Must Try Food
Seven Mile Beach is known for some of the best eateries in New Jersey and beyond! By now, you’ve had time to frequent your favorite places this summer and back again … It’s time to try something new. From fluffy pancakes and flavorful brews to signature dishes and sweet treats, the island has something for every taste bud to savor this August. While the weather is heating up outside, things are also heating up in the kitchen! Don’t miss this “Must Try” list of our favorites!
1. 7 Mile Brewery
Walter White IPA: In naming this beer, owners Chris Collett and Pete Beyda paid homage to their favorite television show, “Breaking Bad.” The Walter White IPA combines the flavors of pineapple, grapefruit and melon, making it the perfect summer beverage. This new white IPA has a 7.8% abv and is available in the 7 Mile Brewery tasting room.
3156 Route 9 South, Rio Grande, 609-365-7777, 7milebrew.com
2. 29th Street Deli
The Godfather Hoagie: Made fresh to order on an Italian roll or wrap, The Godfather is a hearty sandwich stacked with soppressata, prosciutto and fresh mozzarella cheese. It’s topped with roasted red peppers and red onions and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. Share it or savor it for yourself, and don’t forget the chips!
29th & Dune Drive, Avalon, 609-967-3354, 29thstreetdeli.com
3. Avalon Coffee
Jumbo Sticky Bun: Sticky buns are back and better than ever in 2017 at Avalon Coffee. Now made in jumbo size, this ooey, gooey treat features an original recipe and is made fresh daily. Customers can choose from a variety of options including plain, walnut, raisin, or a combination of walnuts and raisins. Paired with freshly brewed coffee, this is the ultimate breakfast delight.
2892 Dune Drive, Avalon, 609-967-4499, avaloncoffeecompany.com
4. Avalon Links Restaurant at Avalon Golf Club
Athena Pasta: OPA! This dish includes a Mediterranean flair to your traditional spaghetti dish. Served over thin spaghetti, the Athena Pasta features large pan-seared scallops, fresh baby spinach, Jersey tomato, feta cheese and scallions and onion. It is drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and will send your taste buds straight to Greece.
1510 Route 9 North, Swainton, 609-465-8086, avalongolfclub.net, avalonlinks.net
5. Avalon Seafood
Fish and Chips: Perfect for lunch or dinner, the fish and chips is a classic. A fresh piece of cod is lightly battered and fried to a crispy golden exterior. The entrée is served with a lemon wedge and crispy fries. Try it with a side of malt vinegar.
2909 Ocean Drive, Avalon, 609-967-7555, avalonseafood.com
6. The Bellevue Tavern
Sautéed Crab Cake Appetizer: A customer favorite, the sautéed crab cake appetizer can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as your lunch or dinner entrée. Homemade using a blend of all lump crabmeat, the crab cakes are sautéed to perfection and served over a bed of fresh spinach and roasted chopped tomatoes. It is served with a basil garlic dipping sauce for an added flavor boost.
7-9 South Main Street, Cape May Court House, 609-463-1738, bellevuetavern.com
7. Bobby Dee’s Rock ‘n Chair
Pan-Roasted Halibut: Served with a house salad or the soup de jour, the pan-roasted halibut is accompanied by a garlic cream sauce and topped with fresh lump crabmeat. The entrée also features fingerling potatoes and fresh Jersey asparagus. This dish is one to add to your list this summer.
2409 Dune Drive, Avalon, 609-967-3300, rocknchair.net
8. Brian’s Waffle House
Strawberry Kiss Waffles: Curb your morning tummy grumbles at Brian’s Waffle House. This plateful of awesomeness features a homemade waffle topped with chocolate chips and fresh-cut strawberries. But, that’s not all. The strawberry kiss waffles are also topped with whipped cream and a scoop of ice cream.
2408 Dune Drive, Avalon, 609-967-3058
9. Duck Donuts
S’mores Donut: Order a dozen or two of this sticky and sweet treat from Duck Donuts! Made to order, this vanilla cake donut is dipped in chocolate icing and topped with a graham cracker crumble, then drizzled with a marshmallow glaze. This donut will have you saying, “Give me s’more!”
3246 Dune Drive, Avalon, 609-830-3202, duckdonuts.com
10. Garden of Eat’n
Polynesian Pig Roast: Every Wednesday at The Garden of Eat’n is Hawaiian Wednesday featuring a special Polynesian Pig Roast, hula dancers and drummers. Cooked to perfection on hot rocks with banana leaves, the whole roasted pig is freshly shredded and served with seasonal flavors of corn on the cob, mango and pineapple tropical slaw, and a pineapple barbecue sauce. Enjoy dinner and a live hula dancing show every Wednesday this summer from 6-8pm.
2150 Dune Drive, Avalon, 609-967-7566, avalonpizza.com
11. Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery
Hawk Haven Pinot Grigio: Picture yourself indulging in a glass of this signature Pinot Grigio while overlooking the beautiful vineyard on a cool summer night. With intense aromas of apricot, nectarine and orange blossom honey, this beverage is both light and refreshing, and perfect for summer. Not a white wine fan? Try one of Hawk Haven’s signature red wines during your next wine tasting at the vineyard.
