Black Eyed Susans Tavern & Restaurant

Wow, what can I say about this amazing place? Coffee cart by day, one of the most covenant restaurants to get into by night! Reminiscent of an enchanted fairy garden this place is covered with flowers, live music can usually be heard in the distance, and the smell of an amazing meal is being whipped up in the kitchen! It doesn’t matter if you sit at the bar to enjoy the happy hour, or indulge in an elegant meal you will sure to be impressed no matter what! I’ve enjoyed almost every cocktail they have and can assure you the bartenders are top-notch! The Woodfire pizza is incredible, but also the black garlic, Caesar salad, and almost any entrées! The gnocchi is one of my favorites and also the chicken and any of the amazing ways they serve it up! If you were in or near The Long Beach Island area I highly recommend this place!

The fact that this is only rated 4.5 is laughable. This was our best dinning out experience ever. We have been all over Italy and Switzerland and Iceland and this was just as good or better. The vibe was cozy and peaceful. Beautiful atmosphere. Fantastic customer care. We walked in and immediately felt like kings and queens. Food was plenty and a rare unique taste. Each dish was flavorful. We extra food to take home. Definitely going back next week.

Our new favorite restaurant in LBI and maybe even in general!!! Immediately we’re in love with the ambiance and “eat local” vibe, had amazing service, and enjoyed everything we ordered (which was a lot!) apps, salads, pizza, entree & dessert all of it was 10/10! Will be coming again!!!!

Some excellent dishes and some misses, in a beautiful garden setting. Our waiter weighed in at our request about the swordfish special, which was absolutely one of his favorites and one of the best things we ate on the island over five nights of fine dining. Had a peach “BBQ” sauce that was spicy and sweet and paired perfectly with such a delicious swordfish steak. The tuna on fennel and rice left something to be desired, it was a bit bland and with a lot of liquid in the bowl. I posted another review about the amazing tuna we had at Dune 18. Back to the positives, the side of garlicky broccoli Rob was absolutely delicious and perfectly prepared. The artichoke appetizer was fried and pretty good. The octopus appetizer was disappointing. It was on a beautiful swirled red sauce with lots of fresh peas and legumes, but the octopus itself was battered and deep fried. It might as well have been a piece of chicken. There was one bite in the middle where you could actually taste the octopus, but the rest of it tapered off into fried batter without any texture or taste other than fried. octopus is one of our favorite things to eat. It is very tricky to cook to showcase its velvety deliciousness, and their staff should figure out how to honor it (perhaps check out the fantastic octopus at parker’s garage). For these prices and given where we were, I think they could also up their presentation/plating of most of the dishes we had. We had painkiller drinks that were really yummy with rum and coconut and pineapple and mango (?). Apparently this is the one restaurant on the island that has a liquor license. Wait staff was very friendly and the ambience is nice.

An evening at Black-eyed Susan is always a wonderful experience! My husband and I live in Surf City year round and often visit Black-eyed Susans for their live music and reliably delicious dinners and cocktails. We got married on the island this July, and were so thrilled to host our rehearsal dinner in the private room upstairs. The space was the perfect size for our family event (24 people), giving us room for three large tables, as well as an acoustic guitarist, a few high tops, and the stylish cocktail bar. Justin the private events coordinator was such a pleasure to work with. He helped us situate all of our decor (linens, florals, signage) and effectively navigate the three-course menu (even with a number of challenging allergies). The food was delicious, as always, and the staff were lovely and attentive. Our guests all spoke so highly of the event. I can't wait for our next visit! (Photos by Ann Coen Photography)

Delicious!! From the moment we opened the door the staff was welcoming. Loved the cozy vibe and warm fireplace. Nikki was our attentive and friendly server. My husband and I ordered a variety of cocktails and appetizers. We enjoyed every bite! My husband said it was the best calamari he has ever had. The ricotta was to die for. I would have been happy with just the ricotta alone! He had the lobster gnocchi and I enjoyed the oven roasted chicken breast. The chicken was super tender and I enjoyed the flavor and artichokes. For dessert we had the bread pudding and chocolate pot de crème. Would definitely recommend this restaurant and can’t wait to come back again!

