Gracie and the Dudes — Restaurant in Sea Bright

Sea Bright (NJ), a small town tucked between Shrewsbury River and Atlantic Ocean on the Jersey Shore. Yes there are more popular towns on the Jersey Shore. But this town has Gracie & The Dudes (1062 Ocean Ave Sea Bright, NJ). Plus, one of the better Thai Food joints (Moo Yai Thai, next door) in NJ.

There is something about small-town home-made ice cream by the shore. It always seems creamier and more authentic. The Espresso Coffee flavored ice-cream packs a punch (It will wake you up). Banana with chips is another winner. I had Chocolate with Cherry (really amazing).

I would rather have ice cream at Gracie & The Dudes than some fancy place in a big town. Let me correct that, ideally, I would have the Thai Food (just counter service and take out) at Moo Yai Thai and then go for the...

Not only was the icecream on point (cinnamon oatmeal cookie + strawberry = perfection), but the service was exceptional. Our beach-weary toddler had a full-fledged meltdown in the shop. Rather than make us feel unwelcome or even just ignore us, they let our son try out the sprinkles machine and comped one of our cones. This helped turn a stressful parenting moment into a sweet and fun family...

Arrived at 3:45 the Friday after Labor Day Google shows they are open. The hours of operation sign in the front window says they are open. There's no "back at 4:00" or "closed today" sign yet the lights are off and the shop is empty. Perhaps they are closed after Labor Day, but it's a shame they don't post that to their front door or...