Memorial Day has come and gone, and just like that, the summer vibes are in full swing here in South Jersey. There’s something magical about this time of year. It’s the season of sand between your toes, sun-kissed skin, and the joy of cruising down the road with the windows down, music up, and bikes ready for a boardwalk ride.
Summer transforms our area into its best version. The version where we trade in the jackets for sunset cocktails, boardwalk strolls, and long afternoons on the beach spent soaking up the sunshine. Our towns come alive, and we’re ready for every second of it.
One of the best parts of living or visiting here is having the ocean as your view, especially when dining out. Whether you’re grabbing a drink, catching up with friends, or enjoying a meal with family, nothing beats the feeling of an ocean breeze on your skin as you indulge in some of the best food and drink spots around.
Here’s a list of the top places to enjoy outdoor seating by the water this summer, because when summer calls, we answer with a drink in hand and the ocean in sight.
Deauville Inn
If you know this area, you know Deauville Inn is a summer staple. Tucked away in Strathmere and set against the bay, it’s the ultimate place to soak up the season. Guests can sip drinks on Deauville’s private beach or head to the spacious patio and dock to enjoy fresh seafood and summer vibes. Plus, with public docks, you can pull up by boat or by car. Either way, you’ll feel like you’ve found your own slice of paradise and can spend the day or night enjoying it.
Ventura’s Greenhouse
The Greenhouse is the spot for Sunday Funday and a go-to for both locals and visitors in Margate. Located right off the beach, it’s the perfect stop for a post-sun drink or a beachside bite on a cloudy day when you still want to feel the sand between your toes. From the beach bar to the oceanfront upper patios, every spot at Greenhouse has the same laid-back, fun vibe. Good drinks, good food, and good times are guaranteed at this local spot.
Biergarten
Every town needs a Biergarten, but not every town has one right on the boardwalk. That’s what makes Atlantic City’s Biergarten so special. After a stroll on the boardwalk, come grab a seat and sip on classic brews while gazing out at the ocean. Sand still clinging to your flip-flops, a beer in hand, and the salty air all around, it’s the ultimate post-beach hangout. With table service, bar seating, cornhole, and games, it’s the kind of spot where you can spend hours and the good times keep rolling.
LandShark Bar & Grill
Another Atlantic City icon, LandShark Bar and Grill is more than just a classic beach bar. It’s a full-on experience. Located right on the beaches of AC, LandShark offers unbeatable ocean views whether you’re inside the dining area or at the beach bar. A cold LandShark in hand, the waves crashing right in front of you and the feeling of sipping on the beach in the sunshine, this is the definition of summer in South Jersey.
Crabby Jack’s
Now let’s take it off-island and head across the bridge to Crabby Jack’s in Somers Point, where the views are just as incredible. Located on the bay just off the Ocean City Bridge, Crabby Jack’s offers waterfront dining with unlimited views of the water and the city skylines in the distance. Savor seafood classics, sip a refreshing crush, and take in the sights from the outdoor patio. Plus, with docks available, you can even pull up by boat for the ultimate summer experience. Crabby Jack’s is part of the beloved Crab Trap family, so you know the vibes (and the food) are top-tier.
So, whether you’re a longtime local or just visiting for the summer, make the most of these incredible spots where the views are breathtaking, the drinks are cold, and the ocean breeze is always part of the experience. After all, summer days by the water are what memories are made of here. Grab your crew, head to one of these spots, and let the good times, and drinks, flow. Here’s to a summer full of sunshine, sea air, and unforgettable moments. Cheers!
Delaney Crawford is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and digital marketing. After earning a BA in Communications, Delaney built a successful career in the newspaper industry, honing skills in news writing, media, and content creation. Driven by a desire to empower local businesses, Delaney founded DC’s Social Media & Content Creation, a company dedicated to helping businesses enhance their brand image and thrive online.
