The morning sun is all the alarm clock you need at the Jersey Shore, but we’ve got tasty ways to satisfy the accompanying hunger pangs.
And when you’re ready for lunch, dinner, dessert or drinks, check out more of our favorite Shore eateries.
Amy’s Omelette House
When a restaurant has omelette in its name, order one. Amy’s offers more than 200, in humongous portions, from the Italian Stallion (sweet Italian sausage, onions, peppers, mozzarella and home fries) to the virtuous Amy’s (egg white, celery, carrots, onions, peppers, mushrooms, broccoli and American cheese, with fruit instead of home fries). But you’ll have to make do with a mere 30 styles of pancakes. Owner Ted Kopsaftis named the place for his sister. The nostalgic décor includes carousel horses, movie posters and framed LPs. Locations also in Burlington and Cherry Hill. —Kelly-Jane Cotter
444 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch • 732-222-1206
Blue Pig Tavern
Set in the historic Congress Hall Hotel, the Blue Pig’s bright porch and patio dining rooms are ideal spots to start a leisurely day. Here you’ll want to splurge a little. Slather a biscuit with creamy butter and lay on the thick-cut bacon that hails from sister property Beach Plum Farm. After breakfast, head over there, meet the hens, and visit the market. —Deborah P. Carter
200 Congress Place, Cape May • 609-884-8422
Buttered Biscuit Cafe
The namesake biscuits—light, flaky, about the size of CDs—are served hot with cinnamon-honey butter and organic raspberry jam. In the unlikely event you can resist them, you will surely succumb to the crumb cake, grilled in butter and served hot, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Owners David and Elizabeth McAllister opened in 2011 in downtown Bradley Beach. The café has elegant chandeliers and small, square tables that seat two or four, plus counter seating. The breakfast menu includes variations on eggs Benedict, notably eggs Oscar (lump crab, two poached eggs, grilled asparagus). —KJC
700 Main Street, Bradley Beach • 732-807-4069
Gilchrist Restaurant
Gilchrist Restaurant in Atlantic City serves breakfast all day. Photo courtesy of Gilchrist Restaurant
For newbies, the line is the first clue to Gilchrist’s popularity. At this 76-year-old institution, expect to wait 30–35 minutes on weekends. Set directly on the bay in Gardner’s Basin (two miles from the Atlantic City Aquarium), Gilchrist’s serves breakfast all day. The Belgian waffles are light and crisp, the blueberry pancakes fluffy, the coffee hot and hearty. Outside seating (folding chairs, paper tablecloths, bolstered by heaters) is open in all but the worst weather. Carnival-striped awnings lend shade. Inside offers wooden tables and sea-green walls, but it lacks the bay view. Gilchrist’s also has outposts at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino, and in Margate. —DPC
804 N Rhode Island Ave., Atlantic City • 609-345-8278
Klotz’s Kitchen
At Klotz’s Kitchen in Point Pleasant Beach, the fruit-topped Belgian waffle is sure to satisfy. Photo courtesy of Klotz’s Kitchen
This unassuming luncheonette is a local favorite slightly off the beaten path, which means you might have less of a wait for a table than at places closer to the beach. You’ll find the basics at Klotz’s Kitchen, owned by Coleen Klotz, plus creative alternatives such as peanut butter & jelly French toast and Barnacle Crunch pancakes topped with fruit, granola and powdered sugar. Klotz’s Kitchen excels at breakfast sandwiches. Try the Number 16, with crisp bacon, soft scrambled eggs, cheddar, avocado, tomato and sriracha mayo on a croissant. Despite all those fillings, the sandwich doesn’t fall to pieces. Waitstaff is friendly. Coffee is strong. You’ll feel like a regular on your first visit. Cash only. —KJC
2247 Bridge Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach • 732-714-0633
Maeberrie Market
Try Maeberrie Market’s eggs Benedict topped with Brussels sprouts. Photo courtesy of Maeberrie Market
As cozy as a tea room and with book-lined shelves, Maeberrie Market was opened in 2019 by Keri DeCorso and Michael Halsey with executive chef Salvatore Capobianco. The trio previously worked together at Pascal & Sabine, one of NJM‘s favorite restaurants in Asbury Park. Standouts include lentils & egg (poached egg, roasted mushrooms and cauliflower on arugula in lemon vinaigrette with beluga lentils and truffle salt). Chef Aishling Stevens of Restaurant Latour in Hamburg l0ves this spot for breakfast and brunch. —KJC
504 Main Street, Avon-by-the-Sea • 732-807-3279
Meemom’s
Camryn Monteforte and Sean Farawell launched in Wall in 2013, naming their eatery in honor of Monteforte’s late grandmother. She enjoyed French toast, and Meemom’s, now billing itself as French Toast University, serves 15 dessert-worthy varieties. Kid-magnet toppings include Oreos and sugary breakfast cereals. The signature French toast is served with fresh fruit, butter and powdered sugar. Real maple syrup and fresh-squeezed orange juice are available, as are savory bowls. Among sides, the veggie hash is zesty. —KJC
56 Chambersbridge Road, Brick • 856-473-3733
1383 Route 35, Middletown • 732-856-9499
1825 Route 35, Wall • 732-359-8544
Mustache Bill’s
Bill Smith’s 1959 aluminum diner at the northern end of Long Beach Island won a 2009 James Beard Foundation America’s Classics award. Smith, he of the mustache, bought the diner in 1972. He announced his retirement this spring, so this summer may be the diner’s last. A friendly and efficient staff serves scratch-made classics like eggy cinnamon-raisin French toast and pancakes (in mermaid or tall-ship shapes for kids). Lunch includes the attraction of fresh-landed seafood from nearby Viking Village and house-roasted turkey. Cash only. —KJC
Broadway at West 8th Street, Barnegat Light • 609-494-0155
Toast
Try Toast’s irresistible red-velvet pancakes with cream cheese icing. Photo courtesy of Toast
After opening her first Toast in Montclair in 2007, owner Amy Russo expanded to the Monmouth Shore. In downtown Asbury Park, strings of white lights and a wall hanging that spells LOVE enhance the sun-filled space with its three seating areas. Red-velvet pancakes are indeed velvety and, though blanketed in powdered sugar, are not overly sweet. Cream cheese icing comes on the side, but is unlikely to stay there. The popular crab hash comes with eggs and the timeless tang of Old Bay seasoning. —KJC
516 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park • 732-776-5900
45 Monmouth Street, Red Bank • 732-224-1234