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Robyn Lane

Robyn Lane

Robyn Lane

18 Ocean County New Jersey Places That Have The Best Weekend Brunch For Locals & Tourists

By Robyn Lane

Summer weekends were made for gatherings like barbeques, beach fun, and Brunch. Now that the warm months are upon us, folks who visit the Shore like to get a lay of the land. They want to know where the best clubs are, along with the best restaurants, the best place to grab some ice cream, and the best places to have a great weekend Brunch.

Some will Google the area they’re visiting; some will take a stab in the dark at some random places, but most will ask the locals. As locals, we have a pretty darn good idea who has the best of everything the Shore has to offer. Heck, we live here, we know where to go, and if we’re kind people we will share our favorite places with the out-of-town summer renters and the occasional visitor or 2.

Now I have my favorites on the list, but a lot of the places that were chosen for this list come by word of mouth from the locals and the folks who either own a Shore house, or rent, season after Summer season.  Those are the folks who have been to the Shore more than enough times to finally figure out where the best brunch is served.

From Brick to Long Beach Island, there’s no shortage of places to fill your belly with a great brunch. The key is finding the best places!

Locals and tourists loved my article on the most overlooked places to get a breakfast sandwich in Ocean County so I thought this list might be as enjoyable.

Some people like to consume adult beverages with their meal, and some people will be happy with a diner that serves top notch food. New Jersey is the diner capital of the world, but not all diners are created equal. Some offer typical fare, and some have eclectic choices.  I love a little place in Toms River called Shut Up and Eat. The menu is ginormous, and the place is fun.  The servers wear pajamas. If you show up in your pajamas, you get 10% off your bill. I would check out the menu online before heading over there, there’s a lot of choices. I make mental notes before I go.

Let’s take a look the top 18 places that offer some of the best weekend Brunches in Ocean County New Jersey.

  • Shut Up and Eat - 804 Main St, Toms River, NJ 08753

    This is that fun quirky place I mentioned up above that has some really unique breakfast, brunch, and lunch choices. Open 7days a week from 6:30am to 3:30 pm

    My Site

    Shut Up and Eat! is Toms River's and New Jersey's most unique breakfast and lunch restaurant. Whether it's the fun and entertaining decor, enthusiastic greetings, pajama-clad waitress' or the...

  • LBI Table - 502 Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008

    I’ll bet lots of Summer visitors pack this place. Their motto is: “The Fondest Memories Are Made While Gathered Around A Table.”  Great Starts, Breakfast Bowls, and Block Benedicts are just a few of their menu headings.

     

  • Brownstone Pancake Factory - 979 Cedar Bridge Ave, Brick Township, NJ 08723

    Another place with a truckload of options and HUGE portions. The milkshakes are meant for drinking and eating, with towering cakes & confections. You have to see it to believe it. The brunch selection is plentiful and creative, and the service is very good. Sal’s recommendation is the Nutella Peanut Butter Crispy French Toast. Ooolala!

     


     

     

     

     

  • The Waterfront - 361 E Lacey Rd, Forked River, NJ 08731

    This is what Summer is all about. Sitting by the water with friends and family, sipping a cocktail and enjoying great food. In the heart of Forked River, The Waterfront offers both indoor and outdoor dining. I say sit by the water and enjoy your brunch.

     

     

     

     

  • Sunny Hunny by the Sea Family Restaurant & Pancake House - 1907 NJ-35, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751

    They have a Seaside Heights mailing address, but they are in Ortley Beach. Right off the bat, I’m going with the Lox Benedict! They’ve been around longer than I’ve been alive. Omelettes, Benedicts, Pancakes, sandwiches, Salads, and more.

     

     

  • Turning Point of Toms River - 1201 Hooper Ave Suite A01, Toms River, NJ 08753 Located in the Ocean County Mall

    They actually have locations in Brick,  Seagirt, Long Branch, Holmdel and a few others across the Garden State. Gluten Free and Vegan options are available. Last time I was there, I had the Crossfit omelette made with 6 egg whites, sauteed spinach, caramelized onions, and mixed seasonal vegetables.

     

     

  • Grits & Grace - : 507 Atlantic City Blvd, Bayville, NJ 08721

    It’s a quaint place with an unusual menu. The husband and wife who own Grits & Grace care about what they’re serving customers.  Food made with top quality ingredients and good vibes.

     

     

  • Heritage Restaurant - 108 Lacey Rd #8, Whiting, NJ 08759

    I hear they serve delicious Prime Rib, in fact, they had it on the Mother’s Day Brunch Menu and I was told that it was so good, they almost ran out.  The menu is very much like a diner menu and offers a good variety of choices. My friend Mitch has lived in the area for a couple of years, and claims this place feels like home.

    Heritage Restaurant

    Family owned and operated Daily specials Daily early birds Friendly enviroment Bus service for senior citizens Next to foodtown and spirits Byob!!!Catering and party room available.

