A.C. to Exit 0: A local's guide to Jersey Shore dining

South Jersey local Tom D'intino shares his favorite restaurants.
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Summer is in full swing at the Jersey Shore, and everyone is open for business. Whether you're a day-tripper, couch-surfer or have a season pass, avoid the tourist traps and eat like a local. From fine dining to delis, here are some regional institutions and hidden gems to hit while down the shore.

Buddakan

Cuisine: Asian fusion

Drinks: Full bar

Reservations: Recommended

Vibe: Unwind in Buddakan's cool and exotic environment, which features an oversized golden Buddha, soft red lighting, starlit ceiling and rice paper walls. Don't forget that the food is the main attraction. Everything is made-to-order and served as ready, so items will come out staggered versus traditional service. Buddakan is perfect for couples and groups and good for families with adventurous eaters. Atlantic City has many great restaurants, but Buddakan is consistently excellent, and it's hard to beat those odds.

Gotta try: Edamame ravioli

If you're hungry for: Creative, Asian-inspired dishes.

The Pier Shops at Caesars, Atlantic City. (609) 674-0100

Boyar's Market

Cuisine: Deli, sandwiches, party trays

Drinks: Ocean City is a dry town. 

Reservations: Takeout 

Vibe: Looking for a couple of hoagies or sandwiches to take to the beach? Then Boyer's is the spot. The market also has an excellent selection of party trays and catering options for bigger groups, gatherings and events.

Gotta try: Chicken Italiano Sub

If you're hungry for: A quick bite at the beach or need to feed an army.

1340 Asbury Ave., Ocean City. (609) 399-1343

Ready's Coffee Shop

Cuisine: American, diner, breakfast and lunch

Drinks: Ocean City is a dry town.

Reservations: N/A

Vibe: Some places are a blast from the past, and Ready's tears a hole in the time/space continuum with its 1950s classic greasy spoon ambiance and prices that will have you openly wonder if you didn't just time travel. Ready's is small, and there can be a wait, but the food and experience are absolutely worth it. You have to try this hidden gem.

Gotta try: Cream chipped beef

If you're hungry for: A great breakfast without the tourist trap gouge.

415 E. 8th St., Ocean City. (609) 399-4418

Basilicos Ristorante

Cuisine: Homemade Italian

Drinks: BYOB 

Reservations: Recommended

Vibe: Basilicos has a warm, relaxed atmosphere perfect for a romantic dinner or a night out that won't break your wallet. The restaurant is also family friendly. Basilicos specializes in homemade pastas and sausages. You'll come for the traditional Italian fare, and then come back for Chef Scott Oliver's innovative spin on those classics.

Gotta try: Any of the house-made pastas.

If you're hungry for: A great meal in a casual setting at a good price.

27 43rd St., Sea Isle City. (609) 263-1010

O'Donnell's Pour House

Cuisine: Irish, American

Drinks: Full bar

Reservations: Recommended

Vibe: This is an Irish bar with a great menu and eclectic specials. There is also a full bar and dining room overlooking Sea Isle's main drag. O'Donnell's is good for a night out with friends or family and has excellent selections of both scotch and whiskey.

Gotta try: Braised short rib

If you're hungry for: A lively night out on the town. 

3907 Landis Ave., Sea Isle City. (609) 263-5600

Quahog's Seafood Shack

Cuisine: Seafood

Drinks: BYOB

Reservations: None

Vibe: Looking to step into the tropics while already on vacation? Enjoy your meal in Quahog's breezy backyard, where seafood is served with a Latin-barbecue twist. This place works for groups and couples. The patio is excellent for families.

Gotta try: Tuna watermelon ceviche

If you're hungry for: Seafood, cool breezes and some tropical flair. 

206 97th St., Stone Harbor. (609) 368-6300

The Establishment At 100

Cuisine: Modern American

Drinks: Full bar and craft beers

Reservations: None

Vibe: Upscale casual dining. The food is American cuisine with various global influences. The Establishment also boasts a great craft beer selection. The small, medium and large menu allows the right portion size for your mood.

Gotta try: Grilled prawns

If you're hungry for: A well-priced fine-dining experience or a drink at the bar with some delicious appetizers.

100 Olde New Jersey Ave., North Wildwood. (609) 523-8100

Hooked Up Seafood

Cuisine: Seafood

Drinks: BYOB

Reservations: None

Vibe: Fun bayside feel with picnic benches overlooking the bay and some of the freshest seafood around. Get messy and crack some crabs or try the fish of the day pulled in from one of the restaurant's two fishing boats. This is an excellent spot for all seafood lovers. This is classic Jersey Shore seafood.

Gotta try: Fish tacos

If you're hungry for: Clams by the two, three or four dozen, fresh seafood and super casual dockside dining.

1044 W. Rio Grande Ave., Wildwood. (609) 522-2722

The Washington Inn

Cuisine: American & French fine dining

Drinks: Full bar and extensive wine cellar

Reservations: Recommended

Vibe: Cape May has several excellent fine-dining establishments, but the Washington Inn is the crown jewel. It is great for date nights and anniversaries. From the food to the service, everything is top-notch. It's not cheap but is worth every cent.

Gotta try: Espresso-rubbed duck breast

If you're hungry for: A high-end culinary experience in a romantic setting. 

801 Washington St., Cape May. (609) 884-5697

Honorable mentions:

Red's Jersey Mex (Ocean City), Mike's Seafood (Sea Isle City), Tomatoe's (Margate), Hibachi (Rio Grande), Ocean View Sushi (Ocean View), OC Surf Café (Ocean City), Il Mulino (Atlantic City), 410 Bank Street (Cape May), Sea Grill (Avalon), Surfside West (Wildwood), Yum Yum Affair (Sea Isle City), Jay's on Third (Stone Harbor), Voltaco's (Ocean City), Souzai Sushi & Sake (Atlantic City).