A Lively Local Hangout at 314 96th Street
When you are spending time on the Seven Mile Island and need a break from upscale seafood houses, finding a comfortable, lively pub is exactly what the evening calls for. Located right in the heart of town at 314 96th St, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, Fred’s Tavern has earned a reputation as a great place to hang out with friends. On a whim, we decided to step off the busy shopping avenue and try it for a quick and tasty dinner.
The French Onion Cheesesteak, Burgers, and Perfectly Crispy Fries
The menu is packed with elevated pub fare, from wings to hearty chicken parm sandwiches, all offered at genuinely good prices for the area.
In my ongoing multi-year journey to log 1,000 distinct cheesesteak tastings across the region, I am always on the hunt for unique variations. Hence, the French Onion Cheesesteak immediately caught my eye. I was genuinely shocked at how delicious it was! The execution was fantastic:
- The Meat & Bread: The steak was cooked wonderfully—juicy and flavorful without being overly greasy or heavy, all held together by a great quality roll.
- The Toppings: While they opted for sautéed onions rather than deeply caramelized ones, it honestly worked fine. It was a bit low on the gruyere, but the generous amount of meat in the sandwich made up for it.
My roommate opted for the Mushroom Swiss burger, and the kitchen delivered it there, too. They declared it was absolutely delicious and easily the best burger they’ve had in a long while. To top it all off, the fries on the side for both of our meals were cooked PERFECTLY—delivering that satisfyingly crispy bite.
Fast Service and Dining Hall Quirks
Matching the quality of the food was the fast service. Our waitress was very sweet, taking our orders promptly and keeping the meal moving smoothly. Paired with a wide selection of beer, the hospitality hits all the right marks for a casual tavern.
The only minor downside to the experience was the seating layout. The side of the restaurant we sat in felt a bit open and echoey—more like a dining hall than a cozy pub. I’m sure the other side of the restaurant, near the full bar, feels a bit fancier (and I think there might even be a fireplace over there), so you may want to request a table near the bar if you prefer a warmer, cozier atmosphere.
The Verdict
Fred’s Tavern delivers exactly what you want from a beach town pub: a lively atmosphere, exceptionally fast service, and fantastic comfort food. Between the perfectly crispy fries, the standout Mushroom Swiss burger, and a French Onion Cheesesteak that easily earned its spot on my tasting milestone list, this 96th Street staple is a fantastic, affordable spot for a casual dinner in Stone Harbor.
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