13 Coastal New Jersey Seafood Shacks Serving Fresh Catches With Stunning Views
Forget your troubles, pack your appetite, and let the ocean be your guide!
New Jersey’s coastline isn’t just for boardwalks and sandy toes; it’s a treasure trove for seafood lovers. Imagine the perfect summer day: sun warming your skin, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of salt and sizzle, and before you, a plate piled high with the freshest catch imaginable.
Add to that a panoramic view of the Atlantic, and you’ve got pure bliss. We’ve scoured the shore to bring you 13 of the most charming, unassuming, and utterly delicious seafood shacks where the food is as spectacular as the scenery.
1. Smitty’s Clam Bar
Perched along the Somers Point marina, Smitty’s Clam Bar delivers a quintessential Jersey Shore dining experience. The aroma of fried clam strips wafts through the air as boats gently bob in the harbor just steps away.
Locals swear by their creamy clam chowder, often declaring it the best on the coast. The no-frills counter service keeps things casual, but that’s part of the charm. What makes
Smitty’s special is the genuine working marina atmosphere – you’re dining where fishermen bring in their daily hauls, guaranteeing seafood that couldn’t possibly be fresher.
2. The Lobster House
Nestled on Fisherman’s Wharf in Cape May, The Lobster House stands as a shore institution where fishing boats dock right outside. The sprawling restaurant features multiple dining options, including covered outdoor seating perched directly over the water.
On-site fish market showcases the morning’s catch, which often makes its way to your plate by lunchtime. The scallops, harvested by their own fleet, melt in your mouth with sweet, briny perfection.
Sunset transforms the harbor into a painting of orange and purple hues, creating a magical backdrop for enjoying their famous seafood platters.
3. Betty’s Seafood Shack
Betty’s brings a slice of Maine to Margate with its weathered wood exterior and laid-back vibe. The picnic-table dining area faces west, positioning you perfectly for spectacular sunsets that paint the bay with golden light.
I stumbled upon Betty’s during a coastal bike ride three summers ago and have made it my Friday tradition ever since. Something about cracking open fresh crab claws while watching the sky change colors resets my soul after a long work week.
Lobster roll strikes the perfect balance – not too much mayo, generous chunks of meat, and a perfectly toasted bun that holds everything together.
4. Crab Shack Seafood Market
Tucked away from tourist crowds, Brigantine’s Crab Shack combines a bustling seafood market with casual outdoor dining. The picnic area sits just yards from where commercial crabbers dock their boats, often unloading bushels of blue crabs throughout the day.
Paper-covered tables and mallets signal the messy fun ahead. Signature garlic crab preparation has remained unchanged for decades, proving some recipes need no improvement.
The harbor provides both entertainment and ambiance as fishing crews prepare for outings or return with their hauls, creating an authentic working waterfront experience that connects diners to the source of their meal.
5. Dock’s Oyster House
Since 1897, Dock’s has been shucking oysters and serving seafood classics to Atlantic City visitors and locals alike. The historic establishment blends old-world charm with prime waterfront real estate, offering diners a glimpse into the city’s storied past.
Raw bar displays a rotating selection of East Coast oysters, each labeled with its origin and flavor profile. The large windows frame postcard-worthy views of the Atlantic, especially stunning during stormy weather when waves crash dramatically against the shore.
My grandfather first took me here for my 10th birthday, teaching me how to properly slurp an oyster while watching fishing boats navigate the channel – a memory as rich as their famous seafood stew.
6. Two Mile Crab House
Spanning the narrow strip of land between the ocean and bay, Two Mile Landing’s Crab House offers panoramic water views from every table. The sprawling outdoor deck buzzes with energy as servers deliver heaping trays of steamed crabs to eager diners.
What sets this place apart is their commitment to serving what they catch. Their own boats bring in blue crabs, flounder, and striped bass daily, sometimes visible from your table as they return to dock.
The salt-tinged breeze carries both the scent of garlic butter and the sounds of gulls, creating a multisensory coastal experience that captures the essence of Cape May’s maritime culture.
