Everyone has a summer happy place, and for many, it’s down the shore. For my family, it’s Sea Isle City, 2.5 square miles of summer fun nestled on Ludlum Island along the New Jersey coastline.
There’s something magical about turning off Route 9 or the Garden State Parkway onto Sea Isle Boulevard when you open the car windows and take a big inhale of beachy air. As you crest the bridge and head into Sea Isle proper, you’re greeted by an enormous water tower that invites you to “Smile! You’re in Sea Isle City!” And smile you will as you gaze over this tiny bit of heaven, past the gazebo and to the ocean.
We enjoy sun, sand and surf as much as the next shore-lover, but what we really enjoy is the bounty of amazing restaurants and bars in our home away from home. No matter your pleasure, you’ll find it, from gooey sticky buns and sweet chilly ice cream to seafood-inspired fine dining. Did we mention everything in between?
Savor our favorite spots to nosh (and, quaff!) along our beloved beach town:
Breakfast: Shoobies
Settle into this family-friendly establishment for a stick-to-your-ribs breakfast with all the fixins. Your go-tos are all there: fluffy pancakes, made-to-order eggs, crispy bacon—you name it! But eye the specials board for something fresh and seasonal, like the Egg White Omelette with Feta Cheese and Mildly Spicy Mango Salsa. Healthy and delicious perfection! Shoobies is open for breakfast and lunch. During the season, your kids can meet, greet and sing along with popular movie characters, too. 4001 Landis Ave., (609) 263-2000
Guilty Pleasure Breakfast: Mary Anne Pastry Shoppe
Almost hidden away on a residential side street is this old-fashioned bake shop (so old school there’s not even a Facebook page!). As you turn the corner from Landis Avenue, you’re hit with the smell of childhood dreams, and you know that must-have cakes, pies, cupcakes, butter cake and so much more are mere steps away. Our addiction: the sugar jelly donut. Often warm when we nab our “breakfast,” it’s a soft pillow of melt-in-your-mouth dough stuffed with sweet jelly and topped with a slight crunch of granulated sugar. During the season, Mary Anne’s opens at 7 a.m. and closes when sold out—trust us, get there early for the full selection (or call and order ahead). 108 44th St., (609) 263-3814
Lunch: The Ocean Drive Sandbar & Grill
The OD is known for its nightlife and its line-down-the-street club boasting the latest and greatest bands and DJs. But just behind it is an oasis of island-inspired outdoor fun at the Sandbar & Grill. Squish your toes in the sand at one of the umbrella-covered tables or belly up to the bar for lunch. We indulged in a filling order of Carnitas Tacos, tender slow-cooked pork kissed with a sweet pineapple and cabbage summer slaw, plus Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps with generous dollops of chunky chicken, grapes, celery and mayo atop Jersey tomatoes and crunchy lettuce with a seasonal fruit salad chaser. During the season, the Sandbar & Grill is open from noon–10 p.m. for lunch and dinner; the bar stays open until 2:30 a.m. 40th and Landis Ave., (609) 263-1000
Dinner: Andrea Trattoria Italiana II
Truth be told, there are a lot of Italian restaurants in Sea Isle, but this BYOB earns our repeat business for irresistible upscale fare, spot-on service and a welcoming staff. White tablecloths and gleaming stemware greet you as you’re ushered to your table, water glasses are filled and bread and focaccia start the journey. Try to control yourself as you take in the specials, which might be a Fig and Gorgonzola appetizer of warm, sweet and soft figs stuffed with earthy gorgonzola and topped with prosciutto for a salty finish or a plump round of creamy burrata with tomatoes, basil and a drizzle of balsamic and olive oil. Our go-to dish is the risotto, which varies from night to night. This isn’t your super-creamy risotto: it’s made with a light broth that lets the daily flavors shine, like spinach, tomato and shrimp (or mixed seafood). Save room for the light-as-air Limoncello Souffle. Andrea Trattoria Italiana II is open all year for lunch, Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., and dinner, Wednesday through Sunday from 4–9 p.m. 4216 Park Rd., (609) 263-5001
Dinner at the Bar: Braca Cafe
Situated in the middle of everything stands this history-rich building owned by the Braca family since roughly 1909. It exudes a beach feel with an outdoor seating area, Henri’s Bar out back and plenty of comfy dining space inside. We recommend you have dinner early so you can grab a seat at the bar and chat up the amiable and fun bartenders. They’ll take you through nightly specials like rich monkfish sitting pretty on risotto with onions or a hearty beef cut that’s sure to be filling. You simply can’t visit without trying the house specialty app: Artichoke Hearts, warmed to perfection with tomatoes, garlic butter and basil, then finished off by baking parmigiana reggiano on top. The menu rocks its share of Italian items plus great American cuisine, but we love to go simple here: The Wedge with grilled shrimp added, a hearty triangle of iceberg slathered with gorgonzola peppercorn dressing and dotted with applewood bacon, red onion and tomatoes. Braca’s hours vary with the time of year, but during the season it’s open for lunch and dinner from noon to 2 a.m. 18 John F. Kennedy Blvd., (609) 263-4217
