The Best Restaurants in Spring Lake, NJ

Visiting the little town of Spring Lake soon? If not, you really should. This quaint little patch of seaside heaven is the perfect place to book a leisurely vacation. The town is beautifully maintained with white sandy beaches practically in your backyard, and there’s plenty to see and do when you’re done with the waves and sun. 

No matter what you end up doing in Spring Lake, you’re in for a real treat with the local dining scene. Spring Lake is known for its diverse offerings where you can find fresh seafood, pub fare, foreign cuisine, and beyond. To help you decide where to book a table when you get hungry, we’ve rounded up our top picks for the top must-dine establishments in Spring Lake. Enjoy!

St. Stephen’s Green – A Bit of Irish Fun

Let’s begin our top picks with something fun. St. Stephen’s Green is a staple in Spring Lake, bringing with it a wonderfully authentic taste of the Irish park in Dublin it’s named after. You may have to pinch yourself when you walk through the door, as you’re bound to feel like you’ve just walked into a pub in the heart of Ireland.

The dark wood interior is warmed by a roaring fireplace, creating the perfect setting for enjoying traditional Irish music and brews. And you’ll find plenty of each–St. Stephens is known for its live entertainment, hosting music, and TV displays throughout the interior featuring rousing soccer matches. Pair these with a wide selection of Irish beers, whiskies, and stouts, and you’ve got a truly unique atmosphere.

And let’s not forget about the food! At St. Stephen’s Green, you’ll find a myriad of popular Irish dishes including Guinness beef stew, shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, and much more. Stop by after a day of sightseeing or lounging on the beach for a fantastic Irish pub experience. 

Spring Lake Tap House – A Modern Twist

This modern twist on a classic sports bar is another local favorite. Highly regarded for its atmosphere and wide variety of food and drinks, Spring Lake Tap House caters to just about everyone. The TVs throughout the building showcase every live sport you can imagine, and families are welcome during daytime hours before the venue transforms into a more traditional bar in the evening. 

But what would any tap house be without great food and beer? Spring Lake Tap House has both in spades, with 28 different types of beer and a diverse menu with everything you expect and more. The $7 Tap House Burger is a must-try, as are the steaming mozzarella sticks and spicy buffalo wings. To top it all off, Spring Lake Tap House offers some of the best happy hour specials around, and we won’t be surprised if you stop by more than once during your stay.

Arugula – A Little Bit of Everything

Don’t let its modest presentation fool you–Arugula takes the crafting of its excellent meals seriously. The focus of this popular Spring Lake dining spot is on crafting dishes from a variety of different cuisines with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. You’ll find staples of Italian, Indian, Brazilian, Thai, and more–each with a modern twist.

Arugula offers both indoor and outdoor seating arrangements, making it suitable for a casual lunch or an elegant dinner. Arugula is also a popular spot for hosting private parties, providing a unique venue for events like rehearsal dinners or baby showers.

Arugula is also BYOB, so be sure to bring a wine suitable for your meal. Or, bring your favorite bottle and match your meal to that! With a staggering amount of variety, Arugula is the perfect spot for those who are “up for anything”. Popular dishes include Shrimp N Lobster Ravioli, Scallop Rockefeller, and Tuna Tartare, as well as daily specials that highlight the chef’s creativity.



Whispers Restaurant – Keep it Down

In the mood for some high-end dining? How about a romantic evening out with your partner? Whispers Restaurant is the perfect place to take it slow and soak in the elegant, French-style decor in a historic establishment. The quiet, intimate setting is complete with sparkling chandeliers and plush furniture, and has been voted one of the top 100 restaurants in the United States by OpenTable. 

Whispers specializes in New American cuisine, with standout dishes including Grilled Jumbo Shrimp, Double Cut Pork Chop, and Pan Roasted Rack of Lamb. Pair any of their excellent entrees with a variety of appetizers, desserts, and your own wine, and you’re in for a dining experience you won’t soon forget. For a classy evening full of ambiance in a historic setting, look no further than Whispers.

Stay at Chateau Inn & Suites

Spring Lake has a variety of eateries to suit any appetite. From tap house to fresh seafood to fine dining, there are plenty of ways to fill up after a full day of sightseeing. And when you’ve topped off and are ready to hit the sack, stop by Chateau Inn & Suites for a restful stay in Spring Lake’s #1-rated hotel. 

Chateau Inn & Suites is a stunning classic boutique hotel with updated modern styling. From the moment you step in the front door, you’ll be treated to a wealth of historic charm, romantic warmth, and old-fashioned hospitality. Choose from an array of one-bedroom suites, parlors, or guest rooms and see why we’re the first choice for couples, family vacations, business trips, and more.