Ocean Cafe Serves Up New Jersey's Best Chili

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As temperatures drop this winter, food lovers in New Jersey are seeking out the best bowls of chili to warm them up. According to the popular food publication LoveFood, the top spot for chili in the Garden State is Ocean Cafe, with locations in Long Branch and Shrewsbury. Their chili stands out for using chunks of chicken instead of the standard ground beef, and is praised for its depth of flavor and spices despite the healthier lean protein.

Why it matters

With National Chili Day right around the corner on February 26th, New Jersey residents are on the hunt for the perfect bowl of chili to celebrate the occasion. Ocean Cafe's unique take on the classic dish has earned it recognition as the state's top chili destination, showcasing how innovative and health-conscious restaurants can still deliver hearty, flavorful comfort food.

The details

Ocean Cafe's chili breaks tradition by using chunks of chicken instead of ground beef. The restaurant has a health-focused ethos, and the lean chili is packed with beans and spices that give it just as much depth and warmth as a more typical beef-based dish.

• National Chili Day is on Thursday, February 26th, 2026.

What’s next

With National Chili Day just around the corner on February 26th, 2026, chili lovers in New Jersey will likely flock to Ocean Cafe's locations in Long Branch and Shrewsbury to try the restaurant's acclaimed chicken-based chili.