My summer routine, just like many other's looks a lot like wake up, brunch, beach, relax, repeat. So obviously, breakfast is a huge part of my Jersey Shore summers. As a Seaside Park Benny, foodie, and brunch connoseiur, breakfast at the Jersey Shore is a topic that I love to talk about. From bakeries, to cafes, to holes in the wall, the jersey shore is your go to place for breakfast. While I have not tried every popular breakfast place down the shore, and am unfamiliar with LBI, I been to very many breakfast places in the Seaside area and have definitely established my favorite spots.
1. Park Bakery
I have two words: Crumb Cake. This old fashioned, Jersey Shore bakery is located right in the center of Seaside Park, only one block off the beach. It is without a doubt one of the best bakeries I have tried down the shore and is a summertime classic. Be prepared to wait in line in the morning, but I can promise it is well worth it. Frosted Crumb Cake, Apple Fritters, and Chocolate Donuts with sprinkles are my personal favorites.
2. Kali-Os Juice Box
Kali-O's Juice Box is located one block off the beach in Ortley Beach, NJ, and there is also another one at the seaside boardwalk. This place is amazing for bowls, smoothies, and juices, and is completely healthy and refreshing. This is by far my favorite place for bowls because they are healthy, and portioned properly unlike many other places. This place is also great for Vegans, I personally enjoy their option for a vegan alternative to nutella- "not-tella".
3. Betty And Nicks Bait and Tackle
Betty and Nicks is also located right in the center of Seaside Park, and is an interesting place to say the least. If you want to catch up with fishermen during the early hours of the morning, and maybe even pick up some bait, you can go here. But, they also serve great diner-like, ideal hangover breakfasts here. Nobody makes their bacon as crispy as Betty and Nick's does, pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches are the go-to here.
4. Sunrise Cafe
The Sunrise Cafe is located right above the famous pizza restaurant and bar, The Sawmill, on the Seaside Park end of the boardwalk. This cafe has a breathtaking view of the ocean that will be sure to remind everyone just how beautiful the Jersey Shore actually is. My favorites here are omelettes topped with avocado, yogurt parfaits, and oatmeal. While they do have options like pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches, I enjoy their healthier options.
5. Uncle Bill's Pancake House
This pancake shop is not located near Seaside Park, but is located in many other beach towns across the Jersey Shore. I went here in Wildwood, NJ and was blown away by their Oreo pancakes, and stuffed french toast. This place has many unique pancake options that will be sure to satisfy your beach day breakfast needs.
6. Ocean Organics Juice Bar & Cafe
This restaurant is absolutely delicious, nutricious and perfect for foodies who like to eat healthy. It is located in Toms River, NJ. This restaurant is also super ideal for the bread haters, and the plant eaters! (Shoutout to my vegan and GF friends!) They have a wide variety of healthy breakfast sandwiches, avo toast, superfood bowls, and a healthy juice bar that is sure to please everyone.
7. Shut Up and Eat!
This diner-like restaurant is one of the funnest places to have breakfast down the shore. It is also located in Toms River, NJ. The interior is decorated in a fun, mish-mosh way, and the waitresses wear their pajamas to work. Shut Up and Eat! even does sandwiches on WAFFLES. They also serve delicious lunches and dinners. Everyone who eats here is sure to have a memorable experience.
8. Lava Java House
Located right downtown in Lavalette, is one of my favorite coffee shops. Coming from someone who is particularly judgey about their coffee, I think it is one of the best. Lava Java always has one of the widest selections of coffee flavors I have ever seen. Aside from coffee, Lava Java House is a great place for tea, pastries, and sandwiches. I highly suggest making a stop here while visiting Lavalette NJ!
9. OB-COs Donuts
Last, but certainly not least is Ob-Co's Donuts in Tom's River, NJ! This is my absolute favorite place, and this is coming from an obsessive donut lover. These donuts are big, fluffy, sugary, and everything else you could ever want in a donut. It's rare to find a donut that is big enough to satisfy breakfast needs but these donuts do the trick. When it comes to flavor suggestions I have no suggestions, because every flavor is amazing.
