haus year-round. Both options offer additional views of the marina and are within walking distance of Marina Grille.
Ocean View Restaurant | 2 Boardwalk, Seaside Heights
The Ocean View Restaurant is in Seaside Heights. As the name implies, the Ocean View Restaurant is located right on Seaside Heights’ beach, featuring a large deck for dining outside. The deck also has an outdoor bar and a mini stage where bands often play during the summer months. The patio features steps that lead directly into the sand, with a roped-off section that includes Adirondack chairs and picnic tables, making it a cute option for dining.
If The Date Goes Well, Consider This Activity After: The outdoor section also features cornhole, and the restaurant’s location makes it easy to access games on Seaside Heights’ boardwalk after lunch or dinner.
If Looking for a Daytime Cafe Date
Maeberrie Market | 504 Main Street, Avon-By-The-Sea
Maeberrie Market is a cozy restaurant in Avon-by-the-Sea. Maeberrie Market is the ideal first date location for a coastal breakfast, brunch, or lunch; there are plenty of salads, toasts, breakfast plates, and bowls. Maeberrie Market also has frozen sorbet, which is often used to make frozen mimosas; bring your champagne.
If The Date Goes Well, Try This Activity After: Explore its market, which has housemade lemonade, pastries, and a curated selection of vintage home goods. FYI: There are also fresh-cut flowers if you’re looking to seriously impress that first date.
Seed to Sprout | 410 Main Street, Avon-By-The-Sea
Seed to Sprout is a trendy cafe in Avon-by-the-Sea. Seed to Sprout has health-conscious selections, as well as vegan and gluten-free options, for breakfast and lunch. The menu features organic, fair-trade coffee, lattes with a choice of plant-based milk, fresh juices, and smoothies, and a variety of breakfast options available all day, making it a necessity for a quality daytime cafe date.
If The Date Goes Well, Try This Activity After: Grab a baked good to-go and stroll down Main Street, which has a ton of local small businesses to pop into.
If Looking for an Upscale / Romantic / “Trying to Seriously Impress” Restaurant
Ember + Eagle | 2000 Lowther Drive, Eatontown
Ember + Eagle is a steakhouse located at Suneagles Golf Club. Ember and Eagle have impressive first-date vibes right upon arrival, as the grounds are also used as a wedding venue (Tillinghouse), so expect an upscale aesthetic immediately upon arrival. JSG suggests the seafood tower, crudos, or filet mignon to enhance that grand-first-date experience.
If The Date Goes Well, Try This Activity After: Head to the Parlor Bar, located on the first floor, which often features live music and a fun atmosphere.
Scarborough Faire | 1414 Meetinghouse Road, Sea Girt
Scarborough Faire is known as a romantic dinner spot in Sea Girt. Scarborough Faire is located inside a 19th-century farmhouse, which creates a “hidden escape” feeling at the Jersey Shore. The menu features locally grown and organic ingredients, featuring steak, fish options, and pastas. JSG recommends reserving a table by calling ahead of time and asking for a seat by the stairs. Scarborough Faire decorates the stairway based on the season, and the tables that surround it are little enclaves, providing a private space to really get to know each other.
If The Date Goes Well, Try This Activity After: Go to Sundaes Ice Cream for dessert.
If Looking for a Casual Eat + Drink + Activity
The Bistro at iPlay America | 108 Schanck Road, Freehold
The Bistro is the restaurant located inside iPlay America in Freehold. The Bistro has a full menu of casual American-style eats like burgers, soups, salads, pasta, and pizza. It’s also known for its seasonal pop-ups, including past events like Tipsy Tiki and a Valentine’s Day Pop-Up Bar.
If The Date Goes Well, Try This Activity After: Visit iPlay, where you can play arcade games, ride go-karts, and compete in two-story laser tag.
Tall Oaks Farm + Brewery | 450 Colts Neck Road, Farmingdale
Tall Oaks is a farm + brewery in Farmingdale. Tall Oaks has a cozy indoor tasting room and two acres of open land. Besides being a unique farm-style location close to the Jersey Shore, the outdoor seating has options like Adirondack chairs surrounding a fire pit that feels cute for a first date.
If The Date Goes Well, Consider Trying This Activity After: Tall Oaks Farm + Brewery often hosts fun activities like line dancing, has food trucks available, and features workshops like candle making and paint and sip. You can click here to view its calendar.
If Looking for a Local Foodie Experience
Grand Tavern | 1105 6th Avenue, Neptune City
Grand Tavern is a restaurant beloved by locals in Neptune City. Grand Tavern’s menu has American comfort food options with an upscale twist, featuring items like its fried pork nuggets and 14-oz New York strip served with fries. The menu includes inventive cocktails, both classic and zero-proof.
If The Date Goes Well, Try This Activity After: Go to Del Ponte’s for pastries post-dinner.
La Sierra Restaurant + Bar | 1621 Main Street, Lake Como
La Sierra is a Mexican restaurant and bar in Lake Como. La Sierra is decorated from ceiling to floor with vibrant colors, making a festive aesthetic that feels fun for a first date. The menu features authentic Mexican dishes, including tortas, chimichangas, tacos, and fajitas. Plus, there’s a hidden backyard patio that feels like a local’s go-to spot for a first date.
If The Date Goes Well, Try This Activity After: Walk the trail surrounding Lake Como.
Nettie’s | 5119 Asbury Avenue, Tinton Falls
Nettie’s House of Spaghetti is an Italian restaurant in Tinton Falls. Those who live in the area appreciate Nettie’s for keeping its roots as a red sauce joint, with simple food and an ingredient-driven menu. Menu highlights include its house salad, fresh pastas, meatballs, and hot or sweet Italian sausage.
If The Date Goes Well, Try This Activity After: Visit the Coach Coffee Shop for an after-dinner latte (open until 7PM).
If Looking for an Open Kitchen / Hands-On Dining Experience
Hadaka | 527 Bangs Avenue, Asbury Park
Hadaka is an omakase restaurant in downtown Asbury Park. Hadaka’s intimate 12-seat restaurant makes this a rare first date experience. The chef at Hadaka leads the meal right in front of you. Besides getting sushi prepared right before your eyes, there are also interactive touches like sake toasts and blow torches that feel like a dinner and performance type experience.
If The Date Goes Well, Consider This Activity After: Downtown Asbury Park has a variety of venues, including concert halls, distilleries, and breweries, as well as charming bookshops and boutiques to explore after Hadaka.
Judy + Harry’s | 408 7th Avenue, Asbury Park
Photo Credit: Michael Persico
Judy + Harry’s is a bar and restaurant located inside The St. Laurent Hotel. The main restaurant, Judy’s, has comforting Italian plates with Jewish inspiration like its matzah ball soup and pan-seared ricotta. Judy’s signature items are made by Chef David and his team in an open kitchen visible to diners, and there are even barstools overlooking the kitchen. Harry’s, the cocktail bar, is located next door, making it easy to switch up the environment.
If The Date Goes Well, Try This Activity After: Take a stroll on Asbury Park’s boardwalk, steps away from Judy + Harry’s.
See More: The Best First Date Spots in Hoboken, New Jersey
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