For die-hard Bruce Springsteen fans, the Jersey Shore is more than just a coastal summer getaway – it’s a pilgrimage to the roots of “The Boss.” From legendary music venues where he performed to the dive bars that inspired his timeless lyrics, the Jersey Shore is brimming with iconic Springsteen-related locations. Whether you’re hoping to stand exactly where Bruce was when he first met saxophonist Clarence Clemons or soak in the atmosphere of the places immortalized in his songs – like The Stone Pony or the house where he wrote his hit album Born to Run – this guide will take you on a tour of the must-visit spots for any fan looking to connect with the essence of Springsteen’s musical journey. Read on to learn more about the iconic Bruce Springsteen landmarks at the Jersey Shore.
Asbury Park
Asbury Park Convention Hall | 1300 Ocean Avenue
Convention Hall is a 3,600-seat indoor events center that was built on the Asbury Park Boardwalk between 1928 and 1930. Bruce Springsteen saw iconic rock acts such as The Who, The Doors, and Janis Joplin at the Convention Hall as a teen. Later in life, the venue became a go-to for Springsteen to rehearse and prepare for his upcoming tours. The iconic boardwalk location has hosted numerous invite-only events for Bruce fans to experience exclusive album releases and performances. The Paramount Theatre – inside of Convention Hall – has been the host of several of Springsteen’s surprise sightings over the years, from Light of Day benefit concerts to the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival. Both the Convention Hall and The Paramount Theatre have been closed since 2020 due to needed repairs. A large, illuminated “Greetings from Asbury Park” sign sits on the top of Convention Hall – facing west towards Bradley Park – in reference to Springsteen’s 1973 debut album Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.
Carousel Building | 1000 Ocean Avenue
The historic Carousel Building – which once housed a carousel and was part of the now defunct Casino structure with amusements and rides – still stands on the south end of the Asbury Park Boardwalk, bordering Ocean Grove along Wesley Lake. The famed carousel inside of the Carousel Building was bought in 1990 and moved to Family Kingdom Park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Carousel Building was renovated with new glass, iron gates, and a new roof, and it now occasionally serves as an event space and is home to the Wooden Walls Project, a non-profit art initiative based in Asbury Park. On December 7th, 2010, Springsteen and a stripped-down E Street Band debuted material from The Promise inside the Carousel Building for an intimate, invite-only live stream taping. There are several iconic photographs of The Boss taken in front of the well-known AP spot – which fans may recognize from the promotional materials used for his 2023 tour.
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Psychic Madam Marie’s Temple of Knowledge | 1150 Ocean Avenue
A young Bruce Springsteen would often busk next to Madam Marie’s booth on the Asbury Park Boardwalk. It is said that Madam Marie predicted that he would someday become famous. Springsteen paid homage to Madam Marie in his song 4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy). Marie sadly passed away in 2008 but the Temple of Knowledge is still up and running. Visitors can get their fortunes told by her granddaughter.
The Stone Pony | 913 Ocean Avenue
Bruce Springsteen stepped onto The Stone Pony stage for the first time in 1974. At the time, he already had two studio albums under his belt – Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. and The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle. His first performance was with The Blackberry Booze band, led by Steve Van Zandt and Southside Johnny. The Stone Pony is where he established his reputation for putting on an incredible live show. He has played The Stone Pony more than any other music venue, although on almost all occasions he has been a show crasher serving as a surprise, unannounced guest and not a headliner of the venue.
Student Prince (Now Porta) | 911 Kingsley Street
Bruce Springsteen met saxophonist Clarence Clemons at the Student Prince located at 911 Kingsley Street in 1971. Shortly after this meeting, Clarence Clemons joined Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. By 1984, the Student Prince had transformed into Xanadu, a dance club where Bruce Springsteen tested his hit Dancing in the Dark on the crowds before officially releasing it. (Unsurprising spoiler: they loved it.) 911 Kingsley has been many things over the years, but today it is known as Porta, a popular artisanal pizzeria, restaurant, and bar that turns into a nightclub after dark.
The Transparent Clinch Gallery | 210 Fifth Avenue
The Transparent Clinch Gallery – located next to The Asbury Hotel at 210 Fifth Avenue – is an immersive art gallery featuring the work of rock photographer Danny Clinch. Clinch has been working with Bruce Springsteen for over 20 years organizing shoots, album covers, promotional materials, and taking live concert photos. The gallery has prints, photography books, and merchandise for sale and often hosts live events. Fans can take pictures with a life-sized Clinch photo of Springsteen on the Asbury Park boardwalk inside of the gallery.
