Best Places to Eat

When my boss suggested that I write a blog about area restaurants to kick off the summer season, I was worried. After all, I'm a creature of habit -- and I'm cheap. Of the dozens and dozens of amazing restaurants strung along our coast from Lavallette to Bradley Beach, I only cater to a select few.

Despite the fear of ever greater crowds at chow time, I will share my hands-down favorite -- Spike's in Point Beach rules when it comes to seafood. Even my dad, who was recently visiting from New Orleans where he has lived for the past 30 years, and my brother who was a chef in the same city for 12 years, both flipped over Spike's stuffed shrimp when I took them there this winter. Their chowders are meaty and creamy and would satisfy even the crew of the Northwestern after a long day hauling crab and they offer some great-sounding pies for dessert - though I'm always too full to try one!

So, to round out my limited local knowledge, I turned to the crew of the S.S. Star News Group -- the reporters and editors who live and breathe Jersey Shore expertise. Here are the restaurants that get their votes:

• Best Pork Roll, Egg & Cheese - Seabreeze Deli, Spring Lake Heights
  
• Best Chinese - Golden Cheung, Manasquan
  
• Best Bar Food - Boathouse, Belmar; Leggett's, Manasquan
  
• Best Italian - Due Amici, Brielle; East Main Trattoria, Manasquan
  
• Best Mexican - this one's debatable...some in the office order out from Jose's in Spring Lake Heights, but I've had spotty experiences there.
  
• Best Pizza - Andy's, Sea Girt; East Main Trattoria, Manasquan; CBO, Bradley Beach
  
• Best Seafood - lots of faves in this category: Klein's, Belmar; Spike's, Pt. Beach; Red's Lobster Pot, Pt. Beach
  
• Best Hamburgers - The Porch, Spring Lake Heights; Carlson's Corner, Manasquan
  
• Most Unique Menu - Broadway Grill, Manasquan
  

While these are some of our favorites, I'm sure you have your own. Please comment here and tell us where the best food can be found at the Jersey Shore!