An ultimate guide to the Jersey Shore's revitalized, wildly popular social hub ahead of summer 2016
ASBURY PARK -- In Asbury Park, summer never sleeps.
As the revitalized oceanfront city continues to expand its reputation as a white-hot social hub, its downtown and boardwalk bars are now packed each weekend -- regardless of weather or season -- with locals and out-of-towners, twenty-somethings and graying patrons, all in search of a good time (and a good drink).
With several-dozen libation stations opening in the last decade around Ocean and Cookman Avenues, the question of "where should we go out in Asbury tonight?" has become somewhat complex; upscale or dive, craft beer or artisan cocktails?
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To ease this anxiety we visited all 39* of the downtown and shorefront watering holes -- from restaurant bars, to dance clubs, to rock venues -- and ranked them, based on selection and quality of drinks, price, atmosphere, availability of food and live music, and friendliness of staff.
Though these spots are all designed to loosen up their customers, we took this search rather seriously -- no sense in spending your cash at a lackluster place.
Ahead of the approaching warm weather -- when Asbury Park will truly be overrun -- use this list as the ultimate guide to the Shore's incredibly popular locale.
* Some bars share space and/or ownership, and were grouped together.
34. Skratch, 649 Mattison Ave.
A bar/restaurant on its third name in three years should be an immediate red flag. And though Skratch, -- formerly Bank on Mattison and Redemption -- is a nice, hard-wood bar, the drinks were sour, the chicken and waffles were subpar, and the place is blanketed in an unfortunate, musty smell. Time to up your game, guys!
33. Kim Marie's Eat N Drink Away, 1411 Kingsley St.
At Kim Marie's, opposite the historic Berkeley Hotel, it took forever to order food from an uncrowded bar, and its simple chicken fingers were brutally over-fried. The atmosphere -- some sort of cross between medieval Ireland and simulcast horse-racing on the television -- was confusing.
32. The Saint, 601 Main St.
The 20-year-old rock club is a fine place to see a local show, and offers live music most nights of the week -- usually rock, folk or punk -- but if you're not going for the tunes, don't go. The weathered rock ambience is cool, but the bar is cash-only with minimal selection -- and you'll likely pay a cover fee to get in.
Cymbals Eat Guitars rock The Saint in Asbury Park. (Jody Somers/For The Star-Ledger) 31. The Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Ave.
Time to slaughter some sacred cows. The legendary rock club is, of course, a mythical place to see a concert, but to just go there for a beer or super-stiff drink? The Pony is great, but without a reason to go, it's pretty much a non-starter in terms of the city's bar scene.
30. House of Independents, 572 Cookman Ave.
House of Independents is a hip, brick-walled joint with a cool bar overlooking its concert stage below. The crowd varies greatly depending on the entertainment and some nights the show is sold out, but the bar itself offers lots of local suds. It's only open during shows, though -- making this place a non-starter unless there's a major show happening.
29. Moonstruck, 517 Lake Ave.
Inside, the large restaurant Moonstruck feels very old-fashioned -- seemingly kept that way for the older, well-off clientele it tends to draw. A Singapore Sling at the small bar ($4.50 during happy hour) is well-made, but this really isn't a place to go wild. A lunch with mom -- if she's paying -- feels more appropriate.
Outside Moonstruck restaurant and bar in Asbury Park. (Courtesy of Moonstruck) 28. McLoone's Asbury Grille, 1200 Ocean Ave.
As McLoone's Supper Club is often booked for weddings, the downstairs Asbury Grille feels a little too formal for an evening beer or Bourbon Slush ($12). The $6 buffalo crab dip at happy hour (4 to 7 p.m., Sunday to Friday), however, is a tasty deal at an otherwise pricey restaurant.
27. Lola's European Cafe, 539 Cookman Ave.
Lola's may not be a full bar, but upon request, an employee will take a butane torch to a piece of oak -- removed from a used barrel -- and smoke a snifter of bourbon. The rich flavor it adds to a glass of Maker's Mark ($14.25) or Angel's Envy ($12) is heavenly.
