10 Jersey Shore Bars To Visit During Summer

by Mary Sparago
jersey shore bars

Summertime in New Jersey can only mean one thing—beach bars are finally open! If you’ve ever been down the Shore, you know there’s nothing like a crisp, tropical drink after a long day of salty fun. Whether it’s for the soft sands or the fruity cocktails, these 10 Jersey Shore bars are certain to help every beachgoer and bar-hopper coast through the heat. 

1. Martell’s Tiki Bar—Point Pleasant Beach, NJ

Located on the boardwalk at Point Pleasant Beach, Martell’s Tiki Bar is one of the premier beach bars at the Jersey Shore. A vacation away from home, its island atmosphere creates the perfect escape for patrons of all ages. From their themed bar to their tropical drinks, Martell’s Tiki Bar is properly coined “The Jersey Shore’s Island Getaway.” The drink menu includes sangria, specialty drinks, frozen drinks, margaritas and more.  

Yet, Martell’s Tiki Bar doesn’t just offer unique beverages and atmosphere. Their live entertainment events schedule includes New Jersey’s best acts nearly every day of the week. Patrons can enjoy music performances while laying on the beach or taking to Tiki’s boardwalk. At night, torches and campfires light up the space, creating the perfect ambiance for a soothing summer evening.  

2. Johnny Mac House of Spirits—Asbury Park, NJ

Ever wanted to enjoy free pizza all day long? At Johnny Mac House of Spirits, you can! At this Asbury Park bar, for every drink a patron purchases, they receive a free pizza ticket. The bar is also most notable for its selection of beers, along with their arcade games like basketball shooting and skeeball. A staple of the Jersey Shore, Johnny Mac’s creates an atmosphere fit for fun and excitement. 

3. Jimbo’s Bar and Grill—Seaside Heights, NJ

There’s nothing like enjoying rich, crispy food after a long day at the beach. Jimbo’s Bar and Grill in Seaside Heights has an extensive menu of everything from fried seafood and delicious paninis. The bar also hosts weekly specials, primarily featuring happy hours with different beverages. The mix of cool beers and cocktails with hot, crisp meals makes for a perfect break from the beach. 

Their Facebook page often updates with events, including live performances and specialty, holiday drinks for everyone to enjoy. Visitors have the option of sitting inside the venue or relaxing beside the boardwalk. 

Jimbo's Bar & Grill

4. Watermark—Asbury Park, NJ

Watermark is all about the atmosphere. Differing from the beachy vibes, this bar makes use of natural, earthy tones and love seats to create a relaxing, cozy experience. Patrons can grab a seat by the fire or overlook the Shore’s waves in a modern, cabin-like ambiance. At night, the outdoor deck becomes the perfect spot to sip cocktails under the stars. 

This restaurant offers a variety of lighter finger foods and fresh meals. Their drink recipes and specialty cocktails are made with care–freshly squeezed juice, ginger beer from scratch, and expert mixology. Watermark reopened its entire menu on July 15, so visitors can once again experience their contemporary beachfront to the fullest. 

5. The Star Beach Bar—Wildwood Crest, NJ

While taking a sun break can be nice, you may find yourself missing the sand under your feet. But at Star Beach Bar, guests feel as though they never left the beach. Here, you can sit under the shady umbrellas or stretch out by the outdoor fire pits. This bar provides everything from a view of Diamond Beach’s ocean to recliners by the palm trees. The restaurant allows patrons to sip cocktails under the sun or take shelter by the open windows with both indoor and outdoor seating. 

Live music and entertainment complete Star Beach Bar’s atmosphere. The frequent events generally take place between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., with live bands igniting the beachside mood. At night, fires crackle under the string lights, letting guests fully relax with meals and drinks. From frozen daiquiris (virgin and alcoholic) to specialty cocktails, it’s the perfect destination to refresh beachgoers. 

Jersey Shore Bars

Photo via @starbeachbar

6. Red Rock Tap + Grill—Red Bank, NJ

The modern-rustic environment of Red Rock Tap + Grill is certain to keep guests lively. Energy is important for any destination, especially when traveling down the Shore. Whether guests sit inside the wooden, lightly-stained walls or outdoors in picnic benches under the lights, this grill is the best hangout. The venue also offers an upper deck rooftop, overlooking the Navesink River, giving guests an entirely different perspective of Red Bank. 

