It’s no secret that October is known as the spooky season. And while the Jersey Shore is often associated with its serene beaches, locals know that these oceanfront locations usually have hidden stories that will create an eerie Halloween experience. Whether you are looking for a haunted bar/restaurant, fun decor, or Halloween-themed cocktails — The Jersey Shore Girl has it covered. Keep reading for a guide to Jersey Shore restaurants + bars that are sure to get you in the Halloween spirit this year.
618 Restaurant | 618 Park Avenue, Freehold
618 is a restaurant and wedding banquet hall located in Freehold. It is known year-round as the go-to spot for a drink that looks as good as it tastes. With the spooky season upon us, 618 has a Halloween cocktail list that its Instagram account promises will “have you shivering with delight.”
Read More: October 2024 Events at the Jersey Shore
The Asbury Ale House | 531 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
The Asbury Ale House is known for its fun seasonal cocktail menu — it doesn’t disappoint during this 2024 haunted season. Some of its over-the-top Halloween-themed drinks include the Practical Magic Marg (a JSG favorite), the Sleepy Hollow Martini, and the Smokin’ Smokin’ Skull. Besides the cocktails, the Ale House hosts the 31 Nights of Halloween, with events all month long that will get anyone in the Halloween spirit. JSG recommends looking out for the Horror Movie Classics Trivia Night on October 23rd at 7:30PM, and the Spooky Speed Dating event on October 27th from 7PM to 9PM. Keep updated on all events by checking out its Instagram here.
The Dublin House | 30 Monmouth Street, Red Bank
Dublin House is a popular pub in Red Bank. It is part of JSG’s guide to restaurants that will get anyone in the Halloween spirit, as it is another haunted location. The ghost lingering at Dublin House is its former owner, Mrs. Patterson, who is referred to as a friendly spirit despite the fact that she has unlocked doors, knocked liquor bottles off shelves, and followed diners around the restaurant.
Emily’s Ocean Room | 719 East 11th Street, Ocean City
Emily’s Ocean Room is at the Flounder’s Hotel in Ocean City. It’s open to the public year-round for breakfast + lunch from 8AM to 2PM. For those who love a good haunted story, Emily’s Ocean Room makes this list as it is associated with the Lady in White, who is known to be a female ghost in her early twenties, the girlfriend of a World War Two soldier killed in battle. Many guests and staff at Flounder’s Hotel have witnessed the sounds of a woman singing in the hallways, swinging doors, and light bulbs unscrewing. After eating at the restaurant, conclude this ghostly experience by visiting the portrait of Emily on the second floor at Flounder’s Hotel.
Gregory’s Bar | 900 Shore Road, Somers Point
Gregory’s is a family-owned restaurant in Somers Point. Gregory’s building has stood at the corner between Delaware Avenue and Shore Road since 1908, so it makes sense that it is known as one of the most haunted restaurants in New Jersey. Some recorded ghostly incidents include sightings of a man with a peacoat — he frequently grabs a drink at the bar and then subtly brushes past employees in the basement. Another famous ghost at Gregory’s is Uncle Eddie — a member of the Gregory family who passed away long ago + used to work at the bar.
Harry’s Ocean Bar + Grille | 1025 Beach Avenue, Cape May
Harry’s is a Cape May bar + grille with a menu including seafood + sandwiches. It also often has an extensive live music schedule. For the first time, Harry’s is transforming the bar into a pirate-themed BOO bar. Its ”ship” will be decked out with haunted decor, and Harry’s will have Halloween-themed events. JSG recommends staying updated here.
Johnny Mac’s House of Spirit | 208 Main Street, Asbury Park
Johnny Mac’s House of Spirit is a classic Jersey Shore bar in Asbury Park. While it’s beloved for its free pizza, it is also known for its fun decor. Johnny Mac’s goes over the top with its Halloween decor — there is purple lighting, ghosts hanging from the ceiling, and jack-o-lanterns spread out all around the bar. It’s not a surprise that Johnny Mac’s also ends up being a go-to location for the weekend before Halloween — expect everyone to be dressed up + utilizing the in and outdoor bars at this staple Asbury Park location.
Laylow | 603 Mattison Avenue, Asbury Park
Laylow is a social cocktail lounge located in Asbury Park. It’s fitting that Laylow makes the list as it has a mysterious vibe due to its speakeasy-like entrance — to find this bar, customers need to enter at Reyla, speak to a host, and enter a secret door to head downstairs to Laylow’s location. Laylow is known for its cocktails, and the Halloween-themed drinks at this hidden gem are a perfect option for a witchy night out with friends.