My experience here was unmatched. The food, the service, the ambiance...everything was perfect. I went with a group of 7 and we decided to make it more of a "family style" experience and split a bunch of things. Mostly because we heard everything on the menu was incredible and we needed to try it all. Can confirm the hype was real with this one, I don't have one bad thing to say. Even the cocktails were on point! Our server Bridget was so patient and amazing, and we also got the opportunity to meet the owner Ashley and she is truly the sweetest. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone traveling to LBI. PS the bread pudding dessert was off the charts

This restaurant was exactly what our family was looking for on a great beach weekend. The apps were satisfactory 👍🏼 The mains were perfect with fresh flavors 👍🏼 The Cocktail were delicious 👍🏼 And to top off off a Perfect Saturday night vibe 👍🏼 What else can you ask for? Oh ya the extremely helpful and informative staff. I had a few food questions and they advised me along the way! They also have a great space for large groups and events if needed. Check them out the next time you are close by!

We loved our first trip to Black Eyed Susan's! Our server Bridget was so sweet & personable. We rarely experience such great service. I had the tile fish special & my husband had the lobster gnocchi. Both were delicious, not too heavy and full of flavor. The black garlic Cesar salad was incredible. The bread pudding for dessert was so good without being too sweet, more whipped cream or vanilla Ice cream would make it even better. The Sancerre they serve is perfectly balanced and crisp and the Negroni was classic and delicious. We loved how the dining room upstairs was spacious and tables were not too close together. We're so excited to visit again, especially in the summer! It look like they have a cute fire pit outside - we're hoping they serve drinks out there too

The food and cocktails at Black Eyed Susan's are always on point. The service is always friendly, and who can beat the seasonal decor and vibes here for the fall and winter. The fireplace and fire pits make it such a cozy spot. Worth the drive to the north end!

for a 300+ dollar night, I was dissatisfie. drinks outside, pre made, not good. guys behind the bar, short and not super friendly inside, our waiter was nice but the lobster gnocchi was bland, and honestly horrible. new chef needed maybe? no sauce, and just blanched kale. the rib eye.. over rated. not good. would not recommend. suggestion, owners should get into the kitchen and see what's going on.

This place is like a dream. The food. The drinks. The staff. The flavors. All 10/10. About $250 for two dinners. Two app. Four drinks and dessert. The farm to table experience is like no other. My fav place on the island.

Black Eyed Susans was a perfect spot for great food and amazing cocktails. The server was very friendly and knew the menu well. We sat in the outside tent and the ambiance was very nice as well.

Amazing spot! Most go when you are on the island. They have incredible whipped ricotta, meatballs, and hot honey chicken pizza. You also can never go wrong with the fish. The staff is helpful and positive.

Came here back in the end of September. Was in the area for a girls weekend. My friend knew of this restaurant but hadn't been there yet. So we decided to go for some food and drinks on a Saturday evening (I think we called earlier in the day and made a reservation). The restaurant is beautifully decorated. Everything was fresh and clean. Nothing out of place! Every staff member that we came in contact with was wonderful although our server Emily, was awesome! Answering every question we had without skipping a beat! We decided to get four appetizers and drinks. I cannot even describe how incredible all of the food was! I can't wait to go back, hopefully this spring!

Recently four friends had an excellent dinner at Black eyed Susan's made even more perfect by the exceptional service and friendliness of our waitress, Victoria. The appetizers of calamari, fried cauliflower, hearts, and beet salad or excellently prepared. The clam chowder, although thinner than I like was tasty and full of clams, potatoes and seasoning pizzas are crispy, and tasty the pasta special and the chicken are well done as well. The restaurant overall is very good, but Victoria's knowledge of the menu positive attitude and attentiveness made the experience all the more enjoyable we will ask for her again.

