Jersey Bites

I’ve been a vegetarian for nine years, and finding food while out, especially during beach trips, can be a challenge. But if you’re heading to the Jersey Shore this summer, you’re in luck. I’ve rounded up some of the best vegetarian-friendly spots, so you don’t have to settle for just fries and funnel cake.

These places check all the boxes for vegetarians and anyone looking for fresh, satisfying bites while soaking up the sun this summer. From relaxed, laid-back cafés to upscale, Instagram-worthy spots, this list has something for every vibe, and all will leave your mouth watering and have you hitting “Go” on your maps.

Bella Vida Garden Café
406 Broadway, West Cape May

Bella Vida Garden Café is a cozy, family-friendly café located in West Cape May, where the menu is thoughtfully laid out for everyone to enjoy fresh and filling options. From breakfast to dinner and even dessert, their menu is filled with veggie-packed options, gluten-free choices, and flavor-filled choices for meat lovers.
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Crust & Crumble Pizzeria
633 Lake Ave, Asbury Park

Since 2008, Crust & Crumble Pizzeria has been serving the Asbury Park community with comforting and flavorful food for everyone. Their vegan menu is packed with satisfying snacks, sandwiches, and salads for those seeking lighter options. Meanwhile, their traditional menu features hearty appetizers, classic pizza, and pasta dishes that are guaranteed to hit the spot every time.
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Greens & Grains
5 Court House South Dennis Rd, Cape May Court House

​​Greens & Grains has locations all over New Jersey, making it easy to enjoy their fresh, healthy options not just at the shore. Their menu features plenty of crowd-pleasers for anyone looking to stay cool and refreshed while soaking up the sun on the sand. Smoothies, bowls, and cold-pressed juices are just the beginning; they also serve breakfast, pitas, and ciabattas. Plus, they offer a unique vegan/vegetarian food truck rental for weddings, corporate events, and other gatherings, so you can share their delicious food with friends, coworkers, and family.
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Hummus Republic
84 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch

Fresh, vibrant, and earthy are the words that come to mind when thinking of Hummus Republic. Their bowls, wraps, and pitas can all be built from scratch using savory, healthy, and rich ingredients. You can’t go wrong choosing this spot. You’re the chef here, building the perfect lunch or dinner just for you.
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Juice Beach
701 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park

The Juice Beach, located in Asbury Park, is the perfect place to refresh, cool down, and recharge. Known for their refreshing smoothies and juice cleanses, it’s the kind of place you head to when the sun is getting to you and you need a flavorful pick-me-up. Their menu may be simple, but their juices and smoothies are fresh, colorful, and designed to leave you feeling good.
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JUS Organic
135 First Ave, Atlantic Highlands

JUS Organic has been serving fresh, clean, and enjoyable food for all since 2015. From breakfast and lunch to snacks and bites, everything comes packed with healthy and hearty ingredients that will fill you up and energize you for more fun at the beach.
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Kaya’s Kitchen
1000 Main St, Belmar

Serving up vegan cuisine, live entertainment, music, poetry, and a smoothie bar, you can’t go wrong when choosing Kaya’s Kitchen. Their menu features a variety of healthy, filling choices that even meat lovers will find appealing. At the top of their vegan menu, they even explain their why, a touching note that shows they care about what they serve and why they serve it.
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Lana
32 Laird St, Long Branch

Step into a world of upscale, Instagram-worthy, delectable dishes where the menus are beautifully presented and vegetarian options are easy to find. At the end of the menu, you’ll find a handy guide showing which options suit you. They mark vegetarian with a “V,” gluten-free with “GF,” and chef favorites with the cutest red kiss mark.
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Living on the Veg
657 E Bay Ave Unit 3, Manahawkin

You can probably tell from the name that this place is all about living vegan and packing in options that are sure to become your new favorites when you visit the shore. They offer breakfast and lunch, along with smoothies and juices. While the menu is fully vegan, it doesn’t lack variety; you’ll find sandwiches, wraps, bagels, breakfast bowls, and more. Even if you’re not vegan but want a healthy, filling option that will keep you energized for a full day at the beach, Living on the Veg has got you covered.
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Playa Bowls
Multiple Jersey Shore Locations

Playa Bowls is a classic for a reason, now serving over 300 locations nationwide. They are best known for their bowls, which always come fresh and packed with fruity flavors guaranteed to keep you cool at the beach. You can choose from different bases, ranging from acai to oatmeal, and customize with a variety of toppings to make the perfect bowl just for you.
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Seed to Sprout
410 Main St, Avon-By-The-Sea

Seed to Sprout is a restaurant founded by Alex and Cara, who are passionate about plant-based eating and overall wellness. They have been serving Avon-by-the-Sea since 2012, offering breakfast (available all day), sandwiches, and bowls. Their menu also includes filling smoothies and juices. They are releasing a cookbook soon, so you can learn how to make their plant-based dishes at home and bring their wellness philosophy into your own kitchen.
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It’s hot, the weather’s a little unpredictable, but you know what you can count on? New Jersey’s food scene and the diverse lineup of options keep growing. Check out this month’s newest highlights.

