Even if you’re not a Seaside Park local, if you’ve driven down Central Avenue (Route 35 South) on your way to Island Beach State Park, you know The 3 C’s Luncheonette.

Located on the corner of 10th and Central Avenues, The 3 C’s has been serving up classic breakfast and lunch fare for almost two decades. The owner, Gail, brings a passion for not just food, but for making customers feel welcomed, entertained, and most importantly, full.

Besides the excellent breakfast and lunch offerings at this year-round haunt, this is the place if you’re interested in other “dishes,” i.e. local news, politics, and fishing.

Gail and her dedicated and hardworking crew are colorful and will keep you awake, even though the bottomless cup of coffee will help with that task. This luncheonette is known for its onion and green pepper home fries, waffles topped with fruit, and generous egg platter sizes.

Now, during the Summer of 2009, The 3 C’s may add to its local legend with something else: dinner.

In small barrier island towns, word travels fast, and it’s even faster if you hear it directly from the source. During a bike ride, I happened to see Gail walking her dog along the Barnegat Bay, and I stopped to ask about The 3 C’s.

As a luncheonette (meaning that she is up before dawn to serve patrons), I was somewhat surprised to hear that dinner service is on tap for the summer, considering the long days.

However, as a smart businesswoman, she apparently senses an opportunity.

According to Gail, especially during these recessionary times, people want tasty, wholesome meals at a fair price. Among other meal offerings, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, she is serving homemade baby back ribs, crab cakes, and steak–all fresh. I’m wondering if she will offer her famous onion and green pepper home fries as a side.

She has invited me for a dinner tasting, and I will certainly take her up on the offer soon and review my experience.

Is the dinner as good as the breakfast/lunch offerings? Stay tuned!

The 3 C’s Luncheonette is located at 1001 SW Central Ave Seaside Park, NJ 08752. Outdoor seating is available.