     

  • Meemom's - 56 Chambers Bridge Rd, Brick Township, NJ 08723 Located in Brick Plaza

    When you go to any Meemom’s location, you go for the French Toast. They have the magic touch when it comes to transforming French Toast into something imaginative and fun. In fact, they call themselves, “French Toast University.”  If you’re not a French Toast person, then try one of their unusual spins on a breakfast or lunch.  For Brunch, the Havana Omelette tickles my taste buds.

  • I'm A Local Beach House Cafe - 300 Broadway, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742

    Family owned and operated, this place has typical breakfast, brunch, and lunch offerings.  The food is fresh and cooked to order. The food, the vibe, and the service is what makes this Point Pleasant eatery standout.  Indoor and outdoor seating available.

     

     

  • The Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House - 1201 E Bay Ave, Manahawkin, NJ 08050

    When you go for brunch, the first thing you want to order is a Bloody Mary, trust me on this. If you don’t imbibe, then get a Virgin Mary…so good!  In the Summer, don’t expect your food to hit the table in 15 minutes, this place gets very busy. My friend, Joanne is a local and she and her companion love the friendly staff. Joanne recommends the house made warm Cinnamon Roll with candied pecans and cream cheese frosting. No Bloody Mary for Joanne though. She likes Espresso Martinis and Mimosas. Her man loves a nice plate of Steak & Eggs.

     

     

     

     

  • C&G's Country Cafe - : 213 NJ-37 UNIT 9, Toms River, NJ 08753

    The dining room is clean and bright with small tables and a counter. Friendly and attentive wait staff, and fantastic giant omelettes.  My choice is the “Old Salty”, Made with 3 extra large eggs, smoked salmon, and scallion cream cheese. I don’t even miss the bagel. Lots of travelers who stay in the hotel down the road eat here because the hotel staff gives the place a high five. The locals give this place near perfect reviews. Gluten free? No problem, they’ll look out for you. 

     

     

  • The Union Market & Gallery - 120 W Main St, Tuckerton, NJ 08087

    This place may qualify as one of those hidden gems in plain sight. Such a cool vibe with a menu full of dishes that pay tribute to Alternative, Punk, Hip Hop, and Rock n Roll bands and tunes. Grab the “Bohemian Wrapsody ” -seasoned chickpeas, cheddar, tortilla chips, sour cream, pico de gallo & spinach folded into a crunchy little package, or the ” NOTORIOUS P.I.G.” – Bacon, egg & cheese on a French toasted
    croissant served with a side of jam or syrup. They also have a juice bar with concoctions named for bands like The Cure, The Clash, and Blondie. Don’t forget to grab a cup of their amazing coffee.  This is certainly my kind of place.

     

     

     

     

  • Taylor Sam's - 1643 NJ-88, Brick Township, NJ 08724

    WRAT radio veteran and Production God Jimmy Steal eats here! The place is usually packed, so if you have to wait it will be worth it. You can also call ahead to see if there’s a long wait. Another place with fun inventive dishes like; The Vicious Biscuit: It’s a homemade Cheddar Jalapeno Biscuit, Creamy Pimiento Cheese, Crispy Buttermilk Fried Cauliflower, Doused in Hot Honey Glaze, Choice of Egg Style over Home Fried Potatoes. Taylor Sam’s is my jam. Now open in St. Petersburg, Florida.

     

     

  • Lucille's Country Cooking (Lucille Luncheonette) - 1496 Main St, Barnegat Township, NJ 08005

    If you’re looking for a fancy “foo foo” place, then go somewhere else. Lucille’s should have been included in my article on Hidden Gems.  I hang my head in shame for not including them. 20 lashes with a wet noodle cooked by the fine folks at Lucille’s. Actually I’d rather take my punishment by drowning in their homemade sausage gravy and biscuits. Made from scratch dishes, a very friendly staff , and a sense that everyone who visits, comes back for more.
     
     
     

  • A Thyme for All Seasons - 63 N Main St, Toms River, NJ 08753

    A gem of a place located in downtown Toms River.  If you a fan of anything that contains duck, then you’re in for a treat. They have a crispy duck confit salad that’ll knock you out. It’s got caramelized onions and a homemade honey- thyme dressing . If you’re looking for breakfast food, then take a look at the Cafe menu, it’s loaded with breakfast bowls, omelettes, waffles…etc.

  • Sand Castle Diner - 634 Atlantic City Blvd, Beachwood, NJ 08722

    Again, nothing fancy, but the food is some of the best diner food in the area. Large portions at reasonable prices. If you’re a fan of French Onion Soup, then get it here!!

     

     

  • Meg's Grill - 1403 Grand Central Ave, Lavallette, NJ 08735

    A cozy place with good food, people with good attitudes, and a few surfer dudes.  Meg’s Eggs, Johnny’s Omelets, Rexie’s Famous Pancakes, and Vivi’s French Toast are just a handful of choices at Meg’s. Brunch never felt so beachy.

     

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