More than a hundred years ago, a small seafood spot opened its doors along a busy inlet on the Jersey Shore, and it has been feeding hungry travelers ever since. The building still stands right on the water, packed with ship models, old photos, and a little gift shop tucked in the corner.
Boats drift past the windows while plates of broiled seafood and steaming clam chowder land on the tables. Some folks come for the food, others come to soak up a century of history, and plenty come for both.
This is a place where old-fashioned charm still counts for something. Keep reading to find out where this classic waterfront restaurant sits, what keeps regulars coming back year after year, and how to plan your own visit without any surprises.
A Century-Old Address Right On The Water
The restaurant carrying more than a hundred years of history is Bahrs Landing Famous Seafood Restaurant & Marina, and you will find it at 2 Bay Ave in Highlands, New Jersey. The building sits directly along the inlet, with docks and boats just steps from the dining room.
Highlands is a small waterfront town near Sandy Hook, and this spot has been part of its story since 1917. That kind of longevity is rare for any restaurant, let alone one perched right on the bay.
The location does more than provide a pretty backdrop. On clear days, the view stretches across the water toward Sandy Hook, with the New York City skyline visible in the distance.
Being right on the marina means boats come and go all day, giving the place a working-waterfront feel that many modern restaurants try to fake and cannot. Here it comes naturally, built up over generations.
Getting a table by the windows or out on the patio puts you close to all that activity. It is the kind of setting that makes lingering over a long meal feel like the whole point of visiting.
Serving Seafood Since 1917
Few restaurants can claim a start date back in 1917, but this one wears its age proudly. More than a century of continuous service has turned it into a true fixture of the Jersey Shore.
Walking through the dining rooms feels a bit like touring a small museum. Artifacts, displays, and old imagery line the walls, telling the story of the marina and the town around it.
Regulars often mention that they were drawn in simply because they love places that have been around forever. There is something reassuring about a spot that has fed families across so many generations.
The recipes themselves reflect that long history. It is clear the kitchen has been preparing certain dishes the same way for a very long time, which is part of the appeal for those chasing an old-fashioned experience.
Crossing a classic, century-old restaurant off your list is a reason to visit all on its own. That heritage is baked into every corner of the place.
Views That Steal The Show
Ask anyone what stands out most here, and the scenery usually tops the list. The bay views draw steady praise, with boats sailing past and the water shifting through the day.
Seats near the windows deliver a front-row look at the river and the inlet. On a clear afternoon, you can spot NYC in the distance over Sandy Hook, which turns an ordinary lunch into something memorable.
The waterfront setting gets mentioned again and again, and for good reason. Watching the wind push waves across the water makes a fine backdrop for catching up with family or celebrating a special day.
Even when the food gets mixed opinions, the view rarely does. Diners consistently point to the scenery as a highlight, calling it one of the best parts of the whole visit.
Sunset would be a smart time to grab a table, since the light over the water only adds to the appeal. It is scenery that earns its keep no matter the season.
Broiled Flounder And Fresh Catches
Broiled flounder shows up as a favorite among the classic dishes here, keeping in step with the restaurant’s long seafood tradition. Ordered alongside fries, it makes for a straightforward, satisfying plate.
Crab stuffed flounder gets a mention too, and it lands on the recommended list for diners who want something a little richer. The stuffed versions bring extra flavor without straying from the seafood roots.
Freshness is a recurring theme when people talk about their meals. Many describe the seafood as fresh and cooked with care, tender and seasoned so the flavor comes through.
The broiled platters seem to be where the kitchen shines. Combinations of lobster tails, shrimp, scallops, and cod give you a chance to sample several catches in one sitting.
For anyone loyal to a good piece of flounder, this is a natural stop. It is one of those dishes tied closely to the restaurant’s identity.
Chowder By The Mugful
A mug of clam chowder counts as one of the house specialties, and it is a popular way to start a meal. New England style is the go-to, though Manhattan clam chowder shows up on the menu as well.
Diners often kick things off with a warm mug before their platters arrive. It fits the coastal, old-school spirit of the place perfectly.
Lobster bisque earns its own following too, landing among the topics people bring up most. Paired with a chowder, it makes for a comforting opening act.
Opinions on the chowder are not unanimous, and a few have found it heavier on potatoes than clams depending on the day. Still, plenty of guests call it superb and order it every time.
Alongside the biscuits and soft butter that come to the table, the chowder rounds out a proper seafood-house welcome. It is a small ritual that regulars clearly cherish.
Lobster And The Rest Of The Menu
Lobster is the single most talked-about item on the menu, and it clearly holds a special place here. Whether petite platters or warm lobster rolls, it draws the biggest buzz among seafood fans.
The lineup runs well beyond lobster, though. Crab cakes, clam strips, stuffed shrimp, oysters, and blackened swordfish all make appearances, giving the menu real range.
There is also room for a wider crowd. Gluten-free and vegan options appear on the menu, which is a welcome touch for groups with different needs.
The sheer number of choices can make deciding a challenge. Many diners note that the selection is large enough to make picking a single dish tough.
Prices land in the $20 to $60 range, so the seafood does carry a premium. For a waterfront spot with this much history, that price tag comes as little surprise.
Outdoor Seating And Nautical Charm
Grabbing a seat on the patio is one of the most recommended moves here, and the outdoor tables sit close to the water. The open-air setting near the inlet is a favorite on warm, sunny days.
Inside, the mood leans fully nautical. Ship models, seafaring décor, and old photographs fill the space, backing up that no-frills, classic seafood-house label.
There is a small gift shop tucked into the building too, stocked with fun items and vintage imagery. Guests often wander through it before or after their meal.
Seating options are flexible, with large dining rooms, the patio, and a bar to choose from. That variety makes it easy to match the setting to your mood.
The whole place carries a strong dose of Jersey Shore character. It is the sort of spot where you happily linger a little longer than planned.
Happy Hour And A Friendly Bar
The happy hour and lunch menus come up often as a smart, budget-friendly way to explore the food. Guests describe them as a great chance to try a little bit of everything at reasonable prices.
The bar scene adds to the appeal. Cocktails come prepped with attention to detail, and the atmosphere around the bar tends to be lively and welcoming.
Locals frequent the place, and newcomers often find themselves folded right into the crowd. That easy, neighborly vibe is a big part of the charm.
Some diners even suggest that ordering from the happy hour menu at the bar can be the better play. Sharing an appetizer and a drink is a low-key way to enjoy the setting.
Between the friendly staff behind the bar and the relaxed mood, it is an inviting spot to settle in. The good-natured energy carries the experience.
Planning Your Visit
Planning ahead pays off at this waterfront landmark. The kitchen opens at 11:30 AM daily, closing at 9:30 PM most nights, staying open until 10:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and wrapping up at 9 PM on Sundays.
The restaurant sits at 2 Bay Ave in Highlands, New Jersey, right on the marina. Parking can be challenging, so leaving a little extra time to settle in is a good idea.
Prices generally run from $20 to $60 per person, reflecting the seafood focus and prime location. The lunch and happy hour menus offer gentler options for those watching the budget.
The space is accessible, with roomy dining areas, patio seating, and the bar all available. Off-season visits can mean quicker seating and a calmer pace.
Holding a solid 4.4-star average across more than four thousand opinions, this century-old seafood house remains a beloved Jersey Shore stop. Come for the history and the bay views, settle in with a mug of chowder, and let the working waterfront do the rest.
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