Beach Creek Oyster Bar & Grille

Forget everything you think you know about Jersey Shore dining. Tucked away on the scenic Schooner Island Marina in Wildwood, Beach Creek Oyster Bar & Grille isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an award-winning waterfront experience and one of Southern New Jersey’s truly essential spots for serious diners and cocktail connoisseurs.

Stepping inside, you are transported to an intimate, upscale space defined by eclectic décor: rich wooden accents, captivating stained-glass windows, and a unique copper-top bar. The vibe is sophisticated, warm, and often backed by a subtle touch of jazz.

But the real magic happens outside. The extensive waterfront deck, flanked by botanical teak and swaying palm trees, offers one of the Shore’s most breathtaking backdrops. Here, the renowned “Sunset Martini Bar” serves as the centerpiece, where mixology takes center stage. Their drink list is a masterclass, ranging from classic cocktails like the Sazerac and House Old Fashioned to creative specialties like the signature Beach Creek Tiki line and decadent Dessert Martinis (the “Samoa Cookie” is legendary). Beer lovers are equally catered to with an impressive selection of draft and bottled brews, heavily featuring stellar local NJ craft breweries like Tuckahoe, Slack Tide, Ludlum Island, and Bonesaw.

The kitchen matches the bar’s ambition, offering a menu of contemporary international cuisine with a focus on high-end seafood and steaks. The Raw Bar is a highlight, featuring daily fresh oysters and clams. Must-try appetizers include the famous “Croc Tears” (oysters baked with crab-andouille stuffing) and the Grilled Oysters. For entrees, look no further than the Seafood A La Vodka (scallops, shrimp, and lump crab in a vodka cream sauce) or the succulent Pork Shank Osso Bucco.

Beach Creek is part of the Big Fish Restaurant Group, and while it has evolved significantly, it continues the rich tradition of waterfront dining on the site established by the historic Urie’s Fish Fry, which first opened in 1956. If you’re looking for a perfect sunset, attentive service, live entertainment on the water, and cocktails crafted with perfection, Beach Creek is a mandatory stop on your South Jersey itinerary.

They operate on a seasonal schedule so check their website before making the trip.

Details can change — check the site or socials for the latest menus, hours, and events.