Windansea, Highlands

We saw it firsthand at our Locals Happy Hour; Windansea knows how to host a good time! With two outdoor bars overlooking the bay, and a stage for some of our favorite local musicians, Windansea is the place to be on a gorgeous summer day or night. 56 Shrewsbury Ave, Highlands (732) 872-2266 http://www.windanseanj.com

Latitudes on the River, Forked River

The Beach Bar at Latitudes is legendary for having an awesome happy hour and frequent live music, so it’s no wonder Ocean County locals flock here en masse – it’s got to be one of the most popular outdoor bars at the Jersey Shore! With expansive outdoor space, Latitudes is going to be hopping all summer long. 361 East Lacey Rd, Forked River (609) 242-2648 http://www.latitudesnj.com

Award winning restaurateur Joe Amiel brings his newest restaurant concept to Sandy Hook Bay Marina. Indoor and outdoor dining for casual lunches, romantic dinners, and family gatherings. Featuring fresh fish, live Maine lobster, prime aged steaks, house made desserts, and an international wine list. Live entertainment, cocktails and dining at the BPI bar or dockside at the Captain’s Bar. All with panoramic views of Sandy Hook Bay and the Manhattan skyline. 1 Willow Street, Highlands, NJ.  www.joesbaypointeinn.com

River Rock, Brick

Pick any night of the week to go out to River Rock, and we’ll bet you’re in for a great time. There’s always something going on, from Ladies Night to Happy Hour to live music and DJs. Their deck overlooks the Manasquan River, and if you go at the right time, you’ll catch an incredible sunset. 1600 State Highway 70 North, Brick (732) 840-1110 http://www.riverrockbricknj.com

Klein’s Fish Market & Waterside Cafe, Belmar

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! Do not miss Happy Hour!  708 River Road, Belmar (732) 681-1177 http://www.kleinsfish.com

The Columns, Avon-By-The-Sea

Okay, so technically there is no outdoor bar at The Columns, but that doesn’t mean you can’t grab a cocktail inside and head out to spend some time taking in the view from their expansive porch! If you’re looking for fun nightlife on the Jersey Shore, this Victorian mansion is one of your best bets. Keep an eye out for their weekly specials and live entertainment here. 601 Ocean Ave, Avon By The Sea (732) 988-3213 http://www.columnsnj.com

Teak, Red Bank

Teak’s brand new rooftop bar and dining area is the hottest nightspot in Red Bank. It incorporates over 4,000 square feet of indoor space with windows that open up completely for an al fresco experience. There is a full bar (don’t miss Happy Hour), two fire pits (so you can take advantage even in the fall and spring), and over 1,000 square feet of open air patio for visitors. You’ll find us sipping on cocktails and eating sushi on their dining patio many a night this summer. 64 Monmouth St,  Red Bank (732) 747-577 http://www.teakrestaurant.com

Chef Mike’s ABG, South Seaside Park

Ask any locals in the Seaside Park area, and they’ll probably tell you Chef Mike’s is one of their favorite restaurants. But aside from his “sexy food”, he offers a tiki bar out back, where you can sit with a few drinks (awesome Bloody Marys on Sundays) as you watch the waves roll in. The perfect activity for when you want to keep your Friday Night Date Night going a little longer. 24th & Central Avenue, South Seaside Park (732) 854-1588 http://chefmikesabg.com/

McGillicuddy’s Lakeside Tap House, Loch Arbour

The Tiki Bar and expansive patio at McGillicuddy’s overlook the Deal Lak. It’s the perfect place to hang out when you’re in the Asbury Park area but don’t want to deal with the Asbury Park crowds. They offer live music Wednesday through Sunday, and if you’re in the mood for a little day drinking, be sure to check out their All Day Happy Hour!  601 Main St, Loch Arbour (732) 531-5555 http://www.mcgillicuddystaphouse.com

