Beach Haven's go-to fish house for cold drinks, local catches, and a view worth staying for.
The Black Whale Bar & Fish House sits at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue in Beach Haven, NJ, a block from the water on Long Beach Island. It earns its 4.4-star rating across more than 1,200 reviews by doing exactly what a great shore restaurant should: serve fish that tastes like it was swimming this morning, pour drinks that disappear too fast, and keep the room loud enough to feel alive.
The menu leans hard into the Atlantic. Expect whole belly clams, thick-cut fish, and chowders that hold up against anything on the island. The bar is its own draw, a proper gathering point where regulars trade stories and newcomers figure out fast why people come back every summer. The kitchen doesn't chase trends. It chases quality.
Beach Haven draws a crowd from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and the Black Whale handles the volume without losing the feel of a neighborhood spot. Come in sandy from the beach, come in dressed for a night out. Either way, you'll leave full and ready to come back.
The fish house menu is built around what the Jersey Shore does best. Start with raw bar selections, steamed clams, or a cup of New England chowder that earns its place on the table. Mains run from blackened fish and seafood platters to burgers and sandwiches for anyone at the table who isn't feeling the ocean that day.
The bar program is serious. Draft beers, classic cocktails, and a selection that pairs well with a basket of fried seafood on a summer afternoon. Happy hour deals make the early evening worth planning around, and the full bar keeps things moving on busy weekend nights.
Private events and group dining are available for parties looking to book space on LBI. Whether it's a family reunion dinner or a post-beach group meal, the Black Whale has the capacity and the kitchen to pull it off without making it feel like a banquet hall.
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We're at 100 N Pennsylvania Ave in Beach Haven, NJ 08008, right in Long Beach Island's most active dining and nightlife block. Easy to find, with street parking available nearby.
The menu centers on fresh Atlantic seafood, including raw bar options, whole belly clams, fish platters, chowder, and fried seafood baskets. There are also burgers, sandwiches, and non-seafood options for guests who want something different.
Yes. The bar serves draft beers, cocktails, wine, and spirits. Happy hour specials run during the early evening and are a popular stop for beachgoers wrapping up the day.
Black Whale operates primarily during the LBI beach season, with peak service running from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hours can vary in the shoulder seasons, so checking ahead in the off-season is recommended.
Yes. Black Whale accommodates group dining and private events. For large parties or special occasions, it's best to contact the restaurant directly to confirm availability and arrange any specifics.
Beach Haven is one of the busiest spots on the Jersey Shore in summer, and Black Whale draws a consistent crowd. Arriving early or during off-peak hours on weekends will give you the best experience. Weeknight visits tend to be more relaxed.
Yes. The casual, beach-friendly atmosphere makes it comfortable for families. The menu has enough variety to satisfy both seafood lovers and picky eaters, and the vibe is relaxed rather than formal.
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