Seafood: Mike’s Seafood
This is a tough one—it’s the shore, after all! But the nod goes to Mike’s for a century of fresh seafood at the head of the harbor at Fish Alley. Whether you’re shopping to cook it yourself, looking for takeout to please a crowd or grabbing a BYOB table, you’ll find quite a variety. Pick your favorite: many options come steamed or fried, and don’t forget the homemade soups and chowders. Mike’s is open from 9 a.m.–10 p.m. 4222 Park Rd., (609) 263-3458
Best Place to Watch the Game: Dead Dog Saloon
Feast your eyes on your favorite sport—it’s easy on the big screen TVs (one is 82”) and other flat screens around the bar. The Dead Dog boasts two floors (comfy sofas and chairs on the mezzanine!), so you’re sure to get a front-row seat to local games plus soccer and other international sporting events. Get into bar fare served until closing, as well as eight draft beers, seasonal craft brews, cocktails and other favorites to wet your whistle. In the summer, the Dead Dog serves up live music, too. During the season, the Dead Dog is open seven days from noon–2:30 a.m.; hours vary off-season. 3815 Landis Ave., (609) 263-7600
A Nod to the Party People: The Carousel at The Springfield Inn
The Springfield is one of many venues that brings bands to Sea Isle, but if you’re looking for a beer in your hand and your toes in the sand, hit its outdoor bar The Carousel, right off the promenade at 43rd Street. Work on your tan while sipping a frosty frozen drink and stay through the evening. There’s music in the afternoon, usually two- or three-piece combos or a DJ busting out tunes. Looking for bands and a party scene? Step inside The Springfield Inn and cut loose. During the season, you can get your groove on from 11 a.m.–2:30 a.m. 43rd St. and Pleasure Ave., (609) 263-4951
Drinks: Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House
New to the Sea Isle City scene but a familiar name for the Chester County and Philadelphia gang is Doc’s, part of The Dunes at Townsends Inlet, the site where Busch’s stood since 1882. When you’re looking to get away from Sea Isle proper’s hustle-and-bustle, head south on Landis Avenue for a cocktail (or other chilled-to-perfection libation). Relax at the bar or at a bar table surrounded by bright whitewashed walls, ample windows and subtle beach-centric decor. Then, gaze upon a substantial drink menu of craft beer, wine, cocktails, sangrias and much more, including Doc’s famous Fishbowls—jacked-up lemonade, Long Island Iced Tea, Margarita and the rum-fun Black Pearl served in a fishbowl. We enjoyed a seasonal craft beer (they change, so ask your bartender for recos) and the Summer Sun Bourbon, a rainbow of the season’s refreshing flavors with a kick courtesy of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon, organic agave nectar, mint and lemon. Doc’s is open Monday through Saturday from 3 p.m.–midnight and Sunday from 5 p.m.–midnight. 8600 Landis Ave., (609) 263-DOCS (3627)
Sweets: James’
We’re pretty sure this is where Willy Wonka would go if he were to drop his hot air balloon into Sea Isle. It’s the smell that gets us every time—the heady, buttery-sweet scent of caramel corn mixed with the aroma of roasting nuts. And that’s just the start. It truly is candyland at James’—choose from salt water taffy, fudge, truffles, gummy confections, chocolate-covered everything, caramels, lollipops, macaroons … are you drooling yet? A must-stop for kids from 1 to 92. James’ is open during the season from 9 a.m.–10 p.m.; hours vary in the off-season. 14 John F. Kennedy Blvd., (609) 263-3657
More Sweets: Mrs. Brizzle’s Buns
Who’s got the best buns in Sea Isle? Mrs. Brizzle’s Buns, of course! And we mean sticky buns, sink-your-teeth-in thick doughy cinnamony sweetness topped with finger-licking gooey goodness. Raisins, nuts, icing—you decide. Mrs. Brizzle’s is also an amazing deli turning out filling soups, sandwiches and more. But, really, will you have room after you stuff a sticky bun into your face? Mrs. Brizzle’s is open all year from 7 a.m.–5 p.m. 4601 Landis Ave., (609) 263-2773
Ice Cream: Yum Yums Ice Cream
Get there early or be prepared to wait: there’s almost always a line out the door at Yum Yums. It’s worth the wait for nearly 50 flavors of ice cream and frozen yogurt hand-dipped and handed over an old-style counter. You’ll positively swoon over the selection and hand-made indulgences like waffles and ice cream, sundaes and the Pig Trough. Knock back 15 scoops of ice cream and countless toppings out of a spackle trough (really) and be memorialized with a photo. You game? During the season, Yum Yums is open from noon–11 p.m. 31 John F. Kennedy Blvd., (609) 263-2345
- Photos: Nina Malone
