If you’ve ever spent a summer on Long Beach Island, you know the "LBI vibe" is a very specific thing. It's a mix of salt-crusted hair, expensive beach cruisers, and the constant, nagging question of where to eat without waiting two hours for a table. Right in the thick of it, specifically at 13308 Long Beach Blvd in Beach Haven Terrace, sits a place that basically everyone knows but everyone has a different opinion on: California Grill LBI NJ.
It isn’t the flashy, "see and be seen" spot that some of the newer waterfront bars try to be. Honestly, it’s more of a reliable workhorse. You've got people coming in straight from the sand and families trying to feed three generations at once. It’s the kind of place where the menu is so massive it actually feels a little intimidating at first. You’re looking at sushi, then you’re looking at tacos, and suddenly you’re reading about award-winning clam chowder.
The Weird, Wonderful Menu of California Grill LBI NJ
Most people think a restaurant should "pick a lane." If you do pizza, do pizza. If you do Mexican, do Mexican. California Grill LBI NJ basically looked at that rule and ignored it. They’ve got this "little bit of everything" philosophy that shouldn't work, but on an island where everyone in the car wants something different, it’s a lifesaver.
The "California" in the name isn't just for show. You see it in the California Wrap (loaded with turkey and avocado) and the Southwest Chicken Wrap, which is a staple for the lunch crowd. But then you hit the "Mexican Corner" of the menu. We’re talking Carne Asada Burritos for about $17.95 and Mexican Tacos that actually hold their own against dedicated taco shops.
Then there's the pizza. It’s Jersey, so the bar is high. Their Earthquake Pizza is a meat-heavy beast with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and meatballs. It’s $27.99, which sounds steep until you realize the weight of it could probably be used as an anchor for a small boat. If you’re not feeling the red sauce, the Stefano’s Pizza with prosciutto, aged provolone, and roasted red peppers is the "fancier" move.
That Famous LBI Chowder
You can't talk about this place without mentioning Stefano’s Chowder. This is a big deal locally. The Manhattan Clam Chowder has won the LBI Chowderfest Grand Champion title nine times. Nine. That’s a dynasty. The New England version isn’t far behind, with seven wins and some hardware from the Great Chowder Cook-Off in Rhode Island.
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Kinda crazy to think a place with "Grill" in the name is famous for soup, but here we are. It’s thick, it’s packed with clams, and it’s the one thing you absolutely have to order even if it’s 90 degrees outside.
What to Actually Order (And What to Skip)
Look, I’ll be real: with a menu this big, not every single item is going to be a 10/10. It’s just math. If you want the best experience at California Grill LBI NJ, you have to know how to play the field.
The Go-To Wins:
- The Grill Burger: It’s a 1/2 lb prime burger topped with onion rings, bacon, and thousand island dressing. It’s messy. It’s $17.99. It’s exactly what you want after a day in the ocean.
- Paninis: Specifically the Cuban Panini. They use roast pork, ham, Swiss, and a spicy brown mustard that actually has some kick.
- Crab Cake Sandwich: At $23.99, it’s one of the pricier sandwiches, but it’s homemade and served with Old Bay fries. If you're at the shore, you eat crab. It’s the law.
The "Maybe Skip" Zone:
The pasta dishes are fine, but they aren't the star here. You're in a "Grill and Pizza" spot. If you order the Penne Vodka, you’re missing out on the stuff they actually specialize in. Stick to the grill or the pizza oven.
The "Everything" Protein Bowl Mystery
There is often a bit of confusion because there’s another chain called California Fish Grill that does "Everything Bowls." Don't get them mixed up. The California Grill LBI NJ version of a "bowl" is usually more of a salad or a wrap-turned-platter. They do a Pepper Tuna Salad with a cucumber wasabi (Cusabi) dressing that is surprisingly fresh for a place that also slaps bacon on everything.
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Atmosphere and Logistics
It's located in Beach Haven Terrace, which is a great mid-island spot. It’s less chaotic than the heart of Beach Haven but still has that "center of the world" feel during July.
- Parking: It sucks. It’s LBI in the summer. If you find a spot on the street within two blocks, consider it a win.
- Seating: It’s casual. You don’t need a collared shirt. You just need to be dry and wearing shoes.
- Takeout: This is their bread and butter. If the dining room looks packed, just grab a pie and a couple of those award-winning chowders and eat them on the deck of your rental.
Why It Still Matters in 2026
The LBI food scene has changed a lot lately. There are more "concept" restaurants and high-end bistros than ever before. But California Grill LBI NJ stays relevant because it fills the gap between a greasy pizza slice and a $200 sit-down dinner.
It’s the middle ground.
It’s where you go when your kid wants a plain cheeseburger, your spouse wants a blackened mahi-mahi wrap, and you just want a beer and some buffalo wings ($16.99 for a dozen, by the way). It’s reliable. In a world of "limited time pop-ups" and QR-code-only menus, there’s something nice about a place that just serves a massive variety of good food.
Insider Tips for Your Visit
- The "Half and Half" Trick: If you can't decide between the red and white chowder, some locals swear by mixing them. It sounds like a crime, but it’s actually pretty good.
- Old Bay Everything: Ask for Old Bay on your fries regardless of what sandwich you get. It’s a nominal upcharge (usually around 50 cents) and worth every penny.
- The Off-Season: If you're lucky enough to be on the island in the "shoulder season" (September/October), go then. The service is faster, the chowder is hotter, and you can actually hear yourself think.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re planning a trip down to the shore, here is how to handle your California Grill experience:
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Check the Hours First. LBI is notorious for seasonal hours. Even in 2026, many spots shift to weekend-only after Labor Day or close entirely for "winter break." Check their official site or give them a quick call before you make the drive to Beach Haven Terrace.
Order the Chowder Pint. Don't just get a cup. You'll regret it. Get the pint of the Manhattan Red. It’s the one that put them on the map.
Plan for Takeout on Peak Nights. Friday and Saturday nights in July are a madhouse. Instead of waiting for a table, use their online ordering system (they’ve used Skytab and other platforms in the past) and head to the beach for a sunset dinner.
Try a Panini Over a Wrap. The wraps are good, but the paninis have a better bread-to-filling ratio and hold up better if you’re traveling back to the north end of the island.