11 New Jersey Boardwalk Bites To Enjoy Year-Round
The Jersey Shore boardwalks aren’t just summer destinations; they’re year-round food havens for locals and visitors alike! I’ve spent countless weekends hunting down the tastiest treats along our wooden walkways, from creamy frozen custard to sizzling steak sandwiches. Whether you’re bundled up for a winter stroll or soaking in summer rays, these 11 iconic boardwalk bites will satisfy your cravings no matter when you visit!
1. Kohr’s Frozen Custard
Orange and vanilla swirls dancing together in perfect harmony; that’s the Kohr’s experience I’ve been addicted to since childhood! Family-owned since 1919, this custard institution has a creamier, richer texture than regular ice cream thanks to egg yolks in the recipe.
My personal ritual includes grabbing a cone at their Point Pleasant Beach location and watching the sunset over the Atlantic. Even in January, you’ll find locals lining up for this frozen delight. The best part? Their custard doesn’t melt as quickly as regular ice cream, giving you precious extra minutes to savor every lick.
2. Jenkinson’s Sweet Shop
Rainbow-colored saltwater taffy stretching in the window always stops me in my tracks! Jenkinson’s Sweet Shop on Point Pleasant Beach transforms sugar into art forms that dazzle both eyes and taste buds.
Handcrafted fudge slabs cooling on marble tables create an aroma that pulls you in from halfway down the boardwalk. I never leave without their chocolate-covered strawberries: plump berries draped in silky Belgian chocolate.
Founded in the 1920s, this candy paradise still uses many original recipes. My nephew goes crazy for their caramel apples while my mom can’t resist their homemade peanut brittle that shatters with a satisfying crack.
3. Midway Steak House
Sizzling ribeye strips hit the griddle and suddenly I’m transported to sandwich heaven! Midway Steak House in Seaside Heights has perfected the cheesesteak art form with their secret seasoning blend that locals would kill to discover.
Lines form quickly at this tiny stand where you can watch your sandwich being crafted through the open kitchen window. The perfect ratio of meat-to-cheese-to-bread keeps me coming back even in February snowstorms.
Family-run since 1969, they still use the original cast iron griddles that are practically black from decades of seasoning. Pro tip: ask for extra fried onions and a splash of hot sauce for an unforgettable flavor explosion!
4. Original Fudge Kitchen
Copper kettles bubbling with molten chocolate create a hypnotic scene at Original Fudge Kitchen. My obsession began with their vanilla chocolate swirl, but quickly expanded to include their sea salt caramel variety that literally melts in your mouth.
Third-generation candy makers still whip, fold, and cool fudge the old-fashioned way on marble slabs right before your eyes. The theatrical paddle-wielding process is as entertaining as the fudge is delicious!
With locations spanning from Cape May to Ocean City, I’ve developed a ritual of buying a pound of assorted flavors during every shore visit. Their cranberry walnut fudge during fall months is a seasonal treasure worth planning a special trip for.
5. Morey’s Piers Funnel Cakes
Clouds of powdered sugar billow around me as I take that first heavenly bite of Morey’s funnel cake. The crispy, golden exterior gives way to a tender, airy center that makes my taste buds dance with joy!
Located on Wildwood’s famous piers, these funnel cakes aren’t just desserts: they’re a boardwalk ritual dating back to 1969 when the Morey family first opened their amusement empire. I’ve tried countless toppings over the years, but nothing beats their classic strawberry sauce with fresh whipped cream.
Even in off-season, their weekend winter wonderland events keep the funnel cake fryers hot and ready. The sound of carnival rides paired with that distinctive fried dough aroma creates pure sensory magic.
6. Brown’s Donuts
Warm, pillowy donuts slide into paper bags at 5:30 AM as early birds line up outside Brown’s tiny Ocean City stand. Since 1976, this cash-only operation has been worth every minute of waiting!