26. Paradise, 101 Asbury Ave.
As Asbury Park is recognized as the Jersey Shore's LGBT haven, Paradise functions primarily as the city's lone gay dance-club -- though everyone can have fun, regardless of sexual orientation, as long as you're there to dance. Otherwise the sprawling place is a bit dated, the pool area is loaded with smokers and the staff ranges from very friendly to indifferent or even rude.
The gay community and their straight friends enjoy Saturday night dancing at Paradise in Asbury Park. (Aristide Economopoulos/The Star-Ledger) 25. Georgie's, 810 5th Ave.
The self-proclaimed "gay 'Cheers'" works as a cash-only neighborhood dive with a few extras. The pool table is a hot draw -- not many Asbury bars house the staple game -- and weekly karaoke makes for great people-watching. (Another form of people watching -- the "go-go boys" that turn up on Tuesday night -- is also an option.)
24. Asbury Oyster Bar, 1300 Ocean Ave.
The small, fashionable Oyster Bar touts a handful of oyster offerings each day -- the batch from Tisbury, Mass. (a steep $4 each) was especially good. But keep in mind the only beer on tap is local brewer Kane (Ocean Twp.) in five styles.
23. Fish Urban Dining, 601 Mattison Ave.
A place called Fish Urban Dining could sound a little intimidating, but inside the restaurant and bar are inviting. While the decidedly older, more affluent crowd dines at tables, stop by the bar for very tasty lobster nachos ($10) and a Hot Mess martini, with jalapeno-infused vodka ($12).
22. The Anchor's Bend, 1300 Ocean Ave.
Inside Asbury's old Grand Arcade, next to the seriously worn Convention Hall, lies Anchor's Bend, a nautical gem on the north end of the boardwalk. A mixed crowd enjoys tavern fare that's perhaps tastier than the casual atmosphere might suggest. Outdoor, beachfront seating is cool, too.
The outdoor seating area of The Anchor's Bend in Asbury Park. (Courtesy of Madison Marquette) 21. Stella Marina, 800 Ocean Ave.
Given how many Italian restaurants pepper the Shore, it's funny that Asbury Park doesn't feature a ton of pasta joints. The pricey, two-story locale Stella Marina is a worthy spot, for a family dinner or swanky cocktail at the oceanfront bar. Try the Italian manhattan ($12).
20. Barrio Costero, 610 Bangs Ave.
This new establishment on Bangs Avenue feels like a keeper -- inventive coastal Mexican food, with a full bar slinging bright tequila cocktails in an urban space. The Jalisco Is Burning ($10) with blanco tequila and chipotle is a spicy change-up, and the fish tacos ($12) are wonderfully fresh.
19. Cross and Orange, 508 Cookman Ave.
An older, usually well-to-do group frequents Cross and Orange. The long bar raised above a large dining room is best accessed during happy hour (4 to 6 p.m.) for more digestible prices. For cocktails, try the Corpse Reviver ($10), with gin, Cointreau and an absinthe rinse.
Interior view of the Cross & Orange Restaurant on Cookman Av. in Asbury Park. (Tony Kurdzuk | For NJ Advance Media) 18. Brando's Citi Cucina, 162 Main St.
For how expensive a dinner at upscale Italian restaurant Brando's may be, the bar's happy hour (Tuesday to Friday, 4 to 6:30 p.m.) is actually very reasonable. $5 cocktails -- most anything but top-shelf liquor is fair game -- and a $5 menu with flavorful neapolitan pizza and hanger steak sliders are all great bargains.
17. The Beach Bar, 1300 Ocean Ave.
When you imagine an oceanfront bar, the outdoor Beach Bar alongside Convention Hall, is likely what you see. Tables are covered by the Grand Arcade's facade, but the pathway is open-air and leads down onto the beach, for toes-in-the-sand boozing. The rum buckets here ($16) are beloved.
16. Cubacan + Rum, Tequila and Ceviche Bar, 800 Ocean Ave.
For slightly upscale latin experience, Cubacan and its newer Rum and Ceviche Bar present a lively atmosphere and terrific drinks on the boardwalk's southern end. The margaritas and mojitos are well-balanced, but you'll pay for the quality ($10-12). If you need to soak up the spirits, try the chorizo empanadas.
