Down the Shore

Vol. 41 - Week of June 21

June 22, 2026

Celebrations were all around this weekend as Father’s Day coincided with the Summer Solstice — the longest day of the year. Well-planned, Dads. 

If you remember, earlier this year we mentioned receiving gift certificates over the holidays to four iconic Monmouth County restaurants and polled readers which one we should visit first. We crossed Olea off the list back in March, and the next up was The Butcher’s Block. 

We were especially excited for this one, as so many readers told us it’s the best steakhouse in New Jersey. There was also a fun connection to our first stop: before helming the kitchen at Olea, Bud Carter was head chef at The Block. 

For sports fans, the Giants and the NJ Devils have also been known to dine here…we’re hoping the Knicks come through next?


Spotlight On: The Butcher’s Block (Long Branch)

Why go: One of the most mouth-watering steaks we’ve ever had, incredibly knowledgeable service, and a stunning setting that makes you feel like you’re in Tuscany rather than the other side of the Long Branch train tracks. 

A Little Background: 

Owner Thomas D’Ambrisi grew up around his family’s business, D’Ambrisi Whole Foods, which distributed meat to restaurants and supermarkets throughout NJ for four decades. He later transformed an abandoned meat-hanging facility in Long Branch into the part butcher shop, part restaurant it is today, with cuts displayed in an impressive glass-fronted aging room you’ll pass on your way to dinner. 

The Vibe: The walk from the parking lot makes you feel like you’ve entered another world, with brick fireplaces, candlelight, sparkling chandeliers, and a large outdoor bar area that makes you actually wish you had to wait for your table. We sat outside on the porch, but you can’t go wrong inside either. The attentive service starts upon arrival, as staff help guide guests through the impressive entryway to the hostess stand. 

Cocktail Hour: 

We feel strongly that every steakhouse night should be kicked off with a martini. For something sweeter and slightly bitter, order The Thrill of it All, featuring Amaro, fig, and a goat cheese-washed vodka. Dirty martini fans should head straight for the Dirty Freaky Nasty for its truffle oil-infused olive brine. 

The Appetizers:

  • Like Olea, the Block starts you off right with complimentary warm bread drizzled in olive oil and sprinkled with parmesan. 

  • Wood-Fired Oysters- After learning our lesson from over-ordering appetizers at Olea, we kept things light and let the steak remain the star of the show. These smoky, parmesan-crusted beauties of the sea were the perfect starter. 

The Main:

  • Dry-Aged Ribeye: We learned the dry-aging process draws out moisture, resulting in a nuttier flavor and incredibly tender cut of beef. They don’t use any sauces or even butter –  just salt – to dress their steaks, and the flavor is perfection. 

  • One nice touch: before cooking, the staff brings the cut to your table from the meat showcase in the Butcher Shop so you can see exactly what you’re getting.   

  • Wine Pairing: The Educated Guess, a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, was a great recommendation from our server and paired beautifully with the Ribeye. 

The Sides: The portions are generous enough for two without being overwhelming. Definitely don’t miss out on: 

  • Brussels Sprouts with Cap’n Crunch and Hot Honey: Whoever first decided to top brussels sprouts with this beloved childhood cereal deserves an award. 

  • Crispy Potatoes: Cooked in beef tallow and duck fat, they’re the perfect companion to the sprouts. 

The Dessert: 

Thank goodness we saved room this time. The churro bowl is exactly what it sounds like: an actual bowl made out of cinnamon sugar churro, filled with dulce de leche ice cream and crispy churro flakes. Pair it with an espresso for the perfect end to your evening. 

When We Return: 

A few menu staples our waiter specifically called out:  

  • Caesar Salad

  • Hot and Sweet Sausage Appetizer

  • Spicy Rigatoni

Shore Points

Here were some local stories we had our eyes on this week:

Based on this Instagram post, it looks like Marée in Spring Lake will be opening soon! You can also check out this interview with cofounder Bret Morgan in Volume 33 here.

We’ve been on quite the history kick as we get closer to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This week, we’re excited to share that the documentary “Monmouth County at War: Rebels, Raiders, and Revolution” will be premiering online on YouTube on 6/24 at 7 pm!

Food Network ‘Chopped’ champ Nino Coniglio opens new Jersey Shore pizza spot, King of Pies, in Asbury Park (check out the full story on NJ.com).

Weekly Forecast

We know our plants could use a little rain (but glad it things will clear up by Sunday):

Monday 6/22 - 73°/69° Light Rain

Tuesday 6/23- 72°/63° Light Rain

Wednesday 6/24 - 80°/63° Sunny

Thursday 6/25 - 78°/66° Partly Sunny

Friday 6/26 - 79°/70° Scattered Thunderstorms

Saturday 6/27 - 75°/69° Rain

Sunday 6/28 - 78°/70° Partly Sunny

And for the surfers out there, here are the weekly surf conditions in Belmar courtesy of Surf Captain:

Surf Conditions

Mon 6/22

AM: Clean, 1+ ft

PM: Choppy, 2-3 ft

Tues 6/23

AM: Fair, 1-2 ft

PM: Choppy, 1-2 ft

Weds 6/24

AM: Clean, 1+ ft

PM: Clean, 1-2 ft

Thurs 6/25

AM: Clean, 2 ft

PM: Choppy, 2 ft

Farmers Market Roundup

And if there are any markets we should definitely feature this season, let us know!

