Monmouth County is such a beautiful place to live. It is a stunning area with the beach being no more than twenty minutes away. However, if anyone were to love something more than the close proximity to the beach, it would be the food. Monmouth County is home to some very tasty eateries, and as someone who has lived in Monmouth County for their entire life, I have been to many restaurants in the area. Here are some of my favorite restaurants in Monmouth County that I would recommend to those who live or plan to visit the Monmouth County area.

1. Kelly’s Tavern

I was just at Kelly’s recently for the billionth time, and once again, it was excellent. . This is an Irish pub located in Neptune City, serving classic Irish dishes, as well as fresh seafood. Also, since it is a classic Irish pub, Kelly’s has over twenty beers on tap (they I.D. of course). Come in the winter for a nice Irish atmosphere, or bring your family in the Summer to have dinner on the patio bar. The staff is also excellent and super friendly, so you are guaranteed to leave with a full stomach and a smile on your face.

2. Surf Taco

If you love Mexican cuisine and the beach, then Surf Taco is the place for you. Having more of a casual setting, Surf Taco is a great place for teenagers and families with children. There are several Surf Taco locations in Monmouth County, including Manasquan, Belmar, Long Branch and more, even expanding into some Ocean County towns. Whether you’re coming for a casual night out or for a bite after a beach day, Surf Taco almost never disappoints.

3. The Bagel Nook

I was recently tried this place for the first time, and all of the publicity it is getting is most certainly not overrated. Jersey is known for their excellent bagels, and The Bagel Nook definitely lives up to that standard. This legendary bagel shop is Freehold is especially known for its unique flavored bagels and cream cheeses. Having to choose between cookie dough, funfetti, bacon and cheddar, and so many more cream cheese flavors was a very hard decision for me. They do have a menu board though, with specific bagel and cream cheese flavors combined to make the process a little less overwhelming.

4. Pete and Elda’s Bar/Carmen’s Pizzeria

Pizza may be even more of a staple in Jersey than bagels. We New Jerseyans are very picky about our pizza, so to say that the pizza from Pete and Elda’s is some of the best I’ve ever had means a lot. This fantastic pizzeria located in Neptune City (just up the road from Kelly’s), is famous for its crispy, thin-crust pizza. Since it is so thin, you will probably eat a slice or two more than you usually would, so ordering an extra pie may be necessary. If you are really hungry, Pete and Elda’s also has a contest; if you eat an entire double extra-large pie by yourself, you receive a free t-shirt!

5. Meemom’s Kitchen

This is a small diner located in Wall Township, best known for its French toast that is far from ordinary. Some of Meemom’s French toast flavors include churro, nutella, Twix, and so many more. Similarly to The Bagel Nook, choosing a flavor is a very difficult task. If you’re a coffee drinker, Meemom’s also has a wide variety of unique coffee flavors. Fair warning, the Meemom’s facility is a little tight and it gets crowded quick, so be prepared to wait for a table.

6. Shogun Legends

This is one of my absolute favorite places on the list! Shogun Legends is a hibachi steak house. Every time my family comes here, I always leave satisfied, though we only come for special occasions because it is a little expensive. The food is prepared right in front of you by chefs, who are extremely talented not only as chefs, but as entertainers as well. With the onion volcano, zucchini toss, and the ability for them to always make you laugh, the chefs, as well as the rest of the Shogun service, is absolutely astounding. Also, if you are a sushi lover, there is an Asian fusion and sushi bar located downstairs. Shogun Legends is located in Wall Township.

7. Playa Bowls

Ever heard of these new, trendy things called acai bowls? If you have and are wondering where you can try one, Playa Bowls is the place. This genius idea originated as a small stand in Belmar on 8th and Ocean, and now has its own building with many other locations including Manasquan, Pier Village, Red Bank, and even more extending to Ocean County and beyond. Playa Bowls has only existed for about three years and throughout those years, it has been tremendously successful. Their bowls and smoothies are the perfect combination of something healthy and something sweet.

8. Rook Coffee

I am usually not a coffee drinker, but I will drink Rook because it is absolutely delicious. This coffee shop is unique to Monmouth County with locations in Wall, Colts Neck, Manalapan, Red Bank, and many more. Rook is so unique compared to other coffee shops because of how fresh the coffee beans are. They are roasted right on site!

9. Coney Waffle

Located right next to the original Playa Bowls location, Coney Waffle is an ice cream parlor known especially for its famous freak shakes. These massive milkshakes are anything but ordinary, containing toppings such as waffles, cotton candy, cookies, and even an ice cream cone. It is hard to resist trying one of these, but if you’d rather have something small, coney waffle serves normal ice cream portions as well that are just as delicious.

10. The Columns

The Columns is a seasonal restaurant open from early May through Labor Day located on Ocean Avenue in Avon by the Sea. This fine establishment has been opened since 1883 and has a very wide variety of foods. There is a discount night on different menu items every weekday. My personal favorite day is Thursday because it is discounted Lobster items. If you decide to sit inside, you have access to TVs and the opportunity to hear some live music, while outside, you have a stunning view of the ocean, so either way it is a win-win situation.

These places are all very different and unique from each other, so it will be easy to choose between them depending on what you are in the mood for. Of course they do have one thing in common; the food and service are all excellent. I’ve been going to some of these places my whole life, and I have always left satisfied. So, if you live in the area or are considering coming for a visit, try at least one of these places. Trust me, it will be worth the trip.