You ever drive through Harvey Cedars on Long Beach Island and see that building with the emerald green and white trim? That's the one. If you aren't paying attention, you might blow right past it, but Black Eyed Susans Tavern & Restaurant is basically the beating heart of the north end’s food scene.
Honestly, calling it just a "tavern" feels like a bit of a lie. It’s a weird, beautiful hybrid. One side is this casual, wood-fired pizza and burger spot where you can roll in with sand still on your flip-flops, and the other is a high-end, tablecloth-style dining room where the seafood is better than anything you’ll find in most big cities.
The black eyed susans tavern & restaurant menu isn't some static list of fried shrimp and iceberg lettuce. It changes. A lot. Chefs Ashley Pellagrino and Christopher Sanchez are obsessive about what’s coming off the boats in Barnegat Light and what’s growing in the dirt over in Pennsylvania. If you go in July, the menu is a love letter to Jersey tomatoes. By September, it’s all about the squash and late-season herbs.
The Shared Plates You Actually Have to Share
Let’s talk about the bread first. Most places give you bread as a filler. Here, people actually pay $9 for the LBI Sourdough Loaf, and nobody complains. They bake it in-house every day. It’s got that specific crust—you know, the kind that shatters when you bite it—and it comes with house-churned butter sprinkled with Barnegat Light sea salt.
If you’re sitting in the tavern area, you have to get the Whipped Ricotta. It’s basically a local celebrity at this point. They serve it with grilled bread, honey, and pine nuts. It’s light, but also incredibly rich. It's the kind of dish where you find yourself scraping the bottom of the bowl with your finger when the bread runs out. No shame.
Then there’s the Arancini. They change the fillings, but a recent version had bacon and artichoke with an "everything" seasoning. It's weird, right? But it works. The outside is crunchy, the inside is molten, and they serve it over a spicy arrabbiata sauce that actually has a bit of a kick.
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The Pizza Situation
A lot of people come specifically for the wood-fired pies. These aren't your typical greasy boardwalk slices. They use a 48-hour fermented organic whole wheat dough that’s got a distinct chew and char.
- The Clam Pie: This is the one to beat. It uses local quahogs, pecorino, lemon, and a bit of pangrattato (fancy breadcrumbs) for crunch. No heavy red sauce to mask the flavor of the clams.
- The Angry Crab: If you like heat, this is your play. It’s topped with jumbo lump crab meat and Calabrian chili oil. It’s spicy, but the sweetness of the crab balances it out.
- Hot Honey Chicken: It sounds like a trend, but they do it right. The pickled red onions are the secret weapon here; they cut right through the sweetness of the honey.
Prices for the pizzas usually hover around $20 to $26. It’s not cheap, but considering the quality of the flour and the toppings, it’s actually one of the better values on the island.
Why the Mains Are a Big Deal
The "Supper" side of the black eyed susans tavern & restaurant menu is where things get serious. If you see the Lobster Gnocchi on the menu, just order it. Don’t think. Just do it. The gnocchi are hand-rolled and pillowy, and they don't skimp on the lobster. They toss it with broccoli rabe and a parmesan fonduta that is just... well, it’s a lot. In the best way possible.
They also have a weirdly good Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Usually, cacio e pepe is a boring safety choice for picky eaters, but theirs uses a parmesan fondutta and a heavy hand with the black pepper that makes it feel like a completely different dish. At $28, it’s one of the cheaper mains, but it feels just as decadent as the $49 lobster.
For the seafood purists, the Viking Village Scallops are the move. Viking Village is just a few miles up the road in Barnegat Light, so these things are basically jumping out of the water onto your plate. They usually pair them with something earthy—like delicata squash or bulgur wheat—to let the natural sweetness of the scallops shine.
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Drinking and Vibe
One thing that surprises people is that they actually have a liquor license. A lot of spots on LBI are BYOB, which is fine, but sometimes you just want a professionally made cocktail.
The Suzy’s Margarita is the staple. It’s got tequila, Italian orange liquor, and agave. It’s simple. No neon green mixers. If you’re feeling more adventurous, the Flora & Fauna (cucumber vodka, elderflower, rosemary) is basically summer in a glass. They even sell these by the liter for takeout if you want to bring the party back to your rental.
The atmosphere changes depending on where you sit. The Tavern side is loud, buzzy, and great for a group. The dining room side is a bit more "anniversary dinner" territory. Both are great, but the Tavern is where the energy is.
The "Need to Know" Details
You can't just walk in here on a Saturday night in July and expect a table. Reservations usually open up five days in advance, and they disappear fast.
- Location: 7908 Long Beach Blvd, Harvey Cedars, NJ.
- Seasonal: They usually close during the winter months, so check their Instagram or website before you drive out there in February.
- Price Point: It's expensive. Figure $15-$25 for apps, $20-$30 for pizzas, and $30-$60 for entrees.
- Dietary Stuff: They are actually really good about gluten-free and vegetarian options. They even have a "Traditional Pie" that can be adjusted.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you want the full experience without the $200 bill, hit the Tavern for an early dinner. Order the Whipped Ricotta, a Clam Pie, and a couple of drinks. It’s the perfect LBI meal.
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If you are going for the full "Supper" experience, book the 7:30 pm seating. The lighting gets all moody, the fireplace (if it's cool out) is going, and you don't feel rushed to turn the table for the next group.
Always ask about the daily specials. Because they work so closely with local fishermen, the "Catch of the Day" is often the best thing on the entire black eyed susans tavern & restaurant menu. One night it might be Golden Tilefish with parsnip puree, the next it’s blackened Swordfish with a peach BBQ sauce.
Check the online ordering portal if you’re staying nearby. They do a brisk takeout business, and honestly, eating a Hot Honey Chicken Pie on the beach at sunset is a top-tier move.
Keep an eye on their hours; they often close on Tuesdays or Wednesdays depending on the season. If you're coming from off-island, give them a call first just to make sure the kitchen hasn't closed early.