Never Disappoints. We have been coming here on visits to the island for over 20 years. The talented chef grew up on island, and has fishermen friends who save him the top fish, sushi quality, and he prepares it simply and well, as it should be. If you want tuna with a pineapple salsa, this is not the place for you, but if you want perfectly cooked and seasoned top drawer tuna, you will be happy. My fave has always been the crab- stuffed flounder, and my husband adores their blackened swordfish, but everything is excellent.
Barnegat is not The Hamptons. It is Simple, unaffected beach life as it should be, and this small restaurant with a warm and inviting atmosphete exemplifies that summer lifestyle at its best.
I am mystified at the reviewer who complained about the owner being " rude" because Lisa is always warm, friendly, welcoming and helpful. There is a somewhat older looking waitress who has been there forever, but I have never found her to be
Reservations are needed, and because it is so popular, you may still have to wait outside for a while. It is worth the wait.
Ignore that first post.... True story - my wife and I were visiting Barnegat Light in September, 2005, with the goal of learning more about the town...rented a place for the weekend and went to 18th Street Cafe with our FOUR-MONTH-OLD daughter...Lisa was so "mean" that she actually held/carried our daughter while my wife and I are our dinner...
What HORRIBLE service...right?
Needless to say, it made QUITE an impression on us...and was no small factor in our deciding to buy a home in Barnegat Light.
Ignore the hater below. The 18th Street Cafe is a JEWEL of north LBI...bring a bottle of your favorite wine, and let Lisa and Seth provide you an EXCELLENT dinner. Not the cheapest place...but it is worth every penny.
Best fish anywhere. This place remains the favorite for any north islanders who appreciate simple, well-prepared, extremely fresh, high quality seafood. It is a small, unpretentious family- run restaurant, presided over for many, many years by Lisa whose island-bred husband is the chef. How anyone could call her "mean" is beyond me ... She could not be nicer or more helpful. We have been going here for at least 20 years, and it never disappoints. The frequent long lines of folks with reservations waiting to get in attests to its popularity for those in the know.
These are pros, and their years of experience and connections to the island fishermen makes for a top- notch dining experience. You will not find better or fresher tuna or swordfish anywhere, and the flounder stuffed with crab is a personal favorite.
My apologies for the bad picture but it was so good I started eating. The filet was cooked to perfection as was the lobster tail. Sweet potato and caesar salad were perfect compliments. Service us friendly and food is delicious. Highly recommend the 18th Street Cafe.
How could I have missed this place. Fresh seafood and wonderful crab cakes. Although they do mostly takeout we snagged an outdoor table and had a great meal. Family run and operated for like 40 years. We had the blackened sword fish and crab cake Amazing!! And the vegetarian wife was satisfied with a huge portion of perfectly cooked broccoli spinach and sweet potato. Next time tuna
Great customer service, good food, very accommodating with allergy restrictions.
Amazingly delicious food! I ordered the swordfish with lump crab and salad & white rice. My husband ordered the lobster tail and filet mignon and stuffed potatoes it was to die for!! The food was perfectly cooked and so delicious!!!!
Not sure how we’ve missed this gem after 20+ years coming to BL but it didn’t disappoint. The food was delicious and fresh. It was also prepared in a very reasonable amount of time and ready for pick up when they said. It’s not cheap but the portions were ample.
My dad who is not a fan of ordering out was very pleased with everything too so we’ll be back!
We go here every year. Twice on our week's vacation. The food is incredible. The owner and her family are wonderful people and remember us every year. If you are looking for fresh seafood and overall great place this is it. Make reservations!
I love this place. The staff are all family. Makes you feel right at home. Menu is small but they make it up with specials. I had the lobster tail and filet mignon. The lobster was so fresh. Bring money they dont take cards. Old school beach place at it's best. Cant wait to come back
Every time we visit LBI, we come here. It is our favorite on the island. Small, casual and really great seafood. The specials are delicious! BYO and have a relaxing dinner.
Amazing food, Highly recommend. One of my favorites is the clams casino
There was a group of about 15 of us who ordered take out recently from 18th St Cafe and it was great! We will definitely do this again!
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