Salons
Yanni Erbeli Wisteria
Hands down, Yanni Erbeli Wisteria is the best hair/beauty experience in Monmouth County. Having spent years working alongside some of the most prestigious NYC hair stylists, including Oscar Blandi & Edward Tricomi, Yanni brings NYC-level talent to downtown Red Bank. A truly wonderful human, my entire family is grateful for Yanni’s kindness & generosity. He and his team go above & beyond to accommodate clients, including outdoor haircuts during the height of Covid….Plus, the salon sanctuary serves amazing cappuccinos!
Shops
June & Joy
Legitimate artisans, the bubbly & dynamic twins, June & Joy, hand-make one-of-a-kind bags & home goods. A hidden gem, their eclectic shop – located next to the Raven Tea Room in Fair Haven – is full of amazing vintage finds as well as their own vibrant fashion creations. I love their colorful fabrics and accessories from Tanzania. To boot, June & Joy are active in Monmouth County charities and you will often find their items at charity boutiques, including the VNA Beach Ball & Monmouth Medical Power of the Pink. Recently featured on the Today Show, the sisters make shopping with them personal….and JOYful!
Sink R Swim LBI
A Long Beach Island staple for decades, Sink R Swim LBI was recently revitalized by the Dipietro family, owners of the Stefano’s restaurant group, and feels more like a beautifully-curated club house than a store. Offering both men’s & women’s beach fashion (including local brands, Jetty & Faherty), the team is active in promoting all island local businesses. I love their Smathers & Branson ‘LBI’ needlepoint hats, key chains, belts, etc. For beautiful photos of LBI island life, check out their Instagram.
Earth Spirit
For an incredible selection of gemstones & unique finds, Earth Spirit has it all. On Broad Street in Red Bank, it’s worth a meander. Stop by and you’ll see why…
Restaurants
Anjelica’s
If you’re lucky enough to score a reservation, Angelica’s is arguably one of the best and most coveted BYOB restaurants in Monmouth County. Located in Sea Bright, they offer year round cozy indoor & outdoor lunch & dinner dining with a buzzy vibe. The Southern Italian plates & seafood specialities never disappoint. Must-tries include spaghetti cacio e peppe & polpette ‘Emilia.’
Drifthouse by David Burke
A seaside hit by New Jersey’s prized hometown chef, Drift House by David Burke is both fun and delicious…amazing brews with awesome ocean views! Located at the Driftwood Beach Club, my favorite dish is Burke’s famous pretzel-crusted crab cake. Check out ‘Burger Night’ ($10) with live music on Tuesdays.
Red Horse by David Burke
A three-minute drive over the Rumson – Sea Bright Bridge leads to the celebrity chef’s Red Horse by David Burke, formerly the Fromagerie where my family and I celebrated many special occasions over the years. Of particular significance, Burke worked as a line chef there during his earlier career. His modern steakhouse/sushi twist is fun & innovative. Go-to’s include his well-known popovers and Sunday Brunch. (Although I’ve yet to make it to Burke’s latest restaurant, The GOAT, I look forward to visiting the ‘Chandelier Loft,’ where the matching large light fixtures are of special personal significance.)
Visit Red Hrose by David Burke
Barnacle Bills
Nearby and located on the Navesink River is my childhood, family-friendly favorite… Barnacle Bill’s. This casual waterfront restaurant now offers outdoor dining next to the marina where you can catch amazing sunsets. A fun sports bar scene, Barnacle’s has an active live music rotation.
Polly’s Dock & Clam House
Tucked away at a marina on the bay in Beach Haven, Polly’s Dock & Clam House is an all-time Long Beach Island favorite & low-key BYOB….Think: epic sunsets, live music….and, of course, amazing dock-side clam bakes. Polly’s also serves oysters by local Barnegat Oyster Collective.
Visit Polly’s Dock & Clam House
Delaware Avenue Oyster House
Visit Delaware Avenue Oyster House
Gables LBI
The Avenue
The Seafarer
Head to The Seafarer Bar in the Highlands for a fun & casual seasonal waterfront outdoor bar with a delicious menu, including barbecue by Local Smoke BBQ. Try the locally-sourced grilled clams and signature Mezcal cocktail (aptly-named ‘El Barco’). Plus, there’s an endless summer lineup of live music.
Salt Creek Grille
Don’t miss Salt Creek Grille for a classic Rumson ‘dock & dine’ option. Situated on the Navesink River next to the Oceanic Bridge, there’s the option to arrive by boat. I love the restaurant’s amazing views of Locust’s hilly terrain, including Huber Woods. And, the outdoor fire pit is always a cozy spot…
Deli
Brennans Delicatessen Rumson
Beaches
Holgate, Long Beach Island – Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Visit Edwin B Forysthe National Wildflife Refuge
Long Branch – Adams Street
Sandy Hook
Parks
Victory Park
Huber Woods
Hartshorne Woods
Coffee
OFFSHORE Coffee Co.
Located on Brighton Avenue in the West End section of Long Branch, OFFSHORE Coffee Co. has a beachy, surfer-inspired vibe & the friendliest baristas. Known for their signature latte’s, the coffee cafe also serves lite-fare. After a stroll along the boardwalk, the avocado toast hits the spot. I love grabbing breakfast here & biking to the quiet, natural surfer beach at Adams Street.
The French Market
Ice Cream/Ices
Strollo’s Lighthouse
Crazees
The WooHoo
The Show Place Ice Cream Parlour
Visit The Show Place Ice Cream Parlour