We made a reservation after being recommended by a few people and reading some good reviews on TripAdvisor. Our first impression was the restaurant was very nice and had a good vibe. We had a 9:30pm reservation for four adults and four children. We ordered pizza for three of the children but my 9 year old who has celiac could not be accommodated with a simple request of grilled chicken , shrimp or fish. Our first server and the manager did not care when I explained it's not that she's not picky but has celiac so she needs to be gluten free. After returning from the kitchen he suggested a salad, tuna or a 14oz ribeye. What 9 year is going to eat rare tuna , a 14oz ribeye or a salad? I went next door to Harvey cedars shellfish and although they were closing up and the kitchen was shut down already they were understanding and gave me shrimp cocktail for her that I can bring over. It wasn't until I came back with the shrimp and we were eating our appetizers that the chef came out to offer her potato and veggies to have with the shrimp from next door. The crab pizza was good and the other dishes were mediocre. We had a second server who has a great attitude and seems like a hard worker but that's all the positive feedback I have regarding the service. TripAdvisor and the resy app has gluten free options listed under this restaurants profile and it needs to be removed. Sadly we will not be returning but we will definitely dine next door!

Great location Delicious food and accommodates our dietary restrictions Caroline was a fab server Great ambiance (a little loud when full) So much better than the original location

Our go to place - they are pet friendly outside. They have a few fire pits, heat lamps and blankets. They have lots of holiday decorations to add to the festive mood. The servers are always attentive and their pizzas are top notch.

Note: Review based on sitting at the bar, in October, and only having appetizers and cocktails. We stopped in here on Thursday night and had some cocktails - hubby had bourbon neat, and I had the "Butter Me Up"... HIGHLY recommend (and will definitely try to recreate it). For appetizers we had the Whipped Ricotta, Eggplant Caponata, and Polpette Arrabiata. The Ricotta was deliciously smooth and the sourdough was PERFECT to dip! The Eggplant was packed with flavor, and also served with that same sourdough. The Polpette (aka spicy Sicilian meatballs) were INSANELY good. Packed with flavor, spicy sauce, side of ricotta... incredibly addicting. Combine a bit of the meatball with the spicy sauce and a dollop of that whipped ricotta....? HEAVEN. The bartenders and staff overall were incredibly helpful and extremely nice, and the bar setup was magical (bistro lights galore!). We will definitely be back!

Best pizza on the Island!! Great outdoor atmosphere with live music. Host and waitress was great.

Love this place! I would suggest reservations, we stopped here after visiting the lighthouse and didn't have reservations we sat in the outside seating area which was nice and was warm on a chilly may day. The waitress was spectacular- very attentive and friendly! Food was soooo delicious! We had various dishes . Started with the mussels appetizer, ahi tartare, octopus (so tender ), Burrata pizza (with broccolli rabe, chili and pecorino) oh so delicious. Everything was so flavorful and flavors were blended so well . Compliments to the chef (who I was told had attended CIA). Fantastic! A must visit on aLBI!

We just love the service and delicious food!! Chris and Ashley are so gifted in their craft. We chose to have our wedding upstairs, intimate gathering in a lovely and elegant setting. Top notch!! seamless service!! I could not have asked for a more perfect day. We thank you all for making it magical. H & B

JUST. WOW. Have come in now 2x in a week, EVERYTHING about this place is exactly our style, decor, lights around the bar, the drinks... the food. OMG the food. BEST mussels either of us has eaten EVER!!! As in EVER. The sauce they are served in is AMAZING... chunks of ham in a slightly creamy sauce... TO DIE FOR honestly!!! Last night we had their porkchop, possibly also the # 1 we have tried and their chicken entree. OMG, can't explain it in words but melted in my mouth!!!!!!! THANK GOODNESS we are locals and can enjoy here year round especially when it isn't "in season" and overcrowded!!!!!!!

My experience here was unmatched. The food, the service, the ambiance...everything was perfect. I went with a group of 7 and we decided to make it more of a "family style" experience and split a bunch of things. Mostly because we heard everything on the menu was incredible and we needed to try it all. Can confirm the hype was real with this one, I don't have one bad thing to say. Even the cocktails were on point! Our server Bridget was so patient and amazing, and we also got the opportunity to meet the owner Ashley and she is truly the sweetest. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone traveling to LBI. PS the bread pudding dessert was off the charts

Greeted by very friendly staff. Nicely decorated interior, and they seated us at a great corner table for two. I was hoping for a bit more in regards to food: Sourdough bread was very good. Bucitini cacio e pepe was good but nothing special. Scallops were nice quality, but they needed more of a sear, they also needed more thorough cleaning ...as they were sandy. $48? The black garlic Caesar sounded great, but it was way over dressed... like twice as much dressing as it should've had -lettuce was wilted. At the end of the day if they're charging these prices, I expect the food to be phenomenal. It was good, but not phenomenal.

