Towering above Route 17—sporting healthy views of the Manhattan skyline—is Concourse Club, an enticing rooftop bar in Wood-Ridge, NJ. The cocktail lounge stands as one of New Jersey’s best rooftop bars, carrying a design that draws inspiration from the lux and glamor of a vintage airport lounge. Concourse Club’s sole mission? To make every guest feel like a VIP.
Warm shades of red and orange, accented by wood paneling and skylights—paired along with comfortable seating and wrap-around windows, Concourse Club is an easy place to get lost in. The moment you step out of the elevator on the seventh floor of the Element New York by Westin, you travel to another world. One complimented by picture-perfect aesthetics and a wooing concept.
You’ll soon get lost in the attention to detail that Concourse Club has become known for. The leather-backed booths and gold-accented tables, the fireplace with lounge-style seating, even the stocked bar adds an element to the design. Concourse Club will win you over immediately and they will relentlessly continue to do so throughout your time.
As the night carries on, the live DJ adds to the Concourse Club experience, curating a track list built just for the space. The expansive lounge allows guests to choose their experience. For a more intimate evening, choose one of the window-facing tables. If the infectious music gets you, head to the dance floor. Concourse Club excels in that there is an experience built for everyone.
Concourse Club’s allure doesn’t stop at the impeccable design—the food and drink come with a prowess that is built to match.
For cocktails, weave between classics and in-house creations on the varied menu, which features a drink for every palate. Fresh grapefruit and lime shine in the ever-popular Paloma, built with Casamigos and agave; or, give the Redeye a try if you’re a tequila lover in need of a jolt—featuring Casamigos Reposado tequila, Averna, cold brew and a house-made banana oleo saccharum.
Beyond tequila is the Kiss on the Rocks, a Jameson-inspired play on the Paper Plane and a seasonally-appropriate apple and cinnamon sangria. Don’t see something catching your eye on the cocktail menu? Ask one of the skilled bartenders for help.
For fans of whisky, Concourse Club offers a list covering multiple corners. American Bourbon and Rye, Scotch, Japanese and more. And as far as celebrations go, a full Champagne bottle list never hurts.
For rooftop bars, the fun usually stops at the food menu, but not at Concourse Club. Where many sky-high bars offer lackluster food options, or even none at all, Concourse Club has a menu teeming with delightful bites.
Enjoy crispy fried calamari with cherry peppers, or go for the chicken tortilla soup dumplings—a Mexican-inspired play on the Dim Sum classic. For larger groups, the charcuterie board is a must with its assortment of cured meats, cheeses, jam and mixed nuts. Executive Chef Peter Martinez even has a dry-aged tomahawk steak for the table, that comes accompanied by herb butter, chimichurri and red pepper pesto.
Beyond are lobster bao buns, hand-made arepas bursting with braised chicken and chicken wings dancing in a zingy bourbon glaze.
Savory isn’t all they do well at Concourse Club. Desserts are equally as curated as the non-sweet options. Enjoy a large-format banana split and a decadent peanut butter cheesecake. For good measure, throw in one of their milkshake shots, which come adorned with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles.
It’s no wonder Concourse Club’s food is so good, Chef Martinez has quite the resume outlining him. A Chopped finalist as well as a contestant on Season 19 of Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen are under his belt.
I found that my time at Concourse Club got better as the night went on. Early on, it’s a great place for a sit down meal and as the night progresses (and drinks are had) it slowly transforms into an upbeat experience, outlined by luxury.
Concourse Club in Wood-Ridge, NJ, is more than just a rooftop bar—it’s a luxurious escape. Its vintage airport-inspired design and cozy atmosphere draw you in from the moment you arrive. The attention to detail—from the stylish decor to the live DJ’s music—sets the stage for an unforgettable evening.
But what truly sets Concourse Club apart is its incredible food and drinks. The cocktail menu caters to every taste, the whisky and champagne options are extensive, and the food brings a playful mix of flavors and creativity. From crispy calamari to a mouthwatering tomahawk steak, Chef Peter Martinez’s expertise shines.
What makes Concourse Club special is how it transforms throughout the night. It starts as a classy dining spot and gradually becomes a lively, upscale experience. Each moment there feels like a celebration of luxury and enjoyment. For fans of rooftop bars and lounges, Concourse Club should be at the top of your list.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
