Used To Be's Restaurant Island Eatery – American
This vibrant island-inspired haunt captures a carefree, coastal spirit, inviting guests to unwind in a space where the air is filled with the savory aromas of bubbling mussels and sizzling wings. The kitchen reimagines classic comfort through a playful lens, offering everything from crispy cheesesteak eggrolls to zesty "hotsie totsie" shrimp that deliver a bold kick of flavor. It is a lively gathering spot where the relaxed atmosphere and hearty, shareable plates create the perfect backdrop for lingering over drinks and good company.
Ocean Boulevard http://www.usedtobesnj.comRating: 4/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: American
Price range: $$
Dietary options: vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, high-protein, halal, keto, low-carb, pescatarian, plant-based, sugar-free, mediterranean, heart-healthy, low-fat, whole30, paleo, diabetic, low-cholesterol, atkins, high-fiber, clean-eating, gerd, anti-inflammatory, south-beach, weight-watchers, low-fodmap, tlc, carnivore, aip, volumetrics, detox, alkaline, zone, mayo-clinic, macrobiotic, slow-carb, candida, lectin-free
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere, guests frequently praise the incredible salads that stand out for their fresh quality and vibrant flavors. Reviewers highlight the attentive and helpful service staff who ensure a seamless dining experience through regular check-ins, making it a top choice for those seeking a warm and inviting environment. This spot is consistently lauded for its hospitable feel, with many diners noting it as a reliable favorite for a high-quality and comfortable meal.
Menu
Starters
- Broccoli Rabe & Sausage App - $18: Sauteed broccoli rabe, sweet sausage & cannellini beans in garlic & oil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Mozzarella Sticks (6) - $12: Served with marinara sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Hotsie Totsie Shrimp - $18: Breaded shrimp sauteed in marinara sauce topped with red pepper flakes Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Cheesesteak Eggrolls - $16 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Mussels (Red or White) - $18: Fresh mussels sauteed in garlic, oil and basil finished in white or red sauce Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Low-Cholesterol
- Clams - $18: Fresh clams sauteed in garlic, oil and basil finished in white or red sauce Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol
- Shrimp Cocktail - $18: Jumbo shrimp served with house-made cocktail sauce and lemon Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, TLC, Mayo-Clinic, Lectin-Free
- Baked Soft Pretzel - $12: Bavarian pretzels served with a side of melted IPA cheddar cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Antipasto Pretzel - $18: Giant Bavarian pretzel smothered in assorted Italian meats and cheeses Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Wings (Boneless or Traditional) - $16: Choice of Buffalo or Honey BBQ - Served with Blue Cheese or Ranch Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Rice Balls - $17 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Fried Calamari - $18: Marinara or Spicy Sriracha Aioli Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Blackened Tuna Bites - $19: Tuna seared rare served over mixed greens drizzled with honey mustard Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Coconut Shrimp - $19: Served with Papaya Island Salsa Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Low-Fodmap, TLC, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic
Soups & Salads
- House Made Chicken Rice (Cup) - $5 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Low-Cholesterol
- House Made Chicken Rice (Bowl) - $8 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic
- Classic Caesar - $13: Romaine hearts tossed with regginao cheese in caesar garlic dressing Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, Carnivore, Zone, AIP, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free
- UTB's Chopped Salad - $11: Romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, celery, kalamata olives, chick peas in a red wine lemon dressing Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Carnivore, TLC, AIP, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free
- BLT Salad - $15: Romaine lettuce topped with bacon, red onion, cherry tomatoes, crumpled blue cheese and blue cheese dressing Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Carnivore, TLC, Detox, AIP, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Beet Salad - $17: Beet salad over arugula with red onion, cucumber, grape tomatoes & crumbled feta with a honey vinaigrette Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, GERD-Friendly, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, TLC, Detox, AIP, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Watermelon Salad - $19: Watermelon cucumbers mint & feta cheese with a honey lime dressing Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Carnivore, AIP, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free
South of the B
- Shrimp / Fish Tacos - $18: 3 Gluten free corn tortilla tacos with choice of shrimp or fish topped with red cabbage mango salsa & chipotle mayo Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Atkins
- Tacos (Beef or Chicken) - $16: 3 Gluten Free corn tortilla tacos with choice of beef or chicken with lettuce, pico, cheese, and sour cream Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Nachos - $15: Lettuce, tomatoes, onion, olives, jalapenos, cheddar cheese, ground beef or chicken, served with sour cream Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Chicken Quesadilla - $15: Marinated grilled chicken & melted cheddar, sour cream & salsa Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Cheese Quesadilla - $11 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Guac & Chips - $12 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol
Pizza
- Gluten Free Personal Pizza - $16 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Classic Pie - $15: Tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Blanco Pie - $18: Ricotta cheese, mozzarella & fresh garlic Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Margherita Pie - $18: Plum tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella & basil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Arugula Pie - $18: Mozzarella topped pizza crust topped with arugula, red onion, cherry tomatoes tossed in balsamic glaze, finished with shaved Parmigiano cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian
The Trifecta
- Best Of Both - $17: Rice Ball & meatball in Marinara sauce & chopped salad Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Italian Classic - $16: Meatball in garlic & olive oil, Meatball in marinara topped with ricotta cheese, and Chopped salad Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Sea Lover - $20: Coconut Shrimp & Pan seared scallops both on top of Island Salsa, and Chopped Salad Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic
- Land & Sea - $18: Lobster Ravioli, Meatball in Marinara topped with ricotta cheese, and Chopped Salad Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Handhelds
