Beach Haus Brewery - Restaurant Review: A must try spot in Belmar, NJ

Beach Haus Brewery
801 Main St
Belmar, NJ

Beach Haus Brewery pairs a serious craft beer program with a full kitchen and rooftop views. Expect contemporary American brewpub fare—wood fired pizzas, burgers, shareable appetizers, and mains—served in a casual, lively setting with both indoor and rooftop spaces.

Fare and pricing

Cuisine style: Contemporary American brewpubcheese board.

Price: Moderate

The Chef and the Kitchen

Executive chef: Mike Rawcliffe

Cooking style:
- Approach: Contemporary American with comfort food roots—wood fired techniques, bold sauces, and shareable plates designed to pair with beer and cocktails.
- Ingredients: Mix of classic pub staples (bacon, wings, fries) and more market driven elements (heirloom carrots, Brussels sprouts, short rib, lamb chops).
- Preparation: Emphasis on wood fired pizzas, crisp frying, and hearty roasts; sauces like hot honey, sriracha honey, and chipotle ranch add a modern, playful edge.
- Organic/health conscious: Not positioned as a strictly organic restaurant, but offers salads, gluten free accommodations, and can handle dietary requests.
Menu highlights:
- Pepperoni pizza with hot honey
- Thai sticky wings
- Haus Burger and rotating “Burger of the Month”
- Short rib dishes and butcher bacon
- Beer flights paired with pizzas or fries

Ambiance

Décor & vibe:
- Style: Modern rustic, built into the historic Freedman’s Bakery building—exposed elements, warm woods, and brewery equipment as part of the visual story.
- Vibe: Lively, social, and energetic; a community hub that feels casual but polished enough for date night or celebrations.
Striking features:
- Rooftop bar: Fire pits, soft seating, and sweeping sunset views —arguably one of Belmar’s best views.
- Multi level layout: Taproom, rooftop, and dedicated event spaces, all under one roof.
Table spacing & noise level :
- Indoor: Tables are reasonably spaced but the room can feel busy and loud during peak hours, especially with events or live music.
- Rooftop: More open feel, with mixed seating and a naturally higher noise level from bar traffic and music.
Background music:
- Lively playlists and occasional live music contribute to a fun, upbeat atmosphere rather than a hushed, fine dining feel.
Outdoor dining:
- Rooftop seating: Primary outdoor option, with bar service, cocktails, and full menu available.

Service

Professional, friendly, and event savvy; capable of handling large parties, showers, and celebrations.
Consistency: Attentive service and dietary accommodations, though some rooftop bar are apt to be uneven bartender hospitality at busy times.

Practical Details

Alcohol/bar service:
- Full bar with cocktails, wine, and extensive house‑brewed beer list; bar seating both indoors and on the rooftop.
Child friendly:
- Kid friendly atmosphere with casual food, pizza, and burgers; lively but generally welcoming to families, especially earlier in the evening.
Best for:
- Group outings and celebrations
- Casual date nights
- Beer centric gatherings and rooftop sunsets
- Private events (showers, graduations, parties)
Not ideal for:
- Very quiet, intimate dinners (the energy and music can be high).
- Guests who dislike bar‑forward, lively spaces or rooftop crowds.
Parking:
- Options: Free street parking and nearby public lots; can require a short walk at peak times.
- Transit: Close to Belmar NJ Transit train station and bus stops on Main Street.

What I like about Beach Haus Brewery

Balanced personality: I like that Beach Haus feels both like a serious brewery and a real restaurant—there’s craft beer depth, but also a menu that goes beyond wings and nachos into wood fired pizzas, composed mains, and playful desserts.
Rooftop experience: The rooftop views and fire pits give it a sense of occasion without demanding formal dress or a big budget.
Event friendly yet casual: It’s rare to find a place that can host showers and big parties while still working as a laid back spot for a burger and a beer.
Menu creativity: Hot honey pepperoni pizza, Thai sticky wings, butcher bacon, and cheesecake pops show a willingness to have fun with the food rather than playing it too safe.

What sets them apart from the competition

Multi level, multi purpose venue: Few Jersey Shore spots combine a large production brewery, taproom, rooftop bar, and full restaurant under one roof with this much flexibility for events and everyday dining.
View + beer + food trifecta: Many brewpubs have good beer but modest views, or great views with limited food; Beach Haus offers all three in one place.
Historic building with modern rustic design: The transformation of a landmark bakery into a contemporary brewery and hospitality space gives it a distinct sense of place that generic bar and grills can’t match.
Event capability: Dedicated event staff and flexible spaces make it a go to for celebrations, not just casual pints.

Managing expectations: A balanced look at your visit

To really enjoy Beach Haus Brewery, it helps to align your expectations with what the restaurant is designed to be:

Food expectations:
- Upside: You’ll find elevated pub fare with some creative touches—wood fired pizzas, well built burgers, and shareable appetizers that pair nicely with beer flights.
- Reality check: This is still a brewery driven, casual concept; don’t expect white tablecloth fine dining or intricate tasting menus.
Service expectations:
- Upside: Staff are generally friendly and capable, especially with events and dietary requests.
- Reality check: On busy rooftop nights, service can feel stretched, and experiences may vary by bartender; patience helps.
Ambiance expectations:
- Upside: Lively, social, and fun—great for groups, celebrations, and sunset drinks.
- Reality check: Noise levels can be high, and the energy may not suit guests seeking a quiet, romantic evening.
Logistics expectations:
- Parking & timing: Plan a little extra time for parking and aim to arrive before the kitchen’s last‑call window, especially on weekends.