Cafe Theater, Toms River
The Italian food at Cafe Theater in Toms River is outstanding, but what most people go there for are the shows. The restaurant/theater showcases an ever-changing lineup of murder mystery dinner shows, comedies, musicals and other special events. The entertainment is usually family friendly--they even do a lot of interactive kids' shows on weekend afternoons and during the summers. Cafe Theater also hosts team-building lunches and corporate parties, where an interactive murder mystery is staged. Toms River is the seventh largest municipality in New Jersey and has a variety of golf courses to fit every budget. If you're going to see a show with your dinner at Cafe Theater and want to save a few bucks, try the Bey Lea Golf Course, a well-maintained public course not far from the restaurant.
Cafe Theatre
884a Fischer Blvd.
Toms River, NJ 08753
(888) 456-SHOW (7469)
njdiningguide.net
Joe's Crab Shack, Lawrenceville
Joe's Crab Shack is famous for its Dungeness crabs and other seafood, but its atmosphere is unforgettable, too. Singing waiters and waitresses mingle with balloon artists to keep families entertained. There's also a great playground outside, making for a fun and extremely family-friendly night out. It also makes for a festive spot after a round at the Greenacres Country Club, about two miles away near the Rider University campus.
Joe's Crab Shack
3191 U.S. Route 1
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(609) 896-0360
joescrabshack.com
Tun Tavern and Brewery, Atlantic City
As Atlantic City's only brewery and restaurant, the Tun Tavern and Brewery draws true beer connoisseurs and those just looking for a casual night out at a place that's always hoppin'. When the weather is obliging, the outdoor deck is a great place to eat, drink and watch people, but there's plenty of fun inside, too. A rotating menu of handcrafted beers offers a variety of ales, lagers, stouts and more. So let's say you just finished a round at the nearby Scottish-style Links at Brigantine Beach (the closest golf course to downtown Atlantic City), you probably can't go wrong quenching your thirst with a Devil Dog Pale Ale or a Tunfest Lager. And no matter what your taste buds crave, you'll find something satisfying on the menu, whether it's one of the restaurant's signature steaks, mushroom ravioli or chicken teriyaki. There are also plenty of burger, sandwich and seafood options, too.
Tun Tavern and Brewery
2 Miss America Way
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 347-7800
tuntavern.com
About The Author
James Roland is the editor of a monthly health publication that has approximately 75,000 subscribers in the United States and Canada. Previously, he worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, covering issues ranging from the environment and government to family matters and education. He earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Oregon.
