Some restaurants chase trends, and some just keep the lights on for more than a hundred years. This one has been serving seafood on the Jersey Shore since 1917, back when the boats out front looked very different.
Today, people still drive to Highlands for one thing in particular: a warm lobster roll on a brioche bun that many call the real star of the menu. Keep reading to find out where it is, what makes the roll worth the trip, and how to plan a visit that fits your day.
A Waterfront Address in Highlands
Right where the road meets the water in Highlands, a seafood house has been doing its thing for over a century. Bahrs Landing Famous Seafood Restaurant & Marina sits at 2 Bay Ave, Highlands, NJ 07732, in Monmouth County on the Jersey Shore.
The spot is part restaurant and part marina, so boats are tied up close to the tables. Diners often get a front-row seat to the harbor action while they eat.
Google lists it simply as a seafood restaurant, and the description keeps it modest. It calls the place a no-frills joint serving straightforward seafood dishes in a nautical-themed space.
That honesty is part of the charm. Nobody here is pretending to be a fancy downtown bistro.
The crowd seems to agree with the formula. More than 4,100 people have weighed in online, and the place holds a strong 4.4-star average.
Locals bring out-of-town friends here, and travelers from as far as Canada have ended up at these tables. The location makes it an easy stop after a day at the nearby beaches or Sandy Hook.
So the setting is clear, but the story behind it goes back much further than most people expect.
More Than a Century of Seafood History
Back in 1917, this restaurant opened its doors, and it has been serving the Highlands waterfront ever since. That makes it one of those rare places that has outlasted generations of dining fads.
History here is not hidden in a dusty corner. Old photographs, framed write-ups, and artifacts line the walls for anyone curious enough to wander.
Many guests spend time strolling around before or after their meal. Looking through the photos turns a simple lunch into a small museum visit.
Ship models and nautical items add to the old-time feel. The whole space leans into its maritime roots without overdoing it.
People who love restaurants that have been around forever tend to put this one on their list. For some, simply crossing it off is reason enough to make the drive.
The staff also seem proud to be part of the story. Guests often mention how happy the team appears to work in such an iconic place.
Fun fact for trivia night: the restaurant opened in the same year the United States entered World War I. That is a long run for any business, let alone one on the shoreline.
All that history sets the stage, but the menu is what keeps people coming back.
The Hot Lobster Roll Everyone Talks About
Plenty of dishes come and go from a menu, but one keeps grabbing the spotlight here. The hot lobster roll is the order diners rave about most.
Lobster is by far the most talked-about topic tied to this restaurant online. It shows up in nearly 190 mentions, far ahead of anything else.
The roll arrives warm, with a generous amount of lobster tucked into a brioche bun. That soft roll holds everything together without turning soggy, which is no small feat.
It does come at a price. The full hot lobster roll runs around $42, placing it at the pricier end of the menu.
Many feel the portion of lobster justifies the cost. The warm version also earns repeat recommendations alongside other house favorites.
A side of kettle chips comes along with it. Those chips are hand-cut and thin, and they often surprise people who expected something from a bag.
Not every version wins everyone over, though. A half lobster roll paired with a cup of soup costs about $25, and some found it lighter on whole lobster pieces.
For the full experience, the regular hot roll seems to be the smart move. Call it a roll worth rolling into town for.
Bisque, Flounder, and Other Shore Classics
Lobster may lead the parade, but the rest of the menu has its own fan club. Lobster bisque ranks as the second most mentioned dish connected to the restaurant.
Crab cakes, clam chowder, stuffed shrimp, and the signature stuffed flounder also pop up often. The crab-stuffed flounder in particular gets steady praise.
The broiled seafood platter and the Fisherman’s Platter are popular with people who want a bit of everything. Regulars call the broiled version a consistent favorite.
Raw oysters and steamers get thumbs up for freshness. Some diners even single out the clams as the best they have had at a restaurant.
Beyond the classics, a few modern touches have found their place. Peruvian ceviche, yellowfin nachos, and ahi tuna chips each draw attention.
Fish and chips made with fresh cod are another common pick. The biscuits served alongside meals also come up for being good.
Opinions are not unanimous on every plate. Some diners find certain dishes on the mild side and wish for more seasoning.
The kitchen clearly sticks to time-tested recipes, which is either comforting or a bit plain depending on taste. Either way, the menu offers plenty of choices for indecisive eaters.
