The coastal town of Atlantic Highlands, NJ has attracted many wonderful dining destinations in recent years, including the Wine Bar, a full service bar and lounge with over 120 labels and 24 wines by the glass, specialty martinis, traditional drinks, global cuisine and live cabaret music.

Courtney and Michael Rosa opened the Wine Bar to share their passion for wine, exceptional cuisine and entertainment with others. The couple has created a popular hangout that uniquely offers a cosmopolitan character and modern elegance right on the Jersey Shore. Courtney wanted to create a kind of restaurant where she and Michael would like to go on their nights off – hip and chic, yet relaxing with good food and wines, and she has done just that.

The Wine Bar is ideal for accommodating the couple seeking a romantic lounge setting as well as equally suitable for the group looking to spend a few hours socializing with friends seated along one of their many waterfront views. The 4,000 square foot space opens up to the outdoors with large and airy French doors, which allow visitors to catch the bay breezes, perfect for enjoying one of the many changing seasons of this coastal town. Pull up an armchair or lounge in a sofa while soaking in the scenery and letting your senses pique to the scent and palette of fine wines and music.

Aside from the fantastic selection of wine and drink options, don’t think you can’t take in a great meal at the same time. The Wine Bar has semi-private dining areas, including an enclosed banquette, which are separate from the lounge where you can order from a full menu of appetizers, main dishes and delectable desserts. Enjoy Mediterranean-influenced new American fare from a diverse offering, including a long list of choices from the Wine Bar’s tapas style menu, which encourages sharing and pairing.

Appetizers such as the lobster risotto with snow peas in sherry cream sauce, or the duck confit spring rolls with mascarpone and goat cheese are favorite starters for the main dishes that are to follow. Scrumptious entrees like the mouth-watering Mojito pork tenderloin marinated in mint pesto and the Sautéed Jumbo gulf Shrimp, with whole wheat penne, fresh plum tomatoes, garlic, Pinot Grigio and basil will leave you feeling satisfied. Choose to round out the meal and order the crowd-pleasing crème brûlée with Tahitian vanilla seeds and a perfect crunch on top.

Weekly cocktail specials, happy hours with $5 martinis, as well as Prix fixe options for wine tastings are available every month and warrant checking the Wine Bar’s website for updates so as not to miss out on the action. The wines-by-the- glass list has a unique flight option offering two, four and six ounce pours to provide an opportunity to experience and learn the subtle nuances of a variety of wines simultaneously. Reservations and a polished casual attire are recommended. For a list of the Wine Bar’s current happenings and promotions with JerseyShoreLocal.com, click here.

Location: 40 First Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, NJ

What to wear: Polished casual

Visitors: Adults, locals, tourists

Hours:Reservations Recommended. Thursday – Saturday, Lounge is open from 5 p.m. until close, first Dinner Seating at 5 p.m. Private parties up to 130, available Monday – Sunday with minimums required.

Website:http://www.ahwinebar.com/