From family-owned Italian eateries to tucked-away seafood shacks, the Jersey Shore is packed with dining spots that capture the heart and soul of the state’s diverse culinary scene. Over the years, restaurateur Guy Fieri has cruised through the iconic coastal stretch of New Jersey on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, taking fans on a flavor-packed tour of the shore’s best hidden gems. Guy celebrates the people, recipes, and flavors that make each spot at the Jersey Shore a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. Read on to learn more about the Jersey Shore restaurants that have been featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.
Asbury Park
Mutiny BBQ Company | 808 Fifth Avenue
Mutiny BBQ Company is an authentic small-batch BBQ restaurant and caterer that serves up brisket, ribs, and pulled pork smoked over a live fire plus scratch-made sides. The big-deal barbecue and BYOB location was featured on Season 40, Episode 5 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives titled “Coast-to-Coast Comfort.” The episode aired in September 2024. “We’re so grateful to Food Network, Citizen Pictures, the amazing production crew, our friends and family for making cameo appearances, and of course Guy himself for this opportunity. What an unforgettable experience and what a great opportunity to show the world how Asbury Park does BBQ!” Mutiny wrote on Instagram.
Read More: A Guide to the Best Italian Restaurants at the Jersey Shore
Atlantic City
Kelsey + Kim’s Southern Cafe | 201 Melrose Avenue
Kelsey + Kim’s Southern Cafe is a classy soul-food restaurant featuring elevated versions of traditional Southern comfort food dishes. It is known for its delicious fried chicken, waffles, and mac and cheese. Kelsey + Kim’s was featured on the episode “Fish, Fries and Feet” in 2015.
Vagabond Kitchen + Tap House | 672 North Trenton Avenue
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Vagabond Kitchen + Tap House is a laid-back tavern with award-winning taps, creative burgers, cocktails, happy-hour specials, and live entertainment. Guy Fieri tried the Three Way sandwich with mango barbecue sauce and said that Vagabond Kitchen + Tap House “sails way beyond basic bar food.” The popular South Jersey spot was featured on the episode titled “Between the Bread” in 2016.
Avon-by-the-Sea
Cave Bistro | 515 Sylvania Avenue
Cave Bistro is a farm-to-table BYO restaurant that serves up creative dishes made from scratch using wholesome, natural ingredients. The menu is 100% gluten-free and its kitchen is seed oil-free. Guy hit up the Jersey Shore spot to try roasted octopus with chermoula sauce and house-pickled vegetables, as well as a bone marrow burger topped with raclette cheese. The episode “Fistful of Flavor” featuring Cave Bistro aired on the Food Network in August 2024. Brian Quinn from the television series Impractical Jokers appears in the episode alongside Guy Fieri.
Seed to Sprout | 410 Main Street
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Seed to Sprout is an organic, plant-based cafe that serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The health-minded eatery serves up vegan, vegetarian, and organic options, plus coffee and juice. Seed to Sprout’s Bacon Cheddar Melt left Guy Fieri speechless during the episode “Grand Slam Sammy,” which aired in September 2024.
Barnegat Light
Mustache Bill’s Diner | West 8th Street
Mustache Bill’s Diner is known for its delicious comfort food, retro decor, and proximity to the Barnegat Light House. It has been a local favorite at the Jersey Shore since 1964. During the taping of the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives episode titled “New Jersey Diner Tour” — which aired in 2008 — Guy Fieri tried the cyclops pancake with a fried egg in the middle.
Belmar
10th Avenue Burrito Co. | 801 Belmar Plaza
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10th Avenue Burrito Co. located in downtown Belmar features a fresh, from-scratch Mexi-Cali menu with an extensive tequila selection and live music. In 2010, Guy Fieri tried the Pork Mole platter on the episode titled “Wings ‘n Things.” Guy returned to 10th Ave Burrito in 2024 to serve up some drinks to fans from behind the bar while he was in the area visiting Mutiny BBQ, Cave Bistro, Scratch Kitchen, Seed to Sprout, Height 167, and Jersey Shore BBQ.
Bradley Beach
Skratch Bistro | 812 Main Street
Skratch Bistro is an Italian restaurant in Bradley Beach with a chef-inspired, rustic menu created from “scratch.” Its menu has gluten-free and vegan options. Skratch’s DD&D’s episode, “All Over the Plate,” aired in August 2024. Guy Fieri tried Skratch’s cajun clams appetizer with andouille sausage, cannellini beans, and crostini, as well as the chicken savoy entree which is a dish of parmesan and oregano-crusted boneless chicken thighs with balsamic glaze and hot and sweet peppers.
Brigantine
Ernest and Son | 3305 Brigantine Avenue
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During Season 21, Episode 13 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives titled “Oldies but Goodies” Guy Fieri visits Ernest and Son meat market in Brigantine, New Jersey. Ernest and Son is a butcher shop with a fresh assortment of steak, ground beef, chicken, and more. Guy tried the homemade jerky and sausage sandwich.
