Tucker's Tavern LBI Review

This is for a series of posts including Tucker's Tavern, Daddy O Rooftop Bar, and
Plantation Restaurant.

The GF and I were recently invited to check out a few hot spots on Long Beach Island, NJ. Naturally, we jumped at the chance to have a shore weekend before the end of the summer. Long Beach Island aka LBI is approximately 18 miles long and is a prime destination for the shore crowd. Six sleepy municipalities are home to great boutiques and small businesses. This makes for a quaint summer experience, especially when coupled with prime beaches and incredibly easy parking. 

We stopped by Tucker's Tavern before our first full beach day in LBI. Located right by the bay, we were amazed at the expanse of this popular gastropub. We are talking about the folks behind White Dog Cafe, Autograph Brasserie, Moshulu, and The Deck, so in typical Fearless Restaurants fashion, Tucker's is impeccably designed, with a gorgeous bar at the entrance to take in the crowds coming back from the day at the beach. Not to be outdone, the Outside Deck has lights strewn above to create a relaxed vintage vibe while you enjoy brunch.

Angry Sombrero [$11]
Patron Silver, Patron Citronage, Watermelon, fresh lime juice, jalapeno simple syrup

Angry Sombrero on the Left, Bloody Mary on the Right

And if you want to do brunch right, be sure to check out Tucker's bottomless brunch. No, it's not just bottomless Bloody's. Not just bottomless mimosas, sangria, or screwdrivers. For $15, it's all of the above! Ridiculous value and the GF's bloody had just the right amount of spice to wake you up! I opted for the angry sombrero, which had a nice foundation of tequila, with the fresh citrus offering up all the flavors of watermelon Jolly Rancher without the overt sweetness. I enjoyed the kick from the jalapeno and appreciated the fact that I could essentially adjust the spiciness! 

IPA Battered Wisconsin Cheddar [$10]
Horseradish dill aioli

Foodwise, we started off with the beer-battered cheddar. Crisp, with the faintest hint of hoppiness, the sharp cheddar was balanced nicely with the horseradish dill aioli. 

Fried Pickles [$9]
Panko, spicy mayo

I'm a sucker for fried pickles, especially when they're deftly fried like Tucker's iteration. Salty, crispy, sweet, savory - these hit the spot! 

Belgian Waffle Sandwich [$13]
Pork roll, fried eggs, pepper jam, American cheese, home fries

The GF's waffle sandwich housed a pork roll fried in white American cheese, It lent itself salty savory notes that were balanced by pepper jam and the sweetness of the waffles themselves. Fried eggs brought even more heft to each bite. The accompanying home fries were spot on - crisped on the outside and with plenty of grilled peppers and onions. 

Cheesesteak & Egg Gnocchi [$17]
Shredded short rib, crispy onions, mushrooms, Lancaster cheddar

I couldn't help but be intrigued enough to order the cheesesteak & egg gnocchi. And I'm glad I did! If you're concerned about your beach bod, take heed. We're talking about a generous portion of sweet potato gnocchi dressed with about a pound of shredded short rib and Lancaster cheddar. That's then topped with two runny eggs. 

The yolk from those eggs brings it over the top, but really it's the salty hit and texture from the crispy fried onions that really ties each bite together. Deliciously savory, it's a creative and fun dish that I recommend you try! 

So if you're looking for a proper LBI brunch spot before you stop by Beach Haven's beaches or boutiques, I'd head over to Tucker's! And if you're looking for a proper drink after your beach day, they've also got you covered. 

FTC Disclaimer: Thanks to the Fearless Restaurants team and Tucker's Tavern for hosting us. Regardless, my opinions are mine alone and, therefore, unbiased.