Long Branch has been our summer go-to place when heading to the shore for a day or longer stay.  It’s about an hour and a half drive on weekdays to the white sand beach.

Since we like eating outside in Pier Village, we frequent the same places along the boardwalk. We are there more for the view of the Atlantic than the food. 

That said, Avenue makes a decent bloody Mary, garnished with pickled green beans. Try their Croque Madame ($23). It’s a hearty ham and cheese sandwich topped with a fried egg. If you’re a fry lover like me, order their crispy shoestring fries ($10).

The honey ginger glazed salmon with a wild rice medley (think Uncle Ben’s) and stir-fried veggies ($29.95) at McLoone’s Pier House is acceptable.  You’ll have friendly service from their young summer hires.

In looking around the village for a place to meet my high school friend for coffee, we found Turning Point, which was closed for a company picnic one day. How nice, I thought!

I’d recommend the coffee and their benny with smashed avocado, plum tomatoes, bacon and poached eggs on ciabatta bread topped with hollandaise ($14.25).

I do recommend a summer visit to Long Branch.

McLoone’s Pier House
1 Ocean Ave N,
Long Branch, NJ 07740
(732) 795-3493
mcloonespierhouse.com

Avenue Le Club
23 Ocean Ave N
Long Branch, NJ 07740
732-759-2900
leclubavenue.com

Turning Point
In Pier Village
92 Ocean Avenue
Long Branch, NJ 07740
732-923-1104
turningpointrestaurants.com