For decades, The Shrimp Box restaurant has been a beloved local fixture overlooking the Manasquan Inlet in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Known for its fresh seafood, sunset views, and lively outdoor patio, The Shrimp Box is a popular spot both with tourists and Jersey Shore locals alike.
While The Shrimp Box serves patrons nearly year-round, it does close down for a portion of the off-season each year. If you’re craving their scallops, shrimp, lobster rolls, and famous peanut butter pie, it’s important to know The Shrimp Box’s seasonal operating schedule.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at when exactly The Shrimp Box closes for the season and reopens in the springtime. Whether you’re a longtime patron or planning an upcoming vacation to the Jersey Shore, here are the details on The Shrimp Box’s seasonal closing times.
Overview of The Shrimp Box
First, let’s start with a quick rundown for the uninitiated. The Shrimp Box is a restaurant and bar located on Inlet Drive in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey. Originally opened in 1982, it underwent renovations in 2015 to become the restaurant it is today.
The Shrimp Box is situated right on the water overlooking the Manasquan Inlet, which connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Barnegat Bay. Its marinaside location and outdoor deck seating offer unparalleled views of the sunset over the inlet.
The restaurant is family owned and prides itself on serving up fresh, high-quality seafood in a casual, laidback environment. In addition to steamed shrimp, their menu features broiled and fried seafood baskets, burgers, sandwiches, salads and more. They also offer daily food and drink specials.
A full bar is available, including local Jersey Shore beers. The Shrimp Box is known for its lively happy hour and nightlife, especially during summer months. It’s a popular destination for boaters sailing in for a meal.
Seasonal Closing and Opening Dates
The Shrimp Box is open seasonally from early spring through late fall each year According to their website and social media pages, here are the key dates
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Closing for the season: The Shrimp Box typically closes for the season sometime in late October or early November each year. Their social media pages announce an exact closing date as it approaches.
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Reopening in the spring: The Shrimp Box usually reopens in early to mid April the following spring. Again, they announce specific opening dates on social media when established.
During peak summer, The Shrimp Box is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. In the off-season spring and fall months, they may trim days or hours of operation while transitioning between seasonal closure.
Reasons for the Seasonal Shutdown
The Shrimp Box closes in the winter for a number of reasons related to its coastal location and the nature of a seasonal shore business.
Some factors that likely impact the decision to close for the colder months include:
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Weather – Cold, stormy winter weather reduces outdoor patio dining.
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Tourism – The Jersey Shore tourist season ends after Labor Day weekend.
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Staffing – Hard to retain employees during the off-season when business is slower.
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Maintenance – Time for renovations and deep cleaning the restaurant when closed.
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Menu Changes – Seafood availability fluctuates based on season and regulations.
For many shore businesses, remaining open year-round just isn’t profitable or practical. The winter closure allows time for renovations, menu retooling, hiring, and preparations for the busy summer months ahead.
Planning Your Visit
If you’re hoping to pay a visit to The Shrimp Box during your trip to the Jersey Shore, be sure to take their seasonal schedule into account when making plans.
To enjoy their patio seating, seafood and sunsets, late spring through mid-fall is your best bet. Keep an eye on their website and social media for exact opening and closing dates each season.
During winter months when closed, you may just have to settle for reminiscing about past meals and dreaming about your return. Just like the tides, The Shrimp Box will welcome happy patrons back when the weather warms next year for another exciting season!
2023 Shrimp Season opens with declined participation
Is the shrimp box & outside the box a good restaurant?
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How is the shrimp box & outside the box patio bar rated?
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When does shrimp season open?
They say once the shrimp sample size gets up to 68 per pound and the water temperatures and salinity levels go back up, then the shrimp season will open. However, you may see some boats out on the water sooner but they will be heading west.
When does shrimp season close in Texas?
AUSTIN- The Gulf of Mexico commercial shrimp season for both Texas and federal waters will close 30 minutes after sunset on Sunday, May 15, 2022 until a still-to-be determined date in July.