Exterior of Cubacan restaurant in Asbury Park. (Photo by David Gard/The Star-Ledger) 15. Asbury Park Yacht Club + Pop's Garage, 1000 Ocean Ave.
A "yacht club" in the traditional sense this pipsqueak boardwalk bar is not. But it's a fun place known best as willing rock and punk club for blooming acts. APYC is a go-to for the bright, head-banging alternative community. Outdoor seating and food availability from adjacent Pop's Garage (mexican) are pluses.
14. Langosta Lounge, 1000 Ocean Ave.
Centered on coastal cuisine and sushi -- but with a large stage in its dining room -- Langosta Lounge on the boardwalk attracts a dinner crowd, plus its blend of trendy nightlife-seekers and locals, who may come for a cocktail, a tasty Spyder Roll ($14), or the list of folk bands regularly booked there.
A busy night at Langosta Lounge in Asbury Park. (Courtesy of Madison Marquette) 13. Johnny Mac's House of Spirits, 208 Main St.
This sprawling indoor-outdoor Irish bar on Main Street is an Asbury Park institution. Who doesn't love a free bar pizza with purchase of a single beer? Though such a bargain lures enormous crowds on weekends -- this is not a "let's catch up" sort of bar. This is a "let's do shots" sort of spot (not always a bad thing).
12. Watermark, 800 Ocean Ave.
You'll find no better bar view than the outdoor balcony of Watermark, which overlooks the beach, boardwalk and Stone Pony Summer Stage (penny-saving fans can hear shows). Inside, the vibe is that of chic lounge -- it's very popular with the young "going out" crowd, who might stop for a cocktail on the couch before dancing at Porta.
Sonja Dennis, left, and Donna Tumminia, right, enjoy an evening out at the Watermark overlooking the Asbury Park boardwalk. (Saed Hindash/The Star-Ledger) 11. Cibo E Vino, 603 Mattison Ave.
The main draw for Cibo E Vino's libation station is its tapas-style menu, which allows for small plates and lots of sharing. The pesto arancini (rice balls) ($5), caesar salad ($6) and grilled pizzas ($12-16) are all knockouts, and go great with a glass of sangria ($10) at the restaurant's long bar.
10. Pascal and Sabine, 601 Bangs Ave.
This incredibly popular french, brasserie-style restaurant is not for penny pinchers, but if you can get a spot at the small circular bar near the nightly piano player, it's an engaging, upscale experience. The daily selection of farmhouse cheeses is incredibly good, and the Ward Eight bourbon-based cocktail ($11) is dynamite.
Sal Capobianco, chef de cuisine, left, and Neil West, executive chef at Pascal & Sabine, a French restaurant in Asbury Park. (Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) 9. The Bonney Read, 525 Cookman Ave.
As you might imagine, oceanfront Asbury Park is stuffed with seafood eateries. Open about a year, The Bonney Read on Cookman Avenue -- named for the notorious female pirate -- offers a killer raw bar (the crab legs are a must), and a full wrap-around bar with a warm, lively atmosphere. Beer selection is solid, too.
Owner James Avery portioning fresh catches for the day's service at The Bonney Read in Asbury Park. (Courtesy of Bonney Read/Facebook) 8. Porta, 911 Kingsley St.
This industrial-chic pizza restaurant, bar and dance club is packed wall-to-wall Friday and Saturday nights -- often with a line down the block for its nightlife. During the week or at dinner time, go for the Buddy Holly ($12) -- a spruced-up Manhattan -- which is thoughtful and deserves a pizza pairing; any of the wood-fired pies ($10-17) are definite treats.
The bar at Porta in Asbury Park. (Cathy Miller) 7. Taka, 660 Cookman Ave.
Asbury Park's lone Japanese bar and restaurant is an exceptional spot for sushi, dumplings and Asian-inspired cocktails and beer. A fairly posh atmosphere surrounds the large, square bar. Sip a Gin-ja Ninja ($10), with sake and ginger, and chow down on fall-off-the-bone spare ribs and Red Dragon rolls ($15). A great choice for date night.
