Bum Rogers Tavern & Crab House

I have been coming here since I was in middle school for one thing and one thing only… GARLIC CRABS!!! They are to die for! I love coming down the shore because I almost never leave without getting my fix of garlic crabs.
The location itself is a little off the beaten path at the end of the beach but the drive is well worth it. I love that the tables are lined with news paper which makes for easy clean up and that alone lets you know you are going to be very involved in eating these delicious little bastards. Make sure you are not going to be making out with anyone later that night because your breathe is going to be kickin. The crabs come out in a heaping bowl with buttery garlic broth on the bottom of the bowl for more dipping and is served with boiled potatoes and corn on the cob that also gets doused in that delicious garlic butter. Make sure you go when the crabs are in season ensuring you get decent sized crabs.
The thought alone of these garlic crabs is making my mouth water. Can’t wait to have my first experience of the summer soon!

Originally picked this place because it came up on Bring Fido as a dog friendly restaurant. When we arrived from out of town and got here we sadly were told that the patio was under construction. One of the owners Gerry came out when we were leaving to tell us he would let us out on the patio anyway. We were so happy! The garlic crab was delicious and cooked perfectly. The fried shrimp, calamari, crab cakes/​balls, stuffed shrimp and mozzarella crescents were delicious as well! Great place to go!

My husband, my best friend, her husband and myself went to celebrate my husband’s birthday and we had an amazing experience at Bum Rogers. The food was spectacular and so was the price for all that you got for it. The wait staff was extremely attentive, friendly and fun. We had a great time and would definitely recommend it to tourist or anyone who has never visited be for

Down for the day so we decided to stop for lunch before heading home. Had mussels in garlic and wine sauce as an appetizer along with garlic shrimp. Both were very good with lots of flavor. Sandra had a burger that was way over cooked and I had a fried fish sandwich that was well below average. Fish was not crispy at all and was a bit mushy. The service was actually terrible. We had to wave our server down every time we wanted her and the place was empty. Maybe us and 3 other tables. Most people were at the bar. When we asked her for anything she gave us an attitude. Hate to see her service when they are busy. Not sure if I will ever go back. This is 2^nd time here and it’s well below average and super expensive. Many other places to try. Sorry

Stopped here for lunch. Burger was tasty. Had happy hour food & drinks all day. Limited beer selection but several generics on tap. Pleasant staff.

Food was good service very slow. Long wait to be seated. But expected on a Saturday night. 4 stars because the food was slow to deliver

Busy summer beach day was met with what we were told was a hour plus wait. The staff showed us to the bar and tine flew and the line moved. Great atmosphere and the Crab legs, crab cakes and pretzels are just some of the tasteful fare
The margarita was just made to perfection and I would defiantly stop by after a beach day

The food was delicious, but pricey. My husband and I ordered the fried seafood platters. My son got the stuffed flounder. We wanted to try the garlic crabs, but they were $ 27.00 a bucket. So fresh tasting. Service was excellent. Tables cleaned up shortly afterwards.

My first time here. I don’t eat seafood, but there were alot of other menu choices.
That being said, the Prime Rib was the best I have ever eaten.

This was my first time here. I would have given this higher rating except for the fact that the service and ambience really wasn’t that good.
As for the food, the main reason to go to Bum Rogers is to eat the garlic crabs. We ordered one which consists of eight crabs and it was enough for the two of us. It was truly delicious. The rest of the food– house salad, fish tacos, and lobster bisque, were average. Having said all that, my wife and I enjoyed the experience tremendously. Be prepared to get very messy when eating the garlic crabs. You eat them with your hands and it creates quite a mess, but that’s part of the appeal.

great place to have a burger beer and dance the night away. We go to this place with friends and it is always a great Jersey Shore tradition that has gotten better with the new owners. The food which was good bad and new very good for certain items. You can not go wrong with the burgers and many other things. Not fancy but just a great local bar that we can walk to… after dinner at Chef Mikes ABG

Been awhile since I have been here and in the past I always avoided the place as I felt it simply wasn’t the most sanitary place on the market… It appeared run down and well in need of an upgrade. Glad I stopped by this past week with a few friends for drinks and what not as they certainly have upped the game here.
First off not sure if there were renovations or not but the place is MUCH cleaner than last. Obviously the main dining room on the right for full dining with family… There is the bar area with multiple nice flat screen TV’s everywhere where many eat and drink at the bar. There are the tables in the bar area as well booths and what not and then there is what looks like to me up the steps in rear a new bar with more seating. All and all even jam packed on Thursday there was room to breath.
Plenty of drink specials, beer specials and Thursday night rib and prime rib night made the menu a nice adventure. …
Started off with some cold beers and decent wines by the glass as well. rolled directly into a Spanish style Shrimp and garlic sauce which was in short EXCELLENT. Large Succulent perfectly cooked shrimp in a very nice orange garlic sauce. $ 9.00 plenty of shrimp and nice bread for dipping.
Also tried were basket of buffalo wings which were good nothing special… but hot fresh and tasty…
Last on appetizer list were mozerrela squares with marinara sipping sauce again nothing over the top but still very good.
Dinners… Standard prime rib cut normally $ 23.95 with Potato and vegetable $ 17.95 tonight. Ordered rare and aside from the fact he stated this is as rare as it gets with us it was medium to medium well … it was REALLY TASTY and tender. Small tomato salad and mashed potato accompanied very good.
Garlic Crabs. Good as I remember and normally they can be a little sandy but these were very clean with a nice sauce…
No coffee or desert. but all and all a really nice upgrade from last time I went and would definitely repeat.

