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This Bradley Beach restaurant is so good, people drive an hour (or more) for it: Report

Vic's Pizza: A Timeless Jersey Shore Gem in Bradley Beach

In the heart of Bradley Beach, New Jersey, where the salty breeze from the Atlantic Ocean mingles with the aroma of freshly baked dough and simmering tomato sauce, stands Vic's Pizza—a beloved institution that has been serving up slices of Italian-American comfort for generations. This unassuming eatery, nestled along the Jersey Shore's vibrant restaurant scene, embodies the essence of coastal dining: simple, hearty, and deeply rooted in community tradition. As one of the oldest pizzerias in Monmouth County, Vic's has weathered economic shifts, changing tastes, and even the occasional nor'easter, emerging as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic Jersey Shore fare.

Founded in 1947 by Victor "Vic" Amico, an Italian immigrant with a passion for authentic recipes passed down from his family in Sicily, Vic's began as a modest pizza shop catering to locals and summer tourists flocking to the beaches. Amico's vision was straightforward: create pizzas with thin, crispy crusts, tangy sauce made from vine-ripened tomatoes, and generous toppings that evoked the flavors of his homeland. Over the decades, the restaurant has expanded its menu while staying true to its roots, offering everything from traditional margherita pies to innovative twists like the "Shore Special," topped with clams, garlic, and a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning—a nod to the region's seafood heritage.

Walking into Vic's today feels like stepping back in time. The interior boasts checkered tablecloths, vintage photographs of Bradley Beach's heyday, and a bustling open kitchen where dough is tossed with theatrical flair. The walls are adorned with memorabilia from the restaurant's storied past, including faded newspaper clippings from the Asbury Park Press chronicling its role in local events. During the summer months, when the population swells with vacationers from New York and Philadelphia, lines snake out the door, with families eagerly awaiting their turn to grab a booth or a spot at the counter. It's not uncommon to see multi-generational groups sharing stories over steaming plates of eggplant parmigiana or spaghetti and meatballs, the kind of dishes that have become synonymous with Jersey Shore nostalgia.

What sets Vic's apart in the crowded landscape of Jersey Shore restaurants is its commitment to quality ingredients and time-honored techniques. The pizza dough, for instance, is made fresh daily using a recipe that hasn't changed since the 1940s. Water from the local aquifer, believed to give the crust its signature chewiness, is a closely guarded secret. Cheeses are sourced from nearby dairies, and the sauce simmers for hours with fresh basil and garlic. This dedication to authenticity has earned Vic's a loyal following, including celebrities and politicians who make the pilgrimage during their shore visits. Even in an era dominated by gourmet food trucks and fusion cuisines, Vic's remains a purist haven, resisting trends in favor of reliability.

Beyond pizza, the menu at Vic's is a veritable feast of Italian classics adapted to American palates. Appetizers like fried calamari, served with a zesty marinara dipping sauce, are a crowd favorite, often paired with a cold beer from the restaurant's selection of local brews. Entrees range from veal piccata to chicken cacciatore, each prepared with care and presented family-style. For those seeking lighter options, the antipasto salad—loaded with prosciutto, salami, provolone, and marinated vegetables—provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richer dishes. Desserts, though simple, are indulgent: think cannoli filled with sweet ricotta or tiramisu dusted with cocoa powder. Vegetarian and gluten-free options have been added in recent years to accommodate modern diners, but the core offerings remain steadfastly traditional.

Vic's isn't just a restaurant; it's a cornerstone of Bradley Beach's social fabric. The town itself, with its quaint boardwalk, Victorian homes, and proximity to Asbury Park's music scene, draws visitors year-round. Vic's has played host to countless milestones—birthday parties, anniversary dinners, and post-beach gatherings where sandy-footed kids devour slices after a day in the surf. During the off-season, when the shore quiets down, locals rely on Vic's for takeout on chilly evenings, fostering a sense of community that extends beyond tourism. The Amico family, now in its third generation of ownership, continues to run the operation with the same warmth and hospitality that Vic himself instilled. Current owner Maria Amico, Vic's granddaughter, often shares anecdotes about her grandfather's early days, emphasizing how the restaurant survived challenges like the economic downturns of the 1970s and the devastation of Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

In the wake of Sandy, which flooded much of the Jersey Shore and forced many businesses to close, Vic's demonstrated remarkable resilience. The family rallied with the community, reopening just months after the storm and even providing free meals to first responders and displaced residents. This act of generosity solidified its status as more than a eatery—it's a symbol of endurance. Today, as Bradley Beach experiences a renaissance with new developments and an influx of young professionals, Vic's adapts subtly while preserving its charm. They've introduced online ordering and delivery services to keep pace with digital demands, but the in-person experience remains paramount.

Critics and food enthusiasts alike praise Vic's for its consistency. Publications like NJ Monthly and The Star-Ledger have lauded its pizzas as among the best in the state, often highlighting the perfect balance of sauce, cheese, and crust. Yelp reviews overflow with five-star ratings, with patrons raving about the "old-school vibe" and "mouthwatering flavors." One reviewer noted, "Vic's isn't fancy, but it's real—pizza the way it should be, without all the gimmicks." This sentiment echoes the broader appeal of Jersey Shore dining, where establishments like Vic's thrive on authenticity rather than Instagram-worthy presentations.

As the Jersey Shore evolves, with upscale bistros and farm-to-table spots popping up in nearby towns like Belmar and Spring Lake, Vic's holds its ground as a reminder of simpler times. It's a place where affordability meets quality; a large pie costs under $20, making it accessible for families on a budget. Seasonal specials, such as summer tomato pies bursting with fresh produce from local farms, keep the menu dynamic without straying from tradition. In winter, hearty soups and stews warm the soul, drawing in regulars who appreciate the comfort food during the quieter months.

Looking ahead, the future of Vic's seems bright. Plans for minor renovations, including an expanded outdoor patio to capitalize on Bradley Beach's mild summers, are in the works. Yet, the family vows to maintain the restaurant's core identity. "We're not chasing trends," Maria Amico says. "We're about creating memories, one slice at a time." This philosophy resonates in an age of fleeting food fads, positioning Vic's as a enduring fixture in New Jersey's culinary landscape.

For anyone visiting the Jersey Shore, a stop at Vic's is essential. Whether you're a first-timer sampling the classic cheese pizza or a longtime fan indulging in a calzone stuffed with ricotta and sausage, the experience is invariably satisfying. In Bradley Beach, amid the waves and the boardwalks, Vic's Pizza stands as a delicious slice of history, inviting all to partake in its timeless allure. As the sun sets over the ocean, casting a golden glow on Main Street, the neon sign of Vic's flickers to life, promising warmth, flavor, and a taste of the shore's soul.

In an era where restaurants come and go with the tides, Vic's persistence is a story worth savoring. It's more than food; it's a legacy, woven into the fabric of Bradley Beach and the broader Jersey Shore community. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a must-visit spot, Vic's continues to deliver on the promise of great pizza and genuine hospitality, ensuring that future generations will gather here for years to come.

Read the Full app.com Article at:
[ https://www.app.com/story/news/local/new-jersey/2025/07/20/vics-pizza-nj-bradely-beach-jersey-shore-restaurants/85190363007/ ]