600 South Railroad Ave., Rio Grande, 609-846-7347, hawkhavenvineyard.com
12. La Vecchia Fontana
Fichi Stracciatelle: Start off date night with this delicious new appetizer from La Vecchia Fontana. Featuring stracciatelle cheese, topped with prosciutto, fresh figs, walnuts, rosemary, and an olive oil and balsamic drizzle, you will definitely want to savor each bite. Be sure to save room for the main course; La Vecchia Fontana serves some of the island’s most authentic Italian dinners.
700 First Ave., Avalon, 609-967-7708, lavecchiafontana.net
13. Fred’s Stone Harbor
Fred Burger: No trip to the island is complete without an experience at the iconic Fred’s Tavern. Inspired by the customers, the Fred Burger is a classic topped with provolone cheese, ketchup, mustard, pickled onions and mayo-tossed lettuce. Served on a toasted brioche bun, you will definitely want to pair this with some crispy french fries.
314 96th St., Stone Harbor, 609-368-5591
14. ICONA Golden Inn
Kobe Beef Meatball: Featured on the Avalon Brew Pub menu, the Kobe Beef Meatball is one of Chef Paul Drew’s culinary creations. A blend of kobe and short-rib beef, the meatball is topped with house red gravy and ricotta cheese. The Avalon Brew Pub opens Aug. 1 and will feature menu options such as one-of-a-kind burgers accompanied by a great selection of brews.
7849 Dune Drive, Avalon, 609-368-5155, iconagoldeninn.com
15. Isabel’s Bakery & Café
Grilled Chicken and Goat Cheese Salad: This refreshing lunchtime delight is perfect for a hot summer day. Served over a bed of mixed greens, this dish features grilled chicken, goat cheese, dried cranberries and cashews, and is drizzled with the house-made balsamic vinaigrette. Save room for a sweet treat after; baked goods are made fresh daily.
2285 Dune Drive, Avalon, 609-967-5776, isabelsinavalon.com
16. Kudos American Grille
Plum Tomato and Basil Flounder: Served with rice pilaf and the vegetable du jour, the plum tomato and basil flounder showcases local ingredients. The entrée features fresh flounder in plum tomato, basil and butter sauce that will tantalize your taste buds.
2619 Dune Drive, Avalon, 609-368-7422, kudosamericangrille.com
17. Marie Nicole’s Grill
Bone-in Veal Milanese: One of Marie Nicole’s most popular entrees, the Bone-In Veal Milanese features a 14-ounce chop that is pounded, breaded and lightly fried. The dish is topped with fresh sliced tomato and fresh mozzarella cheese and served with a side of arugula salad that is drizzled with Chef August Zimmerman’s homemade citrus vinaigrette. You are guaranteed to indulge in each bite.
79th Street & Ocean Drive, Avalon, 609-368-1919, marienicoles.com
18. Matthews Seafood Market
Oven Roasted Whole Fish: The Matthews family has outdone itself with this one. Available for dine-in or takeout, the Oven Roasted Whole Fish features the fresh catch of the day roasted to perfection. This dish features the red snapper rubbed in olive oil garlic rub, with fresh Jersey tomatoes and corn and pickled pearl onions.
206 Mechanic St., Cape May Court House, 609-465-3005, matthewsseafoodmarket.com
19. Moran’s Dockside Deli
Italian Hoagie: Pack lunch from Moran’s Dockside Deli before heading out on the open seas. Served on an Italian hoagie roll, Moran’s Italian Hoagie is the best of the best. The hoagie features Dietz & Watson meats and cheese including ham, capicola, provolone cheese and Genoa salami. Topped with shredded lettuce and fresh tomato, then drizzled with olive oil and oregano, the crew also suggests trying it out with sweet peppers for an added taste.
14th Street & Ocean Drive, Avalon, 609-368-1321, avalonfishing.com
20. Pudgie Pelican Café
Crab Benedict: A twist on a breakfast classic, the Pudgie Pelican Café created the perfect combination for seafood breakfast lovers. Made with the chef’s homemade hollandaise sauce, the dish features an open-face English muffin with two poached eggs and two crab cakes. It’s topped with the hollandaise sauce and served with crispy home fries, made in-house.
3258 Dune Drive, Avalon, 609-967-1010
21. Quahog’s Seafood Shack
Quahog’s Buffalo Fried Oysters: Using fresh, locally sourced oysters from Matthew’s Seafood Market, Chef Manteca created this appetizing dish. The oysters are deep fried in a tempura batter and served over a mixture of red and yellow cabbage, onion and carrots and tossed in a blue cheese dressing. The dish is drizzled with Quahog’s homemade buffalo sauce for an added kick.
