Outdoor dining at the Jersey Shore has gone to the dogs. At least, it has at a number of popular beach-town eateries, where four-legged friends are welcome to enjoy the scene alongside their human pals. Some even have special doggie menus for their canine clientele.
Here, from north to south, are five Shore restaurants fit for you and your dog to enjoy some socially distant socializing.
The Wonder Bar
Fifth and Ocean avenues, Asbury Park
The iconic Wonder Bar welcomes dogs daily to its fenced-in patio area during Yappy Hour. Pets can socialize and relax alongside their owners from noon–7 pm Monday–Thursday and noon–6 pm Friday–Sunday, weather permitting. Four-legged friends are allowed off-leash in the space—as long as they are well-behaved. The area is equipped with wading pools, an agility area and a “time-out” spot if Rover gets rambunctious, plus seating and a tiki bar for thirsty adult patrons. Mondays are for small dogs, 30 pounds and under. Yappy Hour is 21-plus and requires reservations; book your slot through the Yappy Hour Facebook page.
The Riverside Café
425 First Avenue, Manasquan
Pets are always welcome at the Riverside Café, which offers outdoor dining along the Manasquan Inlet. In addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner for the humans, the cafe serves Happy Doggy Meals for canine customers. Available in large and small sizes, these meals include wet and dry dog food, chicken jerky, assorted biscuits and treats, a tennis ball and a dog-waste bag. The meals can be enjoyed at the cafe or taken to go. Outdoor seating is open—no reservation necessary—seven days a week (weather permitting).
Jenks Inlet Bar
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach
This popular boardwalk spot features Canines and Cocktails every Monday–Wednesday from 5–9 pm. Guests can enjoy ocean views and drinks in the company of their furry friends right on the sand. All sized dogs are allowed daily within specified sections of the open-air bar. While you don’t need a canine of your own to attend, the rules state guests “must love dogs.”
Tun Tavern
2 Convention Boulevard, Atlantic City
Take your dog for a real treat at Tun Tavern, Atlantic City’s only brewpub. This eatery offers four dog-friendly dishes, including the Aristocrat, a 6-ounce sirloin with steamed rice for Fido’s fanciest night out. The Tavern’s deck is open for outdoor dining from noon–10 pm Sunday–Thursday and noon–11 pm Fridays and Saturdays. Check out the full doggie menu on the Tun’s website.
Rusty Nail
205 Beach Avenue, Cape May
A dog owner never has to eat alone at this cool and casual spot just across Beach Avenue from the oceanfront. In addition to serving outdoor diners from 8 am–9 pm daily, the restaurant has a special menu just for dogs. The four-legged ones can choose among bowls of grilled chicken or steamed vegetables, plain all-beef hamburgers and even a Bowser Beer—non-carbonated, non-alcoholic and made from barley and chicken. This is a fun, family-friendly spot with an ample menu and a large outdoor seating area—but be sure to make a reservation.