The Columns – American
The Columns offers a masterclass in timeless American hospitality, where grand architectural details and soft, ambient lighting create a backdrop of effortless sophistication. The kitchen honors regional flavors through expertly seared proteins and crisp, seasonal produce, inviting diners to linger over elevated comfort food that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
601, Ocean Avenue, Avon-by-the-Sea, NY +1-732-988-3213 https://thecolumnsnj.comRating: 4.3/5 (899 reviews)
Cuisine: American
Price range: $$$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, dash-sodium-reduced, low-cholesterol, aip, alkaline, renal, tlc, lectin-free, macrobiotic, soy-free
Diet fit at The Columns
Dairy-Free at The Columns
The Columns in Avon By The Sea has 5 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Signature Mini Burgers, Fresh-Steamed Lobsters and Lobsterpalooza Dinner Special. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at The Columns
The Columns in Avon By The Sea has 4 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Signature Mini Burgers, Fresh-Steamed Lobsters and Lobsterpalooza Dinner Special. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at The Columns
The Columns in Avon By The Sea has 4 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Fresh-Steamed Lobsters, Lobsterpalooza Dinner Special and Levine Family Benefit Ticket. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at The Columns
The Columns in Avon By The Sea has 1 vegan-tagged dish on its current menu, including Levine Family Benefit Ticket. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at The Columns
The Columns in Avon By The Sea has 1 vegetarian-tagged dish on its current menu, including Levine Family Benefit Ticket. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Heart-Healthy at The Columns
The Columns in Avon By The Sea has 1 heart-healthy-tagged dish on its current menu, including Levine Family Benefit Ticket. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Sodium at The Columns
The Columns in Avon By The Sea has 2 low-sodium-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Levine Family Benefit Ticket and Tavern Specialties. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Mediterranean at The Columns
The Columns in Avon By The Sea has 1 mediterranean-tagged dish on its current menu, including Levine Family Benefit Ticket. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at The Columns
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Tavern Specialties | 40.5 g | 4.2 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
What diners are saying
Guests celebrate The Columns for its quintessential "old school" Jersey Shore atmosphere, particularly enjoying the live music and breezy outdoor porch dining with ocean views. Standout dishes include the tuna tacos, coconut shrimp, and bacon-wrapped scallops, though some diners had mixed experiences with steak and pasta preparations. While service is generally described as fast and efficient—with specific praise for attentive servers like Nicole—the historic Victorian setting and vibrant bar scene remain the primary draw for a nostalgic summer meal.
Menu
Events & Specials
Special events and ticketed occasions.
- Levine Family Benefit Ticket - $35: Entry to the SSADH fundraiser on Oct 19, 2025. Includes drink specials, auctions, great food, and live music with Pat Roddy Band. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic
Weekly Specials
Recurring weekly dining specials.
- Lobsterpalooza Dinner Special: 1 1/4lb Lobster Dinner. Comes with a choice of starch and veggie du jour. Available Thursday nights 5pm-10pm. Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
General Offerings
Examples of items available at our food venues.
- Signature Mini Burgers Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Fresh-Steamed Lobsters Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Tavern Specialties Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
Frequently Asked Questions about The Columns
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- The Columns offers family-friendly options like mini burgers and outdoor porch dining, though reviews also highlight a vibrant bar scene.
- Which dishes work for multiple diets at once (e.g., keto + gluten-free)?
- Fresh-Steamed Lobsters work for multiple diets including keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, paleo, mediterranean, high-protein, pescatarian, and diabetic.
- Is this a good spot for a date or special occasion?
- This expensive Victorian venue features ambient lighting and ocean views, with a 4.3/5 rating suitable for dates and special occasions.
- How many reviews does this restaurant have?
- The provided data does not specify the total number of reviews for The Columns, though it holds a 4.3/5 rating.
- What do customers love most about this restaurant according to reviews?
- Customers praise the "old school" Jersey Shore atmosphere, live music, ocean views, tuna tacos, coconut shrimp, and fast, efficient service.
- What's the best way to experience this restaurant?
- Enjoy the quintessential old-school Jersey Shore atmosphere with live music and breezy outdoor porch dining featuring scenic ocean views.
- Where is this restaurant located?
- The Columns is located at the Jersey Shore, featuring ocean views and a historic Victorian setting at https://thecolumnsnj.com.
- Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?
- The Columns accommodates mixed needs with over 20 dietary tags, offering gluten-free, keto, and dairy-free options like Fresh-Steamed Lobsters and Signature Mini Burgers.
- What are the most popular dishes at this restaurant?
- Popular dishes include tuna tacos, coconut shrimp, and bacon-wrapped scallops, as well as signature mini burgers and fresh-steamed lobsters.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- Main concerns mentioned in customer reviews include mixed experiences with steak and pasta preparations, despite an average rating of 4.3/5.
- Is The Columns dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. The Columns has 5 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Signature Mini Burgers, Fresh-Steamed Lobsters and Lobsterpalooza Dinner Special.
- What can I eat at The Columns on a dairy-free diet?
- Signature Mini Burgers, Fresh-Steamed Lobsters and Lobsterpalooza Dinner Special carry the dairy-free tag, out of 5 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does The Columns have vegan options?
- Yes. 1 dish is tagged vegan on the current menu, including Levine Family Benefit Ticket.
- Is The Columns gluten-free?
- 4 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at The Columns?
- Tavern Specialties, at roughly 4.2g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
Restaurants near The Columns
- Juice Beach — American
- Bakes Brewing Co — American
- Asbury Park Roastery — American
- Juice Beach — American
- Makana's — American
- Allenwood General Store — American
- Broadway Chicken — American
- Round Dough With a Hole — American
- Daisy's Deli — American
- Pete & Elda's — Italian
- Medusa Stone Fired Kitchen — Italian
- Shipwreck Grill — Seafood
