If I had to describe Sissy’s, I would say waterfront dining with diner prices. I cannot think of a more fitting and succinct way of telling you what they are about. Home-cooking, large portions, cheap prices, all with an excellent view of the Atlantic Highlands harbor and Sandy Hook, with New York City off in the distance. Their outside tables are practically within arm’s reach of the water, and all day you can see fishing boats coming and going. It’s hard to believe how underrated this place is. They do not get nearly enough mentions given their quality of food and location. With so many restaurants overcharging for such a view and serving up slop up and down the Jersey Shore, Sissy’s manages to not cave in and become a waterfront novelty. 

I must admit, I am not too much of a fan of their breakfast dishes, but their lunch items are excellent. Over the last few years, I’ve had everything from their hot pastrami sandwich to their grilled veggie wrap (which I order as a sub and it’s just as good), cold cut subs, and even their chicken parm (only at Sissy’s could a sub roll with chicken fingers, marinara sauce, and mozzarella work out well). While all the portion sizes are large, their cold cut subs are too big to comprehend. I don’t think I have ever come close to finishing one. They must pack on a pound of meat and/or cheese in addition to the other toppings. I eat half and save the rest for lunch another day. My mom usually ends up with one of those, my dad has enjoyed their burgers and pastrami, and a good friend in town says their chicken and seafood salads are the best he has ever had. In the past, I’ve also tried their clam strips, and the fries are coated, seasoned, and as crispy as you will find anywhere else. Try a basket topped with cheese and bacon for an artery-clogging masterpiece.

There aren’t many places where you can relax outside by the water and enjoy a quality meal without breaking the bank. As I mentioned earlier, I stay away from breakfast (I once had pancakes and a breakfast wrap that I just wasn’t crazy about), but everything else, you cannot go wrong. Most people outside of Atlantic Highlands (except for the Seastreak passengers) probably do not even know it is there. That’s a shame, because they are just too good to ignore. I give them 4 out of 5 stars.

Sissy’s is located in the Atlantic Highlands Harbor at 8 Simon Lake Drive.