The 30 best bars at the Jersey Shore (2024)

Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

"Shore'' and "bars'' go together like "Parkway'' and "traffic,'' only the first two are so much more pleasant. There's nothing quite like kicking back with a cold one after a long day on the beach, or dealing with the Parkway.

Here are the Jersey Shore's 30 best bars, drawn from my not-inconsiderable Shore bar experience (I'm not proud of that, neither am I ashamed).

They cover the entire coastline, from Highlands to Cape May. There were hundreds of bars to choose from; these are the standouts. Some are noisy bars, some are laid-back hangouts; there are neighborhood bars, dive bars, co*cktail bars and more on the list. It's not a list of the most popular bars or the ones with the most Facebook likes, just the best.In my opinion. And I do get around.

The bars are not ranked and are not in any particular order.

What's your favorite Shore bar, and why? Let us know in the comments section.

Oyster Creek Inn

Boat Bar, Oyster Creek Inn, Leeds Point

The Oyster Creek Inn has long been a personal favorite, with its panorama of marsh, water and sky. Have your first beer or co*cktail on the outside deck and drink in the views, then grab a seat at the boat bar. Yes, it's a real boat. Good seafood here, too.

Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The Hudson House, North Beach Haven

No credit cards. No food, unless you count bagged snacks. No blender or frozen drinks. No web site or official Facebook page. The main attraction is a shuffleboard table that dates to the 50s. The Hudson House is a quintessential dive bar, a cozy, convivial retreat that's been there for decades but is still relatively unknown on the island. The building dates to 1880 and was once known as the Waverly Hotel.

There are about 15 beers on tap, including Flying Fish Summer Ale, Magic Hat #9, Kane Head High, Shed Mountain Ale, Brotherton Jersey Devil and Spellbound Palo Santo Porter. Check out the two beer cases for more choices.

One of the state's great dive bars, not as scruffy as some others but with a friendly, no-frills atmosphere.

Leggett's Sand Bar, Manasquan

Oh, I spent many a night in Leggett's when I lived in Manasquan. They've redone the place since and it's lost its divey soul, but Leggett's is even more popular today. There are dart and shuffleboard leagues, an outdoor garden dining area, and the expansive menu even includes brick oven pizza. I don't recognize the place these days, but that's ok. "Manasquan'' and "Leggett's'' are synonymous.

Robert's Place, Margate

Robert's Place is a cash-only locals hangout with atmosphere and great wings going for it. "Laid Back Since Way Back''' is the motto, and it rings true here. The menu goes beyond wings and burgers - grilled mahi, NY strip, blackened shrimp, and more.

Peter Genovese I NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Bond Street Bar, Asbury Park

A dive bar seems all out of sorts for hip, happening Asbury - which is exactly why the Bond Street Bar is on this list. "It's been a bar since the '30s,'' staffer Matt Kramer told me. Charmingly low-rent, the bar is cash-only. A sign outside reads: The beach has kids sharks kids no beer. The bar has no kids beer.

Inside, it's pleasantly dark and gloomy. "One person at a time in bathroom'' reads a message. Drinks include the Dennis Hopper - PBR and a shot of house whiskey. Beers on tap include Carton Boat Beer, Allagash White, Kane Head High; Guinness and Asbury Park Brewing Sea Dragon.

The jalapeno cheddar burger is, like the bar, different, and the wings are nice and plump, with an appropriately punkish hot sauce.

The Sawmill Cafe, Seaside Park

"Legendary'' doesn't quite do the Sawmill justice. "Cafe,'' either. It's hard to imagine the Seaside boardwalk without this bar/restaurant, which started as a hot dog stand outside the entrance to Funtown Pier in 1977. Today, it serves up what is probably the Shore's biggest slice. Take that slice outside to the Sand Bar for the best effect.

Crabby Jack's, Somers Point

The Crab Trap in Somers Point is a perpetually popular and packed restaurant. Much less well known is Crabby Jack's, a sprawling tiki bar behind the Crab Trap. You can order from a streamlined Crab Trap menu. Skip the lines and wait and enjoy the waterfront views. That's Ocean City in the shimmering distance.