Cape May
George’s Place | 301 Beach Avenue
George’s Place has been in business since 1968. The Cape May eatery serves up American + Greek fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives in November 2010 on the episode titled “A Triple D Thanksgiving.” When Guy visited George’s Place, he sampled the turkey confit and a Greek leg of lamb.
Galloway
Oyster Creek Restaurant + Boat Bar | 41 North Oyster Creek Road
Oyster Creek Restaurant + Boat Bar is a family-friendly restaurant and bar with diverse seafood dishes. The waterfront restaurant has been serving fresh seafood since the 1930s. Oyster Creek appeared on the Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives episode “Oldies But Goodies” in 2014.
Highlands
The Chubby Pickle | 23 Bay Avenue
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The Chubby Pickle is a local sports bar with pub food and live events. It has become a popular hangout for sports fans, music lovers, and foodies at the Jersey Shore. Guy Fieri stopped by to film an episode of Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives in 2022. Guy tried The Chubby Pickle’s famous Korean chili wings served with an array of flavors and seasonings.
Middletown
Haldi Chowk Authentic Indian | 1409 New Jersey 35
Haldi Chowk Authentic Indian Cuisine in Middletown serves up delicious, authentic Indian cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives in 2022 in the episode titled “Flavor Expedition.” Guy Fieri enjoyed Haldi Chowk’s next-level Tandoori Chicken and over-the-top samosas.
Ocean City
Piccini Wood Fired Brick Oven Pizza | 1260 West Avenue
Piccini Wood Fired Brick Oven Pizza in Ocean City is known for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. Guy Fieri stopped by the beachside pizza joint in the episode titled “East-West Flavorfest” in 2015. During his visit, Guy tried Piccini’s unique bacon cheeseburger pizza as well as chicken and farfalle with vodka sauce.
Point Pleasant
Heights 167 | 1314 Richmond Avenue
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Heights 167 is a Jackson Heights-themed Latin American Fusion restaurant located in Point Pleasant Beach. The eatery appears on the Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives episode “Wide World of Chefs” which aired in October 2024. For the episode, owner Eric Lucero prepared papa rellena — potato croquettes stuffed with picadillo and Oaxaca cheese — and a birria platter with rice and beans.
Jersey Shore BBQ | 710 Arnold Avenue
Jersey Shore BBQ is an award-winning BBQ restaurant and caterer serving brisket, ribs, and barbecue-inspired breakfast dishes in downtown Point Pleasant Beach. Guy Fieri stopped by to try a chicken sandwich, pork belly, collard greens, and a Texas Reuben made with smoked corned beef. JSBBQ was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives on Friday, November 1st.
Sea Bright
Moo Yai Thai Restaurant | 1064 Ocean Avenue
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Moo Yai Thai Restaurant is a popular Thai restaurant in Sea Bright, New Jersey. Moo Yai Thai is featured in DD&D’s episode “Cruisin’ Coast to Coast” which aired in 2022. Guy Fieri tried the fried and sautéed pork marinated in soy sauce. “Never in our wildest dreams was this even remotely something we thought could happen. Thank you to the crew, thank you to Poppa Mike, thank you to our customers and thank you Guy Fieri for deciding our little restaurant deserved some attention,” Moo Yai Thai wrote on Instagram.
Somers Point
Anchorage Tavern Restaurant | 823 Bay Avenue
Anchorage Tavern Restaurant in Somers Point is a family-run seafood eatery that serves up classic American dishes, bar fare, and seafood. It was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives in 2015 during the episode “Roadtrippin.” Guy’s favorite menu items from Anchorage Tavern include the Buffalo Crab Cakes and Flounder Gorgonzola.
The Grilled Cheese + Crabcake Company | 55 West Laurel Drive
The Grilled Cheese and Crabcake Company in Somers Point is a popular restaurant specializing in comfort food and unique grilled cheese sandwich selections. It was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives in the episode “From Atlantic to Pacific” in 2015. Guy loved the crab melt with a side of crabby bacon french fries.
Stone Harbor
Quahog’s Seafood Shack | 206 97th Street
Quahog’s Seafood Shack and Bar serves up fresh seafood with a South American twist. Its menu features everything from shrimp empanadas to lobster tacos. Guy Fieri visited the Stone Harbor location for DD&D in 2011 and tried the taco barbeque fish ribs.
See More: Your Guide to Sopranos Landmarks in Northern New Jersey
Wildwood
Maui’s Dog House | 806 New Jersey Avenue
Maui’s Dog House in Wildwood is a popular hot dog joint that serves classic hot dogs, burgers, and sandwiches. Customers can enjoy a variety of toppings and condiments to customize their meals. Maui’s was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives episode “Sandwiches Plus” in 2010. The episode featured sauerkraut, homemade spicy mustard, and beef sauce hot dogs.
Jersey Shore Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day 2024
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and, most importantly, great food. For those looking to skip the cooking but still enjoy a feast, many local restaurants at the Jersey Shore will open their doors on Thanksgiving Day. From traditional turkey dinners to unique coastal-inspired dishes and holiday-themed brunch buffets, diners can enjoy a festive meal without the prep work or cleanup. The Jersey Shore Girl has curated a list of local restaurants that will stay open for the holiday. Read on to learn more about restaurants at the Jersey Shore that are open on Thanksgiving Day 2024.
