Restaurants

Brigantine NJ Restaurants – The Best Brigantine Beach New Jersey Restaurants 2020

Mere miles from Atlantic City, Brigantine Beach, NJ is one of the most beloved destinations and vacation spots in the country as a scenic, serene location with excellent dining venues.

From local taste to fine and extravagant dining, Brigantine Beach features a variety of delectable options.

With so many options, however, it can be hard to know where to eat for a truly unforgettable and delectable experience.

Whether you are just visiting or a resident of the area looking to grab some great grub, this overview of the best Brigantine NJ restaurants will help you find food your taste buds will be thanking you for!

Although many restaurants in this bustling scenic town feature menus with the best seafood around, there are also eateries offering other popular cuisines as well with additional vegetarian/vegan friendly options available.

So if seafood is not your favorite, never fear—there are still plenty of delicious eateries in and nearby Brigantine for you to explore.

Enjoy the beach, but more importantly, let yourself enjoy some great food!


Featured Restaurants

Crab Shack Seafood Market Restaurant Brigantine

Brigantine Seafood Restaurant

Crab Shack Seafood Market Overview

Crab Shack Seafood Market is a hole in the wall seafood market that has amazing seafood. To get to the seating area, you will have to pass through the market and once you reach the dining area, there is only space for maybe 20 people.

Crab Shack makes up for its small size with the large portions. Their prices are also resasonable compared to the prices just down the road in Atlantic City.

The wait staff is friendly and the tables are very close to each other, minimizing your privacy. If you are unsure what to order, check out the sampler entree, which is shareable for two.

Crab Shack Contact Details

Crab Shack Stats

Yelp Rating: 4.5 Stars

Yelp Reviews: 90+ reviews

Cost: $$

Type of Food: Seafood Markets, Seafood

Crab Shack Reviews

The calamari wasn’t rubbery, it was tender and the sauce was just right and thick. The Jumbo shrimp Fra Diavolo had nice spicy sauce and was enough for me to get really full and after reading the menu during the second visit, realized it was for 2 people, mah bad. Had the Lobster Bisque which had some chunks, its not as thick as what I’m used to but tasted good. The crab cake went well with the slaw. The garlic bread is addicting!”

Crab Shack Map Location

Crab Shack Google Map

The Best Brigantine NJ Restaurants 2020

We have evaluated Brigantine NJ restaurants to narrow down the best restaurants in Brigantine NJ and near Brigantine Beach.

Click the restaurant titles below to view the full restaurant review:

Crab Shack – Seafood Restaurant

Ernest & Son Meat Market – Sandwich Shop

Yianni’s Fresh and Healthy Cafe – Brunch Restaurant

Mad Dog Morgans – Diner

Richman’s Ice Cream Company – Ice Cream Shop

Andre’s Wine Bar & Grill – Italian Restaurant

Hoopers Seafood Cafe – Seafood Restaurant

Yuki Hana Restaurant Brigantine NJ – Japanese and Chinese Restaurant

The Cove – American Restaurant

Goochie Brothers Italian – Italian Restaurant


Kelsey & Kim’s Southern Cafe

Local Comfort & Soul Food

  • Address: 201 Melrose Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
  • Phone Number: (609) 350-6800
  • Website: http://www.kelseysac.com/

Price: $$

Vegetarian Friendly? Yes

Recommended dishes: Fried Chicken and Sweet Potato Waffles

Kelsey & Kim’s Southern Cafe –Restaurant Overview

Previously featured on The Food Network, Kelsey & Kim’s Southern Cafe is regarded as one of the top restaurants to visit in Atlantic City and surrounding areas for the area’s best Southern soul food. The spot is particularly beloved for their fried foods, such as their fried chicken and seafood menu options, as well as their weekend brunch offerings.

The menu at this diner has a lot to offer individuals who possess any variety of food preferences, featuring everything from southern fried chicken and waffles, to seafood platters and sweet potato pie. Although the restaurant is marked as vegetarian-friendly, a look at the menu is enough to tell you that it is largely catered towards those with a taste for meat and fish (friend, grilled, steamed, broiled, you name it!).

