This place is ok. Service was a bit slow. Food was solid but nothing great. I got the scallops with a bacon and this bourbon sauce. Could have gone without the sauce. Too overpowering of a flavor so you lose the taste of the scallop and bacon. Oysters were ok. Waitress didn't come around as much as she probably should have. Empty dishes were sitting around for awhile. Also, our food didn't come out for close to 55 minutes. read more

Was taken for Father's Day for a 1 pm. meal. Have been trying to eat hear for the last two years, and never could get a reservation. Wifey asked if I wanted to go for Lunch on Father's Day and I jumped at the chance. Didn't disappoint. The homemade dressings were to die for. Crab cake... All crab. No Filler. Just fantastic. Definitely will be back. read more

WOW! My boyfriend, his brother and fiancé took me here last night for dinner. Just WOW! Everything we ate was amazing. Best oysters I have ever had, crab and artichoke dip and salad 10/10. Everyone enjoyed their meal but my meal was the fan favorite! I mean just look at the picture. We also got amazing cocktails and the blondie for dessert! Would absolutely recommend and we will be back!!! If you do not have a reservation just arrive around 5pm and snag a table!! read more

Black Whale - Scallop and Shrimp & Scallop Santa Cruz - Seafood Near Me - Beach Haven, New Jersey

I couldn't tell if I contracted the Covid or if my food was just bland. I ordered the Shrimp & Scallop Santa Cruz and it looked so promising, but the flavor fell VERY short. We also got the flounder and jambalaya and it was still bland. This place is so mediocre and ridiculously expensive, not worth it at all. Might as well go to chicken or the egg. read more

Black Whale - Seafood Near Me - Beach Haven, New Jersey

Not worth the hype. Service was okay, not very welcoming or friendly to guests. Despite the waitress noting that a meal would be okay for a certain diet, it turned out not to be. Food was standard. There was little to no crab in the crab soup. Atmosphere was loud and crowded. read more

First time here and you definitely want to get a reservation because this place gets super crowd. It was only my 2nd time having raw oysters but they were super delicious and fresh. The seared tuna was nice and light and cooked as ordered. I didn't love it nor hate the restaurant, but they charge a lot for the portions they give. read more

Black Whale - Oysters on the 1/2 Shell - Seafood Near Me - Beach Haven, New Jersey

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As another bland day of my life passes by, I begin to wonder: What is the purpose for my existence? Perchance my life is not meant to be lived for myself, rather as a hero, that nobody asked for, but everyone needs in order to be satisfied with their dining experiences while they go on budget vacations but end up spending 750 dollars on a New Jersey see food dinner for their in-laws who they didn't really want to take along with them on this trip in the first place. This is why I relinquish myself to eating food from establishments such as this one before me at this moment. As I sat in the presence of my guests and various other parties of struggling personas, I looked back on my experience of this close to home getaway that I have partaken in this lunar cycle. And I thought to myself: I've had worse, and I've had better. . . Food was good, butter was cold, we got to eat upstairs tho:) read more

Have been there twice in last two weeks - food is exceptional and service is very attentive and friendly ... Tuna was perfect, cocktails excellent, swordfish and salmon so tasty...family friendly and great waitresses read more

amazing place to eat. Super fun bar area and bartenders. The steamed clams were great and so were my twin lobster tails. Great quality food and I highly recommend you go here at least once on your stop in LBI. read more

Everything was great, every dish delicious. Prices expensive but so is everything on the island these days. Wait was long but that's because it's popular and the food is very good. Hostess was very kind. One thing prevents a 5 star rating: our waitress (who otherwise did a decent job) scans your credit card at the table and stands there watching what tip you add to the portable card scanner. Very awkward. Especially because the tip screen STARTS with 20% as well as 25% and 30%. Yo have to figure out how to give less, as the option is somewhat hidden--while the waitress watches you. Not cool. I don't know if it was just our waitress trying to pressure us into tipping more, or if they all do it. But a blemish on an otherwise good experience. read more

We had a fabulous night at the Black Whale! Our group of 5 included Grandmom, parents, and a 2 year old. The staff were very accomodating and gave our 2 year old some stickers for "assisting" the doorman. She was thrilled. The salad and house dressings were to die for, I wanted more salad!! The bacon wrapped scallops app with bourbon sauce was wonderful as were all of our entrees!! Torr was our server and he was nice and efficient, ready to help but not intrusive! Great dinner and service. Highly recommend! read more