Atlantic City
Council Oak Steaks + Seafood at Hard Rock Hotel + Casino | 1000 Boardwalk
Hours: 5PM-10PM
Special Menu: Guests can celebrate Thanksgiving at Council Oak Steaks + Seafood with gourmet holiday classics. The 2024 Thanksgiving menu is $79 per person and includes roasted turkey, butternut squash bisque, mashed potatoes, candied sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and a wide selection of indulgent desserts. Council Oak Steaks + Seafood’s Thanksgiving menu can be viewed here.
Read More: Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar 2024 Kicks Off on 11/29
Il Mulino New York at Hard Rock Hotel + Casino | 1000 Boardwalk
Hours: 5PM-10PM
Special Menu: Il Mulino’s Thanksgiving dinner includes Italian-inspired holiday dishes, traditional sides, and decadent desserts for $75 a person. The full Il Mulino Thanksgiving menu can be found here.
Bay Head
The Grenville | 345 Main Avenue
Hours: 12PM-2:30PM
Special Menu: The Grenville will serve a traditional Thanksgiving menu with seating times available from 12PM-2PM and 12:30PM-2:30PM. Its Thanksgiving luncheon is $45 per adult and $35 per child. The Grenville's Thanksgiving menu can be downloaded here.
Bayville
B2 Bistro + Bar | 125 Bayview Avenue
Hours: 10AM-6PM
Special Menu: B2 Bistro + Bar in Bayville will host a Thanksgiving brunch and dinner buffet. The buffet is $55 for adults and $28 for children 12 and under. A carving station will have turkey, prime rib, and ham. Brunch options are waffles, eggs, sausage, bacon, and an omelet station. The buffet menu also includes bread and dinner rolls, house salad, shrimp, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, glazed carrots, a pasta station, flounder florentine, salmon, scarpariello chicken, chicken tenders, french Fries, and assorted desserts. Thanksgiving reservations are required and can be booked on the B2 Bistro + Bar website.
Freehold
The American Hotel | 18-20 East Main Street
Hours: 1PM-6PM
Special Menu: Guests can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving Buffet Dinner at The American Hotel. The buffet costs $69 for adults and $34 for children 12 years and under (plus tax and gratuity). Reservations can be made by calling 732-431-3220.
Matawan
MJ's at Buttonwood Manor | 845 Route 34
Hours: 12PM-10PM
Special Menu: MJ’s at Buttonwood Manor is hosting a Thanksgiving Day Buffet that is $42.99 per person for adults, $21.50 for children ages 3-9, and children under three eat free. The buffet selections include: fresh roasted turkey and roast beef carving stations, pineapple and cherry glazed Virginia ham, glazed honey Thai salmon, homemade stuffing and vegetables, an assortment of desserts, and so much more.
Point Pleasant
Lobster Shanty | 83 Channel Drive
Hours: 11AM-5PM
Special Menu: Thanksgiving Day at The Lobster Shanty is $45 per adult and $20 per child under 12. The buffet includes traditional Thanksgiving carvings and sides as well as assorted breads and rolls, domestic and imported cheeses, and a fresh fruit medley. The full menu for Thanksgiving Day at The Lobster Shanty can be found on its website.
Red Bank
Pearl Restaurant + Lounge at The Oyster Point Hotel | 146 Bodman Place
Hours: 11AM-4PM
Special Menu: The Thanksgiving Day Brunch Buffet at Pearl Restaurant includes carving boards, a holiday potato bar, a raw bar, salads, entrees, a pasta bar, and a large assortment of holiday treats. Reservations can be made by calling 732-530-8200.
Rumson
Red Horse by David Burke | 26 Ridge Road
Hours: 12PM-8PM
Special Menu: Red Horse by David Burke will serve up a three-course meal on Thanksgiving day. Adults are $95 and children 10 and under are $45. Red Horse by David Burke’s Thanksgiving menu can be viewed here.
Sea Bright
Drifthouse by David Burke | 1485 Ocean Avenue
Hours: 12PM-8PM
Special Menu: Drifthouse is serving up a three-course meal for Thanksgiving day. The prix fixe menu can be viewed on its website.
Stone Harbor
The Reeds at Shelter Haven | Stone Harbor
Hours: 11AM-5PM
Special Menu: The Reeds at Shelter Haven will serve a traditional Thanksgiving buffet with all of the favorite, well-known holiday fixings. The menu includes chilled salads, soups, entrées, sides, and assorted desserts. Meals for adults start at $65 and $30 for children. Reservations are required.
See More: Your Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving Planning in Hoboken + Jersey City
Toms River
Artisans Restaurant + Brewery | 1171 Hooper Avenue
Hours: 1PM-8PM
Special Menu: This restaurant hosts a Thanksgiving buffet featuring roast turkey breast, roast pork loin, garden salad, mashed and sweet potatoes, stuffing, green beans, sweet corn, Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, and more. The buffet costs $49.99 for adults and $26.95 for children. Seatings start at 1PM and reservations must be made in advance.
