Carlson's Corner

New to the area, visiting off season (Dec) after doing some birding. We always prefer a local dive to a chain, so CC looked perfect. Outdoor seating looked inviting for the summer, but have to admit that the website left us with some unrealistic expectations as to indoor seating... which turned out to be only two tiny tables, both occupied by patrons neither eating nor drinking.

Coffee is self serve from a dispenser, which would have been OK, but it was only tepid, and went cold with the addition of creamer. Hot chocolate is two packets of instant added to warmish water. Paper cups... ok, but lids are the cheapest of the cheap, with those tiny flaps that don't lock back and just annoy the hell out of you. Sorry, but if the lid is going to suck, it should at least be a recyclable. This is just cheap AND permanent. Right on the beach.

We had planned to eat, but the miss on temp with both drinks dissuaded us from continuing. Service was polite but unengaged...surely it's someone's responsibility to add fresh, hot coffee to the flask every once in a while. Dunno - mebbe hot water is by request only, but mostly underwhelmed. May be better run during season.... not sure it's worth a try.

Loving what has been happening at Carlson's lately! The live music is so fun, the staff are always friendly (especially to the toddlers!), the atmosphere on the water can't be beat. The kids love to come here to play with the outdoor toys, eat the large serving of chicken fingers (that might be the best around!), and now they even have two tvs up outside for football! LOVE Carlson's!

My favorite lunch spot when I visit Manasquan in the summer! It’s no frills if you just want a good burger and fries.

It's a tight squeeze but worth the trip. Everyone young and old, visiting or employed is very happy. The inlet is a great way to view all the boats and yachts moving in and out of the bay area. The beach is very nice, the bay area has a dog beach which is why we go there. As tight as it gets we still seem to always find decent parking, sometimes free but sometimes not, that's ok. It's affordable, it's busy, it's bustling with life. Swimming, sunning, walking, exploring, fishing. Eating good food, drink, ice cream.
Unless you're looking for a Seaside Boardwalk it's a great place to visit. It's been our norm for the last two seasons, glad to have discovered it.

Solid and simple choice for food. We got the pork roll and egg sandwich, and jersey burger. Good for a quick bite. Affordable & fast service.