The Chicken or the Egg - Beach Haven | 207 N Bay Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008, USA

About Us

Some restaurants earn a following. The Chicken or the Egg earns generations of them. Since the 1980s, families have been making the trip to 207 N Bay Ave in Beach Haven not just because the food is good, but because the food is theirs. A booth here, a plate there, and somehow a summer at the Jersey Shore doesn't feel complete without it.

Rated 4.6 stars across more than 3,000 reviews, this is the kind of place that inspires the phrase "I definitely miss this" from people who've moved hundreds of miles away. The menu stretches across breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with enough range to satisfy the early riser, the post-beach crowd, and the dinner crew all under one roof.

The location on the bay side of Beach Haven puts you right in the middle of one of the most charming stretches of Long Beach Island. Whether you stumble in after a morning run or roll in with the whole family for a midday meal, the welcome is the same: big plates, real food, and zero pretense.

What We Offer

The Chicken or the Egg runs breakfast all day, which means you're never locked out of eggs, omelets, or morning-style plates no matter when you walk through the door. That alone sets it apart from most spots on the island. The lunch and dinner menu holds its own too, giving you a full range of options that make it easy to come back meal after meal without repeating yourself.

The menu is built for range. Families with picky eaters, friends with different appetites, post-workout hunger, lazy-Sunday cravings, it all fits here. The kitchen handles volume without cutting corners, which is why the crowds keep coming and the ratings keep climbing. This is Long Beach Island dining at its most reliable and most satisfying.

Why Choose Us

A Shore institution since the 1980s, with over 3,000 reviews averaging 4.6 stars to prove it.

Breakfast served all day, so your morning favorites are always on the table, any time you arrive.

A menu broad enough for every appetite, from early morning through dinner without a gap.

Located steps from the bay in Beach Haven, one of LBI's most beloved neighborhoods.

Generations of loyal families return summer after summer, a track record no marketing budget can fake.

The kind of local spot that earns genuine nostalgia, people miss it when they move away.

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

⭐ Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️

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3 months ago

"Chicken or the Egg has been a family favorite of ours since the 1980’s. We love the “Breakfast all-day” menu, but the lunch/dinner menu is just as good, and there a whole lot of options to choose from. The food is great. The staff is friendly and attentive. This a really popular place for comfort food and for families (especially BIG families). Since they expanded in the past decade, there is less wait-time to get a great meal."

— Dave Boyer

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3 months ago

"This is one of my favorite places ever. Living in Florida now, I definitely miss this. The fat chegg holds a special place in my heart. It’s also in a really cute area of Beach Haven. All of their food is delicious and every time I go back to Jersey I have to stop here. We always walk from chegg to bird and Betty’s. TikTok Reviewer: acaicaitlin"

— Caitlin Bart

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5 months ago

"Stopped in for a post-run Brekky.was my first time and it was wonderful! Had the lumberjack omelet, eggs Benny, chicken, and Bee Sting Sauce of course! Everything was delicious."

— Christopher Guarin

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6 months ago

"Man I love this place. I came back here after almost a decade hiatus because I remember loving their wings, and they still hit the spot. I got the beesting (breaded) which were a perfect mild-med buffalo with a hint of sweetness to cut into the spice. The breaded option has a heavier coating than your classic wing, but adds a nice crunch if you don't mind some extra breading (which also holds more oil from the fryer). The boneless 'wings' are essentially chicken tenders, thinner in style. The atmosphere inside is an absolute vibe with all the decor, comic style tabletops and menus, etc. We also ordered the New England clam chowder simply because it was award winning -- excellent, although ngl I've had better in other spots on the island. Overall, really no complaints, and I will definitely come back here again next time I visit LBI (now living out of state)."

— Doug Fischer

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4 months ago

"We went to the chegg many years ago, a few times, and we weren't really impressed. However, just recently we went to the chegg out in marlton and we had such a great meal that we decided to give the one on the island another shot. So glad we did. We had the best swings that we probably ever had in our life and everything else was really enjoyable. Would definitely take the time to head out there again"

— sheena harper

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is The Chicken or the Egg located?

You'll find us at 207 N Bay Ave in Beach Haven, NJ 08008, right on Long Beach Island. We're on the bay side of town, easy to reach and worth the trip.

Do you serve breakfast all day?

Yes. Breakfast is available all day, which means you're never stuck choosing between a morning plate and the clock. Come in whenever hunger hits.

Is this a good spot for families?

Absolutely. The Chicken or the Egg has been a family staple on Long Beach Island since the 1980s. The menu has enough variety that everyone at the table, from kids to grandparents, tends to find something they love.

Do you serve lunch and dinner as well?

Yes. While breakfast all day is a signature draw, the lunch and dinner menu is equally strong, giving you plenty of reasons to visit more than once during your LBI stay.

Can I find more information or browse the menu online?

Yes, visit the official website at letschegg.com for menu details, hours, and updates before your visit.

How popular is this restaurant? Should I expect a wait?

With over 3,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, The Chicken or the Egg draws a loyal crowd, especially during peak summer season on LBI. Arriving early or during off-peak hours is always a smart move.

Is this a good spot for a post-beach or post-activity meal?

It's practically made for it. Visitors regularly stop in after morning runs, beach sessions, and bay activities. The all-day breakfast menu means you can refuel exactly how you want, no matter the hour.