We have had dinner several times here but this was our first time for brunch. It did not disappoint! Bloody Mary's to start had the exact kind of heat, and a surprisingly large brunch menu. The eggs Benedict with crab cake were fantastic ! We would definitely return for Brunch again! read more

Black Whale - Bloody Mary's! - Seafood Near Me - Beach Haven, New Jersey

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When we first arrived the server took us to a table that was too small when we said we had 8 people coming. I ordered the mussels for an appetizer, the mussels were good but the white sauce contained way to much butter, making it all you could taste. For an entrée, I had the mussels and linguine. The dish was very good but than again, the white sauce contained way too much butter. My cousin sitting next to me received her food but had to send it back because it was literally ice cold and it had to be microwaved which took a very long time. The chicken had burnt garlic on it giving it a very bitter taste as well. We ordered a side dish of broccoli and it came right after we finished our meal. Our waitress however was very nice. read more

Black Whale - Mussels and linguine - Seafood Near Me - Beach Haven, New Jersey

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It thought the Black Whale was highly over rated. This was my first time visiting and I thought it would be more upscale inside. The prices they charge certainly warrant that. The food was average at best. I had the Blackened Mahi. It was mediocre in quality, flavor and portion size. It was just ok for me. My friend had the crab cakes. I did try a bite and they were good but not the best I've ever had. I feel this place is very overpriced and it doesn't have ambience. read more

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Never happy to have to leave a bad review (as you can see from my post history), so I really don't like to have to put a 1 star, but I am uncertain of what else would be appropriate.. We called ahead to inquire about the availability of happy hour outdoors (in the COVID era), and we were informed that it was a certainty.. yay! We arrived and requested outdoor seating for happy hour and were told that happy hour did NOT apply to the outdoor seating, outside of seating directly at the outdoor bar (which was very limited). Well, bummer. We then decided on ordering some drinks at the outdoor bar line and just securing some seating that was adjacent to the outdoor bar. However, we received some less than stellar service at the outdoor bar - including a pretty snarky reply to our kind request for more info about exactly what drinks were inclusive in the "happy hour" special. (Their laminated menu has a 'happy hour' section, we ordered according to that, and were promptly [and rudely] told that another menu exists?) Also, it was a bit concerning watching an individual who was clearly a local walk up without a mask and seating himself at the outdoor bar and immediately being welcomed happily by the bar tender... when there are signs everywhere that patrons must wear masks. I guess when you are a local you get the special treatment. Overall, we felt pretty unwelcome. We were prepared to spend some serious cash to have a nice afternoon/evening out.. after our brief interaction, we felt pretty confident walking away from this place without spending a dime. read more

We have been coming to LBI for years and for the past few have enjoyed eating here. Reservations a requirement if you want to eat before 10 pm. The bar drinks are overpriced to begin with. I have experience with bar tending and watched the guys under-pour my spirits and had to challenge them to make it again. Don't ask for a preferred spirit or they will tack on $5+. (this needs to be addressed, especially 2 weeks after season when the place wasn't jumping) Apps and meal were served timely and delicious - no issues there. We will keep coming back read more

Great to walk into a restaurant and see a standing room only bar and full dining room....noise, people having a good time. It's like I forgot what that was like! Went with a party of six and had an enjoyable dinner. Split some appetizers (Oysters Rockefeller, Calamari, etc.) and all were very good. I had the soft shell crab which comes either battered/fried or sautéed. Server recommended the fried and she brought me a side of the sauce which although not healthy, was fabulous! Everyone else seemed to like their main courses too. Salad served family style and they make a quality dirty martini! Good choice if you are on vacation for the week and looking for a casual place with lots of seafood options. read more

Cute place, great food, and LOVED that they have live music even on an off season night. Really nice staff read more

