I've lived at the famous Jersey Shore my whole life. I know all the great spots to visit and most importantly, what restaurants at the cluttered Jersey Shore stand out from the rest. This list should probably be more like 25 restaurants, bars, and taverns at the Jersey Shore, but I will pick the gems, the stand-outs. This is for the people who want to come to an area and experience something special, in this case, it's Monmouth County, New Jersey, who's coastal region is nicknamed the Jersey Shore. (also a popular summer destination for tourists from Philadelphia and New York). So avoid those chain restaurants and try something exciting and new for once in your life. Enjoy life and especially some delicious meals at these fine establishments while at the NJ shore. You can thank me later.

This is one of the most popular spots on my list. Pete and Elda's Bar and Carmen's Pizzeria combined to form the greatest thin crust pizza pie on this side of the planet (actually Neptune, NJ). Equally famous for their free t-shirt promotion, where they offer a free (ever changing) Pete and Elda's t-shirt to any customer who can eat a whole double extra large pie by themselves. Don't be put off by the long lines that sometimes spill out the front door. It's worth the wait as are most of the places on this list.Pizza, Pizza, Pizza, get the pizza here, a few of them.

A Jersey original located right on the water in beautiful downtown Rumson, NJ, Barnacle Bill's is a nautical themed restaurant with an extensive menu of seafood specialties.But I go there for their burgers, cooked right behind the bar, with a huge amount of cheddar sauce on top. Best burgers at the Jersey Shore. Also enjoy the great setting with old wooden tables, sea salt and fresh roasted peanuts. Throw the shells right on the floor, it's all part of the plan matey. Also try the NY Sirloin, mmmm, served in a bowl of au jus.

Vic's Restaurant in Bradley Beach has the best tasting marinara sauce around. That's what sets this pizza apart from the other great local pizzas, the flavor. You want to eat it slow and savor each bite, and there's always a fight over that last slice. It's mine. But everything is good here because of the delicious sauce that goes into each dish, the baked ziti, ravioli, veal parmesan. My grandfather owned the brick house right across the street from Vic's next to the soccer field. get the chopped!! antipasto

Great fresh food cooked to order at 10th Ave Burrito in Belmar, right by the train station. Owner Brian Katz has a fantastic menu including pork mole, chipotle ribs, spicy mac-n-cheese, southwestern salad with a cilantro lime dressing, and some heavy duty burrito. Always great music playing and it's colorfully decorated inside. try the guacamole, the mexican chicken salad, and the steak tacos.

I grew up in Long Branch, and every Friday night for years my friends and I would always meet at Freddie's Pizza on Broadway in Long Branch. Fantastic Italian food minutes from the Jersey Shore at very reasonable prices. My group always orders the same things,a Freddie's salad(enough for 3-4 people), a large pie with chicken and hot peppers, a an order of their amazing garlic bread. The Freddie's salad is out-of -this-world and is large enough that it could be one person's entire meal.

I feel right at home at Mom's Kitchen. Maybe because I'm Italian and I'm used to my grandmother offering me dishes of pasta every 20 minutes, or maybe it's because the atmosphere is comfortable (decorated to the 9's in the nearest holiday's colors) and the food is fantastic. It should be, since this place has been serving customers in Neptune for over 60 years. The portions here are out of control, like Mom adding a couple extra spoonfuls to fatten you up. The waitresses at Mom's also make the experience extra special, some of them have been working there for 20+ years. Try any pasta dish and good luck finishing it, don't fill up on bread

Located in Ocean, NJ on Highway #35 North , Mike & Nellie's is a very popular restaurant on the Jersey Shore and has won many local polls as the #1 Italian food and #1 steakhouse as well. I know, how can one place do both things so well? It's got to be the Chef, Mike Farber, who's creations are so tasty that this restaurant is consistently busy all year long. A little pricey, but worth the splurge. Try the Chicken Murphy or the Filet Mignon

Celebrating it's 31st year in business, Stuff Yer Face is located in New Brunswick, NJ on the Rutger's campus. They are famous for their stromboli (boasting billions of 'boli ingredient combinations) and have over 70 of the world's finest beers on hand to please you. A quick 20 minute drive from the Jersey Shore on Rt. 18 North, Stuff Yer Face is a comfortable restaurant and pub that has been catering to Rutger's students for 3 decades. try the 'boli, make one up yourself.

Casa Comida is located in Long Branch, NJ, and is a family owned restaurant that has been serving the Jersey Shore authentic mexican cuisine for over 25 years. My favorite place to go on Cinco de Mayo and any other day that I want a truly great mexican meal. Try the shredded chicken enchiladas or 25 cent wings at the bar every day!!

Located just off Main St on the water in Belmar, Klein's serves fresh seafood raw in their fish-market or prepared for lunch or dinner in their dining room and tiki bar. For over 75 years, Klein's has been a fixture at the Jersey Shore. In recent years they have added a waterside cafe, a tiki bar, and sushi bar to their already bustling business. try the shrimp cocktail