The restaurant itself is located along Melrose Avenue and features friendly and attentive wait staff, and tasty dishes of traditional soul food you may struggle to find of similar authenticity elsewhere.

Kelsey & Kim’s Southern Cafe Ratings

  • Yelp Rating: 4.5 (300+ reviews)
  • Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5 (500+ reviews)
  • Google Rating: 4.6 (600+ reviews)

The Crab Shack

Seafood Cuisine

Address: 1112 W Brigantine Ave, Brigantine, NJ 08203

Phone Number: (609) 266-3009

Website: http://roccotaco419.wixsite.com/crabshackbrigantine

Price: $$ – $$$

Vegetarian Friendly? Not really, but they offer gluten-free options!

Recommended dishes: Crab Cakes and the Lobster Roll

The Crab Shack—Restaurant Overview

The Crab Shack is a quaint but well-known spot in Brigantine Beach, famous for its quality selection of seafood. Specializing in fresh fish and seafood dining options, the informal hole-in-the-wall dining venue boasts its homemade crab cakes, which are made fresh every morning for customers.

While the dining area itself is small, the portions are large, with fast wait staff to attend customers. With options available for you to either dine in or order your seafood for take-out , The Crab Shack is one of the most recommended spots in the area for fresh and delicious seafood dishes.

Featuring an array of fresh fish as soon as you walk in, you will have no doubt in your mind that you are getting the real deal. Save any tins of canned tuna or canned chowder you may have stowed away for another day and get ready to dig in and indulge at The Crab Shack.

The Crab Shack Ratings

  • Yelp Rating: 4.5 Stars (90+ reviews)
  • Trip Advisor Rating: 4.0 (100+ reviews)
  • Google Rating: 4.3 (50+ reviews)

Yianni’s Cafe

American Cuisine

Address: 1213 W Brigantine Ave, Brigantine, NJ 08203

Phone Number: (609) 266-4600

Website: http://www.yianniscafeoc.com/yiannisbrigantine.htm

Price: $

Vegetarian friendly? Yes and vegan-friendly as well

Recommended dishes: Smoked Salmon “Bene” Eggs Benedict and one of their fresh smoothies

Yianni’s Café—Restaurant Overview

Yianni’s is a perfect spot for good-tasting healthy fare as one of the best Brigantine NJ restaurants. Serving breakfast all day, the cafe offers a variety of health-conscious, vegetarian, and even vegan options, as well as indulgent offerings for visiting or residing foodies alike.

The small cafe provides generous portions of dishes bursting with flavor, with menu items such as Nutella French toast, specialty eggs benedict dishes, and freshly made smoothies. The spot is much beloved as an outing for breakfast, but with hours extending to 4 PM at its Brigantine location, customers can feel free to pop in for a delicious lunch or early dinner as well.

The prices vary some between menu options but generally offer good food portioned desirably for what you pay. The wait staff is friendly and accommodating, ensuring a delightful experience overall with both its welcoming atmosphere and quality food. Due to its popularity, limited space, and the care the staff makes in preparing your food, the wait may take a while, but if you are available to sit back, relax, and wait for some good food to come your way, be sure to stop in.

For meat, veggie, and smoothie lovers alike, Yianni’s is widely-regarded a must-stop spot for breakfast while you are exploring the best dining options Brigantine Beach has to offer.

Yianni’s Cafe Ratings

  • Yelp Rating: 4.5 (40+ reviews)
  • Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5 (100+ reviews)
  • Google Rating: 4.6 (100+ reviews)

Mad Dog Morgan’s

Local Diner, American Cuisine

Address: 3004 W Brigantine Ave, Brigantine, New Jersey 08203

Phone Number: (609) 266-6200

Website: https://maddogmorgans.com/

Price: $

Vegetarian friendly? Yes with gluten-free options as well

Recommended dishes: Cheesesteaks with Perogies as an appetizer

Mad Dog Morgan’s—Restaurant Overview

Open for breakfast and lunch, Mad Dog Morgan’s is a family-owned spot that is a favorite with the locals, offering your standard American cuisine with a fun, pirate theme. The restaurant is perhaps best known for their specialty cheesesteaks and burgers, but they also offer a number of other food options for breakfast, as well as some vegetarian-friendly fare for the herbivores.

