Jenna Giustino A lot of what defines me is tied to my millennial status. Points of pride include crying when Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake broke up, knowing every line from nearly every Mary-Kate + Ashley film, and beating my older sister at Crash Bandicoot.
I cherish that I grew up during the evolution of the internet – in an era when my pink Razr flip phone had texting but wasn’t quite a smartphone yet. So when my friends hung out without me? I could blissfully ignore it until further notice and focus on more important pursuits like convincing my mom to let me skip school to stand outside TRL.
Fast forward to 2025. I’m 33, and while I love the new-age trends Gen Z has ushered in (think: body acceptance, wellness, baggy jeans, and skin-care routines), I can’t help but feel nostalgic for the days when things were simpler and slower. When Friday nights in Juicy Couture sweatpants and a trip to Blockbuster felt peak, and the biggest stress was dialing in to vote for my favorite contestant to win American Idol.
And as for us millennials in general? We’re known for our love of pets, travel, brunch, and a good boomerang. So if you, too, crave a little nostalgia, here’s my Millennial Girl’s Guide to the Jersey Shore — featuring spots that bring us back to the past while celebrating everything that makes being a ‘80s and ’90s baby so special.
Babes in Business | Rotating Jersey Shore Locations
Millennial women helped redefine career pivots and work-life balance, and Babes in Business celebrates that. The networking group connects women entrepreneurs and creatives through empowering events across the Shore. It’sequal parts motivation and sisterhood. Trust me, you’ll want to check out its upcoming events, linked here.
Read More: Popular Morristown Pizza Spot, Coniglio’s, Expanding to the Jersey Shore
Ceviche House | 51 Broad Street, Red Bank
We all know that millennials love a good trip — maybe because we grew up dreaming of The Lizzie McGuire Movie moment (but for me it was always Peru over Rome). When the travel bug hits but the budget says “stay local,” Ceviche House in Red Bank delivers an escape through authentic Peruvian dishes. Every meal feels like a quick trip abroad – no passport required.
Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness | 2137 NJ-35 Suite 160, Holmdel
As Gen Z taught me, it’s never too early or too late to care for your skin. Once I hit 30, I knew it was time to preserve my millennial glow. Ethos Spa in Holmdel has everything from injectables to microneedling, body contouring, and rejuvenation treatments. I’ve personally tried the chemical peels and microneedling and my skin looks better now than it did in my twenties.
Go Play Arcade of Belmar | 102 Main Street, Belmar + 515 Brick Boulevard, Brick Township
Stepping into Go Play Arcade in Belmar instantly brings back those childhood vibes. Think Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Jurassic Park, and all the classic arcade games packed into one cozy, community-focused spot. For millennial parents, Go Play is the ideal place to host a party for yourself or your kids. Yes, it’s BYOB — and with the new Brick location opening this December, there are even more ways to play and celebrate. Fun fact: owner Todd DeMott, who makes the entire experience feel like a true local hangout, lived out every millennial Shore girl’s dream of getting married on the beach in Belmar, followed by a reception at the iconic Bar A.
House of Independents | 572 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
This Asbury Park venue might as well be a millennial dreamland, with events like Emo Night, DAYSHIFT: World’s Biggest 30+ Day Party (because bedtime before 10PM is sacred), and 2000s Night. It’s the go-to for reliving your iPod Shuffle years — winged eyeliner optional.
Jersey Shore Premium Outlets | 1 Premium Outlets Boulevard, Tinton Falls
The ultimate teen throwback destination, the Jersey Shore Premium Outlets are in Tinton Falls. Between Bath + Body Works, Claire’s, and Hollister, it’s a walk down memory lane. The best part? The Coach store, because who else regrets donating their early-2000s mini bags now that they’re back in style? Plus, there’s a coffee shop inside for caffeinating through your nostalgia.
Joe Pop’s | 2002 Long Beach Boulevard, Ship Bottom
Joe Pop’s in Ship Bottom is a bar, restaurant, and live music venue that captures pure summer vibes. With an outdoor tiki bar and dog-friendly seating, it’s basically the millennial trifecta: live music, cocktails, and your pup by your side.
Linked By Mint | 16 Laird Street, Suite 022, Long Branch
Linked by Mint channels the same energy of the Italian charm bracelets and Tiffany heart bracelets that we couldn’t get enough of in the early 2000s with a modern twist. The permanent jewelry and charm bar often hosts themed pop-ups (I went to a Galentine’s one that hit all my 90s-girl nostalgia notes). Plus, owner Patricia makes the whole experience feel special and personal, and will definitely help you if you aren’t a natural charm bracelet maker (which I learned quickly I am not).
Meemom’s | Wall Township, Middletown + Brick
Millennials love brunch, and Meemom’s is basically childhood on a plate. My go-to is The Y.O.L.O. (You Obviously Love Oreos) French toast. It’s like living out the Home Alone 2 room-service scene.
Offshore Coffee Co. | 1300 Ocean Avenue North, Asbury Park
For the millennial WFH crowd, Offshore Coffee Co. is the ultimate café-meets-community hub. My favorite location is inside Convention Hall: grab a latte, log on, and join the quiet hum of millennials living their best hybrid-work life. Plus, being just steps away from the beach is, as Hilary Duff once said, what dreams are made of.
Parker House | 290 1st Avenue & Beacon Boulevard, Sea Girt
Parker House is a summer staple, and when you’re missing the early 2010s, this is the cure. It’s the go-to for music, mingling, and a healthy dose of Shore nostalgia. Pro tip: hit happy hour, and pretend you made it all night.
Park Social | 1311 NJ-35, Neptune City
Dim lighting, cozy corners, and boomerang-worthy cocktails: Park Social is millennial nightlife. The “social eats” are basically elevated Lunchables (IYKYK), and the vibe is the perfect blend of chic and fun. FYI: I order the Fries Over Guys, always.
Silent Book Club of Monmouth County | Rotating Locations
If you were a Babysitters Club or Judy Blume reader turned Gossip Girl devotee, this one’s for you. Silent Book Club hosts reading meetups at local restaurants and bars — think quiet reading, wine, and bookish community. It’s peak scholastic-book-fair for grown-ups.
All in all? When I’m not rewatching One Tree Hill or Dawson’s Creek, these Jersey Shore spots help me balance 2025 reality with that sweet, messy nostalgia we all secretly crave.
See More: A Guide to Experiential Holiday Gifts in Montclair + Beyond
Follow @thejerseyshoregirl_ on Instagram for the latest Jersey Shore updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter, and check out our events calendar featuring 40+ local events every week.