- Lobster Roll - $23: Fresh chunks of lobster claw & tail tossed with celery, spices & mayo served on a toasted roll Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- UTB's Classic Burger - $15: Hand made with prime short rib, brisket, chuck meat Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Brunch Burger - $17: American cheese, fried egg & pork roll Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Chicken Avocado - $17: Breaded Chicken Cutlet with prosciutto, arugula, roasted peppers, avocado & wet mozzarella Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Grilled Steak Sandwich - $20: Grilled Skirt Steak sliced & sauteed with peppers, onions & american cheese Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Grilled Tuna - $19: Ahi Tuna served with wasabi mayo, tomatoes & arugula Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach
- Crab Cake Sandwich - $23: Served on a brioche roll with old bay aioli Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Chicken Parm Sandwich - $16 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Meatball Parm Sandwich - $16 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Grilled Cheese - $15: Bacon tomato provolone & asiago cheese between two slices of sourdough bread Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
Main Courses
- Shrimp Scampi - $30: Sauteed shrimp in a lemon garlic white wine sauce served over linguini Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Spicy Rigatoni - $21: Tossed with spicy sausage in a blush tomato cream sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Chicken Parmigiana - $25: Served over linguini Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Chicken Francaise - $28: Served with rice & vegetables Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Skirt Steak - $32: Served with mashed potatoes & vegetables Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Surf & Turf - $41: 8oz. Filet and Jumbo Grilled Shrimp with mashed potatoes & vegetables Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Filet Mignon - $35: 8oz. Filet served with vegetables & mashed potatoes Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Chicken Murphy - $29: Chicken Breast sauteed w/sweet or hot peppers, onions, potatoes & sweet italian sausage Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Crab Cakes - $35: Two Crab Cakes with rice & vegetables Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Fish & Chips - $26: Beer battered cod with french fries Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Grilled Garlic Shrimp - $29: Marinated in garlic & herbs, pan grilled in a lemon butter sauce with rice & vegetables Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating
- Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna - $32: Seared rare over and served over risotto in a sweet soy ginger glaze Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Salmon - $29: Pan seared with rice & vegetables Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Clean-Eating, TLC, Mayo-Clinic
- Flounder Francaise - $28: Served with rice & vegetables Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Pan Seared Sea Scallops - $30: Served over rice with Island Salsa Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Clean-Eating, TLC, Mayo-Clinic
Pasta
- Lobster Ravioli - $27: In a blush tomato cream sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Linguini White Clam Sauce - $27: Sauteed Little Neck Clams over linguini Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Penne Vodka - $18 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Cheese Ravioli - $22: Served in marinara sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Broccoli Rabe & Sausage Pasta - $29: Sauteed broccoli rabe, sweet italian sausage & grape tomatoes in garlic & oil tossed with rigatoni Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
Kids Korner
- Kids Grilled Cheese - $10 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Chicken Fingers & Fries - $10 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Kids Penne - $10: Marinara, Butter or Cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Kids Cheese Pizza - $10 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Sides
- French Fries - $6 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Low-Cholesterol
- Sweet Potato Fries - $8 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol
- Mashed Potatoes - $6 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Rice - $6 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Low-Fodmap, TLC, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic
- Pomme Frites - $8 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Low-Cholesterol
- Seasonal Vegetables - $7 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic
Add-ons
- Add Chicken - $6 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, Carnivore, Zone, AIP, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Add Shrimp - $8 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Carnivore, TLC, AIP, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Add Salmon - $12 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Carnivore, TLC, Detox, AIP, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Add Tuna - $12 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, GERD-Friendly, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, TLC, Detox, AIP, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Add Steak - $10 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Carnivore, AIP, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Add Meatball - $4 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Atkins
Frequently Asked Questions about Used To Be's Restaurant Island Eatery
- How many reviews does this restaurant have?
- The provided restaurant data does not specify the total number of reviews for Used To Be's Restaurant Island Eatery.
- What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?
- Diners seeking a family-friendly, casual American eatery with fresh salads, attentive service, and diverse options for nearly every dietary restriction.
- What are the most popular dishes at this restaurant?
- Popular dishes include cheesesteak eggrolls, hotsie totsie shrimp, sizzling wings, bubbling mussels, and fresh salads frequently praised by customers.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- This restaurant offers a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with a vibrant coastal spirit, featuring relaxed dining and hearty, shareable American plates.
- What makes this restaurant unique or special?
- This restaurant is unique for its vibrant island-inspired atmosphere, family-friendly hospitality, and diverse menu featuring fresh salads and playful appetizers.
- Does this restaurant have a website or online ordering?
- The restaurant has a website at http://www.usedtobesnj.com, though the provided data does not specify online ordering capabilities.
- Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?
- The restaurant accommodates mixed diets with diverse options including gluten-free, keto, vegan, and pescatarian dishes like grilled garlic shrimp and tuna.
- Which diets does this restaurant support based on its menu?
- The restaurant supports numerous diets including keto, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, paleo, mediterranean, pescatarian, low-carb, dairy-free, and heart-healthy options.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- This family-friendly restaurant features a welcoming atmosphere and kid-specific menu items like grilled cheese, penne, and chicken fingers with fries.
- Is this restaurant good value for money?
- With a moderate price level ($$) and a 4.0/5 rating, guests consider this a reliable favorite for high-quality, fresh meals.