The small, informal restaurant with its diner atmosphere offers fast and friendly service for a memorable experience, serving as a great spot for families to grab some good grub. In addition, the pirate theme is sure to put a smile on everyone’s faces. The prices are lower and fair compared to many other spots around, with daily specials to make your wallet (and your palate) even more happy.

In addition to their dine-in services, Mad Dog Morgan’s also offers a take-out option. They even sell T-shirts in the restaurant, so you can make sure you have a dining experience that you will never forget.

Mad Dog Morgan’s Ratings

  • Yelp Rating: 4.0 (100+ reviews)
  • Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5 (100+ reviews)
  • Google Rating: No reviews

Ernest & Son Meat Market

Sandwich Shop

Address: 3305 W Brigantine Ave, Brigantine, NJ 08203

Phone Number: (609) 266-1588

Website: com/

Price: $

Vegetarian Friendly? No

Recommended dishes: Italian Hoagie and Filet Cheesesteak Sub

Ernest & Son Meat Market—Restaurant Overview

This humble meat market may not look like much on the outside, or even on the inside, but reviews don’t lie—and avid customers of this meat-packed sandwich shop have made it a local favorite!

Ernest & Son Meat Market packs a meaty punch with its fresh Italian meats and cheeses. Whether you are looking to buy some high-quality deli meat for a picnic, or to order up one of their highly-regarded hoagies, this spot operates as both a full-service meat market as well as a favorite eatery in the area. Fresh rolls, meats, and cheese are served made to order with a plethora of sandwich options to appease even the most selective of customers.

This Brigandine locale has also been visited and given a shout-out by Food Network TV personality, Guy Fieri. While parking for this establishment may be limited, there is typically a quick rotation of spaces that open up near the market.

The service within Ernest & Son is quick, with helpful and friendly staff, as well as quality food to top the experience off. The location is also close to the beach, so it may be an ideal spot to pick up a tasty lunch either before or after hitting the sand.

The sandwiches on the lunch menu may be slightly pricier than those you would expect at a nondescript deli, but with its reputation, the market can afford to ask a little more for their specialty sandwiches—and they are worth every penny.

Ernest & Son Meat Market Restaurant Ratings

  • Yelp Rating: 4.5 (50+ reviews)
  • Trip Advisor Rating: 4.7 (70+ reviews)
  • Google Rating: 4.8 (35+ reviews)

Gilchrist Restaurant

American Cuisine

Address: 804 N Rhode Island Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Phone Number: (609) 345-8278

Website: http://gilchristrestaurant.com/

Price: $

Vegetarian Friendly? Yes, with vegan options available as well.

Recommended dishes: Blueberry Pancakes and Crab Omelet with Home Fries

Gilchrist Restaurant—Restaurant Overview

Open from 6AM to 2PM every day, this long-running restaurant is an excellent spot to sit down for a hearty breakfast or lunch on the dock. With an ocean view and outdoor seating available, the restaurant has a menu chock-full of both your traditional and specialty breakfast options. This includes their famous blueberry pancakes and omelets, as well as their delectable lunch options.

The American cuisine served up fresh at Gilchrist goes all out, making this a must-stop restaurant for either hearty or healthy breakfast and lunch options for residents of Brigandine and visitors alike. The ambiance of the restaurant is relaxing, and it’s a great spot to visit on a sunny day with its quaint but comfortable outdoor patio seating.

Prices are fair compared to other eateries scattered throughout the area as well as those in other premier destinations throughout the country. You will get generous portions for good value, with the added bonus of being able to sit close to the water.

The restaurant staff offer attentive service, are eager to answer any questions, and are quick on their feet to ensure you get a proper Brigandine Beach breakfast or lunch in a timely manner.