Peter Genovese I NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Wonder Bar, Asbury Park

The dogs are soooo cute. At the Wonder Bar, dogs run freely in a fenced-in sandy playground. Bars across the country offer Yappy Hours, but Wonder Bar co-owner Debbie DeLisa says her bar was the first to allow dogs to roam off the leash. The Shore bar opened in the 1950s, and once boasted the longest bar in the world.

You don't come here for fine co*cktails or an extensive craft beer selection. It's just a great place to hang out, and listen to music.

Good Night Irene's, Wildwood

Wildwood and North Wildwood do not suffer from a lack of bars; Good Night Irene's stands out for its lively atmosphere and extensive craft beer selection - more than 90 brews in all. There are frequent tap takeovers, too, with local breweries. Open year-round.

Off the Hook, Highlands

The views can't get any more spectacular than the ones at Off the Hook - Sandy Hook Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, NYC in the distance. The beer selection could be better, but you come here for the food and views. Dishes include Voo Doo Shrimp & Scallops, chili, Sun Burnt Pasta, and short rib sandwich.

Saed Hindash I NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

C-View Inn, Cape May

There are "nicer'' bars in Cape May, but my favorite is the C-View Inn, a true locals hangout. The building dates to the mid-1800s, and was once known as the Harbor House; check the vintage photos on the walls. Don't just drink, eat. Get the juicy prime rib sandwich, or the garlic wings, with the special sauce, kept behind the bar.

O Bar, Daddy O, Brant Beach

Coolest Shore rooftop bar? The O Bar atop Daddy O in Brant Beach, LBI. It opens 4 p.m. weekdays and noon on Saturdays and Sundays. Food includes sushi and small plates.It's one of those bars that's great during the day and even better at night.

Ducktown Tavern, Atlantic City

The Ducktown Tavern never closes, and in AC that can only be a good thing There are 28 TVs in the bar/restaurant on the corner of Atlantic and Georgia. A sign from the former Sands Casino is in the dining room. And a Heart Attack is on the menu. The Heart Attack burger, one of 19 burgers on the bar's menu, is not for the faint of heart, stomach, or anything else. It is a teetering tower of cholesterol craziness - mozzarella sticks, corn nuggets, onion rings, fries, poppers, melted cheese, bacon, burger, and one "potato boat'' artfully squeezed inside a toasted brioche-type bun. Pro tip: Go with the ACPD, a mere double cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato and fried onions. Much healthier.

Bird & Betty's, Beach Haven

Bird & Betty's is named after Bird and Betty Clutter- great names, right? - who bought the former Acme Hotel in 1956. It later became the Ketch; earlier this year it was purchased by the Tide Table Group, which also owns Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House and Mud City Crab House, both in Manahawkin; Parker's Garage & Oyster Saloon in Beach Haven; and Ship Bottom Shellfish. At Bird & Betty's, fresh seafood and crafted co*cktails form the foundation. Try the lamb and ricotta (with fava beans!), or the oven-roasted split lobster. "We believe in late nights and early mornings,'' the web site proclaims. "You can sleep when you're dead.''

Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Twistie's on the Bay, Strathmere

Al Capone ate here, or so the legend goes. Twisties was once known as the Strathmere Inn Cafe and may have operated as a speakeasy during Prohibition. A previous owner, Harold Charleston, was responsible for the weird and wonderful collection of coconut heads, carved by Seminole Indians, above the bar.My favorite drink here: the Hibiscus Lemonade, a summery sensation. Great waterfront location, cozy atmosphere, and first-rate food. The char-grilled pork chops, prime rib sandwich and Twisted Scallops are all highly recommended. The maple cinnamon french fries will rock your deep-fried world.

