the mommy avenger

As temperatures rose into the mid-50s and the clouds dispersed, we decided it was time for a little vitamin sea and headed to the Jersey Shore. Our destination? Point Pleasant Beach. On the way, we stopped at Half Moon Point, a well-established restaurant with a reputation as a hidden gem among local foodies. 

The Jersey Shore is an intriguing mix of gentrified properties, some passed down through generations and repurposed as everything from questionable Airbnbs to highly renovated luxury homes. This blend gives the area a unique character, feeling at once like a quaint time capsule, an old neighborhood, and an entry in Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

Arriving for lunch, we were invited to choose from four distinct dining spaces. We opted for the elegant white-tablecloth section over the bright upstairs bar, the cozy brick fireplace sports bar, or the quiet outdoor seating by a fire pit. Large windows filled each space with natural light, complementing the upbeat pop hits playing in the background. The atmosphere was lively and inviting.

Half Moon Point specializes in contemporary, seafood-forward cuisine for discerning palates while also catering to those seeking more familiar comfort foods. The menu features seared ahi tuna, lobster salad, filet mignon, and calamari alongside burgers, sandwiches, nachos, and linguine. If you and your dining companions can’t decide between fine dining and casual fare, this may be your perfect solution. Naturally, we sampled a little of both.

For alcohol-free beverages, the bartender crafted a refreshingly crisp cucumber lemonade—ask for a hint of mint to add extra depth. Our second mocktail, a hibiscus ginger spritz, had an enticing aroma and tasted just as delightful as expecte

The appetizers were generous, easily serving a group of four. Many chili nachos suffer from an excess of chili with too few chips and cheese—thankfully, that was not the case here. The chili acted as a complement rather than the main attraction, and the jalapeños provided just enough heat to bring the spice level up to “runny nose” territory.

The Brussels sprouts, charred over an open flame, had the perfect roasted texture and were generously topped with shaved Parmesan and maple bacon. If you’re looking to introduce a skeptical eater (perhaps a teenager) to Brussels sprouts, this dish might just convert them.

For our entrée, we selected the lobster grilled cheese with tomato bisque and sweet potato fries. Mixing cheese and seafood is considered a culinary taboo in some circles—but perhaps that rule should be reconsidered. The delicate sweetness of the lobster balanced the richness of the grilled cheese, creating a dish that was indulgent yet surprisingly light. Paired with a smoky bisque, this comfort-food classic was elevated to something truly memorable. We’ll be returning for this one.

We debated ordering the lobster salad with vanilla vinaigrette but ultimately chose the filet mignon. Taking our server Sarah’s recommendation, we swapped the garlic mashed potatoes for the vanilla-whipped sweet potatoes from the pork chop dish. Sold!

The filet was an unexpected highlight. A cut of this quality at this price point is rare, and it was cooked to absolute perfection. The chef wisely served the house steak sauce on the side, allowing the natural flavors of the meat to shine. We also requested additional condiments—hot honey mustard, horseradish cream, garlic aioli, and remoulade—to explore the restaurant’s range of flavors. The horseradish cream proved to be the best match for our table’s preference.

The vanilla in the whipped sweet potatoes was subtle, noticeable only if you knew to look for it. This careful balance kept the dish savory rather than overly sweet. A great choice for those who appreciate delicate, nuanced flavors.

We learned that the same pastry chef behind the desserts at Harpoon Willy’s also supplies the homemade treats at Half Moon Point. Since we had recently raved about their key lime pie and apple crisp, we took the opportunity to branch out and try the carrot cake (while still revisiting our favorites).

Carrot cake varies widely in texture, sweetness, and density—some are fluffy, others dense; some smooth, others coarse. This version was dense, moist, mildly sweet, and rich with warm spices. If that sounds like your ideal carrot cake, look no further.

If you visit Half Moon Point on a weekend evening, you’ll likely find live music and a relaxed, social atmosphere. With something for everyone, this restaurant is a fantastic choice for any occasion. Dine with confidence!

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}