Delicious!! From the moment we opened the door the staff was welcoming. Loved the cozy vibe and warm fireplace. Nikki was our attentive and friendly server. My husband and I ordered a variety of cocktails and appetizers. We enjoyed every bite! My husband said it was the best calamari he has ever had. The ricotta was to die for. I would have been happy with just the ricotta alone! He had the lobster gnocchi and I enjoyed the oven roasted chicken breast. The chicken was super tender and I enjoyed the flavor and artichokes. For dessert we had the bread pudding and chocolate pot de crème. Would definitely recommend this restaurant and can't wait to come back again!

Great food and service that is helpful and attentive without being overbearing, which is an issue I have had at a lot of establishments at LBI. From the cocktails, to the delicious appetizers, everything here is superb. I'm not even a big pizza fan and I order it every time here. Truffle fries are great as well. I will always recommend this restaurant!

Great happy hour drink and food specials. The puff pizza bites are a must try- like pizza zeppoles.

Black Eyed Susans in Harvey Cedars LBI offers great food, drinks, and over-the-top halloween decor!

Great margarita pizza! Service was phenomenal & the live music was a vibe. Would definitely come back

"Worth the trek from the South End" "Reminds me of a Michelin Star restaurant in NYC" First timers at BES and wow, we were impressed the moment we walked up to the outdoor dining space. There was turf on the ground and a huge wedding-style tent with string lights and flowers/greenery as decor. You'd never guess you were in a parking lot! The wait staff instructed us to wait at a table/bench area where we were promptly greeted by a waitress who asked if we wanted a drink while we waited. 10/10 impressed by the service. We were lucky to have McKenzie, who informed us of the contactless dining precautions the restaurant was taking. During COVID, they had a paper menu where you checked off the items you wanted to order and the waitress collects one per table. McKenzie shared a special with us once we got settled. She also offered us take home sourdough loaves for $7. We started with the ricotta honey appetizer - amazing, and served with 3 slices of crispy sourdough. Our server brought us more bread upon request with no issue! The food comes out as it's ready, which was my moms only complaint - because hers got cold when she was enjoying the appetizer. Next, came the sausage and fennel pizza, which was a great size and you could tell the ingredients were fresh! We also ordered two pasta dishes - Campanelle and Lumache - which were also great size portions, not oversized, but enough to take home. Our server shared that they had homemade vanilla soft serve for dessert, which we'll have to try next time! Prices were so reasonable, atmosphere lovely, and service impeccable. We will be back!

We've been waiting several years to dine at BES... Overall it was a pleasant experience. I'm scoring it a 3 largely for the inattentive service and a meal of Cacio e Pepe that arrived cold and unfortunately the waitress was no where to be found to address it. Will we return...we will give them another try when we come back to the island. Hopefully, they'll get it right next time.

I never thought Black Eyed Susans could be any greater than what I have consistently experienced at this unique and magnificent Long Beach Island restaurant. What we have always experienced is the consistent great Service and superior in every way food served in a tastefully decorated structure. However, on Friday we were lucky enough to experience their latest " pop up" dinners. The five coarse dinner was served in the upstairs special section of the restaurant. The ambience and table spacing was perfect. Each coarse was unique, incredibly tasteful and the timing of each coarse was in my experience the best I have experienced globally. The portions were generous and nothing was unfamiliar but presented tastefully and perfectly cooked. I plan on attending as many of these as I can in the future and I hope my schedule permits me to attend these very special events at this very special restaurant.

We were invited to a chefs tasting last night at Black eyed Susan and had a fabulous dinner! Each course was perfectly proportioned and paired with champagne or wine to compliment each course. We started with dirty martini shrimp, grilled scallops ratatouille , lobster spaghetti with chunks of lobster and roasted bone marrow with little neck clams, finishing with a carrot cake! It was a wonderful meal, can't wait to go back! Also the service was impeccable and the ambiance was right up my alley, quiet and tables spread out! Fantastic!

