The borough of Lavallette is located in Ocean County, New Jersey, in the New York metropolitan area. It's named for Rear Admiral Elie A.F. La Vallette, one of the first to earn the rank of rear admiral when President Abraham Lincoln created it in 1862. If you are visiting for Heritage Day in September or for any other reason, you can dine in local restaurants, most of which specialize in seafood but all of which are family-friendly.
The Crab's Claw Inn is a casual, family-friendly restaurant that serves lunch and dinner while providing musical entertainment for guests on some nights. Try the chef's specials such as lobster bisque, blackened filet mignon tips or St. Louis-style baby back ribs and pulled pork with baked beans. Order from the BBQ takeout menu featuring house-smoked ribs and combination meals. Daily and weekend specials are also offered. The Crab's Claw Inn has a bar and is open daily.
Lavallette Ristorante & Pizzeria is a 110-seat casual restaurant with two dining rooms that have a warm and friendly atmosphere. Throughout the summer the owners work at the restaurant, where you can order specials such as a French dip sandwich, Greco-Roman ravioli, gamberi puttanesca and a large, medium or personal spiced-up Hawaiian pizza. A banquet room is available and you can order for takeout. Lavallette Ristorante & Pizzeria is open daily from May through September and Thursday through Sunday in the off-season.
If you're looking for fresh seafood, then Runners Fish Market & Restaurant is the place to go. The fish market is right beside the seafood restaurant, where you can order lobster bisque soup, tilapia with crab meat, a seafood platter, scallops, onion rings, crab cake sandwich and stuffed yellowtail flounder with crab meat. The portions are generous here and you can dine in or take out.
About 30 minutes from Lavallette, you'll find Jack Baker's Lobster Shanty, an elegant restaurant with views of Manasquan River and inlet islands. In business since 1955, the restaurant offers a classic American menu featuring lobster, seafood, steaks and chops. Dine here during dinner, when you can take in the view and listen to romantic piano music nightly. Favorites include shrimp pasta, stuffed shrimp and scallops, lobster tail and Maryland crab cakes. Take the family to Sunday brunch or host a party in one of six banquet rooms. Jack Baker's Lobster Shanty serves dinner Wednesday through Sunday.
