Long Beach Island has been a vacation getaway for years. Families come down with their kids, who grow up with LBI summers that they pass down to their own kids. The family-friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for everyone. LBI is also home to some great food. As a seasoned LBI vacationer, here are my top picks for places to eat on the island.

1. Panzone's

Whoever said you couldn't put an Italian spin on a lobster roll? That's just what Panzone's did, adding provolone cheese, balsamic vinegar, and other ingredients to make their lobster roll unique. They also offer a selection of pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and of course, seafood. I can't recommend the scallops pasadena enough! Panzone's has two locations, but being a block away from the amusement park has its perks.

2. The Beach House

A more upscale dining experience compared to most places on the island, The Beach House offers an exquisite selection of seafood, steak, and other delicious options. The food is spectacular, but you will almost definitely be taking some home. Personally, I'd recommend the surf and turf, but it is not for the faint of heart.

3. The Sandbox Cafe

The Sandbox Cafe is an eclectic and creative breakfast corner. Mimicking a tropical hideaway, diners are seated amongst colorful birds, bright colors, gentle breezes, and soft sunlight. The food is out-of-the-box incredible. The pancakes are enormous, the omelettes are stuffed beyond imagining, and you absolutely have to have the parmesan baked egg. It's eggs baked onto an English muffin, topped with gooey parmesan cheese and bacon bits. It comes to your table steaming hot, and I guarantee you won't be able to stop eating it.

4. LBI Pancake House

LBI's favorite breakfast spot almost always has a line out the door. Their pancakes are light and fluffy, and you can get them plain or filled with fruit, M&M's, or Oreo's. Their orange juice is fresh squeezed, and the atmosphere is bright and kid-friendly, complete with a train that travels around the ceiling. After Hurricane Sandy, Robert Irvine came to help the Pancake House rebuild; the transformation was featured on an episode of Restaurant Impossible!

5. Nardi's

Most people don't think of family-friendly eating when they think of Nardi's. Usually the first thing that comes to mind is the famous pink bus, which shuttles patrons to their homes around the island when they've had too much to drink after hours. While no one under 21 is allowed at Nardi's past a certain time (usually five), that shouldn't stop you from grabbing breakfast or brunch there. They have outside seating, typical bar food, and delicious breakfast sandwiches.

6. Barry's

Barry's Do Me A Flavor is most known for its delicious and unique ice cream, but they have delicious diner food as well. The small restaurant is always packed but take this as a good sign! The staff works quickly to get your food to you once you order it at the counter, and it's easy to go right to dessert--the ice cream counter is on the left, and food is on the right.

7. Surf Taco

It may be a taco chain, but Surf Taco is not to be missed. We made that mistake every year until 2017, passing it by in favor of our other local staples. Now it's one of our favorite places to go. The staff is very nice, and the tacos are delicious. They have a variety of options, including cod, shrimp, steak, and teriyaki chicken. There's also a salsa bar and delicious guacamole (which, of course, costs extra). Each taco comes with warm, crunchy tortilla chips, and is topped with pico de gallo. They're tasty and refreshing.

8. Bay Village Pizza

With just a few menu options, Bay Village Pizza still manages to have a line that drapes around the block. The pizza slices are huge, and you can get a side of fries (plain or cheesy) to accompany it. The best part is being able to sit outdoors and enjoy your delicious and freshly-prepared meal.

9. Joey's

Joey's has become famous for more than just their delicious Italian food. Occasionally, they offer waterside dining, despite being in the middle of the boulevard! Due to the topography of the island and the draining system, when it rains, the street in front of Joey's floods, resulting in a puddle you could swim in. Joey's is also known for its clever, ever-changing signs.

10. Woodie's

Woodie's has classic burgers, fries, and shakes, and at one location, your food comes with live music in the evenings. It's a delicious and casual night out for everyone to enjoy.

11. Country Kettle Chowda

"Chowda" in a bread bowl is an LBI staple. Country Kettle Chowda takes up very little space in Bay Village, but people are always lining up for soup. You have the option of New England Clam Chowder, lobster bisque, Manhattan clam chowder, or Rhode Island chowder (a mix of Manhattan and New England). You also have the option of getting a plain old bowl or a hearty bread bowl. The soups are made fresh every day, with clams they catch in Barnegat Bay and shuck themselves. It's so good, you'll eat the bowl...just watch out for the occasional shell chip.

LBI is full of fun things to do and delicious food. This is just one vacationer's opinion. The staff at all of these places are dedicated and hardworking, the food is great, and there's even more to find downtown on LBI.