It’s no surprise most people associate the Jersey Shore with summer vacation. But locals know that once the temperatures drop, popular shore destinations begin to reveal a whole different type of beauty. For a truly unique experience without the summer traffic, these are the Jersey Shore’s Coziest Fireside Outdoor Dining Restaurants. (Perfect for planning a winter vacation.)
The spots on this list feature roaring tableside fire pits, high-end integrated fire tables, and expansive backyard beer gardens. They are the Jersey Shore’s cold weather getaways for prime cuts of steak beside outdoor heaters, seasonal cocktails in lush fireside lounges, and wood-fired bar pies next to blazing fire pits. Ready to throw on an extra layer and enjoy the Jersey Shore’s Coziest Fireside Outdoor Dining Restaurants? Keep Scrolling to See the Full List.
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Fireside Dining Restaurants
Blue Pig Tavern
Where: Cape May
Fire Feature: Fire pits on their patio lounge.
Why It’s a Best of NJ Pick: The Blue Pig Tavern attracts locals and vacationers alike thanks to their classic American menu. A casual restaurant at heart, the menu provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites both indoors and out on their patio. Their cozy patio lounge features fire pits so they can accommodate cold weather diners. (We think it’s best when covered in fall decor and twinkling lights.) This true farm-to-table spot relies on their own Beach Plum Farm for fresh produce, herbs, and eggs.
The Butcher’s Block
Where: Long Branch
Fire Feature: Outdoor heaters and fire pits
Why It’s a Best of NJ Pick: A butcher shop, wholesale operation, and steakhouse all rolled into one, The Butcher’s Block is the ultimate chophouse. It’s important to Owner Tom D’Ambrisi that the restaurant uses locally-sourced, humanely-raised meats and ethically-sourced ingredients. The restaurant itself is open for lunch and dinner, and curates a selection of wines and steak pairings. From Angus Filet Mignon to Prime Brisket, there’s a cut for every taste. Their outdoor seating includes fire pits and space heaters.
Hollow Pines
Where: West Creek
Fire Feature: Large firepits in backyard
Why It’s a Best of NJ Pick: Hollow Pines is what happens when an elevated coastal lodge meets a modern rustic hangout. From shareable starters to hearty mains and house cocktails, everything is designed to feel approachable. Besides a full dinner menu, Hollow Pines keep guests entertained with Duckpin Bowling. (A modified version of traditional bowling with shorter lanes.) Meanwhile, their backyard – dubbed Camp Hollow Pines – has eight large firepits, a bocce ball court, turf gaming area, a full-service bar, and live music.
Marina Grille
Where: Belmar
Fire Feature: Fire pits on the deck and by the tiki bar.
Why It’s a Best of NJ Pick: Marina Grille is a summertime hotspot thanks to their waterfront deck, patio, and outdoor bar. Their outdoor beer garden features an on-deck fire pit, with another fire pit near their lounge area. The on-deck fire pit is perfectly positioned so diners can keep cozy while enjoying the view overlooking the marina. Their lunch and dinner menu is full of great options like Lobster Bisque, Vodka Cutlet brick-oven pizza, and Shrimp + Scallops Oreganata. Save room for their Peanut Butter Explosion dessert.
MudHen Brewing Company
Where: Wildwood
Fire Feature: Built in fire pits in outdoor hangout area.
Why It’s a Best of NJ Pick: MudHen is much more than a brewery; it’s a lively, expansive craft beer destination. They have 9 separate locations on the grounds where guests can sit, drink, or eat. This includes The Garage Room, Garage Bar, Station House, Lounge, Patio, and their Biergarten. Their spacious primary outdoor area has built-in fire pits, covered areas, a full bar and tv, games, and more. It’s built to be a fun place to hang out no matter the season, complete with frequent live music.
Taste Restaurant at Renault Winery
Where: Egg Harbor City
Fire Feature: Fire pits by reservation only.
Why It’s a Best of NJ Pick: There’s so much to do at Renault Winery Resort, from golfing and spa days to luxury stays and events. But for this list, we’re just going to focus on their Taste restaurant. This eatery offers classic American cuisine made using locally-sourced ingredients and a seed-to-table philosophy. For a unique cozy outdoor dining experience, reserve one of their fire pits. Their dedicated Fire Pit Experience gives up to 8 guests 1 hour and 45 minutes to enjoy food and beverage service.
Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall
Where: Atlantic City
Fire Feature: Fire pit in backyard
Why It’s a Best of NJ Pick: Some spots in Atlantic City’s Orange Loop section are tucked away or hard to find. That is not the case for Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall. This spacious, buzzing spot is popular for live music and outdoor dining, especially during the late fall and early winter. Their spacious outdoor dining area houses a fire pit large enough to comfortably seat 8 people around it. Picnic benches and Adirondack chairs make it a comfortable spot to kick back and listed to music. Don’t sleep on their New York Ave hot dog.
The Proving Ground
Where: Highlands
Fire Feature: Integrated fire tables and space heaters on patio
Why It’s a Best of NJ Pick: From the outdoor tiki bar to the spacious patio with waterfront views overlooking Sandy Hook, The Proving Ground continuously proves to be a popular spot along the Jersey Shore. The outdoor dining is made especially comfortable due to the high end integrated fire tables built into the patio. Diners can sit at these fire tables and stay warm the entire evening. The restaurant offers a modern pub menu that prominently features burgers, sandwiches, and wraps alongside shareables.
Water Street Bar & Grille
Where: Toms River
Fire Feature: Fire pits on an outdoor deck.
Why It’s a Best of NJ Pick: Fans of seafood, live music, and waterfront dining all head to Water Street Bar & Grille. Their eclectic menu serves brick-oven pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, crocks of soup (French Onion, Lobster Bisque, Clam Chowder), and more. Seasonal cocktails — like the Pumpkin Martini — pair well with their selection of casual apps and entrees. Their cozy outdoor dining takes place on the waterfront deck, which utilizes fire pits. As for live music, they always post the upcoming month’s schedule on their website.
The Waterfront
Where: Forked River
Fire Feature: Fireside lounge with fire pits.
Why It’s a Best of NJ Pick: The Waterfront is Forked River’s year-round escape on the water. In addition to their picturesque views of Forked River, the restaurant offers a cozy fireside lounge complete with fire pits. Dubbed the Crush Lounge, this space is surrounded by lush greenery and sets the stage for live entertainment. (They also provide dock-and-dine services as well.) The lounge has its own menu which includes sandwiches, burgers, wood-fired bar pies, sushi, and chicken or seafood baskets.
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