There are few things as wonderful as enjoying a good meal. In fact, traveling and dining go hand in hand, as there is always something exciting about trying new foods in a new destination. That’s why we consulted Julie Hartigan, chef + Hoboken and Asbury Park resident {who you also may remember from our Cooking w/ Julie feature} to give us a chef-approved guide to all the dining in Asbury Park. Keep reading for a weekend getaway with a chef’s guide to Asbury Park for all the foodie spots to enjoy.
Julie + Asbury Park
^Julie, the professional chef behind Cooking with Julie
For Julie, she was able to combine her love of being in the city with her love of being beach-side with her very own kitchen {and home} in Asbury Park. Spending ample time here, Julie has become somewhat a local expert {especially when it comes to food}.
For those who haven’t visited Asbury Park yet, definitely add it to the travel list. It’s only an hour away with amazing-every-season live music, arts, and yes, a fantastic Julie-approved food scene.
So, whether you’re day-tripping, doing a friend’s weekend, bringing your pup down for some playtime on the dog-friendly beaches, staying for a full vacation, or are just headed down for a concert, be sure to try some of these great spots for food, drinks, and fun in Asbury Park, all picked by Julie herself.
For Breakfast + Lunch
Get your day started with one of these fantastic options for food ranging from vegan to seasonal-healthy options, an egg sandwich for takeout, or a treat from a local bakery.
Cardinal Provisions {513 Bangs Avenue}
You’ll be in total farm-to-table foodie heaven in this breakfast + lunch spot with an adorable Anthropologie vibe. Everything on the menu is creative and delicious – plus they do pop-up dinners and offer private dinner party events.
Frank’s Deli {1406 Main Street}
Don’t miss this local diner that’s been visited by everyone from The Sopranos cast, the late great Anthony Bourdain, and Bruce Springsteen. Diners can call ahead to pick up the most amazing BEC or a true shore delicacy, a pork roll, egg, and cheese. They even bake their own fluffy kaiser rolls in-house.
Pulp at Wake Wellness {521 Bangs Avenue}
Thirsty visitors can’t go wrong with any of the amazing smoothies, fresh juices, and more that are offered at this new wellness-focused gem.
Purple Glaze {516 Summerfield Avenue}
This sliver of a doughnut shop makes the most beautiful and creatively topped doughnuts – with so many flavors it will be hard to choose.
See More: Things to Do in Asbury Park {Jersey Shore Weekend Getaway}
For Dining in the Sun + Sand
Ok, so obviously, a trip to Asbury Park would be incomplete without a visit to the beach. Check out where to dine + drink along the shoreline below.
Betty’s Ice Box {1300 Ocean Avenue}
Kids of all ages love this fun retro candy/ice cream shop inside the Convention Hall. Cool down with one of their insane shaved ices — even the Food Network has paid them a visit.
Beach Bar {1300 Ocean Avenue}
This aptly-named beach bar is ideal for those looking to enjoy themselves outdoors + indulge in a little bit of partying while on vacation.
The Anchor’s Bend {1300 Ocean Avenue}
For a more relaxed vibe, check out The Anchor’s Bend. This locale boasts refreshing drinks and live music for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Pops Garage {1000 Ocean Avenue}
For your Mexican food fix, check out Pops Garage. Here, diners can grab inexpensive beach tacos, guac, and margs with a killer ocean view.
Kim Marie’s {1411 Kingsley Street}
Perfect for visitors traveling with a four-legged friend, this off-the-beaten-path pub near Asbury’s dogs-all-year North Beach even has a special dinner menu for pups to enjoy, too, if diners eat outside.
Vintage Subs {729 Bangs Avenue}
Vintage Subs is the ideal option for those who aren’t fans of excessive movement. This local deli delivers amazing subs right to the beach,
Aloha Market {1000 Ocean Avenue}
Tiny and tucked away, Aloha Market is nestled between APYC and Langosta Lounge. This counter cafe offers freshly made, upscale flavored slushies {think frozen ginger-basil-lemonade} with the option to add a booze of choice.
