Even if you don’t live in New Jersey, you probably know that Hurricane Sandy did a lot of damage to the Jersey shore last year. The area is slowly recovering and businesses (especially those that are veggie or veg-friendly) really need your support. Below is a list of some vegetarian/vegan restaurants on the Jersey Shore, as well as some non-vegetarian restaurants offering many vegan options.

Asbury Park
Twisted Tree Café
609 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park, NJ 07712
(732) 775-2633
Coffeehouse/café. If you’re near the New Jersey shore, then you must pay a visit to the Twisted Tree Café! Menu items include the Tofu Meatball Wrap, Soy Chicken Salad Sandwich, and Focaccia Melt. They have homemade baked goods such as vegan cookies, brownies, and muffins; enjoy your dessert with a cup of coffee that includes your choice of soy, rice, almond, oat, hazelnut, or hemp milk. The Twisted Tree Café strongly supports the arts in their community. They feature the works of local photographers and artists on their walls and local musicians play live music on weekends. Open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday for lunch and dinner. Open Friday and Saturday for lunch and dinner through late night. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, smoothies, soymilk, espresso, VISA/MC, $-$$.

In Asbury Park, also see: http://www.crustandcrumble.com/
This pizza place offers vegan pizza and vegan sandwiches and pasta dishes.

Beach Haven
Living on the Veg
4 W. Maryland Ave., Beach Haven, NJ 08008
(609) 492-4066
Vegetarian/deli/juice bar. Living on the Veg offers sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more. Located on Long Beach Island, they are open from March through November. Cash only. Open Monday for lunch. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, $.

Belmar
Kaya’s Kitchen
1000 Main St., Belmar, NJ 07719
(732) 280-1141
Vegetarian/international/organic. This mostly vegan restaurant features an international menu with choices like French onion soup, Oriental sesame salad, tacos, and falafel. If you’re in the mood for some good ol’ American food, try the vegetarian meatloaf with mashed potatoes and vegan gravy. There are also blackboard specials every night that include vegan desserts. Kaya’s is located at the corner of 10th & Main. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, special beverages, BYOB, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$-$$$.

Ocean City
Bashful Banana Bakery & Café
944 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
(609) 398-9677
Café/bakery. Bashful Banana is a very veg-friendly café and bakery, offering non-dairy and vegan options. Their signature item is the Banana Whip, their version of a frozen custard, made only with bananas! Enjoy outdoor dining within walking distance of the beach. Bashful Banana is located on the OC Boardwalk between 9th and 10th Sts. To find them, turn away from the ocean and onto Ocean Colony Walk, a private boardwalk; they are across from The Sindia. Open daily for three meals from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Open weekends in April, May, September and October. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, espresso/cappuccino, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Good Karma Café
17 E. Front St., Red Bank, NJ 07701
(732) 450-8344
Vegan/organic café/juice bar. Good Karma Café is completely vegan with many raw foods items. They use organic and local ingredients as much as possible. Enjoy Smokey Tofu Wrap, Tempeh Reuben, Cajun Seitan, Pineapple Mango Tempeh, Sweet Chili Tofu, or Chickpea of the Sea. Wheat and gluten-free items are noted. They also have a juice bar and bakery. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, take-out, delivery, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, VISA/MC, $.