Lucky Bones | 1200 NJ-109, Cape May
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Lucky Bones is an American restaurant and bar located in Cape May. JSG loves that this local spot has brick-oven pizza. It makes JSG’s list as a Jersey Shore restaurant to visit to get in the eerie spirit, as it is known as being inhabited by multiple ghosts. Employees recall frequent events of feeling the presence of ghosts nearby, such as hearing voices, footsteps, and doors opening.
Menz Restaurant | 985 NJ-47, Rio Grande
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Menz is a Rio Grande restaurant with a seafood-heavy menu and front porch bar, + it often has live music. Once October hits, locals know that Menz is known for its haunted dining experience. It’s referred to as Menz’s Eerie Fishing Village, and it runs Thursdays through Saturdays through October 27th. Find out more about this classic Jersey Shore ghostly experience here.
The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe | 2305 Grand Central Avenue, Lavallette
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The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe is a family-friendly entertainment venue + cafe located in Lavallette. The Music Man is transforming into its Halloween Hoedown Costume Party with available performances on October 19th, 20th + 26th. Each day, there will be five seatings (1PM, 3PM, 5PM ,7PM, + 9PM). Customers can expect sweet treats + performers singing upbeat music as usual, but this time with a twist. The Hoedown theme means JSG recommends dressing up in country attire. Parents can enjoy listening to classic country songs, and the children will love the candy handed out during the show, making this a family event that puts a fun spin on trick-or-treating.
Nip N Tuck | 23 Norwood Avenue, Long Branch
Nip N Tuck is a female-owned bar and grille located in Long Branch. While it is traditionally known for its burgers, bites, and brews, it is sure to stand out as the go-to location to get in the mood for Halloween with its Boozy Brunch Bingo, happening on October 20th from 11:30AM to 2:30PM. The bingo game is Halloween-themed, and Nip N Tuck recommends arriving in costume. Those interested in a spooky game of bingo can purchase tickets here.
Resorts Casino: Bar One/Boo Bar | 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Bar One, located at Resorts Casino in Atlantic City, has transformed into the pop-up ”Boo Bar” for the Halloween season. At Boo Bar, visitors can expect spooky-themed drinks, music, and giveaways. JSG recommends trying The Bride of Frankenstein, a cocktail served at Boo Bar that gives off all the fun Halloween vibes.
Scarborough Faire | 1414 Meetinghouse Road, Sea Girt
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Scarborough Faire is a restaurant in Sea Girt known as a cute date night spot with its private dining alcoves and natural lighting. In October, Scarborough Faire creates more of an eerie aesthetic that still feels elegant with dimly lit pumpkins and orange lighting. Besides setting a Halloween vibe at the restaurant, it also has a fall cocktail lineup to set the vibes for the spooky season.
Sun Harbor Seafood + Grill | 451 East Bay Avenue, Barnegat
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Sun Harbor Seafood and Grill is a restaurant that has classic Jersey Shore features like a good view of the water and a frequent live music lineup. This Barnegat restaurant has its 4th Annual Halloween Costume Party on Saturday, October 26th, from 6PM to 10PM. The Drunken Clams, a Jersey Shore rock band, will be the live act for the night. Sun Harbor Seafood Grill continues the Halloween fun with a Dress Up Your Pet event on Sunday, October 27th, from 12PM to 8PM at the tiki bar, and there will also be pumpkin painting from 1PM to 5PM.
See More: Halloween Parties + Events Happening in Hoboken and Jersey City for 2024
The Waterfront | 361 East Lacey Road, Forked River
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The Waterfront is a Forked River restaurant with indoor + outdoor seating, live entertainment, and private events like weddings. One of its family-friendly Halloween festivities includes its 5th annual Trunk or Treat event on October 27th from 1PM to 4PM. At the event, kids can dress up, small businesses can promote their brand, and there will be contests for best dressed + table/trunk. The Waterfront also has a Halloween Costume Party on October 26th— free admission, costume contests, drink specials, + live music. Find out more information about The Waterfront’s festivities here.