Chocolate Lovers, Cliffside Park

If you’re a fan of crepes and chocolate treats, Chocolate Lovers in Cliffside Park is the place to be. This charming new shop offers a sweet menu featuring crepes like the Lotus Biscoff and Fruity Tootie, plus waffles such as the Cannoli Waffle and Dubai Knufa Lovers Waffle.

Chocolate Lovers
672 Anderson Ave.
Cliffside Park

El Asadero, Secaucus

The long-empty storefront off Route 3 in Secaucus has finally found new life with El Asadero. Hard to miss with its outdoor decor, the restaurant lives up to its name, “Asadero” meaning grill or rotisserie, with a menu full of sizzling, flame-cooked dishes. Highlights include churrasco, the Asadero molcajete, surf & turf, fajitas, and a birria chimichanga, along with sangrias, margaritas, and beer to round things out.

El Asadero
875 State Rd 3 E.
Secaucus, NJ

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, North Brunswick

Now with its fifth New Jersey location, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has opened in North Brunswick. This fast-growing national chain is known for its steakburgers, along with frozen custard, chicken tenders, sandwiches (crispy, spicy, or grilled), and classic hot dogs. It’s the spot where there is something for just about every craving.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
2418 U.S. Rte 1
North Brunswick Township, NJ

Koi Matsu, Cherry Hill

There’s a new modern Japanese eatery in Cherry Hill called Koi Matsu, featuring a sleek, minimalist interior and offering elevated sushi and sashimi plates alongside plated omakase. The menu also includes soups, salads, and hot pot noodles, yum!

Koi Matsu
404 Marlton Pike East Suite 7
Cherry Hill Township, NJ

Mexico Tacos, Hoboken

New Jersey’s having a big month for Mexican cuisine, and Hoboken joins the mix with Mexico Tacos. The name says it all. This small, no-frills spot is packed with big taco flavor and quick grab-and-go options.

Mexico Tacos
57 Newark St.
Hoboken, NJ

Monroe Sports Tavern, Monroe

If you’re in Monroe and craving a classic sports-bar vibe with a diverse menu, Monroe Sports Tavern is a place to add to your list. The offerings range from wings and Philly Cheese Sticks to Grilled Chicken Sandwiches, Burgers, and entrees like Pan-Seared Salmon. And of course, there’s a full selection of beer and cocktails to round it out.

Monroe Sports Tavern
390 Forsgate Drive Double Tree by Hilton
Monroe Township Cranbury
Monroe Township, NJ

Poke Crew, Hackensack

Fast-casual with Michelin-star-trained chefs? It’s real, and it’s called Poke Crew, now open in Hackensack. Build your own poke bowls for lunch or dinner with a variety of fresh, creative options. It’s a new way to fast casual.

Poke Crew
1 E Palisade Ave.
Englewood, NJ

Red Agave, Monroe

From sizzling street tacos and fire-roasted elotes to a signature tableside guac, Red Agave brings bold Mexican flavors to Monroe. This restaurant and tequila bar doubles as a haven for taco lovers and tequila aficionados alike. Go check them out if you’re in town.

Red Agave
211 Applegarth Rd #102
Monroe Township, NJ

Smoothie King, Rochelle Park

Acai bowls and smoothies get a functional boost at this new Rochelle Park spot, with add-ins ranging from protein to collagen. It’s a quick, feel-good stop that doesn’t come with the guilt of satisfying a sweet tooth.

Smoothie King
60 Essex St STE 102
Rochelle Park, NJ

Somedays Bakery, Montclair

Initially based in Astoria, Queens, Somedays Bakery now brings its lineup of fluffy, freshly baked goods to Montclair. The menu includes both sweet and savory options, from pistachio lattice, pan suisse, and spinach-ricotta swirls to creative croissant twists like egg and cheese or smoked salmon croissants.

