For those who frequent the Jersey Shore and enjoy a beverage from time to time, chances are the best nightlife and bars are easy to find. But, for locals unfamiliar with the area or looking to switch it up for a fun night out DTS, The Hoboken Girl is here to help. We have created a roundup of 13 classic spots to visit after a fun day at the beach or a cookout in the backyard. Read on for a list of 13 best nightlife bars and local spots to try at the Jersey Shore.
Bar Anticipation’s VIP cabanas with specialty drinks, a full cocktail bar, and bottle service on the weekends will put a glam end to any beach day trip. The menu is large and has pub fare — there’s even an entire page dedicated to burgers. After hours, visitors toss their flops, grab their friends, and hit the Grotto Beach, Bar A’s outdoor dance floor.
Read More: 21 Vibey Bars for a Low-Key Night Out in Hoboken + Jersey City
Bird + Betty’s in Beach Haven plays 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 a great bayside end to a beachside day.
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.
There’s the rooftop at Daddy O for 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. For those looking for a fun night where they don’t have to drive anywhere afterward, this is the place to go.
This is the spot where guests dance their flip flops off — D’Jais is not to be missed. This prime Jersey Shore staple has a 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 is an oceanfront, privately guarded beach bar, serving diners seaside. When guests are done with fun in the sun, they can head up to the outdoor deck for live music at what is rightfully named One of the Best Beach Bars in America by . Donovan’s also has live music, ‘Off the Grill’ menu items, wings, tacos, and other things.
For a real shore experience on the Boardwalk, Jenks Club is the place to go. This spot is great for drinks, DJs, and dancing the sand out of your swimsuit. There are live performances on the weekends and specialty cocktails. Jenks is a true Jersey Shore nightlife staple.
With daily specials on the reg, Leggetts is another bar to check out when in the Squan area. Leggetts is open daily 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.
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. Those in search of live music, beach parties, and that summertime frozen margarita can look no further. Martell’s has it all, and then some. There are also a variety of eats to choose from — including lots of seafood and sushi.
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. The Osprey also has seasonal rooms for booking, available to reserve from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.
For drinks and dancing in a beautiful classic beachside Victorian, the Parker House has got guests 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 has a beautiful porch outside for visitors to dine. Whether it’s fine-dining seafood or a more casual tavern burger (a menu available only on select days), Parker House has something for everyone.
The Stone Pony is the spot for headliners. Hosting Jersey artists like Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen, guests will find more than what they asked for at this shoreside rock club. Popular artists such as Des + the Swagmatics, Guster + The Mountain Goats, and more are coming up in this summer calendar. This is not one to be missed.
Wonderbar is a dog-friendly spot. The HG team recommends visiting during Wonderbar’s beachside Yappy Hour, where dogs (and their humans) can get some seaside socializing. Wonderbar’s Wonder Burger and cocktail menu is also great, and will keep guests set up in the sun while Fido makes new friends. There are also Cruzan Rum Buckets here, which is, like it sounds, a bucket of a rum mixed drink.