Bahrs Landing

We’re headed north up Ocean Avenue for dinner with friends. Tucked under the Sandy Hook Bridge in Highlands is a timeworn classic open since 1917, Bahrs Landing Famous Seafood Restaurant & Marina. It’s located right on the water and comes complete with all the classic trappings of a longtime lobster joint.

We miss the exit off the bridge but circle through the neighborhood and park on the south side of the giant, white building. It gives us time to consider sitting out on the dock, which is an outdoor spot for those without reservations. So we go down there, sit, reject the idea and come back upstairs into the cool dining room to sit in our reserved spots.

We’re glad we do, because you can see the Manhattan skyline clearly through the picture windows. There’s all kinds of model ships, ship parts, and nautical ephemera to look at. J admires the giant anchor and chain lantern candelabra in our dining area. It looks like it weighs about 900 lbs. Where could we get one for our home? 

Our waiter Ian comes over with a smile and tosses his mop of brown curls as he brings us water and takes our drinks orders. I got a Tito’s vodka martini, a little dirty. J gets rosé. Our friends show up and we trade hugs and kisses. They order a couple of Lobster Boss lagers. I point out the window to the marina, where the Lobster Boss pleasure craft is docked. “They’re not catching our dinner on that fancy boat,” quips our friend.

We were going to start with a plate of oysters, but decide instead to try the Raw Bar Trio Tower, which comes with clams, oysters, and shrimp. You can get it small with five each for $34 or with 10 each for double the price. The oysters are delicious, the shrimp are fresh and huge, and the clams come mixed regular and littleneck. It’s a great, fresh choice and we slurp it down.

Then we try a big mug of their Manhattan Red Clam Chowder, made the same way since they first opened. It’s a delicious alternative to thick New England style chowder or too-rich lobster bisque, also on offer. But it’s ideal for the hot summertime, and even though J eats most of the clams, I still pronounce it a winner. It may be only the second time I’ve ever had red chowder, but I like it. It’s loaded with chunks of celery, clams, potatoes and topped with tiny oyster crackers.

Other notable starters at Bahr’s are their Yellowfin Tuna Nachos, the Traditional Peruvian Ceviche, Popcorn Shrimp, and Clams Casino. There’s plenty more, but I’m just not going to a seafood restaurant and ordering a Bavarian pretzel. It’s just not done.

Ian comes back to get our dinner orders, and when I ask about the specials, he says there’s two lobsters for $58, and that the catch of the day is Mahi-Mahi, “the fish so nice they named it twice.” This kid’s headed straight to Broadway.

J wants just one lobster (rich lady problems) so she skips the special. I want something of everything but make it healthy so I get the Seafood Sampler, broiled with cod, shrimp, scallops and fried clam strips. 

The cod is nice and fresh with red spices, the clams strips are sweet and curly, there are nice shrimp, and big, plump scallops. It comes with mashed potatoes and some sad looking broccoli and cauliflower, but I switch it up for a side of fries and sweet slaw.

J’s lobster is perfect for her, and she devours it. Our friends enjoy their dishes (one gets the Seafood Sampler, like me), and at the end of the meal, we cobble together my leftover fish and shrimp with her remaining fries, pack it up with J’s slaw so it’s a full meal again, and bring it back to my friend Paulie, who has opted to stay home with the dog and watch the game. 

One thing I like about Bahr’s is that it has a one-page menu, so you don’t get lost in all the choices. But there’s still plenty of apps, five salads, loads of ways to get their famed whole lobsters, seafood platters, grilled and fried fishes, plus a whole section of chops, steaks, and pastas for those who go to a seafood restaurant but don’t want seafood. They even have a hunk of grilled cauliflower steak for your annoying non-pescatarian vegan friends.

There’s loads of sides, a kids menu, and every assortment of fish you could want. If you’re bored, you can check out the full scuba man, the model ships, the assortment of painted oyster plates, or the offerings in the adjacent gift shop: everything from lobster pajamas to bespoke soap. 

Bahrs is a prime bit of the summertime experience at the New Jersey shore, and everyone should make the pilgrimage at least once a season to enjoy the fresh, local seafood. Be sure to pop down to the docks after dinner for a whimsical photo shoot, with selfies by the bait and tackle shop. It’s a winner every time!

Bahrs Landing
2 Bay Ave. Highlands NJ 
732-872-124
bahrslanding.com

Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Sunday 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Save a Few Clams

Come on in for Happy Hour in the front bar only weekdays until 6 p.m. and enjoy Oyster Happy Hour with oysters for $1.50, clams for a buck, a $12 lobster slider and other discounted bites, plus $6 pours and $12 cocktails. It’s a great way to start a summer evening.