You might be familiar with Fearless Restaurant Group’s Philly-area properties: Moshulu on the Delaware Waterfront, White Dog Cafe (locations: University City, Haverford, and Wayne), Autograph Brasserie in Wayne, and soon to open Louie Louie in University City.

They also own three properties on Long Beach Island, New Jersey:

• Daddy O Hotel in Brant Beach

• Plantation Restaurant in Harvey Cedars

• Tuckers Tavern in Beach Haven.

Daddy O Hotel

If you’re looking to visit Long Beach Island, definitely stay at Daddy O which is Long Beach Island’s swanky boutique hotel. We visited last year and were so grateful to be able to stay again this year. Guestrooms include a flat screen television and wireless internet, an ultra-plush mattress, and rain showers in the marble and natural wood decorated baths. Here’s a quick video tour of our room this year.

The amenities at Daddy O are amazing, but they’re offering even more this year:

• Frette linens and towels

• Chocolate chip cookies homemade all day free to guests

• Beach valet that will deliver picnic lunches delivered to you on the beach

• A partnership with PRIV to offer on-site beauty and spa amenities

• C.O. Bigelow Bathroom Products

They also offer complimentary beach tags, beach chairs, beach towels, and beach umbrellas bicycles on site. If you’re a beach bum, this is the place to stay on Long Beach Island!

If you’re like us and not really beach people, they’ve got an awesome ground-level Garden Rum Bar that has a bit of a tiki vibe going on as well as a Rooftop Bar that offers an amazing view of the island. Both spots are great to hang out, relax, and drink. The drinks at both bars are amazing, you can’t go wrong with any drink, but I especially loved the Hawaiian War Chant (served in a tiki mug), Charlotte’s Rose, and the classic Strawberry Daiquiri. I’m a cocktail connoisseur and I assure you the bartenders at Daddy O really know their stuff.

The food at Daddy O’s restaurant is also outstanding. I highly recommend the epic fried pickles, shrimp tacos, and the burger is banging, too.

Plantation Restaurant

We really enjoyed lunch at Plantation Restaurant last year so it was incredible to be able to return for dinner this year. Located in the heart of Harvey Cedars, this is probably one of the most stylish restaurants on the island. It’s got a whole Miami vibe happening after a full renovation last summer. The restaurant features an extensive menu with seasonally-focused fare including the finest and freshest items available from fresh fish and seafood to great steaks. We quite enjoyed the lobster quesadilla, local tuna with crispy rice cake and mango salsa, and center cut filet with grilled asparagus and whipped potatoes. For dessert, we indulged our sweet tooth in the exceptionally delicious warm pecan bread pudding and chocolate truffle torte.

They also have a great cocktail menu as well as wines and craft beers. Don’t miss the Water Tower, a 51oz rum punch cocktail served in an oversized fishbowl-like glass with multiple colorful straws, perfect for sharing with friends! You must put Plantation on your list if ever on Long Beach Island.

Tuckers Tavern

Tuckers Tavern has been around for over 30 years and is a bonafide Long Beach Island institution. Offering gastro-pub inspired menus for brunch, lunch or dinner and an extensive raw bar, it’s truly a comfort food destination and perfect for extra large groups or private parties. It was extensively renovated after Sandy and exudes a rustic nautical theme throughout. A fully covered outside deck has some of the best views of the bay and those views are about to get better in 2019 when they build a second story deck. We adored our visit last year and were thrilled to go back this year.

We remembered how great the lacquered wings were and had to get them again. They were just as good this year. We also tried the fried calamari, Viking Village scallops with pea risotto and tomato pesto, and BBQ ribs with onion rings and corn salad. All very tasty and hit the spot. If you’re a beer lover, you’ll love the draft beer variety including several local and regional craft beer selections.

Long Beach Island

We truly are blessed to live where we live. Long Beach Island is a close shore point; it’s a straight shot across the state of New Jersey. Depending on how fast you drive, you can get there in an hour and some change. You truly do owe it to yourself to go at least once. I can’t believe my first time was last year. It was a pleasure to visit again this year and I look forward to going back next year for sure.

We can’t recommend Daddy O, Plantation, and Tuckers Tavern enough. Check them out and tell them Philly Grub sent ya!

Here are some other great write-ups from media friends who were also invited to the press junket:

• Philly Chit Chat

• Belly of the Pig

• Alex & Mike

• Positive Publicity

*Special thanks to Jaimi Blackburn of Fearless Restaurants for arranging our visit. Our opinions are our own.