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Our gang of 4 enjoyed our seafood dinner at Black Whale in late season, Oct 2014. Recommended by friends. Our wait at the bar at 8 pm on a Saturday night was about 45 mins. By being flexible about seating (bar area or main dining area), our wait was less. Busy bar scene too. No reservations accepted. Attentive service and friendly fellow patrons when we were there. I note good choice of bourbons too, including Angel's Envy and Knob Creek and Woodford Reserve--all pricy. We enjoyed: * 1 appetizer of Tuna spring rolls * 4 entrées of Grilled Tuna, Broiled Sea Scallops, Shrimp & Scallops, and Seafood Combo platter (either broiled or fried) * 4 house salads served family style * 1 key lime dessert to share Much of the seafood, such as the scallops and flounder, are sourced locally, and make the meal special. Entrées come with a small salad served family style with house balsamic vinaigrette as well as your choice of one side vegetable or starch. Small gripes: * While drinks are well made by Bob the bartender, all drinks are overpriced by about 20-25% higher than typical--such as glass of Malbec $11, Knob Creek bourbon straight up $13. If not for this reason, would be rated higher. * Booth seating is uncomfortable Dinner for 4 with 5 drinks was $230 including tax and tip. Tip: For somewhat better value, order off the bar menu. Tip II: Check for seasonal closing. Not on website but believe they close offseason. read more

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Searched & searched for a place to get some great clam strips and a place that had a nice outdoor setting. On Sunday of Labor Day weekend (2020!) ~came here! What an awesome experience! When I tell you the service was amazing ~it truly was. Our waiter, Ryan, was doing double duty as bartender & server ...and was so kind and personable! So much so, that we ended up in a great conversation with him about the place and the island. I truly recommend this place! Because, in addition to the great atmosphere & service...The food was so yummmy ...exactly what we wanted...(I posted pics) ...Crisp Fried clam strips...Crispy fries...and a jumbo lump crab cake that was so fresh!!! What a perfect stop ! 5 STARS! read more

Black Whale - FRIED CLAM STRIPS, JUMBO LUMP CRAB CAKE, SIDE FRIES :) - Seafood Near Me - Beach Haven, New Jersey

Our all time favorite on the island! Best Happy Hour food and bartenders - hands down. We love the fresh clams, oysters, wings and steamers! Don't forget the salad with a mix of their signature dressings. And, the Jambalaya for dinner - Wow!! read more

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Delicious seafood and cocktails. Great lively atmosphere but be sure you make reservations bc there could be a wait for a table. Our waitress was so friendly and efficient. Food came out quickly. We wcant wait to come back! read more

Food is great! I really like the food here. The service is good too. Ambiance is good it depends where you are sitting in the room.

Our prior 2 dining experiences there were good, this one was terrible. The waitress was borderline rude, and the meals were abysmal. The blackened Swordfish was not spiced and was overcooked, and the Flounder (if that was what it was) was impossibility dry. Also, one of the 6 (expensive) Oysters was the size of a dime. Will not return. read more

Love this place. Great atmosphere and delicious food. Taylor Swift came here this summer so it has to be good.

Somehow I made a reservation for the Black Whale in MA, and didn't realize until I checked in at LBI Black Whale. It was insanely busy, and thankfully the hostess, still worked us in. Food was amazing. Thank you so much - she could have easily sent us away since our reservation was for the wrong location, but did not. read more

Delicious meal! The Jambalaya was absolutely fantastic with lots of seafood each piece perfectly done and the chorizo had just the perfect heat! The staff is a bit overworked but service was still good. Eat outside on the porch cuz of 45min wait inside. It's a bit tight for server to get through but it works. read more

I had given up on the Black Whale as we visited a few times and was very disappointed in subpar food and high prices. This visit was a great visit and we enjoyed our meal as well as the entertainment and drinks! We missed the happy hour menu by 30 minutes but that was ok. I had the tuna sandwich and it was really good (next time I would ask for less avocado mayo). My husband enjoyed their large cheeseburger. Service was really great. We will return. read more

The fries where amazing The chicken fingers where very good the grilled Cheese was decent and the pasta was horrible and our seats where amazing in all it was pretty rough an I would recommend if you like decent at best food Ps sub to vlog read more