7. Quahog’s Seafood Shack
Quahog’s tiny blue shack might be easy to miss if not for the line of sandy-footed patrons often stretching down the block. Just steps from Stone Harbor’s beaches, this intimate eatery makes the most of its small footprint with a covered patio draped in fishing nets and twinkling lights.
The blackboard menu changes daily based on what local fishermen bring to their door. Namesake quahog clams come prepared several ways, but the stuffed version with housemade chorizo has developed a cult following among shore regulars.
Between the ocean breeze and the sound of waves crashing nearby, dining here feels like a secret beach picnic elevated by professional chefs.
8. Cape May Fish Market
Morning visitors to Cape May Fish Market witness the fascinating dance of commerce as fishing boats unload their catches directly to the market’s back door. This no-nonsense establishment prioritizes freshness over frills, with a small but mighty takeout counter adjacent to their retail space.
The dockside dining area consists of simple picnic tables where patrons unwrap their paper-packaged treasures. Fish tacos feature whatever was swimming just hours earlier, adorned only with simple toppings that enhance rather than mask the ocean-fresh flavor.
I’ve watched tourists transform into regulars over the course of a single vacation week, drawn back daily by the honest simplicity and unmatched freshness.
9. H&H Seafood
H&H embodies the casual shore spirit with its market-style setup and bring-your-own-everything approach to dining. The wooden dock seating places you practically on top of the water, with only a simple railing between your picnic bench and the gentle bay waves below.
Steamed crabs arrive by the bucket, newspaper-lined and piping hot. The lack of pretense extends to the plastic utensils and paper towel rolls at each table – clear signals that messy, hands-on eating is not just allowed but encouraged.
The sunset transforms this humble spot into something magical, as the sky’s colors reflect off the water while boats return to harbor for the evening.
10. 16th Street Seafood
Sandwiched between colorful beach houses, 16th Street Seafood operates as both community market and takeout spot for those heading to Ocean City’s nearby beaches. The tiny storefront belies the impressive variety of local catches displayed on ice inside.
Seafood platters come simply prepared – lightly seasoned, perfectly cooked, and packaged for easy transport. Regulars know to request their famous house tartar sauce, a closely guarded recipe that enhances without overpowering.
While there’s no formal seating area, the nearby seawall provides a perfect perch for enjoying your feast while watching dolphins play in the distance – nature’s dinner theater at its finest.
11. Back Bay Seafood
Off the main tourist drag, Back Bay Seafood has earned fierce loyalty from Stone Harbor locals who appreciate quality over flash. The modest building houses both a retail counter and takeout operation that supplies beachgoers and boaters with memorable meals.
Crab cakes contain so little filler you’ll wonder how they stay together. Many customers develop relationships with the staff, who remember preferences and often set aside prime catches for regulars.
Growing up, my family rented a Stone Harbor cottage every August, and our tradition always included a Back Bay seafood feast on the first night. Twenty years later, their shrimp scampi still tastes exactly as I remember from childhood – buttery, garlicky perfection.
12. Son Of A Sailor
Small but mighty, Son of a Sailor occupies a prime spot on Seven Mile Island where fishing boats and pleasure craft create a constant parade on the waterway. The tiny kitchen produces outsized flavors, with their lobster roll frequently named among the Jersey Shore’s very best.
The handful of dockside tables fill quickly during peak season. Savvy visitors arrive early or call ahead to secure their seafood treasures.
Watch carefully as you eat and you might spot the owner greeting captains by name as they dock, sometimes selecting choice items directly from their holds – a visual reminder of the sea-to-table philosophy that makes this pocket-sized establishment so special.
13. The Shrimp Box
Overlooking the commercial fishing fleet of Point Pleasant, The Shrimp Box combines generous portions with front-row views of maritime activity. The expansive patio allows diners to watch as boats navigate the channel between ocean and bay, sometimes passing close enough to wave to the captains.
True to its name, shrimp dishes dominate the menu, prepared in seemingly endless variations. Signature coconut shrimp arrives golden and crispy, served with a tangy dipping sauce that balances the sweetness perfectly.
As day turns to evening, the patio transforms under string lights while the sunset casts a warm glow over the harbor – the perfect backdrop for cracking open crab legs or savoring their famous seafood pasta.