Buckalew's Restaurant & Tavern is a restaurant in Beach Haven, NJ. Open: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Fri–Sat 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Phone: (609) 492-1065. Average rating is 4.2 stars from 1,526 reviews. Website: http://www.buckalews.com/.
Buckalew's Restaurant & Tavern
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Exterior view of Buckalew's Restaurant & Tavern with American flag.
4.2 1,526 reviews Today 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Where the Bay Meets Your Barstool

Classic tavern food, cold drinks, and genuine LBI hospitality at the corner of N Bay Ave since the shore was young.

About Us

Sit down at Buckalew's Restaurant & Tavern and you'll understand immediately why over 1,500 people have left a review. The corner spot at 101 N Bay Ave in Beach Haven isn't trying to reinvent anything. It's a proper Jersey Shore tavern with a full kitchen, a bar that fills up fast on summer evenings, and a staff that treats regulars and first-timers the same way.

The menu runs the range you'd expect from a place like this, done right. Burgers built with real weight to them, seafood that reflects where you actually are on the map, appetizers worth ordering a second round of, and a bar program that keeps pace with a crowd that knows what it wants. The dining room and tavern flow together the way good shore spots do, casual enough for sandy flip-flops, comfortable enough to linger over dinner.

Beach Haven draws people back every summer for reasons that are hard to explain to anyone who hasn't been. Buckalew's is part of that reason. A 4.3-star rating across more than fifteen hundred reviews doesn't happen by accident. It happens because the food is consistent, the pours are honest, and the place feels like it belongs exactly where it is.

What We Offer

The kitchen at Buckalew's covers the full arc of a shore dining day. Start with loaded appetizers like nachos, wings, or whatever's on the specials board, then move into entrees that range from fresh seafood plates to serious burgers and sandwiches built for people who skipped lunch on the beach.

The tavern side holds its own. A full bar with draft and bottled beer, cocktails, and a layout that makes it easy to grab a seat whether you're coming in from the boat docks or just wandering over from the beach block. Lunch flows into happy hour flows into dinner without missing a beat.

Private parties and group dining are accommodated for those planning ahead. The location on the bay side of Long Beach Island makes Buckalew's a natural anchor for reunion dinners, birthday gatherings, and end-of-vacation send-offs. Call ahead for larger groups and they'll make sure you're taken care of.

Why Choose Us

Over 1,500 Google reviews averaging 4.3 stars, earned one honest meal at a time on LBI.
Bay Avenue corner location puts you steps from the water in Beach Haven.
Full tavern and full kitchen under one roof, so everyone at the table gets exactly what they want.
Shore-seasoned staff who keep the pace on busy summer nights without making you feel rushed.
Menu built for the Jersey Shore, seafood, burgers, and bar bites that actually satisfy after a long beach day.
A genuine neighborhood tavern that welcomes flip-flops and families without sacrificing quality.

Gallery

Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

“Food was okay. Place was pretty nice. Didn't take reservation.”

