If you’re a frequenter of the Jersey Shore and enjoy a beverage from time to time, then chances are the best nightlife and bars are easy to find. But if you’re unfamiliar or looking to switch it up for a fun night out DTS — we’ve got you covered. After a fun day at the beach or a cookout in the backyard, these spots should be in your evening plans. We’ve rounded up the 13 best nightlife bars and local spots to try at the Jersey Shore.
Bar Anticipation | 703 16th Ave, Lake Como
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Bar Anticipation’s VIP cabanas with specialty drinks, a full cocktail bar, and bottle service on the weekends will put a glam end to a beach day. The menu is large and offers pub fare — there’s even an entire page dedicated to burgers. After hours, you can toss your flops, grab your friends, and hit the Grotto Beach, Bar A’s outdoor dance floor.
Read More: 3 Summer Drinks We’re Loving in Hoboken: Non-Alcoholic Edition
Bird + Betty’s | 529 Dock Road, Beach Haven
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Bird and Betty’s in Beach Haven has live music until the last call. The menu serves up seafood, sandwiches, pizza, and more. Cocktails on the sunny bayside rooftop are awesome, and after that, there’s the Nite Club for skeeball and live music until well after the sun goes down. It’s the perfect bayside end to a beachside day.
Daddy O | 4401 Long Beach Boulevard, Brant Beach
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The rooftop at Daddy O might be one of the best ways to top off a day at the beach with its ocean views, small plates, and classic cocktails down on Long Beach Island. It’s great for watching the sunset over the bay or grabbing a bite on the patio under the stars, martini in hand. Daddy O is also a hotel, so if you’re looking for a fun night where you don’t have to drive anywhere afterward, this is the place to go.
D’Jais Oceanview Bar + Cafe | 1801 Ocean Avenue N, Belmar
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This is the spot to dance your flip flops off — D’Jais is not to be missed. This prime Jersey Shore staple offers happy hour with a huge selection of mixed and frozen drinks for all your beachside cravings both on and off the dance floor. For food, D’Jais has a variety of affordable eats, including a raw bar, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and more. Don’t forget to buy tickets in advance.
Donovan’s Reef | 1171 Ocean Avenue N, Sea Bright
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At Donovan’s Reef, guests can jump into happy hour at this oceanfront, privately-guarded beach bar, serving up drinks seaside. When you’re done with fun in the sun, head up to the outdoor deck for live music at what is rightfully named, “One of the Best Beach Bars in America.” Donovan’s also has live music, ‘Off the Grill’ menu items, wings, tacos, and more.
Jenks Club | 300 Ocean Avenue N, Point Pleasant Beach
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For a real shore experience on the Boardwalk, Jenks Club is the place for drinks, DJs, and dancing the sand out of your swimsuit. There are live performances on the weekends and specialty cocktails while you and your crew hit the dance floor. Jenks is a true Jersey Shore nightlife staple.
Leggetts Sand Bar | 217 1st Avenue, Manasquan
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No trip to Manasquan is complete without a visit to this iconic spot. Leggetts is open daily from 11:30AM – 2AM and has drinks, food, and live music — as well as its very own dart league. It’s a lively time that will keep anyone entertained.
Martell’s Tiki Bar | 308 Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach
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Named ‘The Jersey Shore’s Island Getaway,’ Martell’s is a classic Point Pleasant haunt for locals and visitors looking for that beachside slice of heaven. In search of live music, beach parties, and that summertime frozen margarita? Martell’s has it all, and then some. There are also a variety of eats to choose from — including lots of seafood and sushi.
Parker House | 290 1st Avenue + Beacon Boulevard, Sea Girt
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For drinks and dancing in a beautiful classic beachside Victorian, the Parker House has got it covered — and it’s one block from the sand and sea. People from all (board) walks of life come to the Parker House looking for that perfect summer night. It also serves a variety of food — and you can dine on the beautiful porch outside. Whether you’re craving fine-dining seafood or a more casual tavern burger (a menu available only on select days), Parker House has something for everyone.
The Columns | 601 Ocean Avenue North, Avon-By-The-Sea
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With stunning ocean views, The Columns is a go-to spot, especially during the summer nights. Known for its live music, The Columns invites Jersey Shore-based bands and DJs for live music sets regularly. While dancing the night away, order their mini burgers, fresh-steamed lobsters, and other tavern-style specials.
The Osprey Night Club | 201 1st Avenue, Manasquan
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This infamous spot dates way back to 1946, making it a long-time favorite in the Manasquan area. It was once a hotel — and later was labeled as the home to the “World’s Longest Bars.” The Osprey’s live music lineup features Jersey Shore bands and Jersey Shore-based DJs. If you plan on staying in the area for a while, The Osprey has seasonal rooms to book — available to reserve starting from Memorial Day Weekend all the way through Labor Day Weekend.
The Stone Pony | 913 Ocean Avenue N, Asbury Park
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If headliners are what you’re looking for, The Stone Pony is the spot. Hosting Jersey artists like Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen, you’ll find more than what you asked for at this shoreside rock club. Popular artists such as Yungblud, Louis Tomlinson, Morgan Wade, and more are coming up in this summer calendar to get your seaside sway on. This is not one to be missed.
See More: Bars in the Montclair Area to Visit Based on Your Drink Preferences
Wonderbar | 1213 Ocean Avenue N, Asbury Park
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At Wonderbar, you can grab your pup and their best friends and head to Wonderbar’s beachside Yappy Hour, where dogs (and their humans) can get some seaside socializing. Feeling snacky? Wonderbar’s Wonder Burger and cocktail menu will keep you set up in the sun while Fido makes new friends. You can also find Cruzan Rum Buckets here — which is, like it sounds, a bucket of a rum mixed drink.