Somedays Bakery
260 Bellevue Ave.
Montclair, NJ

The Wharf, Oceanport

Before summer ends, check out The Wharf in Oceanport for an ultimate beach vibe with open-air dining and water views. The menu features American classics like wings, chicken tenders and fries, flatbreads, and a selection of seafood.

The Wharf
10 Riverside Ave.
Oceanport, NJ

Tommy’s Tavern & Tap, Wayne

Part sports bar, part family-friendly restaurant, Tommy’s Tavern & Tap has expanded again with a new location in Wayne. If you haven’t been, the menu is all over in the best way, ranging from sushi rolls and coal-fired pizza to burgers, salads, and more. Plus it has a bar with plenty of beer taps and cocktails.

Tommy’s Tavern & Tap
71 NJ-23
Wayne, NJ

Looking for more new restaurant openings? Check out last month’s roundup here. Have a tip on something new coming to your area? Let us know about it via our contact form.

Searching for all you can eat crabs in NJ? There’s nothing quite like cracking into a piping hot pile of crabs with friends and family in the summertime. From blue claws to snow crabs, restaurants across New Jersey have you covered. Offering a variety of All You Can Eat (AYCE) crab nights to keep the summer energy high and the prices feast-worthy, these spots serve up not only delicious seafood but also fun atmospheres, weekly entertainment, and specials. Whether you’re a seasoned crab connoisseur or just want to try something new, below you’ll find some of the most popular AYCE crab hotspots, with links to their websites or social media pages for the latest updates.

Note: If we’ve missed a favorite AYCE deal in your area of NJ, please send us the details through our contact form.

Allen’s Clam Bar
5650 US-9, New Gretna

Right on US-9 and offering fresh seafood favorites from 11 am to 9 pm, Allen’s Clam Bar offers AYCE snow crab legs every Tuesday from 4–8 pm. Featured sides also include cheesy crab fries and deviled clams. In addition to its AYCE snow crab legs, Allen’s Clam Bar also offers classic seafood platters, chowder, crab cakes, clam strips, fried seafood combinations, and more on its menu. 

IG @allensclambar

Blue Claw Seafood and Crab Eatery
4494 Burlington Pike, Burlington

A classic spot for crab enthusiasts, Blue Claw Seafood and Crab Eatery in Burlington, NJ, is open daily from 11 am to 8/9 PM and closed Tuesdays. Serving since 1961 from local crab sources like New Jersey, Florida, the Pacific, and Baja California, crab varieties include Atlantic Blue Claws, snow crab, king crab, Dungeness, and seasonal soft-shell crabs. Family-style and casual, with a BYOB option, Blue Claw makes for a fun dining environment for all. 
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Crabby’s Mays Landing
1413 NJ-50, Mays Landing

Located in Mays Landing, NJ, Crabby’s offers a variety of crab options including Atlantic Blue Claw Crabs, Snow Crabs, Dungeness Crab, and Alaskan King Crabs. In addition to their Crab offerings, they also frequently include large lobster tails, clams, shrimp, and other seafood in combo dishes. AYCE Snow Crab leg nights are offered on Tuesdays for customers. 
Facebook Page 

H&H Seafood Market
956 Ocean Dr, Cape May

Open seven days a week from May through mid-October, H&H Seafood Market serves fresh-caught seafood, including Blue crab, lobster, clams, oysters, shrimp, and scallops. AYCE Blue Claw Crab specials are available daily from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. Right on the water in Cape May, NJ, guests can enjoy a casual BYOB dining experience. 
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Landmark Americana in Glassboro
1 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro

Landmark Americana in Glassboro, NJ, offers AYCE crab nights every Wednesday and Sunday between 4 and 10 pm starting in late May. AYCE deals include fries and select drink specials. With a casual tavern atmosphere, Landmark Americana also offers weekly events like Musical Bingo, Thirsty Thursday, and holiday-themed nights. 
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Otts in Washington Twp
340 Greentree Rd, Sewell

This sports bar and restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining, along with amenities such as ample TVs, occasional live music, and a community atmosphere. AYCE snow crab legs every Wednesday from 5 pm to closing, and Trivia Nights starting at 7:30 pm are available for guests. 
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Steakouts Homeplate Buena
373 NJ-54, Buena

Saturdays at Steakouts feature AYCE snow crab legs served with butter and lemon as a casual sports-bar-tavern. Steakouts is known for its comfort-food menu and laid–back atmosphere. In addition to AYCE Crab Nights on Saturday, Weekly specials and banquet-style catering are also available. 
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The Crazy Leprechaun Bar & Grill 
3589 Richmond St, Philadelphia

