Black Whale Bar & Fish House

Great place all around. Loved the atmosphere and live music. The waitress Steph was the best! I had the Dungeness crab with rice & beans, everything was cooked to perfection. I tried the muddled drink 5x every one was better than the last! The key lime pie is as good as Key West’s! Went back the next day.. lol had the lump crab cakes & the blueberry martini: delicious!

The Black Whale Bar & Fish House is undoubtedly a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Long Beach Island, NJ. This exquisite establishment manages to ingeniously merge a laid-back maritime ambiance with haute cuisine, an accomplishment that resonates from the first sip to the last bite. Our culinary journey at Black Whale commenced with the restaurant's signature Blueberry Bliss Martini. This magical elixir, composed of Sorland Blueberry Vodka, Cointreau, honey, and lemon, is more than just a drink; it's a testament to Black Whale's attention to detail and commitment to quality. Each sip was a parade of perfectly balanced flavors - a melody of sweet and tart, underscored by a complex, fruity bouquet that painted a vivid portrait of the restaurant's nautical ethos. We proceeded with a refreshing salad dressed with a choice of garlic ranch or balsamic vinaigrette. Both dressings provided their unique flair, but it was the balsamic vinaigrette that was truly noteworthy. Its mellow acidity and subtle sweetness flawlessly complemented the freshness of the vegetables, forming a harmonious chorus that signaled the beginning of the upcoming culinary symphony. The crown jewel of the evening, however, was the Seared Halibut, a dish that I believe personifies the culinary prowess at Black Whale. The fish was impeccably cooked with an expert sear that yielded a tantalizing exterior, which gave way to a tender, flaky interior that subtly encapsulated the ocean's essence. The combination of red curry and coconut rice provided a delicious backdrop, adding a layer of exotic spice and tropical richness. The mango red cabbage slaw was an inspired addition that cut through the richness with its tangy sweetness, perfectly balancing the dish. Every visit to the Black Whale Bar & Fish House is an exploration into a culinary world where traditional seafood meets innovative gastronomy, a testament to the talent that lies in the kitchen. This restaurant earns a glowing 5-star review and confidently paves its way towards a Michelin recognition. Bravo, Black Whale!

8/16 update The dishes were great. The jambalaya was the best I have ever had. More seafood than rice. Although the rice and beans we perfect. Specialw were good and the deserts were tasty. Great fish and seafood. Bartenders were great. Deserts were not up to par.

Great food and great drinks! Thank you Jen for the beautiful Espresso martinis and the egg nog martini at the end of our three hour stay tonight. Service is through the roof and we'll be back for more dinner and drinks. And thanks to our name unknown bartender before Jen (our cutie) who took great care of us!!!

The Black Whale continues to be an amazing place to eat and drink on the island. Food is outstanding, service is so friendly and fun, and atmosphere is unparalleled. Big shout out to Dina, CJ and Alex for making our big family dinner (party of 13) just perfect. The upstairs room is great for families and made us feel comfortable in this pandemic environment. Just a top notch experience all around!

My mom and I venture back to this restaurant every summer and it never disappoints! The atmosphere and service are very welcoming and family friendly along with a delightful menu - a true seafood joint! A classic!

Such a great place! A lovely spot for dinner in Beach Haven. The crab and artichoke dip appetizer was absolutely delish! For the entree, I ordered the seared pork chop in a mushroom brandy sauce with the most incredible gnocchi!! Very attentive and friendly service. Reservations here are a must even on a weekday, the place fills up pretty fast. Will definitely return soon! :)

Food was excellent, fried seafood was crispy and fresh. The crab dishes had a lot of crab. The house salad dressings were also particularly tasty. Service was good, and outdoor seating was well spaced.

Fabulous meal at The Black Whale yesterday. I had the halibut and hubby had tilefish. Both were so awesome. Waitress Jen was also excellent.

Fantastic dinner spot. So much to choose from on the menu. Fresh seafood. Staff and service was great. I ordered the Shrimp and Scallop SantaCruz pasta dish and it didn’t disappoint. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a great dinner spot in LBI

Been meaning to try this place for years and finally did, we were not able to make reservations but even though the place was busy they satbus quickly. Our main server Molly was excellent. The food was very good ( there was a $10 up charge for pasta as my side to my steak which was not cheap to begin with ) but besides that I would recommend you to give it a try. Don't worry about getting really dressed up as it isn't a fancy place.

We dinner yesterday after seeing the musical Elf at the surflight theatre. Everything was great and Jackie our waitress was wonderful.