Black Whale - Seafood Near Me - Beach Haven, New Jersey

I ordered a steamed lobster, which at market price is not cheap, and it was so tough and chewy that it was practically inedible. My baked potato was hard as a rock and they gave me 1 pat of butter and 1 tiny cup of sour cream which wasn't even enough to moisten 2 bites of it. My hubby got a grouper dish and it was also very dry and was clearly totally overcooked. I'm not quite sure why the place was so full of people with such awful food being served but it's probably the fact that there were a ton of bar patrons who were only drinking alcohol but not eating. At $120+ for two meals we could barely choke down we definitely won't be back. read more

Great food, particularly I recommend blackened fish and soft crab. Service was good, although the waiter forgot to put order for one if the guest and we had to wait another 20 min to get ready. read more

Went last night for my mothers birthday,,always stopped in and and was told there would be a wait of over an hour- and always left, ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS been told how good the food was it always a hard time getting in. Called Sunday of last week for a reservation for Friday 8/20 was told no availability for 2 weeks, hostess said we can always try and walk in and see what happens sit at the bar have a cocktail, it was moms birthday and thats where she wanted to go so thats where we were going :) and we got SO lucky- like we were meant to go there, got a spot right in front walked in asked for a table of 3 and they sat us right away. It was crazy busy but the food was amazing every thing we were told was true it would of 100% been worth an hour wait. The muscles in garlic butter were AMAZING perfect size muscles and there baked clams actually had clam and perfectly broiled with crispy bread crumbs.. i ordered the pistachio crusted halibut OMG THE BEST HALIBUT IVE EVER EATEN!!!!!! Perfectly cooked- with a quinoa pilaf with a squeeze of lemon perfectly went with the halibut, mom had the broiled seafood platter talk about a lot of fish.... Flounder scallops shrimp and a crab cake cooked to flaky perfection, dad had linguini with scallops and shrimp in a tomato cream sauce... so creamy a little to much linguini but nothing wrong with that! Cocktails!!!!!!!! I had the most amazing Italian old fashioned i dont know what made it Italian but DAMN were they good! A MUST MUST MUST if you come to LBI!!!!! Might of had one to many but it is vacation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Great place to eat with the fam and a great bar to socialize if you're alone. Pre-meal salad is fantastic. House jambalaya is a favorite of mine for entrees. read more

We have been here a couple of times. Usually a pretty long wait. But service is great. And food is great also. It is still a must go to for us when we are down here on vacation. Good fresh sea food and strong drinks. The salad dressing is awesome. read more

Really solid, great food, great drink options and service is good. Cant go wrong with this place!

Full disclosure: **my family has lived on the same street area as the Black Whale for over 50 years and we are considered locals** But that doesn't change the fact that this is by far the best restaurant in our area for quality food, great service, and on point drinks served all year round. We love coming here any time we are in the area visiting our family. If you are close by, I suggest planning ahead to stop by the restaurant earlier in the day/evening (for example, walking in at 5:00pm to place your name on the list for dinner which usually carries at least an hour wait) to ensure you will have a table available later in the evening for dinner. Another option is making reservations online, but sometimes availability is limited to days later. The food is worth the wait. Crab cakes are by FAR the best I've ever had: all meat with no filling. We have had the various clam appetizers and we're never disappointed. Countless meals here and never left feeling underwhelmed and/or unsatisfied. They have recently completed a renovation which includes an Oceanview room upstairs for large parties, a back dining area, and added tents for outdoor "covid" seating, all to accommodate the growing demand. Way to go, Black Whale! We can't wait to come back! read more

Have never had a bad meal. Look forward to it every time I visit. Yes it's pricey but not necessarily more than similar places on the island. Plus you do get what you pay for. Highly recommend the crab cakes, NY strip, and huge lobster tails. My kids absolutely love the calamari (as do I!) read more

The food is so so but after eating in Parker's Garage it's a big let down. There price is almost like Parker's Garage but the foid wuality is not at par with PG. I'd rather try other places. read more

What a gem! Food was SO delicious. We had the grilled mahi (bbq and pineapple salsa) and seared halibut with curry (a bit of heat) both with coconut rice. Delicious! Fun ambiance and engaging bartender (we ate at the bar). Great service and attention to detail. Eat here when on LBI! read more

my friend and I ate here tonight and it was amazing. The cocktails, the oysters. we had the Tuna and Lump Crab Cakes. just outstanding. A must try on LBI. read more