Black Whale Bar & Fish House — Restaurant in Beach Haven

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...

My partner and I visited this spot for dinner last week. We read the positive Google Reviews and were excited to try it out. There was a 40 minute wait (which was expected with busy season) but our overall experience was underwhelming.

We ordered the Fish & Chips and a Seared Salmon. The Fish & Chips were fine but the Salmon was extremely disappointing. It completely lacked flavor (No, I do not have Covid - it was literally a plain Salmon filet). Note: I was initially curious about the cucumber kimchi that came with it (I'm Korean and wanted to know if it was more sour or sweet) but no one seemed to know. I decided to skip the kimchi, so perhaps that was my mistake. But, still - someone should've been able to answer that.

Our waitress was nice but, unfortunately, was inattentive. She never once asked how our food was and we consistently needed to hunt her down for everything (malt vinegar, more water/drink refills, the check). The worst is being stuck somewhere for 10-15 minutes having to hunt down someone for a check after an unfulfilling meal.

We spent over $70 on two basic dinner entrees and two sodas (Coca-Cola - nothing specialty). For the service and food we received, it simply wasn't worth the visit. I understand restaurants are busy during tourist season and I genuinely dislike writing negative reviews, but we left the restaurant wishing we had dined elsewhere.

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Responding to the reply received (8/25/2021):

I genuinely appreciate the quick and informative response from the owner. As a business owner myself, I very much understand that this last year has been an extremely difficult one.

I wish someone had expressed the importance of the kimchi to the salmon dish’s flavor after I inquired about it. At a minimum, it would’ve been nice to hear that the salmon entree was popular among diners and that the highest recommendation was to not remove kimchi from the plate. Or, another opinion from a fellow staff member could have been shared (if our server did not have a personal recommendation). Unfortunately, this was not the case. I received no information, no feedback, and no suggestions. We also would’ve been more understanding about the service but, again, there was minimal communication from our server (ie. after requesting anything, the item was just quickly dropped on the table during a pass by). Things are all in the delivery/communication and that simply wasn’t present. Note: We were even seated near the computer station to add/edit orders. It was still difficult to gather attention from our server.

If I find myself in the area again, I would be open to giving this another chance (based on this reply). If there is a direct email to reach you, please let me know. Once again, thanks for the response — it’s much...

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,...