Love this place, everything tastes great, is super fresh and simply prepared. Lobster tails and steak were amazing. Our waitress was so nice and super accommodating. Definitely make a reservation though.

It’s Saturday night. I just had the best lobster and 14 oz strip steak I’ve ever had anywhere. Jake was our waiter and everything was excellent

The Black Whale is outstanding. One of the few LBI restaurants that never disappoint. Fresh fish, always well prepared. Be sure to get the garlic clam appetizer. I have deep winter dreams about those babies

I cannot express how great Mara the server is at this restaurant. The food and reputation brought us in, but Mara made us stay because she was the bee’s knees. She was incredibly knowledgeable and attentive to our many needs. The Black Whale is as awesome as they say!! Go here and request Mara.

The food was great, but the waitress? Mara! Whew. Let’s just say if looks could charge extra, my bill would’ve needed financing. Flirty, fast, and dangerously charming. I didn’t know whether to ask for the dessert menu or her number.

Live music here is great. Bartenders are excellent. Food is also top notch. Great hidden gem.

Starting with our server Alyssa, she was wonderful with fantastic recommendations for food and drink. Her service was perfect, friendly and punctual! The appetizers were perfect- my wife had the crab and artichoke dip and I had the Black Whale chowder. I had the Cherry Pepper Glazed Pork Chop and it was FANTASTIC!! It could practically be cut with a spoon, and the flavor was just incredible. My wife had the Grilled Salmon and it was equally wonderful. I also suggest trying the Black Whale Pale Ale-- I found it very tasty. We were celebrating the 25th anniversary of the day we met and took advantage of restaurant week here on LBI... I do not think a better choice could have been made!!

Celebrated a family member BD, party of 12. Our server, Tim, was an absolute rock star and tended the the person of honor with lots of attention! We love the Black whale, though I will admit, as a local, we only frequent off season. Food is always fantastic. Apps were outstanding! Have to try the crab nachos and bang bang shrimp!!!! They need to be on the regular app menu and not special. Again, great food, awesome cocktails (orange crush was great!), and the best service. Thank you for accommodating our group and being handicap accessible! We will see you again soon!!!

Food was delicious. Not just my meal but I tried all my friends meals and they were great too. We had a reservation and had to wait 20 minutes which wasn’t too bad and they even brought us out two complimentary apps because of the wait. Nice gesture.

Felt like a local hot spot from the minute we walked in through the front door. Food was good and quickly prepared despite how busy they were. Drinks from the bar were strong 💪, beer was cold, and the food was hot. Tons of seafood options as well as traditional burgers and chicken sandwiches.

The summer heat on Long Beach Island was relentless – hot, humid, and utterly stifling. Seeking a cool reprieve and a delicious lunch, we ventured to the Black Whale Bar & Fish House, nestled at 100 N Pennsylvania Ave in Beach Haven, NJ. Upon entering, we were immediately drawn to the inviting bar. Its metal-topped surface gleamed, and the comfortable chairs beckoned us to settle in. Though we were initially the sole patrons, the space soon began to fill with a friendly buzz as more guests arrived. This bar, perfectly sized and welcoming, was tended by Jenny, a striking blonde with bright blue eyes. She introduced herself with a warm smile and shared her passion for equestrian sports, quickly making us feel at ease. I ordered a crisp Black Whale IPA from Cape May Brewery, while my wife opted for a refreshing vodka and tonic. With the air conditioning a welcome blast and our drinks in hand, we easily struck up a friendly conversation with Jenny. As we perused the "Fish House" menu, it was clear this establishment lived up to its name, offering a grand assortment of seafood favorites. From Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes to succulent Sea Scallops, the selection was impressive, with prices reflecting the market. I chose the Maryland Crab Chowder to start, followed by the classic Clam Strips with fries, while my wife selected a garden salad and the enticing Grilled Tuna Sandwich. After another round of drinks and lively chatter with our fellow bar patrons, our food arrived. My plate featured a generous pile of golden-brown clam strips, freshly fried and glistening, served alongside a mound of crispy fries. A subtle, inviting aroma of the sea, mingled with the comforting scent of perfectly fried goodness, wafted up. Each strip was a marvel of texture: crisp and crunchy on the outside, thanks to a light, seasoned breading that shattered delicately with each bite. This satisfying crunch yielded to the tender, subtly chewy interior of the clam. Unlike whole belly clams with their distinct briny "pop," these clam strips, crafted from the "foot" of the clam, offered a milder, sweet oceanic flavor that was approachable and incredibly more-ish. A dip into the cool, creamy tartar sauce, with its tangy zest and hints of dill, perfectly complemented the savory clam, and a squeeze of fresh lemon wedge added a bright, clean counterpoint, elevating the flavors. These truly were the quintessential taste of the shore. My wife's Grilled Tuna Sandwich was equally remarkable – a vibrant symphony of fresh, savory, and zesty flavors, with a satisfying interplay of textures. At its heart lay a generous 4-5 ounce portion of fresh tuna, perfectly grilled to a beautiful pink in the center, showcasing its prime quality. Considering we were in Beach Haven, the prices were very reasonable, and the quality certainly made it worth every penny. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Black Whale Bar & Fish House to anyone seeking that authentic "down the shore" experience with exceptional food and a wonderfully inviting atmosphere. Black Whale Bar & Fish House receives a 4 out of 5 on the Kahoona scale