Views of the Bay, the Boats, and the Big City
On a clear day, the skyline of New York City shows up on the horizon, far beyond Sandy Hook. Few seafood spots can offer that kind of backdrop with lunch.
Window seats in the dining room look straight out over the river and the bay. Waves, passing boats, and the marina make for a lively scene.
Outdoor seating is one of the most praised features here. Tables outside sit right over the marina, close to the docked boats.
Some diners compare the outdoor setting to a bay on the West Coast. Others simply call the view the best part of the whole visit.
Even those who are lukewarm on the food tend to agree on one thing. The water view earns high marks across the board.
Sunset seems like an especially good time to grab a table. Several guests mention wanting to come back for that golden hour.
Weather matters, of course. Outdoor seats are most appealing on calm days, while the windows inside work well when the wind picks up.
Either way, the scenery is a big part of the bill. It might be the only thing on the menu with no price tag.
Ship Models and a Little Gift Shop
Tucked inside the restaurant is a small surprise that many guests do not expect. A gift shop filled with fun items and old imagery waits for anyone with a few extra minutes.
The shop gets described as adorable and pretty cool. It makes a handy stop for souvenirs after a meal.
Throughout the building, model ships and nautical décor are on display. They reflect the restaurant’s long ties to the water outside.
The theme carries into every room. Even the bar and dining areas keep that maritime flavor.
Kids and history buffs alike can find something to look at while waiting for a table. The displays give a sense of how long this place has been part of the community.
Guests often recommend taking a slow lap around the building. There is more to see than a quick glance suggests.
It is a small detail, but it adds real personality. Plenty of waterfront restaurants have a view, yet fewer have their own collection of keepsakes and stories.
Grab a memento on the way out, and the trip lasts a little longer than dessert.
Friendly Faces Behind the Tables
Good food matters, yet the people carrying it often shape the whole visit. Here, the team gets frequent praise for being kind, attentive, and welcoming.
Servers are often described as charismatic and quick on their feet. Some guests even come back asking for the same server by name.
The staff seem to handle busy times well. Even on Valentine’s Day, food arrived on time and service stayed smooth.
Large groups have been seated quickly despite crowded evenings. One small touch that people appreciate is ice water offered right away on hot days.
Servers also help guests who cannot decide what to order. That kind of guidance is handy with such a long menu.
The overall vibe feels both historic and welcoming. Many leave saying the friendliness made the meal memorable from start to finish.
Not every detail is perfect, and a few small cleanliness notes have come up about cutlery. Still, the general mood points to a team that cares.
It is the kind of warm welcome that turns first-timers into regulars.
Lunch Deals, Hours, and Parking Tips
A little planning goes a long way at a place this popular. The doors open at 11:30 am every day of the week.
Monday through Thursday, service runs until 9:30 pm. Friday and Saturday stretch later, closing at 10:30 pm, while Sunday wraps up at 9 pm.
Reservations are a smart idea, especially on weekend evenings. Walk-ins sometimes score a table, but it is not guaranteed.
There is both a lunch menu and a regular menu. Ordering from the lunch and happy hour options lets diners sample a bit of everything at reasonable prices.
The regular menu leans on the pricier side. A group of seven, for example, ran up a bill of around $575.
Seating options include large dining rooms, outdoor tables, and the bar. The restaurant is also accessible.
Parking can be challenging, so arriving early helps. Off-season visits tend to be calmer, with immediate seating for late lunches.
More details are available on the restaurant website at bahrslanding.com. Check ahead and the day should sail along smoothly.
Worth the Trip to the Water’s Edge
After more than a hundred years, a restaurant does not need to shout. This one lets its history, views, and lobster do the talking.
The hot lobster roll on brioche remains the dish most people point to. It is pricey, but many say it delivers.
Opinions on the wider menu vary. Some love the freshness and the broiled platters, while others wish for bolder seasoning.
Nearly everyone praises the setting, though. The marina, the bay, and those far-off city views make a strong case on their own.
It suits families, couples celebrating birthdays, and friends showing off the Jersey Shore to guests. History lovers will enjoy the photos and the little gift shop.
Budget-minded diners can lean on the lunch and happy hour menus. Those ready to splurge can go straight for the warm lobster roll.
Plan for parking, think about reservations, and leave time to wander. The details add up to more than just a meal.
In a town by the bay, this old landing still knows how to reel people in.
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