What should I order at Jacks Surf ?
Jacks Surf
Lobster Roll
Most frequently recommended item across the reviews, praised in multiple styles for being fresh, buttery, generously filled with lobster, and consistently delicious.
Lobster Bomb
Called the star of the show and described as super rich, creamy, and packed with plenty of lobster, making it one of the standout dishes.
New England Clam Chowder
Recommended as one of the best versions the reviewer had ever had, noted for being creamy, rich, and loaded with clams.
Lobster Bisque
Praised multiple times for being incredible, hearty, flavorful, rich, creamy, and packed with lobster, including in bread bowl form.
Grilled Lemon Butter Oysters
Highlighted as incredible, simple yet rich, and full of amazing flavor, making them a strong seafood recommendation.
Cioppino
Recommended as a standout dish because it was described as a hearty seafood stew with clams, mussels, fish, and shrimp in a flavorful garlic-tomato broth.
Lobster Mac and Cheese Bites
Mentioned positively as part of an excellent meal, suggesting they were a memorable and well-liked seafood appetizer.
Crab Cake
Included among the delicious appetizers, specifically noted with char-grilled corn salsa and praised as part of an absolutely delicious spread.
Lobster Empanada
Recommended as a tasty appetizer, especially with the cheesy sauce, and grouped with other dishes described as absolutely delicious.
Rice Pudding
Praised in two reviews as a dream and a perfect dessert finish, showing it was a memorable sweet option.
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 9:30 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM to 8:30 PM |
About Jacks Surf
Jacks Surf is a seafood restaurant in Short Hills, New Jersey, with categories that also include crab house, oyster bar restaurant, steak house, and wine bar. Reviewers consistently praise the lobster rolls, lobster bisque, clam chowder, crab cakes, and lobster mac and cheese, along with fast, friendly service. The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and quiet, and the restaurant is popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining. It also offers outdoor seating, accepts reservations, and has a price range of $$.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Organic dishes
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Quiet
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is Jacks Surf known for?
Jacks Surf is best known for its lobster roll variations, especially the warm Connecticut-style lobster roll and the BLT and truffle versions. Reviewers also repeatedly call out the lobster bomb and lobster bisque as standout seafood dishes with rich, generous lobster portions.
What dishes are most recommended at Jacks Surf?
The most recommended items are the lobster roll, lobster bomb, New England clam chowder, lobster bisque bread bowl, crab cakes, and lobster mac and cheese bites. Reviewers also mention the grilled oysters, cioppino, and lobster empanada as strong choices for people who want classic New England seafood flavors.
What is the atmosphere like at Jacks Surf?
The vibe is casual, cozy, and quiet, with some reviewers describing a beachy, minimal, and clean interior. It works well for lunch with friends, family dinners, or solo dining, and the outdoor patio is specifically mentioned as a relaxing place to sit.
Is Jacks Surf good value, and what is the price range?
Jacks Surf is in the $$ price range, and reviewers often say the portions and lobster content make it feel worth the cost. One review noted the lobster bomb was so filling it counted as two meals, and others mention generous lobster rolls, rich bisque, and fresh seafood that justify the price.
What should I know before visiting Jacks Surf at peak times?
Reviewers say weekday lunches and early afternoon visits can be very quiet, while service stays quick and friendly even when dining in or on the patio. The restaurant also accepts reservations, which can help if you want to avoid a busier dinner visit.
Is parking available at Jacks Surf ?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Paid street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Jacks Surf have vegetarian options?
Yes, Jacks Surf offers vegetarian options.
Is Jacks Surf kid-friendly?
Yes, Jacks Surf is good for kids.
Restaurants like Jacks Surf in Short Hills
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