Updated May, 24, 2019 Outdoor bars at the Jersey Shore are an integral piece to what constitutes a successful summer. It’s like going to the boardwalk or sitting in Parkway traffic – if you don’t spend a day or night with your friends on a patio, rooftop, or beachy locale with a few drinks and maybe some live music at a Jersey Shore outdoor bar, is it really even summer?
So as we kick off the unofficial season of summer at the Jersey Shore, let us give you an insider’s guide to places where you can have your drink and get a little fresh air too. Our local’s guide to Jersey Shore outdoor bars in Monmouth and Ocean Counties will help you make the most of those beautiful summer nights. Also, since you like to drink outdoors, you probably like to dine outdoors too so be sure to check out our local’s guide to Jersey Shore oceanfront dining and waterfront dining!
Add These Jersey Shore Outdoor Bars to Your Summer Bucket List!
Another one of our favorite oceanfront restaurants, Rooney’s has a huge outdoor patio area that’s a perfect spot to spend some time enjoying a cocktail and the view, then stay a bit longer for dinner. Or the other way around, and do dinner then spend the night having drinks outside while the sun goes down. 100 Ocean Ave, Long Branch (732) 870-1200 http://www.rooneysocean.com
If you’re on the hunt for outdoor bars at the Jersey Shore, shouldn’t you make the most of it and plant yourself right next to the beach? At Mister C’s Beach Bistro, the ocean makes the perfect backdrop for their tropical-looking cocktails. Ocean Place and Allen Avenue, Allenhurst (732) 531-3665 http://www.mistercsbeachbistro.com/
Yes, Klein’s is a fish market, which may seem like a strange place to go out drinking. But pull up a chair at their outdoor tiki bar right on the river, and you’ll totally get it. Be sure to bring your appetite in addition to your thirst; the Tiki Bar is open until midnight 7 nights a week, and they serve awesome food like Crab Cake Sliders, Traditional Fish & Chips, clams on the half shell, lobster flatbread, and the Belmar burger, among many other things. Classic bar food with that fresh riverside seafood twist, gotta love it! 708 River Road, Belmar (732) 681-1177 http://www.kleinsfish.com
Whether you’re stopping in for happy hour or for a late night cocktail, take a seat on Old Glory Kitchen + Spirits‘ outdoor patio bar where you’ll find that everything tastes so much better with a side of fresh air. 84 Broad Street, Keyport 732-497-5555 www.oldglorynj.com
This Irish pub is also home to a courtyard where you can enjoy all of the food, drinks, and fun of McDonagh’s Pub with a side of some sunshine (and maybe a rainbow.) Open till 2am, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy every extra minute of summer here. 2 West Front Street, Keyport 732-264-0999 mcdonaghs.com
Just steps away from the beach you’ll find Rory’s Pub, where there’s plenty of space to hang out at the outdoor bar or at one of the tables. With live music a regular occurrence, an awesome happy hour, and a dog friendly patio, you’ll find yourself here again and again throughout the summer months. 1124 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright 732-383-7685 http://roryspub.com/
MJ’s in Matawan has a large outdoor deck that leaves plenty of space for you to enjoy all the fun, food, and drinks they have to offer. View what is happening here. Also, MJ’s added their 6th location in NJ on the waterfront with a beautiful tiki bar in Bayville NJ. Check out details on this amazing waterfront location here. 845 Route 34, Matawan (732) 566-6220 and 905 Bay Blvd, Bayville (732) 269-7764 http://www.mjsrestaurant.com
The Anchor’s Bend is part of he Convention Hall, and it’s just about as outdoor as it gets. You can literally roll off of your beach towel, take a couple steps, and be at the bar. If that’s not on your summer bucket list, then maybe you should get your priorities straight. 1300 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park (732) 455-8500 http://theanchorsbend.com
Right on Main Street in Belmar you’ll find Anchor Tavern where the food (especially the wood fired rotisserie chicken) will have you wanting more as well as an outdoor bar scene that is relaxing enough to check out almost daily (we would say daily, but we don’t want you to think less of us.) 713 Main Street, Belmar 732-280-2266 anchortavernnj.com
As you can see by the picture, it’s all about umbrellas, drinks, and raw bar at Red Rock Tap and Grill. Their tiki bar on their outdoor upper deck is the perfect destination for when you want to get away from it all… even if just for an hour. 14 Wharf Avenue, Red Bank 732-747-2999 redrockrb.com
Nightly entertainment, daily Happy Hour, and and outdoor bar that will quite literally take your breath away, not just from the views, but from the amount of bar stools that come with a first class view. Beach Creek Oyster Bar and Grille is a must visit this summer (and not just once). 500 W. Hand Avenue, Wildwood 609-522-1062 http://www.beachcreek.net/
Sandy wiped this Jersey Shore icon off the map, but last year, they rebuilt and had one of their best summer’s ever. Donovan’s Reef is a staple to the Jersey Shore outdoor bar scene with not only their tiki bar, but a 5,000 square foot building with a deck offering unobstructed ocean views. It’ll be great to have our toes in the sand and drinks in our hand once again. 1171 Ocean Avenue, Sea Brighthttp://www.donovansreefseabright.com
Just a year old, The Seafarer Bar is your answer to wanting to combine drinking, hanging out with friends, bonfires, and the beach. They’ve combined all these elements and more from cozy chairs, blankets, and lanterns just so your Instagram feed will completely blow up with envy likes. 1 Atlantic Street, Highlands 347- 447-6826 https://www.facebook.com/theseafarerbar/
A classic in the Jersey Shore outdoor bar scene, Watermark ups your bar game by quite a lot. Think oceanfront views from the second story, soft couches, and fancy cocktails that will make you think you’re in the likes of Miami. Head there on a quiet night or test your luck when there’s a show at The Stone Pony. You’ll pay a little extra to get in, but those seats are worth it. 800 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park 732-455-3447 watermarkap.com
There’s no need to be a guest here to take advantage of the rooftop bar at Daddy O Hotel. Night or day, the party is always happening. Watch the sun go down and the overhead twinkle lights come on as you enjoy another day in LBI. 4401 Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach 609-494-1300 http://www.daddyolbi.com/
Part of us really doesn’t want to share Salvation with the masses, but then that wouldn’t be nice of us. Instead, we’re letting you in. This rooftop bar on top of The Asbury offers 360 degree views of the shoreline, cocktails, sunsets, and ocean breezes. You’re welcome. 210 5th Avenue, Asbury Park 732-774-7100 https://www.theasburyhotel.com