Happenings Down the Shore

This week, some of our favorite events include a watercolor class at Sandy Hook, plenty of activities for kids at BroadWalk in Red Bank, and a live appearance by one of our favorite mystery and thriller authors, Lisa Jewell, at the Algonquin in Manasquan!

We’re longtime Lisa Jewell fans and attended one of her book events in North Carolina a few years ago. Despite writing some of the most chilling page-turners, she’s incredibly engaging and funny in person. Her newest release, It Could Have Been Her, is at the top of our summer reading list.

As always, if there’s an upcoming event you’d like us to cover, feel free to pass it along!

Monday 6/22

Asbury Park - Stringbean & the Boardwalk Social Club at Low Dive (7 pm - live music)

Loch Arbor - Seinfeld Trivia Night at Deal Lake Bar + Co (7:30 pm)

Oceanport - Weekly Trivia at Skinny Flowers Brewing (6:30 pm)

Tuesday 6/23

Highlands - Vlasic Classic Open Mic Night at The Chubby Pickle (8:30 pm)

Manasquan - Lisa Jewell Book Event at the Algonquin Theater (6 pm - get tix)

Red Bank - AI IRL Coffee Meetup at The Residency, Anderson Market (9 am - $10, register here)

Red Bank - Trivia with Jenn at Jamians (7:30 pm)

Wednesday 6/24

Asbury Park - Joe P at Low Dive (8 pm - live music)

Long Branch - Bingo Night at Beach Bee Meadery (6:30 pm)

Holmdel - Samara at Mabel’s Roof Deck (6 pm - live music)

Red Bank - Kids Karate on BroadWalk (11 am)

Red Bank - Karaoke at Jamians (8 pm)

Spring Lake - Seaside Garden Tour (10 am - 3pm)

Spring Lake - June Book Club: The Road To Tender Hearts at Thunder Road Books (6:30 pm)

Tinton Falls - Bingo & Brews at Twin Lights Brewing (6 pm)

Thursday 6/25

Asbury Park - Captain Cream & The Forest Fires at Low Dive (8 pm - live music)

Bradley Beach - Summer Yoga in the Garden at The James Bradley (6:30 pm - get tix)

Holmdel - America’s 250th Birthday Gala at Bell Works (6 pm - get tix)

Red Bank - Kids Takeover at BroadWalk (4 pm)

Red Bank - Erez Lirov at The Molly Pitcher Inn (6 pm - live music)

Red Bank - Skinny Amigo at Jamians (8 pm - live music)

Sandy Hook - Watercolor Workshop with Tracey Witter (6:30 pm - get tix)

Tinton Falls - Trivia on Tap at Twin Lights Brewing (7 pm)

 

Friday 6/26

Asbury Park - BLUSH Internatinoal, Superstar Robin at Low Dive (9:30 pm - live music)

Holmdel - Blood Drive with Fitness Factory at Bell Works (1 pm)

Holmdel - Shayne & The People at Fox Hollow Vineyard (6 pm - live music)

Loch Arbor - Jill McCoy Duo at Deal Lake Bar + Co (5 pm - live music)

Manasquan - The Wrong Exit Band at Harpoon Willy’s (8:30 pm - live music)

Oceanport - Sean Collichio at Skinny Flowers Brewing (6 pm - live music)

Red Bank - Collab Coffee: Jersey Shore Tech and Design at The Residency, Anderson Market (9 am - free event)

Red Bank - Jeff Levie at The Molly Pitcher Inn (6 pm - live music)

Red Bank - Pat Guadagno, Rich & Red at Jamians (9 pm - live music)

Tinton Falls - Karaoke Night by Sing & Sway 90s Night! at Twin Lights Brewing (7 pm)

Saturday 6/27

Asbury Park - Floater at Low Dive (1 pm - live music)

Bradley Beach - Summer Yoga in the Garden at The James Bradley (7 am - get tix)

Manasquan - Big John and Lil Maria at Harpoon Willy’s (8:30 pm - live music)

Red Bank - Mike Polenski, Brian Tess at Coffee Corral (10 am - live music)

Red Bank -  Red Bank Arts Festival on Monmouth Street (12 pm)

Red Bank - Frank Rainey at The Molly Pitcher Inn (6 pm - live music)

Sandy Hook - Free Yoga on the Beach (8 am)

Sunday 6/28

Asbury Park: Asbury Park Jazz Fest (12pm - 8pm, free event)

Holmdel - Brittany Hadley at Fox Hollow Vineyard (2 pm - Live Music)

Loch Arbor - Stu Hooten at Deal Lake Bar + Co (5 pm - live music)

Red Bank - Jennifer Karma at Coffee Corral (10 am - live music)

On Deck

June 30th - July 4th: Atlantic Highlands - Fireman’s Fair (6 pm)

July 4th: Spring Lake - Spring Lake Art Walk (10 am)

Did we miss an event? Let us know.

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