Food/Service/Ambiance all a 5-star rating! You have so many options from eating at the bar, to the dining areas inside and outside and a very nice and quiet upstairs bar and seating area. Dustin the bartender and our waiter (we sat at the upstairs bar) was so phenomenal and so attentive! We had the whipped ricotta appetizer and the gnocchi with lobster and it was the best meal we have had down here in LBI this week!! WE went back this morning for coffee as they just purchased the cutest pink food truck that sits on the property and happened to meet the owner Ashley by chance. We were raving about the restaurant, food and experience as well as the staff and she sat down with us for about 20 minutes just shooting the breeze and telling us the history of the restaurant. It's 'really an all-around best bet on LBI in every category!

Was on the fence about 3 or 4 stars. Pros - beautiful restaurant, great servers, a lovely classy experience all around Cons- menu is just not that interesting. Seems like every place on LBI now is same menu format: 6 pizza, 6 sandwiches, 6 main dishes, a few salads. And the pizzas often overlap. (Are you really to come here for a pepperoni pizza?). It's nice food but basically better than average bar food in most respects. I'm happy they're here and open year round. Unfortunately I remember when the original place was the best restaurant on LBI by a mile. Was our go to place for special meals. Now it is just ok.

Black Eyed Susana was absolutely amazing. Food was excellent. Interesting recipes and the drinks were incredible.

We love the clam pie and the meatballs. Great ambiance in the outdoor area with friendly service.

Amazing farm to table cuisine! Black Eye Susan's is the best ! Amazing friendly staff Ambiance is just perfect! Owners are very engaging with friendly hospitality to all their guests ! Amazing sourdough!

Delicious food. Nice ambiance. Friendly service. Enjoyed option for both indoor and outdoor seating.

In town for a celebration and had a nice meal with old friends. We ordered a variety of dishes. All of them very good. Mussels, tuna poke, calamari, chicken sandwich special, salmon, soups. The meal was enjoyable. I am happy we called for reservations.

what an amazing restaurant... I just had a party of 9 there for dinner for my birthday. It was absolutely fabulous... the service was warm, knowledgeable, prompt. the food was out of this world... we started with apps and pizza for the table. moved onto entrees and then dessert. DO NOT SKIP dessert. truly impressive. no one in my party drank alcohol so cannot comment on the cocktails, but I'd venture to say they are excellent as well. But seriously, food, ambiance, and service were all stellar. make a reservation in advance and enjoy.

Came here during covid 19 and had a good experience. The staff was friendly and our waiter went out of his way to grab a new propane tank for our heater when it wasn't working - we were cold and very appreciative of that! Appetizers were good and fairly priced. The wine selection has a nice amount of selections, especially for red wines. My favorite part of the evening was having their Kickin Mule by the fire while we were waiting to be seated. A solid cocktail with mezcal tequila, jalapeño, lime and homemade ginger beer- $11.00. *backdated review from September 2020.

I look back fondly on the Black Eyed Susan's before they moved to their new location and became a "tavern". I would have put it up against any NYC restaurant. The pickled vegetables to this day are still the best I have ever had and in the 2 years that I ate there dish after dish time after time the execution, quality and creativity shocked and impressed. What's in a name? Sadly in this case everything. The new restaurant and menu is fit to be called a tavern. Gone are the creative dishes, the service (2 of 6 of us got our food 10 minutes after the rest of the group) and the flawless execution (the pasta was terribly over cooked), but unfortunately the high prices are to stay (our fish was $40 a plate). But you can order $20 pizza. And it's just ok. Oh and now they have their liquor license. They didn't even trouble to print a new beer menu where they changed the taps. They did seem full and the new strategy seems more profitable. Table turn times are I am sure faster and check sizes probably haven't changed. On the positive side, i did enjoy the mussels. But it wasn't good enough to save the evening.

Beautiful space, professional service, and food that hits the mark every time. I'm a sucker for pizza and that's what I usually get, but the seafood entrees (local scallops!) are also standouts. Manages a perfect balance between casual and refined. And whoever designed the wine list deserves a raise. Great choices that are well priced. In the running for best restaurant on the island.