While not in New Jersey, The Crazy Leprechaun Bar & Grill is just across the bridge in Philadelphia and offers AYCE daily. Served with sides like corn and potatoes, burgers, crab cake sandwiches, garlic shrimp, and crab fries are also available on the menu. Open until 2 am most nights with outdoor seating and a full bar, this vibrant Irish-style sports bar is a great place to grab AYCE crabs on the daily. 
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The Village Pub in Sewell
139 Egg Harbor Rd, Sewell

Located in Sewell, NJ, The Village Pub offers two AYCE crab nights on Tuesdays & Saturdays between 4–10 pm. With a lively pub atmosphere featuring an outdoor patio, live entertainment, packed happy hours, and brunch options, the Village Pub is an ideal spot for group celebrations, game day, and all casual hangouts.

The Village Pub in Swedesboro
5 Village Center Dr, Swedesboro

All-you-can-eat crabs are available on Mondays. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Two Mile Crab House in Wildwood Crest
1 Fish Dock Rd, Wildwood Crest

With a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere and offering both indoor dining and picnic-style decks, Two Mile Crab House is located in Wildwood Crest, NJ. AYCE Blue Claw Crab nights are provided daily and steamed fresh onsite with Old Bay seasoning. Open seven days a week, live music is offered almost every night during the summer, and bay sunsets can be enjoyed right on the water. 
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Two Mile Restaurant in Wildwood Crest

Associated with Two Mile Crab House, Two Mile Restaurant is the more upscale dining area at Two Mile Landing Marina in Wildwood Crest, NJ. Two Mile Restaurant also offers AYCE Blue Claw Crabs served daily and steamed onsite. Elevated seafood dishes, including crab dips, crab cakes, crab-stuffed lobster, and varied surf-and-turf entrees, are available to guests. 
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Uries in Wildwood
588 W Rio Grande Ave, Wildwood

Right on the water, Urie’s offers AYCE crabs daily throughout the Spring-Summer and also offers options like snow crab, Dungeness, and Maryland blue crabs. In addition to these options, Urie’s also provides a crab bake featuring two blue crabs, half-pound of snow crabs, half-pound of Dungeness, and garlic-style blue crabs. The family-friendly atmosphere hosts weekly events and is located in Wildwood, NJ. 
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate as of the date it was written. Please note that prices, menus, and all-you-can-eat (AYCE) programs are subject to change or cancellation at the restaurant’s discretion. We always recommend calling ahead or checking with the restaurant directly to confirm current offerings before heading out for your crab feast.

Last week, I had the chance to finally experience Jane Doe in Jersey City — and it’s safe to say, it lives up to the hype. This is the type of place where locally sourced, scratch-made ingredients are transformed into incredibly inventive dishes, blending comfort and creativity in every bite. The cuisine is a bold and thoughtful interpretation of modern American flavors with Asian influences, resulting in dishes that are vibrant, balanced, and full of surprises.

Cocktails That Set the Bar High

I kicked things off with The Luciana, a cocktail that immediately set the tone for the night. It’s built on blanco tequila infused with toasted coconut — and I mean real toasted coconut, slowly steeped in a sous-vide bag for hours. The result is a drink that’s light, bright, and refreshingly tropical without being overly sweet. The pineapple adds a frothy top layer and just enough acidity, while the hint of Braulio amaro brings in this whisper of earthiness that ties it all together. Honestly, it tasted like summer in a glass.

Of course, I had to try The Lupe too — mezcal, passion fruit, Calabrian chili, pasilla, and sake — this one is for the spicy cocktail lovers. It delivers heat but with balance, and every sip feels alive with flavor. I loved knowing that, whenever possible, ingredients are locally sourced.

Small Plates, Big Flavor

For food, we started with the Octopus Carpaccio. Thinly sliced, dressed in citrus and gochujang, it was bright, zippy, and the perfect shareable starter — light enough to open up the appetite without weighing you down. Visually, it’s a showstopper.

One of my favorite bites of the night was the Scallion Pancake, a dish I’d come back for again and again. A base of zucchini butter, topped with morel mushrooms from Lifecap Farms, zucchini aioli, and pops of Aleppo pepper heat. It had this incredible mix of creamy, crispy, and umami richness that was just chef’s kiss. Lifecap Farms is a local mushroom farm in Jersey City, doing incredible work. Jane Doe, along with other great local restaurants, has a dedicated tent there to ensure a steady supply of fresh, locally grown mushrooms to meet their needs.

