Jenna Giustino Everyone loves the businesses along Cookman Avenue and the Asbury Park Boardwalk, but there are many excellent restaurants, bars, cafés, and shops beyond those well-known areas. These hidden gems can be found on Main Street, in Uptown Asbury, or just a few blocks off the beaten path. They are equally worth a visit, so that’s why we felt it was necessary to round up some of our favorite small businesses located outside the most frequently visited parts of town. Read on for The Jersey Shore Girl’s guide to exploring Asbury Park beyond the boardwalk and Cookman Avenue.
Ada’s Gojjo | 1301 Memorial Drive
Ada’s Gojjo is a Dominican and Ethiopian restaurant located at The Shops at Sunset Point. From sandwiches to platters, meats, vegetables (and the vegan empanadas), the restaurant is a foodie’s dream. Plus, with parking spots right in front of the restaurant, the location is convenient for visits.
Asbury Park Cyclery | 1201 Main Street
Asbury Park Cyclery is located on Main Street on the corner of Fourth Avenue. The bicycle shop has options ranging from bike rentals to maintenance classes to indoor cycling, and more. It’s a go-to place for those who want a bike around Asbury in the warmer months, especially during events like SeaHearNow or Porch Fest.
Asbury Park ReStore Monmouth County Habitat for Humanity | 1105 Memorial Drive
Asbury Park Restore Monmouth County Habitat for Humanity is on Memorial Drive. The thrift store organization sells gently used furniture, home goods, and more to support Monmouth Habitat for Humanity’s affordable housing programs. JSG recommends shopping for the picture frames (peek at the gold options).
Booskerdoo Coffee + Baking Co. | 1321 Memorial Drive
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Asbury Park. Booskerdoo Coffee + Baking Co. is part of The Shops at Sunset Point. For those looking for a fresh-roasted specialty-grade coffee shop, Booskerdoo is a must-visit. The baristas here are always knowledgeable, and the baked goods (like the “But the Kitchen Sink” bar) are convenient for grabbing before heading to the beach.
Cameo Love Market | 1213 Main Street
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Cameo Love Market is a Mediterranean market and bistro on Main Street between Fourth and Fifth Avenue. The space has a romantic atmosphere, and the menu features European-inspired plates. With an Italian espresso bar on hand and plenty of cozy seating, it’s also a fitting spot to work from home.
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Catbird Asbury Park | 1215 Sunset Avenue
Catbird is a wood-fired pizza + kitchen located on Sunset Avenue. The restaurant has outdoor seating overlooking Deal Lake, making it a romantic spot for date night. Catbird has a casual, welcoming atmosphere for those who want an intimate dining experience, plus a seasonal rotating menu and BYOB, which is a bonus year-round.
Catsbury Park | 901 3rd Avenue
Catsbury Park is a non-profit organization on Third Avenue. It has a cozy lounge for cat lovers to play with its residents. Catsbury Park also hosts interactive events, such as cat bingo and the Catsbury book club.
Chat + Nibble | 932 Asbury Avenue
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Chat + Nibble is a breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot on Asbury Avenue. It’s a staple in the community, with roots that stretch back to 1984. Chat + Nibble’s menu features sandwiches, salads, omelets, paninis, pancakes, and more, an easy way to get all the American classics.
Cielito Lindo | 1206 Main Street 
Cielito Lindo is a Mexican restaurant on Main Street. The space is festive, and the restaurant is BYOB. JSG recommends the steak burrito and pork tacos.
Ebb + Flow | 17-19 S Main Street
Ebb + Flow is on Main Street. The hot yoga studio also has meditation and massages. Ebb + Flow’s classes include everything from slow flow to strong flow, hot 26, and more.
El Rey Rosticeria y Restaurante | 708 Emory Street
El Rey is located on Emory Street, just steps from downtown. The menu features all the classic Mexican dishes, with birria as a standout. In warmer months, the outdoor seating has a lively atmosphere with tiki umbrellas.
Frank’s Deli + Restaurant | 1406 Main Street
Frank’s Deli + Restaurant is on Main Street. It’s a classic Asbury Park location that opened in 1960. The overstuffed sandwiches here are a must-try, especially the roast beef.
Georgies Asbury Park | 810 Fifth Avenue
Georgies is a low-key LGBTQ bar off Fifth Avenue. The menu has pub food, and the karaoke here is iconic. Georgies also often has live music and drag shows.
Judy + Harry’s | 408 7th Avenue
Judy + Harry’s is located inside St. Laurent on Seventh Avenue. The menu features Italian dishes like focaccia, chicken parm, and more, and there’s an equal amount of Jewish foodie options like latkes and matzo ball soup. After dining at Judy’s, sip on cocktails at Harry’s (the vibe in here is fitting for a nightcap).
Kim Marie’s Eat n Drink Away | 1411 Kingsley Street
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Kim’s is located on Kingsley Street. It’s an American pub that locals frequent for the casual vibe and $5 Guinness. Kim’s is also the go-to for happy hour and watching any sporting event.
Kimchi Mama | 504 Main Street
Kimchi Mama is a Korean restaurant off Summerfield Avenue. The menu has options like CupBop, Korean chicken wings, bibimbap, and Korean BBQ. Kimchi has dine-in, takeout, and delivery options.
Local 130 Seafood | 1305 Memorial Drive
Local 130 is one of the businesses at The Shops at Sunset Point. This fish shop offers items like lobster rolls and salmon burgers. Local 130 also delivers fresh fish to homes daily, which is worth keeping in mind once barbeque season heats up.
Milk Sugar Love | 1319 Memorial Drive
Milk Sugar Love is a Sunset Point business offering fun menu items, including make-your-own ice cream sandwiches, cold brew floats, and more. Classic affogato and delivery options are also available.
Plaza Tapatia Restaurant | 707 Main Street
Plaza Tapatia is a Mexican restaurant on Main Street. Regulars love the mole sauce, mango margaritas, and authentic Mexican plates. Plaza Tapatia has a festive decor that tops off the entire experience.
See More: A Guide to Specialty Coffee Roasters at the Jersey Shore
R Bar | 1114 Main Street
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R Bar is a restaurant located off Fourth Avenue on Main Street. It’s a trendy, New Orleans-themed restaurant featuring a greenhouse and backyard. R Bar often has live jazz music and typically has a lively atmosphere.
Old Glory Tattoo Co. | 1315 Memorial Drive
Old Glory Tattoo Co is on Memorial Drive. The tattoo shop also does piercings. Old Glory is known for its custom tattoos, friendly staff, and clean atmosphere.
The Galley Pizza + Eatery | 1313 Memorial Drive
The Galley is a Sunset Point pizzeria. It’s known for its Detroit-style pies and Pat LaFrieda blend burgers. The Galley has delivery and dine-in options.
Wild Air Beerworks | 801 2nd Avenue
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Wild Air is a brewery on Second Avenue. It specializes in craft lager. Wild Air often hosts trivia nights and has live music.
Wolfe + Kron Books | Fifth Avenue
Wolfe + Kron is a bookstore on Fifth Avenue. The woman-queer-owned shop curates a collection of BIPoC authors. Wolfe + Kron has collectibles, used + new fiction titles, and the space is cozy for shopping for new reads.
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