One of our favorite places on LBI. Great food, friendly staff and good vibe. Another great experience with family on this trip. Shared some appetizers. Ricotta with sourdough was perfect as were the meatballs and mussels. Calamari was not as crisp as in the past...a little chewy. Main courses included the lobster gnocchi, chicken parmigiana, clam pie and tuna, all done to everyone's liking Had a guitarist playing last night which added to the relaxed vibe. Good song selection and perfect volume. We sat in the tent and weather was perfect. Cool breeze. Only nit is they had a fire pit outside which created a stronger than preferred smoky smell in the tent. Definitely a go-to when we vacation on LBI.

The food was good, but way too expensive. We rate all restaurants as equals and don't buy into the whole, "look at us spending all this money" nonsense. 48 for a few scallops that you can buy a pound at 30? Sorry, we'll pass on the pretentiousness and look for places where people with too much money never go: where the quality of the food is first and foremost (yeah the 25 pizza, worth no more than 18-20 was very good, but c'mon). Hoping that good mom & pop, well-appointed (not gaudy and ornate) room restaurants don't get pushed out by the overly wealthy.

We came into listen to Jazz at the bar and ordered a few apps. The atmosphere is really cute with all the twinkling lights, cozy fireplace and welcoming staff. We had the mussels and let me tell you, you have not had mussels like these any where on the Island. It is a must try!! We did end up ordering dinner and the pork chop is to die for and my husband's chicken was sooo good. Amazing meal, we are now regulars!! Oh forgot, they have the best Old Fashion I've ever had and I do not care for Old Fashions LOL

I want to start with how impressive the outdoor dinning was set up, so far during covid this was the most creative. Now let's get to the food. The menu is very limited and that's fine with me. I ordered the scallop ceviche, unfortunately it was not good, very plain with boring presentation. I had the scallops as a main dish presented beautifully, just need seasoning. The rest of my table had various things such as the Gnocchi that was so spicy it could not be eaten. I want to say I think something went on in the kitchen that night because the wait to get in was very long, I will be giving it another shot and hopefully that was just an off night

While there is an impressive outdoor seating arrangement on this visit we had takeout. Ordered 3 pizzas, traditional, margarita and pepperoni. These were quite good thin crust varieties with a very bright flavored tomato sauce. The crust is crispy and a bit chewy. The pies are 12-14 inch I am guessing. Not huge but plenty and more for 4 people. For fun we also had clams casino and it was loved. Ordered at 6pm on an August Friday and was ready for pick up in 30 mins. Convenient parking lot across the street. One less star as the pizza was just warm on pick up, still good though.

Great food , service and ambiance. Pizza is amazing as is the sour dough bread. Great happy hour as well.

Service was fast. Food was great! I had the halibut special and my husband had the cacio e pepe. He didn't care for the cacio e pepe (just his tastebuds, nothing wrong with the food itself), but my halibut was excellent. No real kids menu. They have pizza and pasta with butter. Tried the whipped ricotta everyone raves about... taste like whipped ricotta lol. If ur into that, its good. My kids got pizza and they finished a whole pie just the two of them. Really great pizza!

Thursday pizza night and trivia in the off season is my favorite lovely owner great pizza special on Thursday after the summer season ! Can't wait

First time wife and I had dinner here, the hostess was attentive and we were seated immediately. Had several amazing appetizers, artichoke with an amazing dip , mussels ( sauce is incredible) highly recommend this appetizer. The bread is made in house and is incredible. Tuna with a tasty sauce and rice . Had martinis , made perfectly, must say the service was over the top , always checking to see if we needed anything, without being too aggressive. Alexa was awesome and will ask for her when ( not if ) we return!! My wife got the lamb special , cooked to perfection, excellent presentation too. I had the lobster gnocchi, generous portions of lobster the sauce it was amazing. Did not have room for dessert- I'm sure it would have been amazing as well. I highly recommend this awesome restaurant. Kudos to the Chefs and staff was a great experience!!!!

STAY AWAY!!!! I live on Long Beach Island and had the worst experience with the front end staff. She was rude, condescending and treated customers like idiots. There are so many wonderful establishments on the island that there was no reason to stay. This party of six walked out and she didn't care. I was told by my daughter that she had a similar experience with this same person. It is a shame that one bad apple spoils the whole bunch. Will never go back............

Nice dinner. Good food and service. Wonderful outdoor seating!! Valet parking available.