- Attraction: Black Whale Bar & Fish House
- Location: 100 N Pennsylvania Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
- Industry: Seafood Restaurant
- Website: https://www.blackwhalebar.com
Picture this: a historic cruise ship that once sailed passengers from Beach Haven to Atlantic City under starlit skies, with some adventurous souls diving off the boat as it returned to the docks.
That cruise was called the Black Whale, and while the ship no longer sails, the spirit of that adventure lives on at this Beach Haven favorite that opened in 2005.
Located just a block from those very same docks on Centre Street (now at 100 N Pennsylvania Ave), this local watering hole has become a cornerstone of the Queen City dining scene, drawing both year-round residents and summer visitors back season after season.
What started as a neighborhood bar has evolved into one of Long Beach Island’s most beloved seafood destinations. You’ll find walls adorned with work from local artists, a bar stocked with globally-inspired drinks, and a menu that balances creative innovations with shore favorites.
The restaurant has expanded over the years to accommodate 78 additional guests, but it has somehow maintained that intimate, neighborhood feel that makes regulars feel right at home.
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Bacon Wrapped Scallops: These have achieved near-legendary status on LBI. Each scallop gets wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with a maple bourbon sauce that hits all the right notes—sweet, smoky, and utterly addictive. You’ll understand why people say they dream about these scallops.
Raw Bar Selection: The oysters and clams are exceptionally fresh, with happy hour offering dollar oysters that draw crowds right at 3 PM. These shellfish are plump, briny, and absolutely worth arriving early for. The raw bar also features jumbo shrimp cocktail and seared tuna that showcase the restaurant’s commitment to quality seafood.
The Dirty Jersey Burger: This isn’t your average burger. We’re talking a half-pound of fresh Black Angus beef topped with pork roll, mozzarella cheese, and buffalo fried onion rings, with bleu cheese on the side. It’s an unabashedly indulgent Jersey Shore creation that has earned a devoted following.
Crab Cakes: Made from jumbo lump crab meat and hand-crafted on premises using the same award-winning recipe as sister restaurant Mud City Crab House, these cakes showcase more crab than filler. They’re available as an appetizer or sandwich, and both presentations deliver big flavor.
Mussels: Order these with red sauce and prepare for a generous portion—seriously, one order can easily feed three people. The broth is rich and tomatoey, perfect for soaking up with bread.
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Discover MoreLobster Bake for Two: This feast includes two 1.25-pound lobsters, seasonal corn on the cob, coleslaw, and two steamer bags loaded with red potatoes, clams, and mussels. It’s a splurge, but an impressive one that turns dinner into an event.
House Jambalaya: A hearty Creole-style dish packed with clams, shrimp, mussels, fresh fish, a 4-ounce lobster tail, scallops, calamari, and sausage, all swimming in red sauce with dirty rice and beans. The portion is enormous—you could easily share it.
Grilled Tuna Sandwich: This sandwich features ponzu-marinated fresh tuna with wasabi mayo that provides a clean, sharp kick without overwhelming the fish. Served on a lightly toasted bun, it’s sophisticated yet satisfying—ideal for a summer lunch.
Tuna Spring Rolls: These have become a signature appetizer, offering a fresh, flavorful start to your meal with just the right amount of crunch and heat.
Seared Halibut: When available, this dish demonstrates the kitchen’s skill with an expert sear creating a tantalizing crust while keeping the interior tender and flaky. It’s often paired with red curry coconut rice and mango red cabbage slaw for an inspired combination of flavors.
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House Salad Dressings: The homemade balsamic vinaigrette and garlic ranch dressings are so beloved that guests regularly purchase them to take home.
The balsamic offers mellow acidity with subtle sweetness that perfectly complements fresh vegetables. Many diners mix both dressings together for an even more complex flavor profile.
Fried Calamari: Crispy, tender, and never rubbery, this appetizer consistently earns praise alongside the wings, which are considered some of the best around.
Clam Strips: Fresh flounder gets hand-breaded and fried, resulting in strips with excellent crunch and sweet, tender fish inside.
Bar Scene & Atmosphere
The Bar Experience: The metal-topped bar gleams under the lights and serves as the social hub of the restaurant.
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Discover MoreThis is where you’ll find the lively energy that defines the Black Whale experience, with regulars settling in for crafted cocktails, local brews like Black Whale IPA from Cape May Brewery, and spirited conversations that last well into the evening.
Live Music: During summer, catch live performances three nights a week, adding to the festive shore atmosphere. The entertainment ranges from local musicians to touring acts, creating an upbeat soundtrack for your meal.
Noise Level: Let’s be honest—this place gets loud, especially during peak summer hours. The bar area and the cozy “VIP nook” near it buzz with energy and conversation.
If you’re seeking a quiet, intimate dinner, arrive before 9 PM or request seating away from the bar area. But if you’re embracing the full LBI summer vibe, the lively atmosphere is part of the charm.
Décor & Vibe: The space feels authentically shore-casual, with local artwork on the walls and classic seafood house touches like paper-covered tables. Air conditioning provides welcome relief on sweltering summer days, making it an ideal escape from the beach heat.
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Keep Exploring →The expanded dining room now seats significantly more guests while maintaining that neighborhood bar feel that regulars cherish.
Outdoor Seating: Tables outside offer a slightly quieter alternative where you can still enjoy the Beach Haven street scene while waiting for your table or throughout your meal.
Planning Your Visit
Happy Hour Value: Running from 3 to 6 PM, happy hour delivers serious bang for your buck with dollar oysters and two dollars off draft beers.
The happy hour food menu offers plenty of options including those famous chicken wings, fried calamari, and fish tacos. Arrive right at 3 PM if you want prime bar seating—it fills up fast.
Reservation Strategy: Reservations are highly recommended and can be made through Resy or by calling (609) 492-0025. The restaurant only takes reservations for any size party until 6 PM, but during peak hours, parties of eight or more are prioritized.
Without a reservation during summer, expect waits of 45 minutes to 90 minutes.
The good news? The restaurant serves drinks and appetizers outside while you wait, and the turnover keeps things moving.
Pricing: Expect to pay mid-range to moderately high prices typical of quality Jersey Shore dining—roughly $20-30 per person for lunch, $50-100 for dinner depending on what you order.
Lobster dishes run higher due to market pricing, but the restaurant never compromises on quality. Given the freshness of the seafood and generous portions, most find the pricing fair and worthwhile.
Best Times: For a more relaxed experience with lower noise levels, shoot for lunch or early dinner before the bar crowd arrives. Peak summer weekends are understandably the busiest, while weekdays and shoulder season offer easier access.
Family Friendly: Despite being a bar at heart, the restaurant welcomes families and offers a kids’ menu. The atmosphere works well for both family gatherings and adult nights out, though the noise level might challenge conversations with very young children during prime dinner hours.
Parking: Free street parking is available, though finding a spot during peak hours can be challenging. Plan to arrive a bit early or consider the walk from wherever you find parking as part of your Beach Haven experience.
Dietary Accommodations: The restaurant offers gluten-free options and maintains an allergen menu. While the selection isn’t massive, there are enough choices to accommodate most dietary restrictions, with items like broiled scallops prepared in separate pans.
Black Whale Bar & Fish House
📍 100 N Pennsylvania Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
