Renowned for its beaches and its reprieve from the city, the Jersey Shore has been the weekend destination for many New Yorkers and other travelers for decades. Bay Head is just one area of this idyllic shore, located about 70 miles from both New York City and Philadelphia. Priding itself on its small-town quaintness, the community offers only a few dining choices within the village limits, including a few sit-down restaurants and one lunch counter.
Celebrating its 45th year in 2011, Dorca's has evolved into a full-service cafe restaurant that specializes in breakfast. Choices range from staples such as eggs, toast and home fries to more decadent options, including Belgian waffles and eggs Benedict. And, for breakfast-lovers who don't quite make it to the restaurant during morning hours, Dorca's continues to serve breakfast all day. The restaurant also serves up lunch choices including sandwiches, burgers and fries, honey-glazed chicken and butterfly shrimp. The restaurant is closed during the winter but has service every day until 3 p.m. during the spring, summer and early fall.
This full-service restaurant is perhaps the most original place to dine in Bay Head: Theresa's South specializes in Italian-meets-Southwestern fusion cuisine. Menu offerings include spicy southwest-Italian pasta dishes, steaks, pork chops, salads, shellfish and more, and the restaurant also offers a number of vegetarian dishes. Open for both lunch and dinner, Theresa's features a casual dining environment and does not serve alcohol. The restaurant offers catering for parties, weddings and corporate events.
The Grenville Hotel and Restaurant opened its doors more than 120 years ago in 1890. Today, the restaurant offers diners an elegant Victorian setting in which to eat. Serving upscale lunches and dinners all year long, options range from lighter fare such as Greek lettuce wraps and an artisan cheese platter to more substantial dinners, including filet mignon and pepper-crusted tuna loin. The menu also offers a selection of meals geared specifically toward young adults that includes chicken fingers, Alfredo pasta and crab cakes. As of February 2011, the restaurant featured a brunch buffet every Sunday at 10 a.m.
This privately-owned shopping center became one of Bay Head's most famous grocery stores with the end of Prohibition in 1929. Besides grocery and liquor, the market also offers a number of lunch-counter dining options for travelers looking for a quick bite in Bay Head. In addition to simple breakfasts like fresh-made doughnuts and bagels, the market also offers homemade soups and lunch specials every day. Curtis' Central Market also offers catering and party platters.