— David Kwong

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐
10 months ago
"We chose this for the vegetarian options. It doesn’t seem like that kind of place, but there were actually a few good choices in addition to the usual salad, pizza or pasta. We started with the brussels sprout appetizer which was delicious and then had the Buddha bowl with tofu and chickpeas, and the other person had the black bean burger. The Buddha bowl was with Asian flavors and delicious. The black bean burger was simple and more than acceptable. What you would expect. The place is big and typically busy. There is a bar scene as well with people watching the ball game. The staff was friendly and prompt. Would go again."
— Al Bunshaft
⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 months ago
"Food was okay. Place was pretty nice. Didn't take reservation."
— David Kwong
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
11 months ago
"Nestled in the heart of Beach Haven, Buckalew’s Restaurant & Tavern is more than just a meal—it’s a moment. Housed in a beautifully preserved 1874 hotel, the ambiance strikes a perfect balance between laid-back beach vibes and timeless elegance. Whether you’re unwinding on the porch with a cocktail or settling into the cozy tavern interior, the atmosphere invites you to linger. The menu is a celebration of American classics with a coastal twist. Their seafood dishes are a standout—fresh, flavorful, and plated with care. The crab cakes are golden and crisp, with just the right touch of spice, while the grilled salmon melts in your mouth. For steak lovers, the ribeye is a revelation: juicy, expertly seasoned, and cooked to perfection. Service is warm and attentive without being overbearing. The staff seem genuinely proud of the place, and it shows in their thoughtful recommendations and easy smiles. Prices are reasonable for the quality—expect to spend around $20–30 per person, which feels like a steal given the experience. Whether you’re a local or just passing through Long Beach Island, Buckalew’s is the kind of spot that makes you want to come back before you’ve even left. It’s not just dinner—it’s a slice of shore-town soul."
— Joseph Iacono
⭐⭐⭐⭐
a year ago
"We went on a Wednesday and there was no wait. The servers and staff were nice and accommodating. My friends are gluten free and they had a ton of different options. For an appetizer we got 12 chicken wings with buffalo sauce. The wings were $25 which was way over priced and the buffalo sauce was extremely spicy. I got the sushi (Philadelphia roll and miso soup) which were both really good however they served them in small portions. We also got a Buck's burger but the burger was dry and not seasoned. Then we got a gluten free margherita pizza which was very good. Overall this was a pretty good restaurant on the island."
— Sarah Cain
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a year ago
"Had a pleasant evening on a cold December night that was warmed by the friendly service and the festive Holiday atmosphere. A good selection of beers and special cocktails also helped to make us get comfortable. We started with their celebrated New England Clam Chowder, a little too thick but very flavorful, that was followed with a healthy house salad. For dinner I had the fish and chips, which was outstanding, the very fresh cod like filet was served batter fried and done perfectly with a little malt vinegar topping it off. We also had the French dipped steak sandwich, the best on LBI according to the eater. Glad we made it for dinner finally to this renowned LBI favorite, been here for drinks before but never for dinner since it gets very crowded in summer, we will most definitely be back."
— Enrique Cafaro

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Buckalew's located in Beach Haven?

Buckalew's Restaurant & Tavern is at 101 N Bay Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008, right on the bay side of Long Beach Island. It's easy to find at the corner and walkable from much of the Beach Haven downtown area.

Does Buckalew's have a full bar?

Yes. Buckalew's operates as both a restaurant and a tavern, so you'll find a full bar with draft beer, bottled options, cocktails, and more. The bar area is a destination on its own, especially on summer evenings.

What kind of food does Buckalew's serve?

The menu covers classic American tavern fare with a Shore twist: fresh seafood dishes, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, and daily specials. It's satisfying food at a place where you can actually relax and enjoy it.

Is Buckalew's good for families?

Absolutely. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, which makes it comfortable for families, couples, and groups alike. The dining room and tavern areas give you options depending on what kind of evening you're planning.

Can I bring a large group or book for a private event?

Yes, Buckalew's can accommodate larger groups and gatherings. It's a popular spot for birthday dinners, reunion meals, and end-of-summer celebrations. Call ahead to discuss your group's needs and make sure space is arranged.

How busy does it get during the summer season?

Beach Haven is a busy shore town from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and Buckalew's reflects that. Expect a lively crowd on weekends and summer evenings. Arriving early or calling ahead is always a smart move during peak season.

What makes Buckalew's different from other restaurants on LBI?

More than 1,500 reviews averaging 4.3 stars tells you something real. Buckalew's has built a loyal following by being consistent, unpretentious, and genuinely good at what it does. It's a tavern with a kitchen that takes food seriously, in a location that's hard to beat.

Hours of Operation

Closed · Opens 11:00 AM
Monday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday Today 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
75° Cloudy 101 N Bay Ave
Tue 76° 72°
Wed 75° 70°
Thu 73° 67°
Fri 75° 65°
Sat 74° 68°
Sun 76° 66°
Mon 77° 66°

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