EJ's Tap House, Seaside Heights

"Welcome Bennies'' says the sign outside EJ's. I remember this place when it was divier; it's been redone and has lost some of its low-rent soul, but you can't beat the boardwalk location. There are 16 beers on tap, five pool tables, and live music Friday and Saturday nights.

Peter Genovese I NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Nip-N-Tuck Bar & Grill, Long Branch

Nip-N-Tuck sounds like a plastic surgery clinic, but it's a great dive bar, and no Shore bar does better grilled cheese sandwiches. They're cooked in a skillet on the grill, there's a new one every week, and good luck finding any mention of them on the bar's Facebook page. Grilled cheese aside, this is a homey little hangout.

On the Rocks Dockside Grill, North Cape May

The Cape May-Lewes Ferry is one of N.J.'s under-publicized attractions, and there's no better place to wait for a ride than at On the Rocks, at the ferry dock. There's indoor and outdoor seating, a tiki bar, and a good lineup of co*cktails and beers. Try an Orange Crush, with orange Vodka, Triple Sec, fresh-squeezed orange juice & splash of Sprite. Local brews include Cape May Brewing and Slack Tide. Wings, tacos, burgers and IPA cheese fries are among the menu items. Even if you're not waiting for the ferry, it's a great place to hang out at the bottom of Jersey.

JakeaBob's Bay, Union Beach

OK, so JakeaBob's is not what many consider Down the Shore, but it's on Jersey's other Shore, the Raritan Bay coastline. The bar - and much of Union Beach - was destroyed during Hurricane Sandy, but the bar re-opened in June 2016, and it's better than ever. It's named after owner Angelita Liaguno-Dorr's two sons, Jake and Bobby. There's a new tiki bar and an outdoor deck (dig the views of NYC). Food? Try Ama's Chicken, the Spinney Ceek Steamers, the 1999 wings, or the Hawaiian tuna poke tower.

Motts Creek Inn, Galloway

Ignore the greenheads and settle in at the Motts Creek Inn, an atmospheric waterfront bar, where many patrons dock their boats outside. I'm not kidding about the greenheads - one appears on the bar logo, with the warning: "Beware of the locals.'' On Thursdays, kid eat free with an adult purchase, and Thursdays also mean $1 oysters and 50-cent clams. Minutes away is the Oyster Creek Inn, also on this list.

Martell's Tiki Bar, Point Pleasant Beach

Martell's is New Jersey's - maybe the world's - best-known tiki bar. Only one bar in the world owns the tikibar.com domain, and it's Martell's. A sprawling complex of bars, decks and dining space, Martell's is far from cozy or intimate but it sure is fun, with tons of drink and food options, plus bands and a dance floor. And don't forget the fresh-squeezed orange juice; a manager once told me, "We go through more oranges than anyone in the world." Best place to eat: Martell's Shrimp Bar, just inside the entrance.

Fitzpatrick's Crest Tavern, Diamond Beach

The Crest Tavern is not in Wildwood Crest, as many assume, but in Diamond Beach, a section of Lower (Wildwood Crest is a dry town). The Crest is a lively neighborhood bar, with a good beer selection (about 60 in all on tap, cans and bottles). Order a Midnight Moonshine drink; you get to keep the Mason jar it comes in. The menu includes fresh local oysters, steamed mussels, pot pie (Wednesdays only), burgers, crab cakes, NY strip and an apple bacon pork chop.

The Columns, Avon-by-the-Sea

For a more refined Jersey Shore bar experience, cruise over to The Columns. The restaurant/bar is set in a grand Colonial Revival mansion, with a wrap-around porch and great views - the ocean's across the street. Recommended: the wings, with a roasted garlic sriracha sauce; The Columns BLT; or the pan-seared sea scallops. You can even book a room here from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Anchor Inn, Ocean Gate

Ocean Gate is one of the most under-the-radar Shore towns; it's on the Toms River, west of Seaside. The Anchor Inn is an old-school bar/restaurant, a step back in time and an antidote to all those stylish, cheerless bars out there. Known for its pasta dishes, seafood and steaks, the Anchor Inn sure ain't fancy, but it may well have you re-considering your plans the next time you're heading to Seaside.