Service was excellent, I loved my Fish & Chips, was very good. My spouse had through clam strips they were overdone, we told our server and the restaurant made good on our order by offering a redo. He was was full from the salad and appetizer we ordered so he couldn't eat a new helping. They refunded his meal, which was the right thing to do. I will have to try their Manhattan Clam chowder next time, they won recognition as a runner up award for it.

The tuna spring rolls, seared tuna, clams linguini, salmon, and surf and turf were all great. The service was a little slow and the drinks were average Overall excellent meal though and the space was vibey. Bummer they don’t have any outdoor seating though that would be lovely on a great night.

Great place. Long wait on weekends but the app allows you to leave and know exactly how many people are ahead of you in line. Service was great as well as the food. The only issue is the two single use bathrooms. Given the size and the amount of bar patrons on a busy night, the line can get a bit long.

Food is always very good, never had a bad meal. This establishment is almost like a staple for us when we head down to LBI. On an aside, cocktails are pretty good too.

Fun, casual place. The live music was an added plus. Our server, Jess, was fantastic. The seafood was locally sourced and well prepared. The location unfortunately sits near sea level and is prone to street flooding. Be sure to bring your SUV, truck, and shorts & sandals for dinner.

Frequent patron. Bar area is excellent. Went last nite with another coupleand 2 of us had tuna sandwiches and the tuna was VERY veiny. Difficult to cut with a knife. My wife had the clam strips and they were definitely different than they've been in the past.. First time I've ever been dissappointed here. I'll still be back but wonder if they got a new supplier or chef.

The food at The Black Whale is undeniably fantastic—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The decor strikes a charming balance between nautical and upscale, and the service was attentive and friendly throughout our meal. In terms of ambiance and execution, they’ve nailed it. But I can’t overlook the three-hour wait to get a table. That’s not just inconvenient—it’s unreasonable. Even for a popular spot in peak season, this kind of delay feels excessive and poorly managed. It’s hard to enjoy a great meal when you’ve spent nearly half your day just trying to get seated. If they can find a way to streamline their seating process or offer better transparency around wait times, I’d gladly bump this up to five stars. Until then, be prepared to wait—and wait some more.

I understand most people come here most likely for what this restaurant represents and for the very fresh seafood that they offer. As a local, I value these things as well, but I’m less likely to drive all the way down to Beach Haven to experience them, so on the off occasion that I did come out here I was sorely surprised by the interior. To start off, the food was delicious. I love that they make their own salad dressing. The food that came out was piping hot and fresh tasting, and really had a cohesive profile of flavors. However, I really didn’t love that you had to walk through a small bar area to get to the main dining tables. Also not a fan of how close the dining tables were in that I could very easily hear and if I wanted to, be a part of the next parties conversations, it was a little overwhelming due to the small space and I just feel like I would not come here just to sit at the bar and hang out because of that closed quarter feeling it gives. I did really appreciate all of the vintage photos on the wall near the bar area and almost feel like that would be better done near the dining table so while you’re sitting and waiting for the food to come out, cause there is a decent wait for your food to come out since it is prepared fresh, that would be a good time to look at these old photos and have conversations about them versus on your walk in and out of the very tight entryway I felt like I was blocking traffic if I wanted to observe them.

One of the nicer restaurants on the LBI, but with a pretty high price vs food quality (although service was friendly, casual, and enjoyable). Crab Cake sandwich ($19) was the better value here, and recommended. Crab Cake was moist, tasty, and had more 🦀 than 🍞. Skip the Oysters Rockefeller, it was just too runny and lacking flavor. Ventured into a special tonight, the "Bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers" because, why not! Unfortunately, while they were unique, they just lacked flavor and had a strange mouth feel. I think if they continue to work on and tweak this recipe, they'll eventually make it a great and memorable menu mainstay. Overall, a better restaurant for the shore, but expect lower taste and a lighter wallet. 2 entrees with 1 app and 2 drinks = $75

We came in this afternoon for lunch visiting from out of state. The food was phenomenal, the house dressing is a must! The area was clean and a social atmosphere. However, our waitress was very short with us for being a first time customer. We had to ask for the specials of the day etc, and she wasn’t really helpful with recommendations or house favorites. At the end of the meal we paid, I left a good tip, and upon her bringing back the receipt, the waitress asked us about the service several times, than finally my husband asked if there was a reason, and she stated your tip and walked away straight into the kitchen. We left our drinks and walked out. Insulating , very rude, and we tipped well! Will not be back, this has never happened to us at a restaurant, and I have never seen my husband so upset.

