Blogfinger

Coaster photo. 6/5 /26. Kelly Ryan

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JUNE 5, 2026:

Kelly Ryan, the owner of Nagle’s Apothecary Cafe in Ocean Grove, opened the eatery this week. It has been closed since 2019. The restaurant, formerly owned by Leonard Steen and David Rosen was a popular spot for almost 20 years. Before it was a restaurant it was a pharmacy. The restaurant features a counter with nine seats and tables. Ryan also owns The Boondocks Fishery in Red Bank. Nagle’s is open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

October 2026 update–Blogfinger.net

Eileen and I stopped  for superb  fish and chips at Nagles 10/7/26 This was the second visit  and with the same choice for lunch.

By Paul and Eileen Goldfinger, Editors.  Blogfinger.net 10/7/26:

After Kelly reopened Nagle’s in June, Blogfinger posted their menu, and that post got more hits than anything else for months.  We knew that Kelly was a seasoned  (not literally) restauranteur with a successful seafood operation in Red Bank.  And we were hearing some good reports about the new OG Nagle’s.

Eileen and I went over today for a late lunch at 2 pm. The sun was shining on this brilliant Wednesday, and there was no rush;  closing was 3 pm.

We sat outside in the alley, which was delightful today and we shared a fish and chips order, and it was wonderful: first class.

One portion was enough for us. The fish. (probably cod) was cooked perfectly, and the fries were fine.  They served the dish with vinegar (which I love—authentic style). They also had Heinz ketchup, tartar sauce,  Gulden’s mustard and Chocula Hot Sauce.

The menu is amazing, and I suspect that this restaurant will become judged as the best in town.

We spoke with the owner Kelly Ryan who was  helping the wait staff. She is affable, good humored,  and a treat to talk to.  She agreed to my request to interview her at a later date.

If you are hungry in OG, go to Nagle’s.

Of particular interest is that Kelly will stay open in the off-season, but her hours are 9 am to 3 pm, and they are closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Also if you think you want some ice cream there, after 10/11, ice cream will only be sold during the schedule noted for food.

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