Come rain, shine, sleet, or snow, Buckalew’s Restaurant & Tavern has been Beach Haven’s go-to spot for drinks and grub for decades. Originally built as a hotel in 1874, Buckalwe’s was fashioned into its current state in 1996. Our grandfathers went here, our fathers still keep the place buzzing past midnight, and now we sit by their side. Located on Long Beach Island’s main thoroughfare, it’s not a trip to L.B.I. without a stop here.
The restaurant serves up greasy bar staples such as burgers and fries along with traditional Northeastern pub fair like lobster rolls, clam chowder (New England and Manhattan), and crab cakes. Over the years, sushi has been introduced to the menu, but we keep to Shore favorites like Clams Casino.
The cocktail menu is straightforward and made up of a variety of Martinis and a Manhattan. There are 18 taps pouring beers you’ve actually heard of, along with the house’s namesake IPA. A number of wines are available by the glass or bottle, and nothing is too expensive. Buckalew’s is all about serving you what you want for a reasonable price.
For those looking for something other than a beer, we recommend choosing a Martini – we like ours with gin and a twist. There’s also an Espresso Martini available, and we’re all for it.
The wood bar seems to always be full and you can catch games from any of your favorite teams in the tri-state area on the various televisions located throughout. There is live music almost every night, and you won’t ever find a DJ. This is a place for full bands or a man with a guitar, and that’s what makes it so lovely. It’s the kind of place that you’d hear the next Bruce Springsteen or Jon Bon Jovi cut their teeth at while in their early 20s.
Find It At:
101 North Bay Avenue
Beach Haven, NJ 08008