Buckalew's Restaurant & Tavern

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.

Buckalew’s is a great gathering place, for both families and the adults-only after-hours crowd. The menu is varied to suit many tastes. The main bar area also doubles as the audience area for live musical acts. In late September through October, they supplement the menu with Oktoberfest favorites (food and beer).

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

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.

Post-beach-nap Eats Crispy Hot Honey Brussels w/ feta and sundried cranberries Hawkeye Burger w/ bacon, blue cheese, sauteed onion, Chipotle mayo Blackened Tuna - seared rare yellowfin tuna, coconut rice, broccoli, Teriyaki sauce Crab Cake Sammy - jumbo lumber crab, lettuce, tomatoe, onion, tartar sauce