One block in from the waterfront in Keyport, NJ is a downtown that’s home to diverse retail stores, restaurants, eateries and bars. It is no secret that Keyport has an up and coming Main Street vibe. Keyport is a historic Bayshore town with character, beautiful older neighborhoods and a downtown full of businesses- new and old. Join us as we take a look at some of the dining destinations within the downtown and a little beyond and be sure to put some of these local businesses on your to-do list.
If you use Central Jersey inMotion’s website to explore the area and our “Eat Local” and “Drink Local” sections of our website, you know we love to highlight Central Jersey’s local businesses. After all, without all of these unique eateries, restaurants and shops our towns would all be pretty boring and full of the same chains…
So, let’s take a look at Keyport, NJ and the food & drink businesses that make it unique.
Plus, if you download the Locals InMotion™ app, you can receive more exclusive offers and discounts within the town! Please visit us in the iTunes store.
Old Glory prides themselves on using only the freshest and finest ingredients available while supporting local fisherman and farmers, selling the highest quality meats, produce and seafood available. Their 900° rotating brick oven not only makes great pizza using Caputo OO Flour and Alta Cucina tomatoes, but also perfectly bakes their tender wings, steaks, vegetables, and much more. Happy Hour specials are available all throughout the week and you can read about those specials here. They have one of the area’s largest selections of beer with over 70 different canned beers! Come in and see for yourself. 84 Broad Street, (732)-497-5555, www.oldglorynj.com
Located in the heart of historic Downtown Keyport in a turn of the century bring building near the way, McDonagh’s Pub combines old-world charm with modern, hip cuisine. They offer an amazing menu of Irish fare, bistro-style salads, homemade awesome soups, signature sandwiches, burgers, wraps, fish and chips, thin-crust pizza, and an extensive list of beers by the bottle and on tap. Check out their February event schedule. 2 West Front Street, (732)-264-0999, www.mcdonaghs.com
The Keyport Fishery is a historic seafood eatery located across from the Raritan Bay. It has stood for more than 73 years! With only a handful of owners, and various renovations and repairs, the building and its owners have weathered many of life’s challenges. Their menu features wide range of seafood platters, sandwiches, soups, and fried fish by the pound. 150 West Front Street, (732)-264-9723, www.keyportfishery.com
The Broad Street Diner puts passion into their food each and every day. Having the support of so many people come through their doors from both near and far, makes them feel blessed to have everyone return not just as customers, but as friends too. They cook up great burgers, seafood, breakfast, desserts, and so much more! Voted NJ’s Best Diner, they have an extensive menu, friendly staff, and are ready to serve you 6:00am – 9:00pm Monday through Saturday, and 6:00am – 3:00pm on Sundays. 83 Broad Street, (732)-497-0808, www.83broadstreetdiner.com
The Munchkinette is a dessert bar and bakery owned by Katrina Ramos, who holds a Bachelors in Baking & Pastry and Food Service Management. With a passion for baking and the ongoing support of friends and family, The Munchkinette brings a little bit of that “Home-Baked-Goods” warmth to Keyport and to each and every one of you! 12 West Front Street, (732)-217-1790, www.themunchkinette.com
Come enjoy a deliciously affordable homemade meal and service with a smile at Keyport’s landmark Cornucopia Family Restaurant. Their menu includes delicious steaks, chops, seafood, and so much more. You can order anything from a burger to a fancy veal saltimbocca or chicken marsala. 98 Maple Place, (732)-739-6888, www.cornucopiakeyport.com
Nemo is an Asian Fusion Restaurant that features chinese food, thai food, and a sushi bar. They are B.Y.O.B, so that you can pair your favorite beverages with your dinner. Additionally, they offer 2 amazing specials for lunch where you can get 2 select rolls for $8.95 or 3 select rolls for $12.95 with miso soup and a salad from 11:30am – 3:30pm. 27 West Front Street, (732)-264-0660, www.nemo.m988.com
Nature’s Plate is an all vegan restaurant with a goal to create delicious vegan meals for both vegans and non-vegans. All of their food is fresh and made to order. They stand proud of the ingredients they use and their mission is to provide delicious, cruelty-free food that everyone can feel good about. Come visit them for both breakfast and lunch. 15 Main Street, (732)-497-0548, www.naturesplatenj.com
In the 56 years Mike’s has been open, they have kept a very simple menu using the finest and freshest ingredients. Not much has changed- even the employees! At the ages of 90 and 88, the original owners, Gus and Agnes, are still working daily, greeting customers, slicing tomatoes, peeling onions, and keeping the rest of the staff under control. Serving up both cold and hot subs with homemade macaroni and potato salads, cole slaw, and macaroni and cheese, they are a favorite amongst Keyport locals to grab lunch and overlook the waterfront. 103 West Front Street, (732)-264-9730, www.mikessubshop.com
Lenora’s Cafe, a family owned restaurant, opened its’ doors back in August of 2009 offering authentic home style American and Mexican dishes. Breakfast and lunch is served 7 days a week using only the freshest ingredients. The cafe is known for specialties like ranchero eggs, omelettes, enchiladas, burritos, hot paninis, wraps, chilaquiles and their big healthy salads. New to Lenora’s, they are now serving dinner Thursday through Saturday from 3:00pm – 8:00pm. Come visit and experience their warm friendly atmosphere and great service for yourself. 18 West Front Street, (732)-217-1483, www.lenroascafenj.com
Burlew’s is a family owned restaurant located right in the heart of Historic Keyport on the waterfront. They take pride in offering the finest and freshest food daily, opening their doors 7 days a week, all year round with daily food and drink specials. Stop by and enjoy a nice cocktail or meal right on the water all year round. Private parties and catering available. 59 West Front Street, (732)-497-0500, www.burlewsseafoodsteak.com
Espresso Joe’s proudly uses Non-GMO Organic and humanely raised products in all of their menu options! They feature live music Wednesday through Sunday focusing on local Jersey Shore talent. Espresso Joe’s features coffee, tea, juices, smoothies, and a breakfast and lunch menu with vegan and allergy-friendly options, so that there is something for everyone. Be sure to call ahead to ask about their daily specials. 50 West Front Street, (732)-203-9499, www.espressojoesnj.com
The Blue Rock Cafe is only a short distance from Downtown Keyport, but a local’s favorite for a fun night out! They even feature an extensive menu of lunch specials each week, if you are looking for a big, hearty lunch with menu options like their homemade tuna melts, raviolis, pork chops, or london broil. They feature live music every weekend and fun events like pool tournaments and football tailgate parties. Reservations aren’t necessary, so grab your buddies and head on down to Blue Rock Cafe for a good time and great meal! 522 Amboy Road, (732)-583-7699, visit their Facebook page.
For more information about the town of Keyport please visit their website and for more of the Central Jersey’s best, check out our website.
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