Unlike fancy artisanal donut shops, Brown’s keeps it gloriously simple: plain, powdered, or cinnamon sugar. The magic happens in their proprietary dough recipe and perfect frying technique that creates an irresistible crisp exterior.
My summer tradition includes grabbing a dozen still-hot treats and watching the sunrise from the boardwalk bench. These donuts have such a cult following that celebrities visiting Ocean City make special trips just to experience Brown’s legendary simplicity. Get there early; they frequently sell out by mid-morning!
7. Shore Good Donuts
Custom donut creations become edible art at Shore Good Donuts on Long Beach Island! Unlike traditional shops, they fry each batch to order before dipping them in your choice of glazes and toppings; creating a warm, fresh experience that ruins you for ordinary donuts forever.
My personal obsession is their maple bacon masterpiece: a vanilla cake donut topped with maple glaze and crispy bacon pieces. The sweet-savory combination is absolutely mind-blowing at sunrise after a night of boardwalk adventures.
Founded by two local families in 2011, Shore Good quickly became an LBI institution. Their seasonal specials like summer blueberry donuts made with local berries showcase their commitment to fresh Jersey ingredients.
8. Surf City Dog House
Footlong hot dogs sizzling on a decades-old flat-top grill welcome you to Surf City Dog House in Beach Haven. The snap of their natural-casing frankfurters creates that distinctive sound that’s been the soundtrack to my summer lunches since childhood.
Family-owned since the 1960s, their secret chili recipe remains unchanged: a spicy, beanless concoction that elevates their dogs to legendary status. I always order mine “all the way” with mustard, onions, and that famous chili.
Winter weekends bring locals together at this tiny shack when they open for special off-season hours. The communal picnic tables outside create a friendly atmosphere where strangers become friends over shared condiments and beach stories.
9. Ellis’ Chicken & Crab Cakes
Golden-brown crab cakes bursting with lump meat and minimal filler; Ellis’ has mastered the art of letting quality ingredients shine! This Beach Haven gem started as a chicken joint in 1986 but their crab cakes quickly became the star attraction.
The Ellis family sources blue crab from local fishermen, maintaining close relationships that ensure the freshest catch. Their secret blend of Old Bay and other spices creates a distinctive flavor profile that I’ve unsuccessfully tried to replicate at home countless times.
While summer crowds keep their fryers constantly busy, winter weekends offer a more relaxed experience. Their chicken and crab combo platter with hand-cut fries is my go-to comfort meal after a chilly beach walk.
10. How You Brewin Coffee Co.
Steaming mugs of specialty coffee fuel my winter beach walks thanks to How You Brewin in Beach Haven. Unlike typical boardwalk fare, this cozy shop elevates the shore experience with small-batch roasted beans and expert baristas who remember regular customers’ orders.
Their signature “Shore Break” blend combines chocolate and caramel notes with a smooth finish that pairs perfectly with ocean views. I’m particularly fond of their seasonal offerings like autumn pumpkin cold brew and summer lavender lattes.
Established in 2004 by local entrepreneurs, the shop features reclaimed wood from boardwalk renovations in its interior design. Their freshly baked scones and muffins use ingredients from nearby farms, creating a true taste of coastal Jersey in every bite.
11. Jenks Club
Legendary cocktails and ocean views make Jenks Club in Point Pleasant Beach my favorite year-round escape! While technically a bar/nightclub, their food menu deserves serious recognition; particularly their loaded nachos that have saved me from many hunger emergencies.
Established in 1976, this beachfront institution transforms seamlessly from daytime family restaurant to evening hotspot. Their bartenders craft the most perfect Bloody Mary I’ve ever tasted, garnished with a ridiculous amount of celery, olives, and even a shrimp!
Winter months bring a locals-only vibe with comfort food specials like their famous crab mac and cheese. The wraparound windows provide spectacular storm-watching opportunities while you stay cozy inside with their signature hot buttered rum.
