Summertime means lots of things, but to us it always means weekends spent at the beach! We always make sure to make a visit to Long Beach Island, NJ. Especially this summer with many travel restrictions in place, we are enjoying the ability to drive from Philadelphia and get some fresh air. Fearless Restaurants has a few restaurants in LBI, as well as their boutique hotel the Daddy O Hotel, Restaurant & Bar. We often stop by for a drink on the rooftop or at the Tiki Bar. Tucker’s Tavern also added a new rooftop Buoy Bar last summer which is ideal for outdoor dining options. You’ll recognize Fearless Restaurants group from their local restaurants in the Philadelphia area like White Dog Cafe, Moshulu, and Autograph Brasserie.
Daddy O Hotel, Restaurant & Bar
Enjoy your socially distant summer with a drink at the Daddy O rooftop bar, “O Bar”. Because nothing says vacation like a drink on the roof! “O Bar” offers some of the best views of both sides of Long Beach Island. Guests can catch some rays while sipping a drink and enjoying small plates or sushi!
When you’re looking to escape the city, the Daddy O Hotel is a great option just blocks from the beach on Long Beach Island. With only 22 rooms this hotel boasts a modern, urban chic interior decorated with vintage imagery. Plus Daddy O has its own restaurant, bar, with outdoor dining options.
Inside the hotel interior you’ll find hallways with “runway” style wall mounted led light fixtures, flat screen televisions and wireless internet connections in each guest room, along with luxurious amenities including rain showers in the marble and natural wood decorated bathrooms. Outside, the vintage seashore architecture is visible in the cedar shingles, red roof, white board and batten-like, old-time construction with a wrap around porch. An outdoor secluded Garden Patio and Bar with umbrellas is the perfect place to relax or dine, and available for private parties and receptions.
Daddy O offers both hotel guests and visitors with a selection of contemporary American Cuisine and lots of hand-shaken tropical cocktails. Your friends will love to join you in sharing a Fishbowl filled with 51 oz. of boozy juice. For snacking we always enjoy the Tuna Tartare and all the sushi offered at “O Bar”. The full restaurant menu offers even more options like Buffalo Wingless with spicy Thai chili sauce (almost like a General Tso’s sauce) with candied celery, and maytag bleu cheese crumbles and Ale Battered Wisconsin Cheddar Curds with a horseradish dill aioli for dipping. And if you’re craving classic comfort food be sure to check out the Kobe Beef Hotdog which is sure to rival anything you’re used to getting at a family cookout.
Tucker’s Tavern
Tucker’s Tavern is debuted a new rooftop bar last season called The Buoy Bar! Stop by to enjoy the beautfiul views of the bay and the gastro-pub inspired menus with hearty dishes and coastal beach favorites. The rooftop is open daily weather permitting at noon and offers lunch, weekend brunch and shared plates, after 4:00 pm with canned beer, cocktails, wine and killer views. There are local music acts performing at the bar on weekends as well as a special Live Jazz Brunch on weekends at 10:30 am.
During the day we recommend taking in the view with a Tuckers Tikitini made with Ciroc Coconut and Pineapple Vodkas, Pineapple Juice, Toasted Coconut or maybe you’re more interested in a Passion of the Mule made with New Amsterdam Vodka, Ginger Liquor, Passion Fruit Nectar, Agave, Lime, and Ginger Beer. These drinks were very refreshing, especially accompanied by a dozen fresh shucked East Coast Oysters or other raw bar selections like Shrimp Cocktail.
Cloudy stormy days call for Tucker’s Loaded Baked Potato Soup with applewood bacon, and Lancaster cheddar. Don’t miss cheesy appetizers like IPA Battered Wisconsin Cheese Curds with horseradish dill aioli or the Mad Pig Quesadilla with chorizo, roasted pork, smoked bacon-fontina cheese, chipotle aioli, and fresh salsa. All these plates pair excellently with a Beer Flight filled with local and craft beers including those from Ship Bottom Brewery, Cape May Brewery, Jetty Brewing Co., Asbury Park Brewery, and more!
For the main course we loved the Wild Mushroom Ravioli served with local scallops, shrimp, leeks, and stewed tomatoes in a basil Parmesan cream sauce. You can’t beat a classic like the Tucker’s Burger made with a fresh half pound burger topped with shredded short rib, aged cheddar, caramelized onion, garlic aioli, and a side of french fries. Our seafood loving gluten-free friends will enjoy the Seafood Cobb Salad piled up with shrimp, salmon, crab, tomato, avocado, eggs, bleu cheese, and bacon, served with Dijon vinaigrette.
Whether it’s a quick escape or weekend getaway its only a short drive from Philadelphia to find yourself relaxing at the beach or fishing on the bay and then dining in restaurants that offer the fine cuisine you’re accustomed to in the city. Don’t delay, before you know it’ll be Labor Day and you’re going to want to check out Daddy O Hotel, Restaurant & Bar, and Tucker’s Tavern in Long Beach Island, NJ this summer!!
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