Great time, great atmosphere, great food best in the area I have seen, you can’t beat it any where, friendly staff and quick service. Definitely will go back, place is clean and also has nice bar area!!!

We originally wanted to go to the place across the street, but the wait (at least an hour) and the fact that the place was as hot as hades made us flee to the comfort of Bum Rogers.
We were told we would have a 15 min wait here unless we wanted a high top in the bar area. The bar was fine. It was packed with an very odd assortment of people from all age groups (21-​really old). Our server came right over an got us our drinks.
The menu looked really good. I was very torn over fish tacos or surf & turf. I know, two very different meals, but I really love them both. I decided on the surf & turf.
It was absolutely delicious. The lobster tail was a real treat. I don’t eat it that often, so when I do get it, I hope it’s always as good as this one. The steak was a perfectly cooked medium rare filet mignon. The potatoes went great with the wonderful meal, but I wish the vegetable wasn’t green beans.
All in all it was a great spot. They had some live music in the bar area and everyone seemed to be having a good time. Really good shore place to hit up if you get the chance.

Oh Bum Rogers… The love I have for you is like no other.
I have been coming to this joint my whole life and each and every experience is beyond amazing.
Great service, decent craft beer selection, and the food is just perfection!!!
On the weekends, if you go late, there will always be a wait time. however…do not let that make you run out the door because it is worth it!
There is also a large bar you can sit at while you wait and they give you a cute little lobster that glows and buzzes when your table is ready.
The other night I came here with a few friends. There were empty seats at the bar located in the back and decided to take them and have dinner there.
Nice clean bar, a bunch of TVs… what’s better than having dinner and watching a baseball game!?!
Appetizer starters, fresh and delicious pisser clams (steamers) and ahi tuna which was also super fresh and yummy.
I have not been here in quite some time, so of course for dinner I had to have their famous garlic crabs! I can not describe how scrumptious these amazing crustaceans are. Loaded with garlic, full of flavor, a ton of crab meat, also served with a baked potato and a piece of corn on the cob.
My friends also loved their meals as well.
At night, this place turns into more of a dive bar. and it’s a lot of fun! Occasionally they have live music which is always entertaining.
As always, I can not wait to return!

Great local spot to get your fix when you want crabs and good seafood. Is it the best seafood restaurant ever? No but it truly never disappoints and is always delicious.
Had a great meal tonight and our server Gary was fantastic and extremely attentive. Not sure how people could have bad service because he was one of the best waiters we’ve ever experienced. Guess it depends.
Get the lobster bisque and garlic crabs — my two favorite dishes. Also, if you love coconut shrimp I will go out on a limb and say it’s some of the best I’ve ever had.
Go check Bums out you won’t be disappointed!

Perfect for what it is! A dive bar to walk into with sand on your feet to drink cold beer, eat drunken clams and peel and eat shrimp! They also have a great outdoor restaurant with bar, perfect for lunch outside.
I haven’t been here for dinner in the dining room.
Would def recommend.

Food and atmosphere are great and it is right before or after Island Beach State Park depends on which way you are driving!
The fish tacos are delicious!
This is a great casual place to stop and it looks like it could be a fun place at night with the entertainment.

Came here for lunch after the beach. Staff was kind and allowed us to sit outside in bathing suits. At first I ordered just regular tap water, which was terribly awful so I had to order a Soda. We started out with the spicy chicken wings, surprisingly really good! Wings were crispy with the perfect amount of spice. Quite the crowd pleaser. For lunch I ordered a lobster roll. I’m not the biggest fan of lobster but it was pretty good and happens to be one of their most popular dishes. Lobster roll also came with fries which were great. The outdoor seating vibe was bliss and overall a good spot for lunch.

Came here after a freezing cold walk on IBSP. I was eager to warm up with a beer and looking forward to some lunch! I came with a large group– 9 adults and 2 kids. We sat in the back bar area and took over 2 booths and a seat at the bar. Our waitress was pleasant and did a good job with our group but she did forget someone’s soup, brought the wrong beer and mixed up one person’s dinner.
My husband and I ordered the lobster roll and were surprised how good it was! The fries, pickles, and cold slaw were good too! We definitely enjoyed our lunches and the $ 3 Dos Equis drafts.
Menu is a little pricey for what it is but overall it was a good place for lunch and A-​OK in my book!