Jenna Giustino Jersey Shore millennials (and beyond), this one’s for you. As a 34-year-old living in Asbury Park, I know what it’s like to walk into a bar, especially during the summer, and wonder if you’re the oldest person there. Don’t get me wrong, I still love a fun night out, but these days I’m looking for something a little different. Give me a good happy hour, a comfortable seat, a menu worth ordering from, and a view that makes me want to stay for another drink. Bonus points if there’s live music throwbacks that add to the atmosphere instead of taking over the entire room. If you’re in your 30s+ and still love going out but appreciate a place where you can actually relax, catch up with friends, and enjoy the experience, this list is for you. Read on for our picks of the best Jersey Shore bars for the 30+ crowd.
26 West on the Navesink | 26 W Front Street, Red Bank
26 West is a riverfront restaurant and bar in Red Bank. The views here take the dining up a notch, making it a chic selection for a girls’ night out. Our JSG favorite 30+ approved event here is its live music Sundays (the perfect post-grocery shopping activity) from 3:00PM-6:00PM, featuring live music and seafood boil specials – it’s first come, first served, so get there early.
Asbury Park Brewery | 614 Cookman Avenue Suite 1, Asbury Park
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Asbury Park Brewery has a few characteristics all 30+ love. First, the taproom also has beers-to-go to take home for a more low-key night in. Second, it’s dog-friendly, and third, it has local live bands and open mic nights where the vibe makes it acceptable to sit and watch/listen without judgment.
AVA Beach Bar | 23 Ocean Avenue North, Long Branch
AVA Beach Bar is an outdoor bar in Pier Village. It has all the vibes you’re looking for (without the napkin throwing) when wanting that Jersey Shore casual beach bar vibe- think palm trees, cabanas, and ocean views. There are also lounge chairs for comfort while drinking, making it a favorite for the over-30 crowd.
Brickwall | 522 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
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Brickwall is an American pub in Asbury Park that has roots dating back to 2006, and IYKYK it returned to Cookman Avenue back in June, after closing in 2020. It hosts fun events (yet starts and ends relatively early), like its hip-hop happy hours on Thursdays, from 6:00PM-11:00PM. Everyone knows part of being an adult is growing an appreciation for brunch over nights out, so Brickwall, of course, also has brunch specials on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00AM-4:00PM with discounted drinks and casual eats.
Brothers Daly | 1124 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright
Brothers Daly is a European-inspired restaurant and bar in Sea Bright. The vibe here is adult chic, featuring Sunset Sessions on Sundays, from 5:00PM-8:00PM at its courtyard, featuring discounted spritzes and oysters, plus live music to keep it fun. Brothers Daly also has events for the more mature crowd like its Mahjong Monday, Girl Dinner specials on Wednesdays, and more.
Deal Lake Bar + Co | 601 Main Street, Loch Arbour
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Deal Lake is a restaurant and bar with lakeside views. It’s ideal for the over-30 group, with lounge chair areas on the patio and large TVs for a chill day or night watching a sporting event. Deal Lake also hosts trivia nights on Mondays, creating an excuse to go out on a work night.
Hudson House LBI | 19 E 13th Street, Beach Haven
Hudson House is a dive bar in Beach Haven. The vibe here is laid back, with games like shuffleboard, pool, darts, and a CD jukebox, which the millennials love. Hudson House is cash-only, which adds to the nostalgic environment.
Read More: Must-Visit Rooftop Bars at the Jersey Shore
Jamian’s Food and Drink | 79 Monmouth Street, Red Bank
Jamian’s is a restaurant and bar in Red Bank known for its live music lineup. For those in the 30+ club who want a lively environment where they can dance with others in their age group, this is the spot. Jamian’s has live music, trivia, karaoke, and open mic nights (approved by the thirty-somethings) — click here for the schedule.
Kim Marie’s | 1411 Kingsley Street, Asbury Park
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Kim Marie’s is a pub-style restaurant and bar just a short walk from the boardwalk in Asbury Park. The 30+ locals love its 5-dollar pint of Guinness and low-key vibes. The kitchen is open until 12AM, which is convenient for those who like to leave the bar for a quick bite.
Kelly’s Tavern | 43 NJ-35, Neptune City
Kelly’s is an Irish tavern in Neptune City. It’s a go-to for those 30+, as it’s open at 7:00AM every day and has a full breakfast menu (on the flip side, it’s open until 2:00AM, and its kitchen is open until 1:00AM). Kelly’s also has a huge patio, featuring TVS and plenty of seating, and there is also typically live music.
Pascal & Sabine | 601 Bangs Avenue, Suite 401, Asbury Park
Pascal & Sabine is a European-inspired restaurant in downtown Asbury Park. The space here is elevated, with dim lighting and multiple chic bars. Pascal & Sabine has a new Apero Hours event, available Friday-Sunday 3:00PM- 5:00 PM and DJ Fridays from 3:00PM-7:00PM, a chance for the 30+ customer to enjoy a sophisticated (early) evening out.
R Bar | 1114 Main Street, Asbury Park
R Bar is a New Orleans-themed bar and restaurant in uptown Asbury Park. A mature crowd loves R Bar for its jazz bands and all-you-can-eat crab legs on Wednesdays from 5:00PM-9:00PM in the summer. R Bar also has a cute backyard with a fun aesthetic, along with an upstairs greenhouse featuring hanging greenery and bartenders who are friendly and attentive, which the 30+ crowd appreciates.
Reef & Barrel | 153 Sea Girt Avenue, Manasquan
Reef & Barrel is a beach bar and grill in Manasquan. It has those casual vibes the 30+ crowd still enjoys, with access to live bands, DJs, and nightly entertainment, with a mixed age group, especially if you get here earlier in the evening. The bar has $1.99 Miller Lite drafts all day, every day, which is something any age group appreciates.
Street Kitchen Pub | 5 Broad Street, Red Bank
Street Kitchen Pub is in downtown Red Bank. It has a laid-back atmosphere featuring plenty of TVs, a bar, and a dining area. Street Kitchen Pub also has a fun rooftop the 30+ group loves, plus there’s a lineup of calendar events like music bingo, game night, and country line dancing – for more information, click here.
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The Pig & Parrot | 201 Union Lane, Brielle
The Pig & Parrot is a Key West-themed bar and restaurant in Brielle. It has festive decor, like its bright-colored Adirondack chairs and waterfront views, making it a fun space to feel young, no matter your age. The Pig & Parrot always has a mixed-age crowd, and it has a live music series for its outdoor area that’s always fun to check out.
The Proving Ground | 56 Shrewsbury Avenue, Highlands
The Proving Ground is a waterfront restaurant and bar in the Highlands. It has lunch specials, happy hour, and Sunday brunch. The Proving Ground has an outdoor gazebo bar with lounge seating and often live music. We recommend making a reservation if you want a table (click here).
Watermark | 800 Ocean Avenue Second Floor, Asbury Park
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Watermark is a beachfront lounge and bar in Asbury Park. It has floor-to-ceiling windows revealing water views, along with an outdoor deck – all areas have comfy couches that the 30+ crowd gravitates towards. Watermark often has DJ sets, and although a younger crowd does peak in, we recommend coming during sunset and leaving early evening for a typical young professional experience.
Wharfside Patio Bar | 101 Channel Drive, Point Pleasant Beach
Wharfside Patio Bar is in Point Pleasant (yes, the spot where Amanda and West were spotted). It has rum buckets, coastal seafood, and Jersey Shore-based bands that all age groups love. Wharfside feels like the kind of space where age doesn’t matter, and the good vibes are always accompanied by quality music and waterfront views.
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