Upstage Club | 702 Cookman Avenue
Despite popular belief, Bruce Springsteen did not get his musical start at The Stone Pony. The first venue Bruce Springsteen played in Asbury Park was the Upstage Club on the 3rd floor of 702 Cookman Avenue in 1969. The venue opened in 1968 and closed in 1971, predating The Stone Pony, which opened in 1974. The music venue played a pivotal role in the early careers of famous musicians like Springsteen, Southside Johnny, Steven Van Zandt, and members of the E Street Band. The venue was known for its relaxed, communal atmosphere where musicians of all backgrounds could come together and experiment with different sounds. The Upstage hosted infamous late night jam sessions, which usually lasted from 1AM to 5AM. The Upstage is now a commercial property with apartments on the second and third floors and Lush Wine & Spirits occupying the ground floor.
The Wonder Bar | 1213 Ocean Avenue
Bruce Springsteen is known to drop by The Wonder Bar to hang out or, if the crowd is lucky, hop on stage for a surprise set. Inside The Wonder Bar fans can find a cabinet of assorted Springsteen memorabilia. The venue serves as a bar and live music venue for both local and touring acts.
Belmar
10th Avenue & E Street | 601 10th Avenue
The “E Street Band” name was taken from the street in Belmar, New Jersey where David Sancious – original keyboardist of the E Street Band – lived. Sancious’ mom allowed the band to rehearse in the garage located next to her house at 1107 E Street. Legend has it that Sancious was always running late when Bruce and the band members came by for rehearsals and because they were always waiting for him out on the street, they dubbed themselves the E Street Band. The intersection of E Street and 10th Avenue, which is currently home to the Belmar Public Library, inspired the song Tenth Avenue Freeze-Ou” – which tells the story of Bruce and the E Street Band. Fans who visit 10th Avenue and E Street today will find an 8-foot Fender Esquire guitar, the same one featured on the album cover of Born to Run, created by local artist Bob Mataranglo.
Freehold
Jersey Freeze | 120 Manalapan Avenue
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As a kid, the Boss used to frequent Jersey Freeze – a quaint but iconic ice cream shop in his hometown of Freehold, New Jersey – for an odd treat. “Who’s been to Jersey Freeze?” Springsteen asked the crowd at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford during a concert in 2016. “We’d stop there and it was much smaller. They didn’t have any hot dogs or hamburgers. They only sold ice cream and they sold two kinds: one was chocolate and one was vanilla. Just soft ice cream, that was all you could get. When I was a kid, I didn’t like chocolate or vanilla, I just liked the cones. So the guy used to save all the broken cones for me.” Today, Bruce brings friends – like fellow NJ rocker Bon Jovi – to the ice cream spot, but according to AARP he has moved on from snacking on Jersey Freeze’s leftover cone crumbs and now enjoys its soft vanilla ice cream dipped in chocolate.
See More: 10 Iconic Musicians That Played at Maxwell’s in Hoboken
Long Branch
The “Born to Run” House | 7 1/2 West End Court
Just a little north of Asbury Park you can visit the birthplace of a career-defining album. 7 ½ West End Court – a small beach bungalow in Long Branch, New Jersey – is where 25-year-old Bruce Springsteen wrote the Born To Run album. The eight track album includes hit songs such as the title track “Born To Run”, “Jungleland”, and “Tenth Avenue Freeze Out.” Despite it being a pilgrimage site and historic location for Bruce fans, it is a private residence that is wedged between two homes and is very easy to miss.
Manasquan
The Osprey | 201 1st Avenue
The Osprey is a popular nightclub with DJs, live bands, and a sports bar located on the corner of Main Street and First Avenue across from the Main Beach in Manasquan. The Jersey Shore landmark opened in 1946 and is only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day every year. Bruce Springsteen visited The Osprey to have his first legal drink as a 21-year-old, which was reportedly a shot of Jose Cuervo tequila. Seaside Bar Song chronicles Springsteen’s experience at The Osprey, where he had his first drink while watching Bo Diddley perform on its small bar stage. The Osprey is the first and only bar Springsteen has written a song about.
