Diners, bagel shops and brunch spots for a slow weekend morning or a quick bite before the beach.
For October, we picked 7 breakfast and brunch spots from 7 different towns, including Sweet Lew's Cafe in Freehold Borough, The Buttered Biscuit Cafe in Bradley Beach and Rise N Shine Diner in Eatontown. Every pick comes from the Monmouth Guide app's hand-checked list of local places.
Our 7 picks
Here are seven breakfast and brunch spots worth a visit this month, spread across the county so there is likely one close to you.
1. Sweet Lew's Cafe, Freehold Borough
Freehold's hometown cafe since 1990, a counter-and-booths spot for omelets, pancakes and Texas French toast.
2. The Buttered Biscuit Cafe, Bradley Beach
Breakfast-and-lunch cafe famous for flaky biscuits with honey-cinnamon butter.
3. Rise N Shine Diner, Eatontown
Old-school, family-run breakfast and lunch spot on Main Street known for made-from-scratch pancakes and friendly service.
4. Riverside Cafe, Manasquan
Casual cafe with views of boats passing through the Manasquan Inlet, loved for its pancakes and fish tacos.
5. The Starving Artist at Day's, Neptune Township
Ocean Grove classic serving breakfast and lunch (omelets, pancakes, sandwiches) with garden patio seating next to Day's.
6. Turning Point, Holmdel
Popular breakfast, brunch and lunch spot in Holmdel Commons known for creative pancakes, benedicts and specialty coffee.
7. Lenora's Cafe, Keyport
Family-owned breakfast and lunch cafe on Front Street mixing American favorites with Mexican dishes like ranchero eggs and breakfast burritos.
Make a night of it
If you are already out, a few nearby events line up well with a morning meal, from a weekly market in Holmdel to live music and theater along the shore.
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Bell Works Fresh Wednesday Farmers & Makers Market
Wednesday · 11:00 AM · Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel, NJ 07733Stop by and shop every Wednesday at Bell Works for the 2026 Farmers and Makers' Market. Shop fresh, locally grown produce and unique handmade goods from your favorite…
marketvia Monmouth County Tourism -
Wile Nile with Special Guest Robinson Treacher - Jersey Shore Arts Center
Saturday · 8:00 PM · Jersey Shore Arts Center, 66 S Main St, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756 · Neptune TownshipThe New York Times called Buffalo, NY born Willie Nile "one of the most gifted singer-songwriters to emerge from the New York scene in years." Uncut Magazine called him…
artsvia Monmouth County Tourism -
America at 250 - Algonquin Arts Theatre
Sunday · 3:00 PM · Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees Dr, Manasquan, NJ 08736Celebrate 250 years of America through the power of orchestral music. This special concert honors the nation's history and spirit with a program that reflects the many…
artsvia Monmouth County Tourism -
Play Readings - The American Hotel
Monday · 7:00 PM · The American Hotel, 18 E Main St, Freehold, NJ 07728 · Freehold BoroughPlay readings are great way to enjoy an evening, whether seeing an old play or something new. Enjoy a few hours of inspired acting. An interesting audience discussion…
via Monmouth County Tourism
More breakfast and brunch spots in Monmouth County
These seven are a starting point. Our full guide covers 43 breakfast and brunch spots across Monmouth County if you want more options.
See all 43 breakfast and brunch spots in Monmouth County.
However you take your morning, there is a good chance a local kitchen nearby is already busy with it. Try one of these seven this October, or browse the full guide and find a new regular spot of your own.
Quick answers
What are good breakfast and brunch spots in Monmouth County, NJ?
Local picks include Sweet Lew's Cafe in Freehold Borough, The Buttered Biscuit Cafe in Bradley Beach, Rise N Shine Diner in Eatontown and Riverside Cafe in Manasquan. See the full guide for all 43.