Jumbo shrimp were at best medium size. The fish & chips were served in a galvanized tin on paper. The fish was served as finger size pieces instead of filets. The batter was heavy. The best thing I can say is the food was hot and my mum enjoyed the freshly baked potato. Do not recommend either menu item.

The food was not all good. The combo appetizer was chincy and small. No sauce or even a lemon wedge. It was T cheap. Fish and chips was good. Waitress was inattentive. The water was in smallish glasses and never once did she come around to refill it. I drank my husband’s since he had a beer. The combo platter with shrimp, flounder, muscles and a crab cake was small pieces, and the fish was mushy, like in a school cafeteria. If that wasn’t bad enough, they do the bill right in front of you and there was no 15% button. She deserved only that but he felt pressure so he just hit the 20. We always give 20% gladly elsewhere. Plus the booths were hard straight back wood with a short cushion bench. Uncomfortable. Bad experience altogether

Sadly to say but this place was terrible this year. My family and I come to LBI every year for the last 10 years and we have made the Black Whale our must have for the last few years and it has always been great until this year, food was not good at all. Don't think we will ever be coming back to The Black Whale, change your chef or something. This was supposed to be one of their specials. Parmesean Crusted Halibut not mushy and the linguine and mussels tasted like sewage

The food wasn't worth the price. It was all rather bland. I will say the dressing the make in house is very good. But that alone isn't worth a trip. Save your money and go someplace else with more flavor.

The one star is for management's lack of wine knowledge or deceitfulness. Food is a five. Wine list indicates wine from certain appellations (e.g., Napa Valley) yet when wine is presented it's label is from a different appellation (Sonoma County) yet management tries to convince you that wines from Napa Valley are in the bottle (what?). If you're going to list a wine from a certain appellation, then have that bottle rather than doing a bait and switch. Standard practice is to list the appellation and present such. So what's the point? Martin Ray Cab from Napa Valley generally retails for 50% more that Martin Ray Cab from Sonoma County. So when I was presented the Sonoma bottle even though the list indicated Napa Valley, the manager tried to convince me that because the Sonoma County bottle had grapes from Napa Valley, their wine supplier said they could list the Sonoma bottle as Napa Valley. (I've never heard such a stupid explanation in my life). Black Whale is listing a better bottle but delivers its poor cousin. Either management and their wine supplier are incompetent or being deceitful.

We had dinner at The Black Whale last night (party of 15 adults + children) and 11 of us became extremely sick within hours of eating there. We’ve spent the entire next day of our vacation bedridden. There is a pregnant guest amongst us as well who’s been violently ill and the manager had the nerve to ask us if we were “sure it wasn’t the tequila?” When we called to inform the restaurant, we explained that after comparing what everyone ate, the common thread seemed to be the crab (especially a shared crab dip appetizer). Their response was to offer to comp only the crab dishes…not even close to an adequate resolution considering the severity of what happened. Their lack of food safety has ruined the vacation of nearly a dozen people. We’ve been coming to the restaurant for 10 years on vacation and have always enjoyed the food and the service, but this full-blown food safety issue won’t be bringing us back. The lack of accountability and genuine concern from the restaurant is unacceptable. I would strongly advise others to think twice before dining here. Food safety is a restaurant’s number one concern - and when mistakes happen a restaurant should acknowledge that mistake and comp the entire meal, not just what guests think got them sick. Given the severity of our group, I wouldn’t be surprised if they had a major food poisoning outbreak last night. If anyone else was sick on the evening of 8/18 I would strongly suggest they voice it here and hold them accountable.

Unfortunately, my visit here was very disappointing. While the service was decent and the atmosphere was fine, the food made my husband and I extremely sick within a couple of hours of dining (last night, 8/25). We experienced classic symptoms of food poisoning that lasted well into the next day. Based on this experience, I cannot recommend this restaurant until they address their food safety and handling practices or else more customers will continue to get sick after they eat here. This place needs to be inspected for food safety.