Outdoor bars at the Jersey Shore are one of the most important parts of 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, is it even summer?
We’ve come up with this guide to outdoor bars in Monmouth and Ocean Counties so you can make the most of those beautiful summer nights. Locals and tourists alike are sure to have fun at any of these places!
If you like this guide, be sure to check out our lists of Jersey Shore oceanfront dining and waterfront dining!
Outdoor Bars at the Jersey Shore, Monmouth & Ocean County Edition – Add These to Your Summer Bucket List!
Savor Lounge, Seaside Heights
It’s no secret that Seaside Heights has a lot to offer all summer long. But Savor is one of Seaside’s hottest spots for top notch dining, cocktails, and of course dancing. Enjoy live music under the stars every weekend in the courtyard, and be sure to check out their fixed menu every Thursday beginning May 25th! 411 Ocean Boulevard, Seaside Heights (732) 793-0021 http://www.savorlounge.com
Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant, Long Branch
Another one of our favorite oceanfront restaurants, Rooney’s has a huge outdoor patio area that’s a perfect spot to spend happy hour and then stay for dinner. Or the other way around, and do dinner then spend the night having drinks outside while the sun goes down. Better yet, go for Margarita Mondays to sip on $5 margaritas and enjoy live music. A great way to start the week! 100 Ocean Ave, Long Branch (732) 870-1200 http://www.rooneysocean.com
Eventide Grille at the Navesink Marina, Sea Bright
Surely a photo taken at Eventide has surfaced somewhere in your social media feed: picture a rum bucket held high in the air with the colorful backdrop of a sunset over the marina. Besides being a very popular place for photo ops, Eventide is a guaranteed good time with live music all weekend and of course the aforementioned rum buckets. The perfect spot to finish a beach day in Sea Bright. 1400 Ocean Ave, Sea Bright (732) 530-1414 http://www.eventidegrille.com
Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten, Asbury Park
On any given day or night, you can count on the Festhalle’s open air rooftop being filled with beer enthusiasts, Asbury locals, and really anyone looking for a good time in a friendly place. It’s worth staying in tune with the happenings at Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten; with constant new events like whiskey tastings, polka parties, and even rooftop yoga, you’ll want to know what’s going on and plan accordingly! 527 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park (732) 997-8767 http://www.asburybiergarten.com

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
Mister C’s Beach Bistro, Allenhurst
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, the ocean makes the perfect backdrop for their tropical-looking cocktails. Be on the lookout for their Full Moon Parties to truly make the most of spending your night outside! Ocean Place and Allen Avenue, Allenhurst (732) 531-3665 http://www.mistercsbeachbistro.com/

Joe Amiel’s Bay Pointe Inn, Highlands

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
MJ’s at Buttonwood Manor, Matawan

Woody’s Roadside Tavern, Farmingdale

Old Glory Kitchen + Spirits, Keyport

Cornerstone Kitchen & Tap, Jackson

Lentil Tree, Asbury Park

The Anchor’s Bend, Asbury Park

Johnny Mac House of Spirits, Asbury Park

Martell’s Waters Edge, Bayville

Martell’s Tiki Bar, Point Pleasant Beach

The Dublin House, Red Bank

Jenks Club, Point Pleasant Beach
Jenks has it all: excitement and dancing when live music acts come through for performances, to the slightly more low key Beach Bar and North Inlet Bar. If you’re looking for nightlife on the Jersey Shore, Jenks is something you’ve got to experience. 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach (732) 899-0569 http://www.jenkinsons.com
by: Melissa Beveridge.