The Black Whale
Beach Haven, NJ · Est. 2005
The Cruise
There was a time, not long ago, that a cruise would set sail in the evening from Beach Haven. Passengers would sail out Little Egg Inlet as the sun set. They'd arrive in Atlantic City for a night on the town and make the voyage back under the stars. Some actually dove off the boat as it came back to the docks. We have no idea who those people were.
It Started With The Clam
The whole thing traces back to co-owner Bob Nugent clamming Barnegat Bay as a teenager. He'd break ice to get out in winter. He and Fred Rebman built a distribution operation out of a house in Ship Bottom. In 1981, Ship Bottom Shellfish opened. The clam was the centerpiece. In 1999, Mud City Crab House. Then the Black Whale — 2005, Centre Street, Beach Haven, one block from those docks.
The Neighborhood Bar
When we opened, we wanted it to feel like the corner bar you grew up with. Simple, local, a couple of beer signs and a friendly barkeep. We adorned it with the work of local artist friends, stocked the bar with drinks we'd found traveling the world, and built a menu around the freshest seafood on LBI. Today we're open family lunch through late-night highballs of fine whiskey. Just don't jump overboard.
That Night in August 2023
In August 2023, Jack Antonoff — Beach Haven native, longtime summer regular — chose the Black Whale for his rehearsal dinner. Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, Channing Tatum, and Zoë Kravitz were among the guests. Hundreds of fans shut down the street outside. Police directed traffic. It was wild, beautiful, and very LBI. We just kept serving food.
Home of the Dirty Jersey
Some things you don't explain. You put the ½ lb black angus on the grill, stack on the pork roll, the mozzarella, the buffalo fried onion rings — and you let it speak. The Dirty Jersey has been on this menu as long as anyone can remember. Facebook calls this place 'home of the Dirty Jersey.' We're not arguing.
Year-Round, For the Locals
Most places shut down when summer ends. We don't. Sunday Brunch runs through the off-season — our way of saying thank you to the people who live here, who were here before the tourists and will be here long after. The regulars who know the bartender's name. The ones who pass the oyster crackers.
A Gathering Place
Community First
We believe in building connections. Black Whale is where neighbors become friends and conversations flow as freely as our craft cocktails.
Live & Local
Supporting local artists and musicians is at our core. Every week brings new talent and energy to our stage.
Quality Obsession
From our ingredients to our service, we obsess over every detail. Nothing but the best for our guests.
Meet Our Team
Passionate professionals dedicated to creating unforgettable moments
Captain James
Head Chef & Visionary
Modern Coastal Cuisine
Sarah Mitchell
Bar Director
Craft Cocktail Innovation
Marcus Chen
General Manager
Hospitality Excellence
Elena Rodriguez
Events Coordinator
Unforgettable Experiences
“From the catch to the glass, we bring the tide to your table.”