For Pizza + Burgers
There are few things as indulgent as a savory + greasy burger or a slice of pizza. Naturally, a vacation would be incomplete without enjoying one because, you are on vacation, after all. Check out where to get some top-notch pizza + burgers in Asbury Park.
Talula’s Pizza {550 Corkman Avenue}
This eatery is much more than just upscale pizza {although it is insanely good here}. This always jammed restaurant also offers a great wine list and cocktails, a focus on local and seasonal produce with gorgeous salads, vegan dishes, and inventive pasta.
Wonder Bar {1213 Ocean Avenue}
Just off the beach with live music and a big outdoor patio overlooking their iconic Yappy Hour for the pups, the Wonderburger will satisfy all of its guests’ outdoor dining + charred burger cravings at all hours of the day. They also host Sunday Funday for fall football, for all those football fans out there.
Medusa’s {711 4th Avenue Main Street}
Don’t miss the perfectly charred pizza with creative toppings from this female-owned and run spot tucked away on Main Street. BYOB and eat next to their gorgeously tiled wood-fired oven or call ahead for seriously great takeout.
Bond Street {208 Bond Street}
Don’t be fooled, this local favorite might appear to be the typical sliver of a dark bar, but don’t miss out on their savory burgers, fries, and patty melts.
Read More: Your Guide to The Best Jersey Shore Beaches
For a Posher Evening
Everything in Asbury has a fantastic “come as you are” casual feel, even the posher picks. But for a more upscale group dinner or a romantic date night, these spots deliver gorgeous food and vibes.
Pascal + Sabine {601 Bangs Avenue}
Seriously like a mini trip to Paris, this stunning spot with a classic brasserie menu is wonderful for “brunch and punch” {yes, it’s a thing, diners get their own little punch bowl}, appetizers at the convivial round bar up front, dinner, and a nightcap. For dessert don’t miss the chocolate pot de crème with salted caramel.
Reyla {603 Mattison Avenue}
This beautiful lounge-like Middle Eastern restaurant has an ever-changing menu of beautiful small plates for sharing with a really creative cocktail menu too.
For Cocktails
While there are so many fantastic places to grab drinks in AP {including many of the restaurants named above) these don’t-miss, cocktail bars offer something super special, too.
Little Buddy Hideaway {550 Cookman Avenue}
Tucked away inside the Brickwall Tavern, this seriously fun tiki speakeasy is the best blend of Golden Girls meets Magnum P.I. with a generous dose of danceable DJ.
Asbury Distilling {527 Lake Avenue}
Asbury Distilling boasts the prettiest setting for creative craft cocktails using their house-made everything, literally. They make their own mixers, fresh juices, gin, flavored gins, vodka, bourbon, and coming-soon, amaros. Pick up a bottle of your favorite to play mixologist when you get home, too.
Salvation {210 5th Avenue}
Perched on the rooftop of The Asbury Hotel with soaring views of the ocean, boardwalk, and Sunset Lake, this is a go-to for sunset and golden hour drinks. Plus, a few floors down on the Baronet outdoor terrace where guests can enjoy morning yoga on the soft faux grass with ocean views or nightly outdoor movies on cozy bean bags with popcorn and a pop-up bar.
For Non-Food Related Fun
For those who are planning on visiting Asbury Park with a big group + are looking to have a fun night {or day} out sans food, check out these local spots below.
Club Paradise {101 Asbury Avenue}
Located in the Empress Hotel with multiple bars + a pool, Club Paradise hosts a weekly Friday Night Drag Show with some seriously talented and beautiful dancers.
Georgie’s {810 5th Avenue}
This self-proclaimed “Gay Cheers” of Asbury Park hosts the most epic karaoke party twice a week.
House of Independents ‘90s Night
House of Independents hosts a ‘90s night where guests can enjoy the biggest dance party to a soundtrack of favorites from the aforementioned decade.
Have you been to Asbury Park? What is your favorite place to eat or hang out? Let us know in the comments!
