There’s a time and place for hot dogs, burgers and fries; typical grab & go food. But if you’re headed to the beach where the sun is shining and the clothes are slim, going for something that’s fresh and healthy is often best. This year, skip the pizza and check out our list of healthy grab & go lunch alternatives for a day at the beach.
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Playa Bowls
Locations: Belmar, Manasquan, Long Branch, Bay Head, Ocean Grove.
Details: With five beachfront locations, Playa Bowls is the easiest and healthiest option for breakfast or lunch on the beach. Options include acai bowls, pitaya bowls, and oatmeal bowls; as well as green bowls with healthy toppings like fresh fruits, organic granola, and almond butters. A word of caution: Visit in moderation or you’ll be addicted quickly (hence their increasing amount of locations statewide).
More Info: Visit the website or call 732-556-6897.
The Shack
Location: Manasquan
Details: Brought to you by the women of Cardinal Provisions in Asbury Park, The Shack is new to the shores of Manasquan. Offering casual food and drink that is ideal for a day out in the sun, you can find everything from a Vegetable & Grain Salad featuring roasted vegetables in a chimmichurri sauce to “The Baywatch” sandwich with sliced turkey, eggs, salsa, cheddar and greens. (Not to be confused with “The Lifeguard,” which is a grilled chicken wrap with avocado, local greens, tomato, red onion and shallot vinaigrette.)
More Info: itstheshack.com/ or call 732-722-7122.
Fuze Eatery: Empanada House & Smoothie Bar
Location: Long Branch
Details: Just across the street from the Long Branch boardwalk and Seven Presidents beach is your new favorite stop for smoothies, empanadas and even shrimp ceviche (deliciously pictured on the right). You may not be in the tropics, but just a few bites in will have you thinking the Atlantic is much warmer than it is, especially in June! Follow Fuze Eatery on social media to see what timed specials they have going on during your trip to the beach.
More Info: Visit the website or call 732-414-9209.
Living on the Veg
Location: Long Beach Twp.
Details: Two blocks in from the beach on Long Beach Blvd. is Living on the Veg, a vegetarian eatery packing big flavors. Here, you can grab a Red Pepper Hummus wrap to go along with some fresh-pressed Crazy Juice. With fresh flavors and ingredients, this lunch won’t weigh you down, even as it fills you up.
More Info: Visit the website or call 609-492-4066.
Sonny’s Sandwiches
Location: Sea Bright
Details: At Sonny’s, you can choose to “be good” with classic salads and wraps or “be bad” with their “Rollie Pollies,” aka stuffed burgers. We tend to favor The Nicky Poblano sandwich with grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, bacon, avocado and poblano sauce, or the Bean Salad with beans, corn, peppers and onion. Either way, when it comes to lunch on the beach, the Rollie Pollies can be saved for another day.
More Info: Visit the website or call 732-530-3777.
Cape May Peanut Butter Co.
Location: Cape May
Details: We’re a little obsessed with this place – partially because who doesn’t love peanut butter? – because they offer peanut butter sandwiches in every flavor your kid could want. We’re talking stuff like peanut butter and bananas (Monkey’s Uncle), and peanut butter with pepper jam (the Hot Stuff). It’s not just PB&J anymore, but it’s still the ultimate go-to sandwich, especially when you’re in need of some healthy protein to keep you going during a long day at the beach.
More Info: http://www.capemaypeanutbutterco.com/ or call 609-898-4444.
Green Cuisine
Location: Stone Harbor
Details: Way before kale was cool, Green Cuisine was serving up delicious “health” foods made with locally-sourced ingredients. Flash forward to summer 2017 and they’re still going strong with gourmet sandwiches and wraps, “exotic crispy salads” and even smoothies and juices. One thing you won’t find, however, are french fries!
More Info: Visit the website or call 609-368-1616.
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