Jessica Norton 
As we settle into winter at the Jersey Shore, many local businesses — including beachfront restaurants, dessert shops, and clothing boutiques — temporarily close their doors. These off-season closures give business owners the opportunity to tackle maintenance, refresh their spaces, and get ready for the busy summer season that’s always just around the corner. While closures can catch visitors and locals by surprise, they are a normal part of the shore’s yearly rhythm. Being aware of which businesses close for the winter can help residents and off-season visitors plan ahead and make the most of what our shore towns have to offer year-round. And while the streets may be quieter now, there’s always something to look forward to when these beloved spots reopen in the spring. Read more to find out which businesses are closing for the 2026 winter season at the Jersey Shore.
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Colonial Bakery | 1906 Grand Central Avenue, Lavallette
Colonial Bakery — located on the barrier island of Lavallette, New Jersey — takes a well-deserved break during the cold, winter months. The family-owned bakery will reopen in May 2026. “To each and every one of the customers who came to support us, a sincere thank you! Have a great winter, we will see you in May 2026!” Colonial posted to its official website.
Dale + Dollops | 69 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove
Dale + Dollops is a casual diner that serves vegan comfort food in the heart of Ocean Grove. Its delicious plant-based milkshakes, soft-serve ice cream, grilled cheese sandwiches, wraps, and burgers will sadly not be available again until the spring. Dale + Dollops announced on Instagram that their last day open for the season was on Sunday, October 12th, 2025. An official reopening date for 2026 has not yet been announced.
Days Ice Cream | 48 Pitman Avenue, Ocean Grove
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Day’s Ice Cream in Ocean Grove has a long history, having first opened its doors in August 1876. Over the years, it has become a local favorite, known for its classic ice cream and historic charm. The shop is currently closed for winter break and will reopen in May 2026. “Thanks for a great season! See you in the spring,” Days wrote on an Instagram post on October 13th, 2025.
Fable Creamery | 14 Monmouth Street, Red Bank
Fable Creamery — a vegan ice cream and confection shop in Red Bank, New Jersey — announced on Instagram that it will be closed for a winter break from December 24th, 2025, to February 3rd, 2026. Everything at Fable Creamery is 100% vegan and gluten-free. Its ice creams, ice cream cakes, chocolate confections, cookies, and brownies are free from soy, artificial colors or flavors, gums, preservatives, and vegetable oil. Unfortunately, any friends with dietary restrictions will have to wait until February to enjoy its delicious treats again.
The Food Shack | 1000-1002 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant
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The Food Shack is a beachfront cafe located on the Point Pleasant boardwalk. The open-air dining location closed for the off-season at the end of October and will reopen for the summer in May.
The Grand Tavern | 1105 6th Avenue, Neptune City
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The Grand Tavern in Neptune is a laid-back but stylish spot known for its great cocktails and elevated comfort food. It’s taking a winter pause this year, closing from January 1st through February 8th, and will welcome guests back on Monday, February 9th.
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The Herbary – Bear Creek Farm | 94 Lakewood Farmingdale Road, Howell
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The Herbary at Bear Creek Farm in Howell is a charming farm spot with greenhouses, gardens, and a barn full of plants, local goodies, and fun, quirky gifts. It’s closed for winter break right now, but will reopen on Saturdays in March for the spring season.
Makana’s | 609 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
Makana’s in Asbury Park is a casual breakfast-and-lunch cafe known for fresh bowls, wraps, baked goods, and specialty coffee drinks inspired by Hawaiian tastes and wellness food trends. Makana’s shared on their Instagram story that they will be closed from Tuesday, January 13th, through Monday, January 19th, for a short winter break.
The Main Ave Collective | 56 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove
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The Main Ave Collective — a trendy women’s boutique in Ocean Grove, New Jersey — closed for the winter season on December 22nd, 2025. “Closing out the season with so much gratitude. Thank you for an incredible year and for being such a special part of our community. We’ll be back in 2026 — stay warm & stay tuned,” the shop shared on Instagram.
Moonstruck | 517 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park
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Moonstruck — an upscale eatery with American-Mediterranean fare in Asbury Park — will close for a short winter break. The restaurant announced on Instagram that it will close for the season from January 1st through February 11th, 2026.
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Mueller’s Bakery | 80 Bridge Avenue, Bay Head
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Bay Head locals will sadly have to go without Mueller’s delicious crumb cake and breakfast pastries for the next few months. The staple Jersey Shore bakery shared an announcement graphic posted to its Instagram page that it will be closed for winter break and will reopen on March 1st, 2026.
Peppy Collective | 318 Marine Place, Avon-by-the-Sea
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Peppy Collective — a cute and eclectic vintage store with handmade pieces by Jules Cataldo that is nestled in Avon-by-the-Sea — will close for a few months during the winter. “Taking a short break from the shop Jan 6th – Jan 16th, but will be reopening on the 17th. Hunkering down here until Jan 30th… then we shall meet again in May,” owner Jules wrote in an Instagram caption. Even though the Peppy Collective shop will be closed, its online store will be actively restocked during the off-season. Follow @peppycollective on Instagram for store updates and new collection drops
Porta Asbury Park | 911 Kingsley Street, Asbury Park
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Porta Asbury Park is a laid-back Italian spot known for its wood-fired pizza, big communal tables, and lively nightlife. The restaurant announced that it will be closed Monday, January 1st, through Thursday, January 15th, 2026. “We’ll see you again when we reopen on January 16th,” the Porta team announced in an Instagram caption.
Pulp | 516 Summerfield Avenue, Asbury Park
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Pulp, a juice and smoothie bar in Asbury Park, is taking a well-deserved vacay during the month of January. “Pulp will be closed for winter break from Monday 1/12 to Thursday 1/29! Don’t pout though, we’ll reopen on Friday 1/30!” the team wrote in an Instagram caption.
Red’s Lobster Pot | 57 Inlet Drive, Point Pleasant
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Red’s Lobster Pot is an iconic waterfront Jersey Shore seafood spot located in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. The popular inlet restaurant closes every year for the winter. “Have a great fall and winter and we can’t wait to welcome you back in the Spring!” Red’s team wrote on Instagram on October 11th, 2025.
Watermark | 800 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park
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Watermark in Asbury Park is a stylish waterfront restaurant and bar known for its seasonal menu and ocean views, making it a great spot for cocktails or a girls’ night out. But just a heads up, they’re taking a short winter break and will be closed from January 1st to January 15th, reopening on Friday, January 16th at 5 PM.
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