The Best Irish Bars to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Jersey Shore
The entire month of March feels like a celebration. For some, it's the excitement of knowing that winter is almost over; for others, it's a festive time because of St. Patrick's Day. The JSG compiled a list of bars that will transform you to Ireland for the day, whether that means a plate of corned beef + cabbage, live Irish music, and naturally, a solid pour of Guinness. Keep reading for a list of authentic Jersey Shore Pubs to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
Anglesea Irish Pub | 116 West 1st Avenue, Wildwood
Anglesea Irish Pub is a historic tavern in Wildwood. Anglesea is a good option for those looking for a genuine Irish meal, as it is owned and operated by the McMullen family. Customers can get in the spirit by ordering the Sean's Shepherd's Pie or trying the McMullan's Irish Coffee. Anglesea is known for its perfectly poured Guinness and has plenty of Irish whiskey options.
Read More: The Best Happy Hours at the Jersey Shore
Cattle 'n Clover | 3817 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood
Photo Credit: Cattle 'n Clover
Cattle ‘n Clover is a traditional Irish pub and steakhouse in Wildwood. Cattle ‘n Clover is known as a steakhouse with an Irish soul — the menu includes traditional Irish meals like corned beef and cabbage and Irish pot pie. FYI: Cattle ‘n Clover also became a Guinness world record holder for the largest Shepherd's Pie on its opening day.
Celtic Cottage Pub + Patio Bar | 608 2nd Avenue, Long Branch
The Celtic Cottage Pub + Patio Bar is located in the West End of Long Branch. It is a recommended stop for anyone looking for that local neighborhood bar vibe on St. Patrick's Day. Its red door (reminiscent of a Dublin pub) and the painting on the side of the building (which resembles a scene right out of the rolling green hills of the Emerald Isle) are fun backdrops to celebrate the holiday. On the inside of the Celtic is a display of flags representing all 32 counties of Ireland hanging from the ceiling beams, along with a display of Irish Whiskey decanters.
D' Arcy's Tavern | 310 Main Street, Bradley Beach
D'Arcy's Tavern is a pub in Bradley Beach known as the go-to spot to watch soccer at the Jersey Shore. D'Arcy's is a good option after the annual Belmar Lake Como St. Patrick's Day Parade, as the pub typically has live music to celebrate the festivities. This year, D'Arcy's has Irish-themed D'Arcy's sweatshirts for sale (pick up at the bar) for those who want merchandise that also gets into the St. Patty's spirit.
Delaney's Irish Pub + Grill | 400 Washington Street, Cape May
Delaney's Irish Pub + Grill is located in Cape May. Delaney's has a section on its menu titled 'A Taste of Ireland' — customers can choose from classic Irish plates like corned beef + cabbage, bangers + mash, Irish meatloaf, Shepherd's Pie, and fish and chips. The JSG also recommends trying the flame-seared Guinness BBQ-glazed salmon.
Doyle's Pour House Barnegat | 345 South Main Street, Barnegat
Photo Credit: Doyle Pour House Barnegat
Doyle's Pour House is located in Barnegat. Doyle's has festive menu items like its Irish Nachos — picture potato pancakes with melted cheddar + bacon served with sour cream. It also has over 20 different types of Irish whiskeys. Typically, Doyle's goes all out for St. Patrick's Day. In past years, Doyle's had festive cocktails and music, so keep updated on the celebrations by checking its Instagram here.
Doyle's Pour House | 210 West Main Street, Tuckerton
Doyle's Pour House is located in Tuckerton. In past years, Doyle's has developed a special St. Patrick's Day menu featuring items like Doyle's Irish Soda Bread. JSG recommends checking in on this year's festive plates by accessing its Instagram page linked here. Tuckerton's Doyle's Pour House will also have a bagpiper on St. Patrick's Day.
The Dublin House | 30 Monmouth Street, Red Bank
The Dublin House is an Irish bar located in downtown Red Bank. JSG's favorite festive menu items include the Irish Guinness Beef, Mushroom Stew, and Dublin House Guinness Burger. The Dublin House also has a Sunday brunch from 11AM until 2PM, with items like its Traditional Dublin House Irish Breakfast or Irish omelet.
Harrigan's Pub | 703 Baltimore Boulevard, Sea Girt
Harrigan's is an old-school Irish pub in Sea Girt. Locals love getting a pint of Guinness at Harrigan's, and the Guinness BBQ half rack of ribs is just as good. Harrigan's has plenty of St. Patrick-themed events during February and March. JSG likes past events, such as the whiskey tasting and Guinness glass pint engraving. Harrigan's also usually celebrates the holiday with music and drink specials, so keep updated on its events here.