Red Rock’s menu includes many grill favorites such as tacos, burgers and lobster rolls. Their food’s presentation maintains their modern, yet rustic appeal. With 16 beers on tap along with sangrias and cocktails, even the most particular guests can discover their ideal drink. 

7. Donovan’s Reef—Sea Bright, NJ

Donovan’s Reef is another local favorite. This casual venue by the beach is equipped with an outdoor tiki bar, pub menu, and live performances. The unique spot allows guests to relax on their upstairs patio or saunter down to the beachfront. Either way, guests enjoy a magnificent view of the ocean combined with delicious food and drinks. Whether it’s breakfast on the beach or grilled food by the patio, anything goes here. 

Donovan’s Reef offers live performances nearly every day of the week, from classic DJs to bands on their beachfront summer stage. Can’t make the event? Their website provides a live beach cam for prospective guests, displaying the stage and shoreline. Built in 1976, this lifeguarded bar is the ideal location to enjoy some vodka and vitamin D. 

8. Wonder Bar—Asbury Park, NJ

You’ve heard of Happy Hour, but at Wonder Bar, they offer something different–Yappy Hour. From mid to late afternoon, guests can bring their dogs to the Jersey Shore bars outdoor, enclosed area (making for the perfect wingman). Dogs are given both sand and patio to roam around while their owners enjoy food and drinks. 

Wonder Bar offers food and drinks typical of a carnival. With tons of “munchies” like fried Oreos, churros, sandwiches and hot dogs, the menu is filled with satisfying options. Guests can purchase items inside the restaurant and at the outdoor tiki bar. Cocktails, wines, and an array of canned beers are available at the tiki bar, while draft beer is only sold inside. 

9. Wharfside Seafood and Patio Bar—Point Pleasant Beach, NJ

Wharfside Seafood and Patio Bar is a classic, relaxed venue with waterfront views and outdoor seating. This restaurant uses two fishing vessels–the Heather Anne and Major Expense–to catch their seafood fresh for guests. Their fishery at Point Pleasant finds everything from lobsters to oysters for patrons. Patrons can see Wharfside’s boats dock from the outdoor patio, creating a true oceanside experience. 

At the outdoor patio, guests relax under umbrellas by the waterfront, which lights up beautifully at night. The drink menu is extensive, especially for wine lovers. With more than 20 kinds of wine, specialty cocktails, and an assortment of beer, Wharfside creates a calming atmosphere for Jersey Shore guests. 

Summer Bars

Photo by @wharfsidenj

10. The Sandbox at Seastreak Beach—Highlands, NJ

At The Sandbox located on Seastreak Beach, patrons can enjoy everything from live music to local food trucks. Chairs and tables are scattered across the sandy beachfront under hanging lights, letting guests choose their favorite view to recline and watch the waves. The food truck and live events schedule include everything from hot dogs and pizza to DJs and band performances. An isolated area with fire pits and palm trees, The Sandbox is a lively, sandy getaway.

The bar offers signature cocktails curated by trained mixologists. Using a combination of tropical and tart flavors, the beverages offer a spectrum of tastes to help patrons unwind. The sunsets at this venue are most notable, after which the fire pits illuminate the glittering sands. For the perfect daycation destination, The Sandbox provides a relaxing, open-air experience. 

Have you visited any Jersey Shore bars during the summer? Tell us in the comments below!

About the Author/s

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Mary Sparago is 22-year-old creative writing and policy enthusiast who's always looking for new dogs to pet. In her spare time, Mary enjoys listening to K-pop and playing video games.

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3 comments

Mariann August 15, 2021 - 9:23 pm

Only one of the ten were south of Seaside Heights. Your definition of the “Jersey Shore” seems pretty limited. Not enough gas in your car?

Reply
Melissa August 16, 2021 - 4:39 pm

Laguna Beach in Brigantine, Nj.

Reply
Melissa August 16, 2021 - 4:41 pm

Laguna Beach Bar&Grill in Brigantine, Nj is a nice relaxing spot! Great music, food is good,& the drinks are awesome.

Reply

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