Barnegat, Manahawkin Outdoor Dining Guide: Here's Where To Eat

BARNEGAT, NJ — Looking for the best restaurants in the Barnegat area to enjoy a good meal outside? Luckily there are plenty of options, whether it's a casual dinner for two, brunch with the family or just a quick bite by yourself.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, outdoor dining has been expanding — even during the colder months. Many eateries got creative during the winter, setting up indoor dining tents and even igloos.

But the days of needing shelter from the cold are waning, setting up the chance for even more opportunities to eat al fresco in the coming months.

Here are some spots for outdoor dining around Barnegat and Manahawkin. If you know of a great spot we missed, share it in the comments or email Kimberlee.Bongard@patch.com.

Sun Harbor Seafood and Grill, 451 East Bay Ave, Barnegat; 609 622-6190: Since opening in June, the bayside bar and grill has been welcoming people to both dock and dine. The restaurant offers a wide selection of seafood, outdoor seating overlooking the Barnegat Bay and a live music schedule through April.

The Mainland, 151 Route 72 East, Manahawkin; 609-481-6120: The Mainland Kitchen and Pub offers a family friendly atmosphere complete with live music, lawn games and cozy fire pits.

Breakers Kitchen & Tap, 535 Route 9, Waretown; 609 312-7874: Breakers Kitchen & Tap is nestled next to the Barnegat Branch Rail Trail in Waretown. The restaurant’s menu includes craft beers from local breweries.

The owners of Breakers Kitchen & Tap are preparing to open a new restaurant, Monkfish Waterfront Grill, at the end of April. Located at the Key Harbor Marina in Waretown, the restaurant will also offer both indoor and outdoor dining overlooking the Barnegat Bay.

Mud City Crabhouse, 1185 E Bay Ave, Manahawkin; 609-978-3660: Since it opened in 1999, Mud City Crabhouse has offered a full menu of fresh seafood fare that is often locally sourced. Their outdoor patio features fire pit seating.

Sandbox Café, 1403 Long Beach Blvd, Surf City; 609-361-2524: The Sandbox Café’s location in Surf City is currently open Friday through Monday serving breakfast and lunch. The restaurant’s Ship Bottom location at 2604 Long Beach Blvd is slated to reopen in May.

Wally’s, 712 Long Beach Blvd, Surf City; 609-494-1667: Wally’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner every day year-round on Long Beach Island. Their menu features a variety of gluten free and vegan options. Wally’s outdoor dining tent—pictured below—dazzles at night.

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