Inside Taka restaurant and bar in Asbury Park. (Courtesy of Taka) 6. Talula's, 550 Cookman Ave.
Open less than two years, Talula's has been praised profusely for its gourmet pizzas and fresh product, and the drinks tend to match. The recipes forged by a wonderfully knowledgeable bar staff are delicious -- the Gin and Jam ($10) with homemade seasonal jam is a revelation -- and if you can get a seat at the urban-style restaurant's small bar, the Beekeeper's Lament pizza ($16), with fresh honey, is fantastic.
Bartender Jordan Fitch pours a "Grilled Pineapple Rum Punch" at Talula's in Asbury Park. (Russ DeSantis | For NJ Advance Media) 5. Brickwall Tavern + The Annex, 522 Cookman Ave.
For a decade, beer braggarts have stormed Brickwall Tavern, a spot best known for its rotating craft brews. Two-dozen domestics and imports are always on tap, and local breweries including Kane (Ocean Township), Carton (Atlantic Highlands) and Dark City (Asbury Park) are regulars. To boot, the Burger Burger ($13) is among the best sandwiches in the city.
A craft beer flight at Brickwall Tavern in Asbury Park (courtesy of Brickwall Tavern). 4. Wonder Bar, Fifth and Ocean Avenues
Now we're getting to the really good stuff. One of Asbury Park's longest-operating locales, the Tilly-branded Wonder Bar embodies the city's classic mix of live music and nightlife. The bar Springsteen rocked last summer serves up quality shore food -- the Wonder Burger is better than you'd expect from a dive -- cheap beer and plenty of specials. And then there's Wonder Bar's Yappy Hour, the adjacent dog-friendly outdoor bar, which is wildly popular for folks who dig a pet and a pint.
The scene during dog-friendly Yappy Hour outdoor bar at Asbury Park's Wonder Bar. (ANDREW MILLS/THE STAR-LEDGER) 3. Asbury Ale House, 531 Cookman Ave.
Kicking off our ultra-exclusive top-three is the new, wildly popular sports bar Asbury Ale House -- it's huge, with three bars and dozens of televisions, and the main bar offers more than 50 craft beers on tap. Accordingly, the spot is overflowing with sports fans on game night and the youthful going-out deluge on weekends. But on slower nights, it's great for a dinner splurge with a fun-loving staff. The drunken chicken mac n' cheese ($11) is ultimate comfort food.
Asbury Ale House employees Devin Young, Cassie DiPaolo, Nicole Nuekem, Deanna Delia stand with the bar's 52 taps in Asbury Park. (Courtesy of Asbury Ale House) 2. Bond Street Bar + Capitoline + Basement Bar, 208 Bond St.
Bond Street Bar is revered by locals for its inexpensive drinks -- $5 for a beer and shot of whiskey ain't bad -- shockingly good burgers and corn nuggets, and as an escape from the trendier spots. And now, owners have turned the solo bar into a "complex," featuring delicious yet still dirt-cheap italian food and brews in adjacent Capitoline, a huge Basement Bar and game room below, and a devilishly good (and cheap) Mexican eatery La Loteria in back, slinging margaritas. Bond Street is an awesome place for a night out, but there's still one better ...
An aerial view of Bond Street Bar in Asbury Park. (Courtesy of Bond Street Bar). 1. Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten, 527 Lake Ave.
Prost! In less than two years, the Austro-Hungarian paradise Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten has become one of the city's most coveted watering holes, for its liter-mugs of authentic European beer, delicious fare to match -- the massive Bavarian pretzel ($11) and bratwurst ($12) are favorites -- and atmosphere, with a large, indoor dining/drinking room and full, warm rooftop overlooking Wesley Lake. Folk, rock and polka bands are booked regularly downstairs, and a mixed crowd fills the place.
Day or night, winter or summer, the Biergarten is Asbury's greatest hit.
Patrons of the Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten in Asbury Park see how long they can hold a mug full of beer, weighing 5 pounds, straight out. (MaryAnn Spoto | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) Bobby Olivier may be reached at bolivier@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BobbyOlivier. Find NJ.com on Facebook.