Gilchrist Restaurant Ratings:

  • Yelp Rating: 4.5 (400+ reviews)
  • Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5 (400+ reviews)
  • Google Rating: 4.6 (200+ reviews)

Pirate’s Den

American & Seafood Cuisine

Address: 1219 E Brigantine Ave, Brigantine, NJ 08203

Phone Number: (609) 266-1927

Website: https://thepiratesden.net/

Price: $$ – $$$

Vegetarian Friendly? Yes

Recommended dishes: Raspberry Cheesecake Pancakes and Crab Cakes

Pirate’s Den—Restaurant Overview

The quaint, mom-and-pop Pirate’s Den is hailed by locals of the area as one of the top spots to visit for a hearty, Brigandine Beach breakfast. Although the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner hours as well, some of the eatery’s most recommended dishes come from its generous breakfast menu. That being said, many customers nonetheless report a satisfactory experience venturing into this casual eatery for the myriad of pasta, burger, and seafood options offered during prime dinner hours as well.

Often described as a simple, classic option for a good meal, Pirate’s Den offers a mouthwatering variety of creative seafood dishes, as well as other traditional, meaty, and/or vegetarian-friendly varieties for any and all tastes.

The welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant extends to the Pirate’s Den Restaurant staff, who work to ensure quick seating for customers although some patience may be necessary for their busier hours. The restaurant additionally offers early bird hours for their dinner menu, as well as the convenience of a scenic restaurant location just across the street from the beach.

Prices for this seafood eatery’s fare are reasonable, if not cheap, for the quality of food you receive, although prices on menu options may climb a bit upwards depending on the specific item.

Pirate’s Den Ratings

  • Yelp Rating: 4.0 (100+ reviews)
  • Trip Advisor Rating: 4.0 (200+ reviews)
  • Google Rating: 4.2 (200+ reviews)

Andre’s Wine Bar & Grill

Italian Cuisine & Bar

Address: 1312 W Brigantine Ave, Brigantine, NJ 08203

Phone Number: (609) 266-1124

Website: https://www.andresbrigantinenj.com/

Price: $$ – $$$

Vegetarian Friendly? Yes

Recommended dish: The Volcano Pizza and Eggplant Rollatini

Andre’s Wine Bar & Grill—Restaurant Overview

Andre’s Wine Bar & Grill is an attractive Brigantine Beach locale open for lunch and dinner hours, hailed for its outstanding Italian fare and wine bar selection.

The restaurant itself features an expansive dining area with a welcoming and comfortable bar area, great for parties dropping in for dinner and a drink. Both waiting staff and bartenders offer attentive, pleasant service suitable to meet the needs of the vast rotation of visitors Brigandine Beach receives year-round.

Prices can range from reasonable to a little on the pricier side, but for some of the best Italian food around, while your wallet may feel a little emptier, your stomach will not. All in all, prices are comparable to those of other restaurants in the area, including those with less quality to offer when it comes to both ambiance and the food.

Andre’s Wine Bar & Grill Ratings

  • Yelp Rating: 4.0 (40+ reviews)
  • Trip Advisor Rating: 4.0 (100+ reviews)
  • Google Rating: 3.9 (50+ reviews)

Buddakan

Chinese, Asian Cuisine

Address: 1 Oceanic Terrace, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Phone Number: (609) 674-0100

Website: http://www.buddakanac.com/

Price: $$$

Vegetarian Friendly? Yes, with vegan options as well.

Recommended dishes: Edamame Ravioli and Wasabi-Crusted Filet Mignon

Buddakan—Restaurant Overview

This high-end Asian Fusion eatery, if pricier, presents an inviting atmosphere for an indulgent night out in Brigantine.

Located on the pier with a large, glowing Buddha figure situated within the restaurant, the interior is well-designed and attractive for restaurant-goers who can appreciate the extra touch of elegance.

The menu features a variety of lunch and dinner options from various Asian cuisines, including Japanese and Chinese food, as well as the kind of quality seafood one can expect from local Brigantine NJ restaurants. The restaurant also offers a tasting menu, and although the sheer variety of menu options can be overwhelming for some, for others it may present a welcome and delicious invitation.