206 97th St., Stone Harbor, 609-368-6300, quahogsshack.com
22. Slack Tide Brewing Co.
Bell Buoy: This refreshing beverage is a winner … literally. It received the 2016 Philadelphia Brew-vitational award for best new beer in 2016 and is one of the brewery’s most popular. The Bell Buoy is a crisp and dry Belgian blond ale with a slight biscuity flavor and touch of spice for a delicious sip every time. It has a 7.3% abv and is available on tap in the tasting room.
1072 Route 83, Unit 3, Clermont, 609-478-2343, slacktidebrewingco.com
23. Sylvester’s Fish Market and Restaurant
Fried and Broiled Combo: Served broiled or fried, this combination platter is the perfect way to sample the freshest seafood in town. Featuring jumbo shrimp, local scallops, flounder, and one of Sylvester’s signature jumbo lump crab cakes, this entrée is a seafood lover’s dream.
503 21st St., Avalon, 609-967-7553, sylvesters-avalon.com
24. The Diving Horse
New Jersey Fluke: This fresh catch is a cool option for the August heat. A piece of fresh New Jersey fluke is paired with red lentil and cucumber salad and tossed with tahini ranch. This delightful dish is perfect for seafood lovers and will leave you feeling satisfied.
2109 Dune Drive, Avalon, 609-368-5000, thedivinghorseavalon.com
25. The Original Fudge Kitchen
Cookies ’n Cream Fudge: Milk’s favorite cookie meets the Jersey Shore’s creamiest fudge! With the variety of flavors made fresh daily, The Original Fudge Kitchen knocked it out of the park with this one. The cookies ’n cream fudge is an original recipe featuring a creamy vanilla base and crushed Oreos cookie pieces. Can’t get down to the island? Don’t worry, the company ships worldwide.
254 96th St., Stone Harbor, 609-368-3003, fudgekitchens.com
26. The Reeds at Shelter Haven
Branzino: Featured on the SAX menu, this dish features a hearty portion of grilled branzino topped with crab meat, tomatoes and edamame succotash, and drizzled with vizcaina sauce. Chef Juan Hernandez created this dish specifically for the summer SAX menu as it combines a variety of robust flavors.
9601 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, 609-368-0100, reedsatshelterhaven.com
27. The Watering Hull
Salmon Poke Bowl: While this bowl was made with salmon, The Watering Hull features a Build Your Own Poke Bowl on its new menu with more than 30 options available. This three-step process features your choice of a base, protein and sauce. Start with your choice of white rice, coconut quinoa or mixed greens, then choose a protein such as salmon, tuna, organic tofu, and grilled chicken. Finish your custom bowl with a sauce including choices of ginger teriyaki, citrus ponzu and spicy aioli. Each poke bowl comes with fresh cucumbers, wasabi peas and fried tortilla shell bowl.
261 96th St., Unit 202, Stone Harbor, 609-830-3106, thewateringhull.com
28. Tortilla Flats
Blue Crab Nachos: Start off your fiesta with the Blue Crab Nachos while browsing the menu for your dish! Served over blue corn tortilla chips, this appetizer features delicious crabmeat and melted Monterey and Jack cheeses. Be sure to save room for Chef Linda’s authentic Mexican creations, too!
2540 Dune Drive, Avalon, 609-967-5658, tortillaflatsavalon.com
29. Bonnie’s Toppings and Café
Breakfast Tacos: Two of my favorites combined into one delicious meal. The breakfast tacos, made using gluten-free corn tortillas, feature two tacos with scrambled eggs, onions, and Pepper Jack cheese topped with homemade sriracha cream sauce for a spicy start to your day. The dish is served with fresh seasonal fruit.
9410 Second Ave., Stone Harbor, 609-961-3341, bonniestoppings.com
30. Uncle Bill’s Pancake House
Kohler’s Cream Donut Pancake: Sugar fans, this one is for you! Uncle Bill’s Pancake House has teamed up with Kohler’s Bakery to offer a breakfast creation like nothing you’ve ever tasted before. Featuring diced donut pieces inside Uncle Bill’s buttermilk pancakes, the Cream Donut Pancakes are topped with powder sugar and a corner of the cream donut placed on top like a cherry. Throughout the summer, Uncle Bill’s Pancake House will partner with local businesses to offer one-of-a-kind pancakes and creations that you won’t want to miss.
3189 Dune Drive, Avalon, 609-967-8448; 304 96th Street, Stone Harbor, 609-368-8129, unclebillspancakehouse.com
31. Windrift Hotel Resort
Tuna Won Ton Bites: Featured as part of the Thursday night Flights and Bites menu all summer long, the tuna won ton bites are a fresh and tangy option to pair with the Beer and Wine Flights. Made on site, the crisp won ton chip is topped with tuna tar-tar, seaweed salad and seasonal vegetables, then drizzled with a sesame dressing and sesame seeds. This item, off the bites menu, is sure to please a wide variety of taste buds.
105 80th St., Avalon, 609-368-5175, windrifthotel.com