Celebrate Earth Day 2025 With These Jersey Shore Events
With Earth Day right around the corner, there are plenty of fun and meaningful ways to celebrate in and around the Jersey Shore. Whether passionate about the land or sea, this list has a variety of opportunities to protect the local environment through beach clean ups and a variety of eco-friendly activations. Keep reading for a roundup of Earth Day celebrations happening at the Jersey Shore this April.
Tuesday, April 22nd
Earth Day Celebration Concert | Belmar Arts Center, 608 River Road, Belmar
Celebrate Earth Day with an evening of music and mindfulness at the Belmar Arts Center on Tuesday, April 22nd at 7PM. Local Jersey Shore Band Gaia Raga, with special guests Kuf Knotz + Christine Elise, will be performing soulful hip-hop music with classical harp, creating an air of uplifting energy. A suggested donation of $10 to attend benefits Belmar Arts.
Read More: Art Walks, Farmers’ Markets, + More at the Jersey Shore for Spring and Summer 2025
Earth Day Ground + Sound Handpan, Bowls + Restorative | 1700 Main Street, Lake Como
Celebrate Earth Day with a relaxing journey through stillness and sound. The class is accessible and open to all and has a cost of $25. Interested individuals can sign up by contacting Joe + Regina at 732-800-6960 or on MindBody. The event begins at 5:30PM and concludes at 7PM.
Earth Day Planting | Holmdel Park, Holmdel
Join a Park System Naturalist to help restore native forests at Holmdel Park on Tuesday, April 22nd, from 5PM to 6:30PM. Volunteers will plant species that support local wildlife by providing essential food and shelter. Supplies will be provided, but plants are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Saturday, April 26th
Cape May Earth Day Celebration | Cape May County Park + Zoo, Cape May
The Cape May County Park and Zoo is the perfect location for this day of fun and learning, especially for this year’s themed Earth Day Celebration: “Seas the Moment: Protect Our Oceans.” This free, family-friendly event is from 10AM to 3PM. It features hands-on educational exhibits, nature walks, live entertainment, eco-vendors, and a chance to explore the zoo. It’s a fun-filled day dedicated to celebrating the planet and learning how to protect it.
Earth Day Open House | 25 Brown's Dock Road, Locust (Middletown Township)
The Park System invites families and friends of all ages to celebrate Earth Day. Located in the Huber Woods Environmental Center, visitors can explore the space by going on nature walks, see lively animal presentations, and create nature-themed crafts. Visitors are welcome from 10AM to 2PM.
Point Pleasant Earth Day Celebration | Riverfront Park, Point Pleasant
This celebration, hosted by the Point Pleasant Environmental Commission, is from 12PM to 4PM with a rain date of Sunday, April 27th. This is a great way to learn about the environment while having fun. There will be activities for kids and families.
Silver Lake Clean-Up | Huisman Gazebo, Belmar
In celebration of Earth Day, the Belmar Environmental Commision is asking for volunteers to help clean up Silver Lake from 11AM to 1PM on Saturday, April 26th. Organizers ask that volunteers come dressed in comfortable clothing that is weather-appropriate. If this timing does not fit into the day, volunteers can always be a good lake steward by bringing a trash bag whenever visiting the lake to pick up trash and debris that may be present.
Sunday, April 27th
ACUA Earth Day Festival | 6700 Delilah Road, Egg Harbor Township
The ACUA 33rd annual Earth Day Festival features educational and interactive activities, exhibits, crafts, food, entertainment, vendors, and more. Participants can engage in a workshop to learn how to take care of indoor plants or visit over 150 booths of fun. This event is rain or shine.
Earth Day Beach Cleanup | Port Monmouth + Long Branch
Celebrate Earth Day by joining a beach cleanup on April 27th to help remove trash and plastic debris from the coastline. Two cleanup sessions will be held: 10AM to 12PM at Bayshore Waterfront Park in Port Monmouth and 1PM to 3PM at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park Activity Center in Long Branch. All are welcome to take part in this hands-on effort to protect our shorelines for the precious marine life.
See More: Where to Celebrate Earth Day in Hoboken + Jersey City for 2025
Earth Day Tips + Techniques Cookie Class | 717 Bangs Avenue, Asbury Park
Join Dani B Fiori, local cookie expert, for an experience decorating Earth-themed cookies with royal icing. Registration is $5, and participants will be able to make six different cookies. This is a great class for beginners looking to learn tips, tricks, and techniques, and is for those 16 and up. All supplies are included. Class begins at 3:30PM on April 2nd.