Fred's Tavern, Stone Harbor

Fred's Tavern doubles as neighborhood bar and liquor store. Live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays, Quizzo on Mondays, and fun every day of the week. There's an indoor dining room, but try to grab a table outside. This testimonial is from @brendonkeenan: Fred's Tavern in Stone Harbor. Solid institution. Solid enough that they probably don't care if they make your list. Which is pretty solid 😊

Murphy's Tavern, Rumson

Murphy's Tavern - the Shore's most singular bar- is in a house, which looks like every other house on the block. There's no glowing neon sign, no parking lot, and the bar is in the basem*nt. But a basem*nt with style - black-and-white checked floors, tables set atop wine barrels, dartboard, and subdued lighting. The Ward Lane bar opened in the midst of Prohibition, and quickly became known to rumrunners and smugglers navigating the nearby Navesink River. Order a Manhattan or Old Fashioned, or a beer from nearby Carton Brewing. One must-order: the pork roll fries. Delicious and deadly, in a good way.

Kelly's Tavern, Neptune City

Who doesn't know Kelly's? Ed and Mabel Kelly bought Rudy's Twin Boro tavern across the highway in 1949, opening Kelly's ten years later. Known for its lively atmosphere and the Reubens, maybe the state's best. The large version - a messy molten behemoth - goes for $18.99 and will feed friends, family and anyone else you want to bring along. The interior is classic Irish bar, but you'll want to snag a seat on the outside patio. The Bloody Marys are renowned; for something different if not daring, order a Dirty Banana, with dark rum, Irish cream liqueur, Kahlua, coconut and pineapple juice, blended with banana and a smidge of chocolate. Not in a Reuben mood? Try the Guinness Burger, the homemade meatloaf sandwich, or the fresh roast turkey. They even serve breakfast here!

Miracle Pub, Toms River

Classic neighborhood bar with ten times more atmosphere than your favorite bar. Chock-a-block with beer signs, Giants jerseys and vintage photos, the Miracle Pub is not someplace you just stumble on; it's just off Route 37, between a Cluck-U Chicken and orthopedic clinic. "I think this may be my new favorite place!!!' an admirer raved on Facebook. "My 2nd time there & really Love the atmosphere, & the food is pretty yummy!'' Breakfast is served from 9:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. in case you need to conquer that hangover. Ample packaged goods selection, too.

Ed Murray I NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Back Bay Ale House, Atlantic City

Kyle Williams opened the Back Bay Ale House in 2003. "It was scary,'' general manager Peter McDonald recalls not-too-fondly of the building they inherited. "Everything had to be re-built.'' The two-story restaurant/bar, with its views of Absecon Inlet, remains a relative secret outside AC. "There's people in Brigantine who've lived all their lives there, come over here, didn't know this was here,'' McDonald told me.

There's a cozy indoor bar, an upstairs dining room, a spacious outdoor patio, plus a tiki bar. co*cktails are served in Mason jars. Order a Georgia Peach, with Tito's Vodka, peach schnapps, fresh muddled peaches and mint, Sprite and club soda. The jerk wings here made my most recent N.J.'s best wings list,Get them dry or with JuJu sauce, a hot, peppery, tomatoey delight.

djais.com

D'Jais, Belmar

You must have at least one rousing if not raucous bar on this list, and D'Jais is it. You've got to love a place with a 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Friday happy hour with a free hot and cold buffet. The Sunday 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. happy hour is billed as "the wildest Sunday at the Shore.'' At night, the bar, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, morphs into a dance cub.From @JBroska55: "Don't let the stereotypes fool you! It's a great summer hangout with some great bartenders, it's the quintessential jersey shore bar!''

Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

What's your favorite Shore bar?

This is one person's list of the best Shore bars. What are yours? Who did we leave out?Let us know in the comments section.

Peter Genovese I NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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