Donovan’s Reef, Sea Bright

Sandy wiped this Jersey Shore icon off the map. This weekend, Donovan’s Reef makes a full fledged return to the Jersey Shore outdoor bar scene with not only their tiki bar, but a brand new 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 Bright https://www.facebook.com/DonovansReefNJ/

Tommy’s Tavern + Tap, Sea Bright

Tommy’s Tavern + Tap was once a Sandy ravaged 100+ year old building that was sitting both wrecked and idled. Today, the historic building has been resurrected and become one of the hottest restaurants on the northern Jersey Shore coastline. During warmer months, Tommy’s back doors open to a large outdoor patio overlooking the river. Its the perfect place to enjoy some great food, drinks and a sunset on the river. 1030 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright 732-842-5044 http://www.tommystavernandtap.com/

JR’s Ocean Bar & Grill, Seaside Heights

Right on the Seaside Boardwalk sits the legendary JR’s, where you can get your drink on any night of the week, either inside or out. Oh, did we mention they have dollar beers on Friday nights? Cause they do. You’re welcome. 601 Boardwalk, Seaside Heights (732) 793-0800 http://www.jrsoceanbarandgrill.com

The 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. This summer they’ve got an “Apps, Taps, and ‘Tails” special running Saturdays and Sundays where you can splurge on half price appetizers, $3 ANY draft beer and $4 bar cocktails from 11am-5pm. 845 Route 34, Matawan (732) 566-6220 http://www.mjsrestaurant.com

We love their motto of “once you find us, you’ll never leave us,” and that rings true for any day when the sun is shining thanks to their outdoor patio. Grab a seat on the outdoor patio or sit at one of the many picnic tables in the “backyard” while you toast to more sunny days ahead. If you’re planning a party, you can even reserve Woody’s backyard instead of your own! 105 Academy Street, Farmingdale 732-938-6404 https://woodysroadside.com/

Whether you’re stopping in for happy hour or our favorite, “wings & wine Wednesdays,” take a seat on Old Glory’s 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

They’ve already drawn us in with burger night every Tuesday, but now with their outdoor patio seating, it’s another reason to take a break from the beach and head a few towns inland. We promise, you won’t even miss the ocean once you see just how many craft beers they have on tap! 21 South Hope Chapel Road, Jackson 732-994-5286 www.cktjackson.com 

For a night out that you’re guaranteed to remember, head to Lentil Tree in Asbury Park and walk to their back patio (that’s also heated). Dine on a Chicken Shawarma platter as you give a hand at the hookah and listen to some local talent sing their hearts out on open mic night. 808 5th Avenue, Asbury Park 732-455-5066 www.lentiltree.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

Johnny Mac’s is one of Asbury’s most beloved outdoor hangouts, and we don’t think it’s just because they give you free pizza with your drinks. The spacious outdoor area is casual, fun, and eccentric, plus… they’ve got ping pong tables! 208 Main St, Asbury Park (732) 776-6666  http://www.johnnymacbar.com

Not pictured: breathtaking view over the bay. Live music 7 days a week in the summer, a waterfront tiki bar that’s always a fun time, tons of craft beers available, and great food. Do you need any more reasons to head out to Martell’s Water’s Edge, or did we cover everything? 125 Bayview Avenue, Berkeley Township (732) 269-3000

We’re willing to bet that Martell’s Tiki Bar is about as close as you can come to paradise at the Jersey Shore. Order a frozen drink, grab a seat outside, and take in the live music, and you’ll see what we mean. Martell’s kingdom on the Point Pleasant Boardwalk boasts 5 outdoor bars, just about any type of food you could want, and a proximity to the ocean that just can’t be beat!

Head out to the Temple Bar on the patio out back of the Dublin House on any given night in the summer, and you’ll find it packed with people having a great time, much like many of the other outdoor bars at the Jersey Shore. You’ll always find a mixed crowd of people, and whether or not you go on a night when a live band is playing, we’re sure you’ll enjoy yourself. 30 Monmouth St, Red Bank (732) 747-6699  http://www.thedublinhouse.com