You’re driving over the bridge into Brigantine, and the salt air hits you. It’s different here than in Atlantic City. Quieter. More intentional. If you keep driving toward the water, eventually you’ll hit the 14th Street beach, and that is where you find it. Laguna Grill and Rum Bar Brigantine isn’t trying to be a Michelin-star bistro, and honestly, that’s why it works. It’s a massive, sprawling, sand-in-your-shoes kind of place that sits right on the Atlantic.
It’s big. Seriously.
Most people think of Jersey Shore dining as cramped boardwalk stands or dark, stuffy Italian spots. This is neither. It’s an island vibe transported to the 609 area code. You’ve got the indoor seating if the humidity is acting up, but the real soul of the place is the outdoor deck and the "Rum Bar" itself.
The Reality of Beachfront Dining at Laguna Grill and Rum Bar Brigantine
Let’s be real for a second. Oceanfront real estate usually means a "scenic view tax." You’ve probably experienced it—paying twenty bucks for a frozen burger just because you can see the waves. Laguna manages to dodge that trope. While it's not cheap, you aren’t just paying for the vista; you’re paying for the fact that you can literally walk off the sand and have a drink in your hand within three minutes.
The menu leans heavily into what you’d expect: seafood, burgers, and tropical drinks. But it’s the consistency that keeps the locals coming back. Brigantine is a tight-knit community. If a place sucks, the locals stop going, and the place dies by October. Laguna has been a staple because they know their audience. They serve high-end pub fare with a coastal twist.
Think mahi-mahi tacos that actually taste like fish and not just batter. Think about crab cakes that don’t use a mountain of breadcrumbs as filler.
What to Actually Order (and What to Skip)
If you're heading to Laguna Grill and Rum Bar Brigantine for the first time, don't overcomplicate it. The Coconut Shrimp is the "tourist" move, but it’s popular for a reason—the marmalade dipping sauce is actually quite good. However, if you want to eat like someone who lives on the island, look at the daily specials. They often get fresh catches that aren't on the standard laminated menu.
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The Rum Bar is the centerpiece.
They have a list of signature cocktails that could probably knock a horse over if you aren't careful. The "Laguna Rum Punch" is the go-to. It’s sweet, sure, but it tastes like vacation. If you aren't into sugary drinks, they have a solid selection of local New Jersey craft beers on tap. It’s sort of refreshing to see a beach bar acknowledge that not everyone wants a drink with a tiny umbrella in it.
The Vibe Shift: Day vs. Night
During the day, Laguna is basically a family reunion. You’ll see kids with sandy hair eating chicken fingers while parents decompress with a cold beer. It’s loud, it’s bright, and it’s very casual. You can wear a cover-up over your swimsuit and nobody will give you a second look.
But then the sun starts to dip.
That’s when the live music usually kicks in. They have a stage area that hosts everything from solo acoustic acts to full-blown reggae bands. The energy shifts from "family lunch" to "beach party" pretty quickly. It’s one of the few places in Brigantine where you can actually find a nightlife scene that doesn't feel like a sweaty club. It’s open-air, breezy, and generally pretty chill.
One thing to keep in mind: the wind.
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Being right on the ocean means that even on a hot July day, the deck at Laguna Grill and Rum Bar Brigantine can get a bit gusty. If you’re planning a late dinner, bring a light hoodie. Trust me. You’ll see the unprepared tourists shivering in their tank tops while the locals are cozy in their sweatshirts.
Why Brigantine is Different
To understand why this place matters, you have to understand Brigantine itself. It’s an "island" in the literal sense, but also in spirit. It’s isolated from the chaos of the AC casinos. There’s a certain pride in the local establishments here. Laguna represents that bridge between the "old Brigantine" and the newer, more modern resort feel the town has been leaning into lately.
It’s not perfect.
On a Saturday in July, the wait times can be astronomical. We’re talking "go take a walk on the beach for 45 minutes" kind of waits. They don’t always take reservations for small groups during the peak season, which can be a pain. But that’s the price you pay for the location.
Logistics and Getting There
Parking in Brigantine is generally easier than in Atlantic City, but near 14th Street, it can get hairy. There is a small lot, but expect to hunt for street parking if you arrive at noon on a weekend.
- Location: 1400 Ocean Ave, Brigantine, NJ.
- Accessibility: They have ramps, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, which is a big plus for a beach spot.
- Price Point: Expect to spend $20-$40 per person for a full meal and a drink.
Interestingly, Laguna also handles weddings and private events. Imagine getting married with your toes in the sand and then walking twenty feet to a bar. It’s a huge business for them, and they have a dedicated "Grand Ballroom" area that feels a bit more upscale than the salty deck outside. It’s a weird contrast, but it works.
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The Rum Factor
The "Rum Bar" part of the name isn't just marketing fluff. They actually stock a decent variety of rums. From your standard Bacardi to more complex aged sipping rums. If you’re a rum nerd, ask the bartender what’s off-menu. Sometimes they have small-batch Caribbean bottles that aren't listed on the main drink card.
It’s these little details—the quality of the rum, the freshness of the fish, the fact that the staff actually seems to like working there—that sets it apart from the generic chains you find further inland.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
Don't just show up at 1:00 PM on a Saturday and expect a front-row seat to the ocean. If you want the best experience at Laguna Grill and Rum Bar Brigantine, you need a bit of a strategy.
- Go for an "Early Bird" Lunch: Arrive by 11:30 AM. You’ll beat the rush of people coming off the beach for their midday break, and you’ll get your pick of the tables on the deck.
- Check the Band Schedule: Their website usually lists who is playing. If you want a quiet meal, avoid the nights when the big cover bands are booked. If you want to dance, those are exactly the nights you want.
- The "Secret" View: The north end of the deck offers a slightly better view of the dunes if you want to avoid looking at the parking lot.
- Mind the Gulls: This is a beach bar. The seagulls are bold. If you leave your fries unattended for ten seconds, they will become bird food. Keep a hand near your plate.
If you’re staying in Atlantic City, take the short Uber ride over the bridge. It’s a completely different world. Brigantine has a slower pace, and Laguna is the epicenter of that "island time" philosophy. It’s about as close as you can get to the Caribbean while still being within driving distance of a Wawa.
The next step is simple. Check the weather, grab a designated driver, and aim for a late afternoon arrival. Start with the mahi tacos, grab a rum punch, and just watch the tide come in. It’s one of those rare places where the reality actually matches the postcard.
Be sure to bring cash for tips—it’s always appreciated by the seasonal staff who are hustling in the heat—and make sure your phone is charged, because the sunset over the dunes is basically built for your feed.
Stay for the music, leave before the bridge traffic gets weird, and you’ve had the quintessential Brigantine day.