The Irish Pub Atlantic City | 164 St. James Place, Atlantic City
The Irish Pub Atlantic City is located inside a Victorian Inn, about a block from the beach and the boardwalk in Atlantic City. At one time, the Irish pub was a speakeasy during prohibition, so it has a historic charm that makes dining here a fun option for St. Patrick's Day. The menu includes many Irish beers and items like fish + chips.
The Irish Rail | 229 East Main Street, Manasquan
The Irish Rail is a family-owned restaurant + bar in the heart of downtown Manasquan. It is known for its signature burgers and its Guinness pour. The Irish Rail has Irish-style eats for a local St. Patrick's Day experience.
Johnny Mac's House of Spirit | 208 Main Street, Asbury Park
Johnny Mac's is a Jersey Shore staple bar located in Asbury Park. Often recognized for its free pizza, Johnny Mac's is the presenting sponsor and official headquarters of Asbury Park's St. Patrick's Day Parade — which took place on March 9th this year.
Josie Kelly's Public House | 908 Shore Road, Somers Point
Josie Kelly's is located in Somers Point. Josie Kelly's welcoming atmosphere and food reflect Ireland's west coast. It has all the traditional Irish meal options, but JSG's favorite is its beef + Guinness pie. It is having an after-party for Atlantic City's St. Patrick's Day Parade — which took place on Saturday, March 8th. Josie Kelly's had live music, Irish dancers, and bagpipers to celebrate the holiday.
Kelly's Tavern | 43 NJ-35, Neptune City
Kelly's Tavern has been a Jersey Shore family tradition for over four generations. Kelly's Tavern feels like an authentic Irish experience as the family traces its roots from County Monaghan and the town of Clones back on "The Old Sod." JSG recommends looking for the large hand-painted ancestral map of Ireland, which covers the ceiling above the oversized bar, and the authentic banners and coats of arms that are imported from Dublin. FYI: The Irish wrap on the breakfast menu is a must-order.
Kim Marie's Eat n' Drink Away | 1411 Kingsley Street, Asbury Park
Kim Marie's Eat n' Drink Away is a local pub in Asbury Park. It has Irish-style comfort cuisine. Locals love that the Guinness here is only $5, which pairs well with its Irish Meatball sandwich. Typically, Kim's will have Irish food + drink specials and festive happenings leading up to St. Patrick's Day, like bagpipers for entertainment — so stay updated here.
Klee's Bar + Grill | 101 Boulevard, Seaside Heights
Klee's Bar + Grill is located in Seaside Heights. Klee's Bar + Grill is often an option to go to for the Seaside Heights St. Patrick's Day Parade (which took place on March 8th this year). Klee's had live music to celebrate the parade, and there is typically green + gold-colored decor to add to the spirit of the day.
Mac's Pub | 1747 Hooper Avenue, Toms River
Photo Credit: Mac's Pub
Mac's Pub is a chill, Irish-style tavern located in Toms River. Mac's gets so into the Irish spirit that it hosted a half-way to St. Patrick's Day party this year. Mac's usually has a lineup of festive activities like pipe + drum performances, drink specials, and fun pub food during March. Learn more here.
McDonagh's Pub | 2 West Front Street, Keyport
McDonagh's is an Irish pub located in the heart of downtown Keyport. McDonagh's building has an Irish charm, containing two bars and live music stages. JSG's pick from the menu is the corned beef egg rolls. This year, McDonagh's is having its first annual St. Patty's Mega Bowl on March 22nd (starting at 10AM), including live music all day, games + giveaways, bagpipers, and beer carts.
O'Donnell's Pour House | 3907 Landis Avenue, Sea Isle City
O'Donnell's Pour House is Sea Isle City's only Irish pub. The menu has classic Irish plates like Shepherd's Pie and Irish Bangers + Mash. O'Donnell's is a good choice for anyone looking for an upscale dining experience with a pub-like St. Patrick's Day atmosphere.
See More: The Best Bars to Get Guinness in Hoboken + Jersey City
St. Stephen's Green Publick House | 2031 NJ-71, Spring Lake
St. Stephen's Green Publick House is an authentic pub located in Spring Lake. It is named after a famous park in downtown Dublin. St. Stephen's Green Publick House is the go-to location for brunch on St. Patrick's Day, as it has an entire Irish brunch menu. If going for dinner, JSG recommends its Celtic Steak Bites served with Irish whiskey peppercorn dipping sauce.
