When it comes to Jersey Shore vacation towns, Wildwood, NJ is a family-friendly hotspot. According to the Wildwoods, NJ website, the region has 5 miles of beach, making it the largest stretch of sand on the East Coast. In addition, between its three amusement piers, it boasts of having more rides than Disneyland. With so many diversions, however, it is important to know where to go, dine and drink at night to relax and savor vacation time.
A casual Cheers-like bar, the pub is a North Wildwood watering hole with a large selection of domestic and imported beers. While noshing on menu selections that include Jersey Shore crab dip, Irish potatoes, Old Bay fries and jalapeno poppers, diners and drinkers can relax on the deck that overlooks the Hereford Inlet. Or, dine on the pub's more popular entrees such as Dublin salmon, veal scampi and seafood chippino. Westy's is also an entertaining hubbub, participating in such annual celebrations as September's Irish Festival and the annual New Jersey Barbeque Championship that is typically held in July. The pub is also a hotspot for high school reunions.
Westy's Irish Pub
101 E. Walnut Ave.
North Wildwood, NJ 08260
609-522-4991
westysirishpub.com
With 16 different beers on tap and 17 televisions crammed with sport packages, Fitzpatrick's Crest Tavern is a sport's fan oasis. Especially frequented by Philly fans, one of its favorite meals is the eatery's version of the Philly Cheesesteak, made with thin rib-eye steak. Other tavern specials include spicy Mardi Gras shrimp, BBQ ribs, mussels marinara and crab portabella where sautéed portabella mushrooms and crab are topped with Jersey-grown tomatoes and Swiss cheese. For those on the go, the restaurant has an adjacent store stocked with spirits, wine and beer.
Fitzpatrick's Crest Tavern
9600 Pacific Ave.
Wildwood, NJ 08260
609-522-1200
cresttavern.com
A part of Wildwood's upscale scene, the Beach Creek Oyster Bar and Grill daily serves chilled fresh oysters that perfectly dovetail the restaurant's many specialty martinis such as the Beach Orchid that mixes Raspberry liqueur, Ketel One and 7Up, the Mango Tango that mixes mango puree, mango frua and gin, and the Shore Breeze that is a fusion of cranberry juice, coconut rum, Midori and orange vodka.
Beach Creek Oyster Bar and Grill
500 W. Hand Ave.
Wildwood, NJ
609-522-1062
beachcreek.net
