Business Spotlight

Welcome Vagabond Kitchen & Taphouse to the Ventnor Business Association

Award-winning food, a Food Network pedigree, and a beer garden built for summer nights — please join us in welcoming Vagabond to the Ventnor Business Association.

Vagabond Kitchen & Taphouse, Chelsea Heights.

The Ventnor Business Association is proud to welcome Vagabond Kitchen & Taphouse as one of our newest members. If you’ve spent any time on this stretch of the island, there’s a good chance you already know the name — and if you don’t, you’re about to.

Since opening in 2013 in the Chelsea Heights neighborhood, Vagabond has grown from a local favorite into one of the most recognized restaurants on this end of the shore, twice earning a spot on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Triple D Nation. Guy Fieri himself has personally vouched for a couple of items you’ll see on the menu below.

Vagabond Kitchen & Taphouse Award-Winning Craft Beer & Elevated Comfort Food

A Local Favorite, Nationally Recognized

Vagabond first opened its doors in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, and what started as a comeback story has turned into one of the area’s genuine dining destinations. The restaurant is now led by owner Tom Harris, a Ventnor Heights local, who has spent more than a decade building Vagabond’s reputation one plate — and one pint — at a time.

That reputation has traveled well beyond the neighborhood. Vagabond has been featured twice on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and the show’s namesake, Guy Fieri, has personally endorsed three menu staples: the Tequila Shrimp Bangers, Turkey Apple Brie Sandwich and the Three-Way Sandwich. And this is to say nothing yet of their award winning burgers and wings!

Menu Favorites Worth the Trip

Vagabond’s menu is long, but a few dishes come up again and again — here’s what regulars order on repeat.

The Vagabond Food Truck

The Vagabond Food Truck brings signature favorites to festivals and private events.

Can’t make it out to Chelsea Heights? There’s a good chance Vagabond will come straight to you. The Vagabond Food Truck takes the kitchen on the road, delivering the restaurant’s signature, nationally recognized comfort food to festivals, private events, and gatherings across the region.

• Food Network Hits on the Go: The truck serves crowd-favorite staples made famous on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, including the crispy Tequila Shrimp Bangers and the multi-meat powerhouse sandwich, The Three-Way (house-smoked brisket, pulled pork, and bacon).

• Festivals & Events: From local Downbeach community street fairs and South Jersey block parties to major food truck festivals along the East Coast—even traveling as far south as Florida—the rig brings high-volume, scratch-made quality wherever it parks.

• Private Catering: Available for private parties, corporate functions, weddings, and backyard events, offering a turnkey mobile kitchen experience with customizable menus tailored to any crowd.

The Mile Stretch Beer Garden

Once the weather turns warm, the real draw is out back. Vagabond’s Mile Stretch Beer Garden opens up for the season with outdoor dining, a covered patio, and some of the best sunset views over the bay in Chelsea Heights — paired, of course, with one of the largest craft beer selections in Atlantic County.

The Mile Stretch Beer Garden, open for the season.

Craft Taps & Torched Cocktails

True to its name, the Taphouse features over 16 rotating craft beers on tap — highlighting local New Jersey microbreweries, regional IPAs, and seasonal specialty pours alongside a deep lineup of craft cans.

If cocktails are more your style, their signature bar menu delivers. A crowd favorite is the Smoked Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned — crafted with bourbon, real maple syrup, and bitters, infused by torching real cedar chips right at the bar for a rich, aromatic smoke finish.

Weekly Events & Nightlife

Beyond the food, Vagabond is one of the area’s favorite mid-week hangouts. Stop by on Tuesday nights for Quizzo and coming soon — Wednesday Night Music Bingo with DJ JERRY MCGEE! Pair the games with daily drink specials, live music on the patio during summer weekends, or catch all the game-day action on their 20+ HDTVs.

The Faces Behind the Bar

Ask any regular and they’ll tell you Vagabond’s staff is half the reason they keep coming back. Behind the bar at night, you’ll find Mark, Greg, and Kathy keeping the drinks flowing and the regulars taken care of. During the day, Donna, Matt, and Brian hold down the fort — so whatever time you stop in, you’re in good hands.

Plan Your Visit to Vagabond

Whether you’re stopping in for a Guy Fieri-approved Turkey Apple Brie on walnut-craisin bread, taking on Tuesday night Quizzo, or enjoying a torched Smoked Maple Old Fashioned at sunset in the Mile Stretch Beer Garden, Vagabond is a true local staple.

Join us in giving a warm Ventnor Business Association welcome to Tom Harris and the entire Vagabond crew!