The Steak Yakitori was a surprise standout — juicy shaved beef glazed in a house-made kimchi sauce, resting on a bed of velvety curry aioli. The balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors made it completely addictive.

Pasta Done Right — With a Twist

We sampled two pastas, both wildly creative. The first was the Mafaldine.
Made with a Japanese curry vodka sauce, smoked Bell & Evans chicken, basil, scallions, Aleppo pepper, and Grana Padano, it was rich yet had a spicy and smoky undertone. Chef described it as one of the more Italian-leaning dishes on the menu. Then the linguini arrived — tossed in a miso-olive oil pesto made with togarashi sunflower seeds instead of pine nuts, as the chef had a nut allergy. It’s dressed with candied sunflower seeds and crunchy garlic breadcrumbs. The citrus notes and sesame made it pop, with textures that kept each bite interesting. I think I prefer the sesame seed version over traditional pesto.

Fresh, Local Fish That Shines

For the main, I had the market fish — a gorgeous tilefish sourced from Scale Fish Market. Perfectly cooked, served on a bed of green garlic purée and a vegetable sofrito with Romano beans, and accompanied by lemon aioli. The crispy skin, the juicy flakes of fish, the crunchy, zesty vegetables underneath — it was flawless. Every component on the plate served a purpose, and every bite felt thoughtful.

The Scratch-Made Difference

One of the things that really stood out to me at Jane Doe is their commitment to scratch-made everything. From the milk bread buns used for their burgers — soft, fluffy, and baked fresh in-house — to their custom meat blend that’s ground daily, you can taste the difference in every bite. Their pasta is all made fresh every morning. Every condiment, from the rich and silky smoked onion aioli to the bright, punchy pickled Fresno peppers, is crafted in-house each day. It’s clear that nothing is an afterthought here; every element on the plate and in your glass, no matter how small, is made with intention and care.

Don’t Skip Dessert: The Iconic Limoncello Olive Oil Cake

To finish, I couldn’t resist the Limoncello Olive Oil Cake — a signature dessert that’s been on the menu since day one. It’s served tres leches style, soaked just enough to be rich and decadent without feeling heavy. The mascarpone frosting adds a silky, creamy finish, and the bright citrus notes keep it balanced. It’s dangerously good — the kind of dessert you tell yourself you’ll just have a bite of… and then suddenly it’s gone.

A Team That Brings It All Together

The team at Jane Doe is a huge part of what makes the experience so special. Behind the bar, you’ll find Marco Pintle, Jane Doe’s very knowledgeable Beverage Manager, and Billy (Blanks) Renfree, Principal Bartender, two seasoned bartenders whose expertise, creativity, and passion turn every drink into a crafted experience. Overseeing it all is Marc Figueiras, the Beverage Director, whose vision and dedication to quality cocktails set the tone for the entire bar program.

In the kitchen, Head Chef Arturo Ramos leads the charge — young, energized, and overflowing with creativity, Arturo now curates menus across all the restaurants in the group. Fresh pasta lovers take note: Alexandra Loor is the mastermind behind the house-made pasta, bringing precision and care to every silky strand. It’s a team that not only knows their craft but loves sharing it with every guest.

Pulling all the pieces together is General Manager Enrique Chacon, who plays an intricate role in the guest experience.

Atmosphere: Playful, Stylish, and Comfortably Cool

The atmosphere at Jane Doe feels effortlessly cool and thoughtfully curated. The bar is both playful and refined, with quirky details like ceramic butt-shaped straw holders adding a sense of humor and personality. The marble bar top gleams under warm lighting, inviting you to settle in and linger over beautifully crafted cocktails. Behind the bar, the shelves are lined with an eclectic mix of spirits, records, and vintage curiosities, all set against rich, warm wood paneling that gives the space a cozy, retro vibe. Adding to the charm, the team spins vinyl daily before 7 p.m., creating a fun, laid-back vibe — and yes, the bartenders will even take requests. It’s the kind of space that feels equally suited for a relaxed afternoon drink or an intimate evening out.

A Local Favorite — Even for Out-of-Towners

Toward the end of my visit, I met a lovely couple from Ohio at the bar, who told me that Jane Doe is always their first stop whenever they visit Jersey City to see their daughter. It’s the kind of place that leaves an impression — one visit, and you completely understand why.

Jane Doe isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a love letter to high-quality ingredients, local sourcing, and culinary creativity. Every dish was layered, complex, but never overwhelming. I left full, happy, and already planning my next visit.

Jane Doe
333 Newark Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07302
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