Editor's note: Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday that restaurants can resume indoor dining at 25% capacity on Friday. Many restaurants are working to accommodate his decision, which may change prior plans for the remainder of the summer season.
Fall is the season that never fails to sneak up on us.
It begins injust three short weeks, which means the end of lazy beach days, trips to the pool, fresh Jersey corn,and dining at yourfavorite summerrestaurant.
It has been a rough six months for seasonal spots — and nearly all restaurants – without indoor dining, now set to resume at reduced capacity Sept. 4. Someowners said they would extend the season if indoor service was allowed, but most beach-town restaurants have lost the bulk of their college-age staffs, have indoor few tables at which to seat diners on cold or rainy nights, and are harried after a most unusual season.
But we still have three weeks, and thatis plenty of time to enjoy a meal and supporttheserestaurants.
Avon Pavilion,Avon: Beachside dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner will end at this boardwalk restaurant onSept. 7.
Biggy's Beach Grill, North Beach Haven: Loved for its seafood tacos and Caribbean-inspired rice bowls, Biggy's plans to close in early October.
More:NJ restaurants: 15 new spots at the Jersey Shore
Bird andBetty's, Beach Haven: The bayfront restaurant, which makes a mean clam pizza,should be open through October, said Melanie Magaziner of Tide Table Group, which operates the restaurant and several others on Long Beach Island. Sister restaurant Parker's Garage, which is next door, also should remain open through October.
Black-Eyed Susans, Harvey Cedars:This restaurant, which moved to a larger location this summer but had to trade its planned two-storyrestaurant for outdoor, tented dining and takeout, hopes to stay open through the end of October.
The Boondocks Fishery, Red Bank:Diners can enjoy fresh lobster with a viewof the Navesink River a little longer than usual this year, as owner Kelly Ryan said she hopes to keep the restaurant open into October. It usually closes in mid-September.
Boulevard Clams, Surf City: The decades-old restaurant and fish market is "playing it by ear" when it comes to a closing date,said owner Neil Sulish,echoing many seasonal restaurant owners whobase their closing dates on the availability of staff. Last year, Boulevard Clams closedSept. 15.
Crabby Jack’s, Somers Point: The casual outdoor bar, tucked behind year-round restaurant The Crab Trap on Great Egg Harbor Bay, will remain open as long as possible.
The Crab House at Two Mile Landing, Wildwood: The all-you-can-eat garlic crabs and Old Bay fries at this waterfront restaurant are worth the trip, but get there before Columbus Day in October, which is when The Crab House will closefor the season.
Gazebo Grill & Sushi Bar, Beach Haven:A favorite for its seafood dishesand views of Barnegat Bay, the restaurant at Schooner's Wharf is planning to stayopen through the first week of October.
Moby's Lobster Deck, Highlands:Perched atop Bahrs Landing restaurant on the Shrewsbury River, Moby's is a casual spot for fresh seafood. The deck will be open as long as weather allows.
Mud City Crabhouse, Stafford: The restaurant's outdoor space will stay open as long as weather permits, and take-out service will be available "as long as its feasible,"Magaziner said. The same is true of sister restaurant Black Whale Bar & Fish House, which last year closed Dec. 31.
More:14 great Shore spots for dock and dine
Park Seafood Clam Bar, Seaside Park: A boardwalk favorite for its raw bar and fried seafood, Park Seafood will be open weekends only after Labor Day. Its closing date depends on the weather and traffic on the boardwalk. Its sister restaurant, which offers indoor dining above the Aztec Motel on the boardwalk in Seaside Heights, is closed.
Quahog's Seafood Shack, Stone Harbor:James Beard Award-nominated chef Lucas Manteca's seafood restaurant, serving a South American-inspired menu featuring crab empanadas, blackened fish, and shrimp ceviche, will close in mid-October.
Quincy's Original Lobster Rolls, multiple locations: With five locations in southern New Jersey, this 5-year-old seafood spot has options through the end of the year. Its Wildwood location unexpectedly closed for the season after a storm destroyed its roof, but its store in the Cape May Mall will be open through December, its stores on Cape May's Beach Avenue and in Ocean City will be open through mid-October, and its Sea Isle City restaurant will be open until Labor Day.
Red's Lobster Pot, Point Pleasant Beach: This waterfront spot usually stays open through the end of September, but co-ownerMarisa Tannersaid "we're going to try and hold out as long as we can, if weather's on our side."
Runners Seafood Restaurant & Market, Lavallette: Each year, this 20-year-old restaurant and market opens Memorial Day and closes Labor Day, and it will do the same this year.
Russo's Italian Restaurant, Ship Bottom: Known for its Ozone Pizza, a Sicilian-style pie with mozzarella baked into the crust andhousemade marinara on top, the restaurant willclose for the season Sept. 7.
The Sandbox Cafe, Ship Bottom: Thelast day of the season for this breakfast and lunch spot, known for a deep-dish pancake called the Sizzler, is Sept. 7. The Sandbox Cafe's sister location in Surf City will be open longer; ownerDana Disalvio said possibly year-round if indoor dining is permitted.
More:NJ restaurant owners and local officials make their case for indoor dining
Santeria, Seaside Heights: This boardwalk spot, which tucks smoked brisket, pork belly, and calamari into tacos, will be open – weather dependent – through October.
Sea Dogs Grille, Barnegat: This seafood restaurant, which makes a hearty lobster roll and cool Key lime pie, closed in early September..
Shore Fire Grille, Surf City: A consistent favorite for creative eats (tuna poke tacos, a turkey burger topped with brown gravy aioli), Shore Fire Grille will close Sept. 27.
Spicy Cantina, Seaside Heights:You have until October to get your Mexican food fix on the boardwalk, though after Labor Day, the restaurant's outdoor dining will be available only Fridays through Sundays.
The Terrace Tavern, Beach Haven: Owner Toby Sweeney, who this year knocked down a building on her restaurant's property to accommodate more diners outdoors, said indoor dining will allow The Terrace Tavern to stay open year-round. The restaurant will serve items from its menu and that of sister restaurant, Delaware Avenue Oyster House in Beach Haven, which she said most likely will close by the end of September.
Viking Fresh Off the Hook, Barnegat Light: This takeout restaurant, which serves seafood straight from nearby docks, will be open through mid-September.
Woodie's Drive-In, Ship Bottom: A popular spot for burgers and hot dogs,the restaurant will be open until the end of October and potentially later, depending on weather.
Sarah Griesemer joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2003. Send restaurant tips tosgriesemer@gannettnj.com, and support local journalism with a subscription.
