Welcome to The Columns
**About The Columns**
Nestled on Ocean Avenue in Avon-By-The-Sea, The Columns is a charming seafood restaurant that offers a delightful dining experience paired with stunning ocean views. Known for its Thursday Lobster Palooza and exceptional service, patrons rave about the freshness of the seafood, particularly the lobster and lobster roll. The inviting outdoor seating and vibrant summer ambiance, complemented by live music, create a perfect retreat for locals and visitors alike. Whether enjoying a casual lunch or a wedding celebration, The Columns shines as a favorite destination where delicious food and warm hospitality converge seamlessly.
The Columns: Reviews & Ratings
It is located right on Ocean Ave in Avon by the Sea. Great service, Lobster Palooza on Thursday nights. Beautiful views.
Fabulous old-style seafood restaurant in Avon. Our lobster and lobster roll were fantastic. Great views and awesome outdoor seating on the porch. Reasonable prices, especially for lunch.
Love columns - first time here and I think our servers name was Josh? He was friendly and I saw how fast he was on Instagram prior to our visit - turns out he really is QUICK! Food was good, drinks were cold, and the view was perfect 10/10
Go here (especially in the summer months) a few times a month to see live bands and eat. The food is delicious with a lot of variety. Love the decor and the people. Loved it so much, I booked my wedding here, it was on the beach with a beautiful set up, great food and an amazing dance floor with awesome lighting and great stage.
06/26/2025: It's been at least 10 years since our last visit. We enjoyed Coconut Shrimp & Shrimp Cocktail appe's. Entree's were a Tuna Taco and a Shrimp Taco. Excellent! We sat outside on the porch. There was a cool breeze.
Lobsterpalooza was a hit and the vibe is always fun. If you’re going for the bar be sure to get there early or you’ll be waiting in a line that wraps around the block. This is the Maynard’s of Avon by the sea and that’s a good thing
Nicole our server was AWESOME ON POINT, she had cute earrings. I got the bacon wrapped scallops which I go for every year I feel like they should be adding more than 4. Like 6 would be nice.. the coconut shrimp. Had way more.. very yummy along with a lobster roll. Would have been nice if they had options over than French fries. They should ask if we want butter on the side with our roll and lemon. For the flavor of it all. Got the balcony view. Very lovely you can feel the old hotel vibes when you walk through to the bathroom.. along with the ambiance and plants.. love coming here along with the watermelon mojito on the side. Thanks nicole for your fast service.
My wife and I are on the #eatjersey challenge to have a meal in all 564 towns of NJ. We chose The Columns for Avon, our 104th town. If you're looking for an "old school" Jersey Shore dining experience, you have to visit The Columns! It's been a summer bar & restaurant since 1883 located in a Victorian era mansion. The indoor section has live music and turns into more of a bar/club scene at night. On a warm summer evening, we sat on the outdoor patio overlooking the ocean for dinner, even as the band played indoors. The atmosphere feels like a trip back in time when the entire shore was lined with grand old buildings like this. Food & cocktails were on point. We had the Surf-n-Turf roll with lobster & steak, fried calamari, Seafood Mediterranean, and a Lobster roll. Service was great, and the crew was excited when they heard about our challenge.
Location
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601 Ocean Ave, Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ 07717, United States Hotline: +1 732-988-3213
Welcome to The Columns, a charming seafood haven nestled along the scenic Ocean Avenue in Avon-By-The-Sea, New Jersey. This delightful restaurant offers diners a unique blend of fresh, flavorful cuisine and breathtaking views of the ocean, making it a perfect spot for both casual meals and special occasions.
One of the standout features of The Columns is its acclaimed Lobster Palooza on Thursday nights. The vibrancy of this event captures the essence of coastal dining, where guests can indulge in delectable lobster dishes that have garnered rave reviews. Recent patrons, like debbie morillo, praised the “great service” alongside the stunning scenic backdrop — an invitation for all seafood lovers to enjoy a leisurely evening.
The Columns seamlessly combines tradition with a modern twist, as noted by Nils Paellmann, who describes the venue as a fabulous “old-style seafood restaurant.” The standout menu items, like the succulent lobster and flavorful lobster roll, encapsulate what dining by the sea should feel like. The affordable lunch offerings further make this establishment a go-to for locals and visitors alike seeking quality without compromise.
Pairing outstanding cuisine with exceptional service, staff members like Josh ensure that every visit is memorable, as echoed in Ryan Mangels' review, highlighting service that is both friendly and prompt. The Columns excels not just in food, but in creating an atmosphere that makes diners feel at home.
For those looking to soak in the summer sun, the outdoor seating on the porch is a must. Customers repeatedly rave about the cool seaside breeze and beautiful views, making it the ideal spot for enjoying a refreshing drink alongside your meal. As ed recalls from his visit, enjoying dishes like Coconut Shrimp and Taco entrees on the porch adds an extra layer of delight to the dining experience.
The Columns is not just a restaurant; it's a community staple where guests can enjoy live performances while relishing in a diverse menu. As Casey Pizappi shares, it’s a place so beloved that she chose to celebrate her wedding there, marveling at the excellent food and the stunning beach setup.
Whether you're a local or just passing through, The Columns beckons with its flavorful offerings, stunning views, and warm atmosphere, promising that every visit will be an experience to remember.