Service is friendly, quick, and accommodating for larger parties. Although it has a reputation as one of the more expensive dining venues in the area, the prices are generally fair enough for the quality of food you receive and the overall dining experience.

Buddakan Ratings

  • Yelp Rating: 4.5 (600+ reviews)
  • Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5 (600+ reviews)
  • Google Rating: 4.4 (100+ reviews)

Hooper’s Seafood Cafe

Seafood Cuisine

Address: 3312 W Brigantine Ave, Brigantine, NJ 08203

Phone Number: (609) 266-6826

Website: None

Price: $$ – $$$

Vegetarian Friendly? No

Recommended dishes: Manhattan Clam Chowder

Hooper’s Seafood Café—Restaurant Overview

Although not much to look at from the outside, this comfortable, family-owned locale features an impressive menu with a satisfactory selection of quality seafood dishes. From salads, to pasta, and a simple yet tasteful seafood selection, Hooper’s offers a freshness and cozy authenticity appreciated by vacationers and locals alike.

While the restaurant can get busier during those peak dinner hours, the staff is efficient and quick on their feet to meet the needs of their customers. Space may be a little limited, but not uncomfortably so for small to medium-sized parties.

For an above-par Brigantine Beach seafood experience, Hooper’s Seafood Cafe offers satisfactory service and a tasteful selection of dishes featuring some of the area’s best seafood as a coveted local gem.

Hooper’s Seafood Cafe Ratings

  • Yelp Rating: 4.0 (50+ reviews)
  • Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5 (200+ reviews)
  • Google Rating: 3.6 (20+ reviews)

1. Crab Shack Seafood Market Restaurant Brigantine

Crab Shack Seafood Market Restaurant Brigantine


Yelp Rating: 4.5 Stars

Yelp Reviews: 90+ reviews

Cost: $$

Type of Food: Seafood Markets, Seafood

2. Ernest & Son Meat Market

Ernest & Son Meat Market

Yelp Rating: 4.5 Stars

Yelp Reviews: 60+ reviews

Cost: $$

Type of Food: Meat Shops, Sandwiches

3. Yianni’s Fresh and Healthy Cafe

Yianni's Fresh and Healthy Cafe


Yelp Rating: 4.5 Stars

Yelp Reviews: 45+ reviews

Cost: $$

Type of Food: Breakfast & Brunch, Cafes

4. Mad Dog Morgans

Mad Dog Morgans

Yelp Rating: 4 Stars

Yelp Reviews: 120+ reviews

Cost: $

Type of Food: Diner, Breakfast & Brunch, Cheesesteaks

5. Richman’s Ice Cream Company

Yelp Rating: 4 Stars

Yelp Reviews: 30+ reviews

Cost: $

Type of Food: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Burgers, Hot Dogs

6. Andre’s Wine Bar & Grill

Crab Shack Seafood Market Restaurant Brigantine

Yelp Rating: 4 Stars

Yelp Reviews: 45+ reviews

Cost: $$

Type of Food: Wine Bars, Italian

7. Hoopers Seafood Cafe

Crab Shack Seafood Market Restaurant Brigantine

Yelp Rating: 4 Stars

Yelp Reviews: 70+ reviews

Cost: $$

Type of Food: Seafood

8. Yuki Hana Restaurant

Crab Shack Seafood Market Restaurant Brigantine

Yelp Rating: 3.5 Stars

Yelp Reviews: 50+ reviews

Cost: $$

Type of Food: Sushi Bars, Chinese, Japanese

9. The Cove

Crab Shack Seafood Market Restaurant Brigantine

Yelp Rating: 3.5 Stars

Yelp Reviews: 75+ reviews

Cost: $$

Type of Food: American (New), Seafood, Chicken Wings

10. Goochie Brothers Italian

Crab Shack Seafood Market Restaurant Brigantine

Yelp Rating: 3.5 Stars

Yelp Reviews: 40+ reviews

Cost: $$

Type of Food: Italian, Pizza

If you are part of one of the restaurants listed, and want to have your phone number, address (with Google maps link and embed), and website link added, please contact us at info@brigantinebeachguide.com.