Last Updated on September 21, 2023 by Christopher G Mendla

Update 2020 – Howard’s is offering tent dining in a large outdoor tent in their parking lot until the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

Howard’s Seafood Restaurant has been serving great seafood since 1950.  It is one of the few restaurants with a water view.

2020 August Update

Restaurants are still prohibited from indoor dining as of August 1. Howard’s lost their tent three times due to winds. Currently they have tables set up at the bulkhead. That leaves very little protection but it offers one of the best waterfront dining views on the island.

2020 Update

With indoor dining banned, Howards is offering outdoor dining under a tent in their parking lot. The tent offers a good view of the marina and you can catch some great sunsets there.

The tent is far enough from Bay Avenue that traffic noise and fumes do not distract from your dinner.

Dinner July 4th 2020

We took my son to Howards for his Birthday. There were five of us. We got there about 430 to beat the wait. The hostess said that they are working on a reservation system and hope to have it in place soon.

We were seated immediately when they opened at five. The service was excellent. My mom ordered a crab cake appetizer which was two crab cakes and rice. You can add a piece of their famous french fried lobster to any entree for about six dollar. I ordered one piece and split that with mom. The French Fried Lobster has been a signature dish since they opened in the 1960’s. All I can say is that you have to try it. It is unbelievably delicious.

The photo below of my scallop scampi doesn’t do the platter justice. There was a generous portion of scallops hidden in the pasta. There is also half of a french fried lobster tail that I split with mom. 

My son opted for the French Fried Lobster platter. Afterall, it was his birthday. The picture of the platter below is deceptive. It seems to be simple and plain. The truth is that the taste of the lobster speaks for itself. 

Summary

We had an excellent and enjoyable experience. The weather was great. The service was attentive. Keep in mind that the staff has to travel much further to the kitchen.

Howard’s Seafood Restaurant

Howard’s Seafood Restaurant is a great place for those who appreciate a traditional restaurant. The walls are lined with old photographs of the Long Beach Island. The water views are of the adjacent boats and marina. Even so, it is one of the few restaurants on the island with a water view. Howard’s is BYOB. There is a take out store across the boulevard.  The best time to visit is when they open. Even so, there is usually a significant line.

I had many family dinners at Howards in the 1960’s and 1970’s. My Grandfather would take the family out for Sunday Dinner. Now, almost half a century later, I am still coming back for the ambiance, service and food.