The Jersey Shore is home to famous bars and restaurants with mixologists and bartenders who consistently revamp concoctions that locals love. Sometimes, it's a drink that's simply known to be associated with the bar (a “you just have to try this” type of cocktail), and other times, it's a standout feature that makes the drink photo-worthy or brag-worthy. The options can be overwhelming, so the we compiled a list of our favorite local cocktails for you to try. Keep reading to learn more about our must-try cocktails for a staple Jersey Shore bar experience.

Social Sips at AP Rooftop | 1200 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park

AP Rooftop is an upscale lounge, restaurant, and bar located on Asbury Park's boardwalk. Its Sunday Brunch is from 10:30AM to 2:30PM, and the menu includes a pizza section, raw bar, and breakfast staples. Also on its brunch menu are its Social Sips, which are meant to be shared. Options for Social Sips include the Paloma for Two and its Aperol Spritz or Mimosa, specifically made for two or more people.

JSG Highlight: JSG tried the final Social Sip option, designed for parties of six or more. It's called the Boogie Punch; it has Grey Goose Essence Strawberry + Lemongrass Vodka, Aperol, Prosecco, Strawberry, Lemon, and Grapefruit. Best part? It's served in a disco ball.

Read More: New to the Asbury Park Boardwalk This Summer: Swimwear Shop, Taffy Store, + More 

Shipwreckers at Bird + Betty's | 529 Dock Road, Beach Haven

Bird and Betty's is a live music venue, restaurant, and bar in Beach Haven. One of its signature cocktails is its Shipwrecker. It's made ready-to-go in a frozen cocktail machine; it has Brinley's Coconut Rum, Kahlua, Bailey's, and Skyy Vodka.

JSG Highlight: JSG recommends ordering a Shipwrecker on its rooftop deck, which has pretty views of the water.

Frozen Daiquiris at Boardwalk Billy's | 2613 Boardwalk + 1537 Boardwalk, Atlantic City

Boardwalk Billy's has two locations on Atlantic City's boardwalk: the original is located between Tropicana and Caesars, and the newest Billy's is situated between Bally's Casino and Resorts Casino. Staple flavors at Billy’s include espresso, margarita, passionfruit, green apple, and painkiller-flavored daiquiris. If strolling on Atlantic City's boardwalk, getting a Boardwalk Billy is a necessary activity.

JSG Spotlight: Boardwalk Billy's only uses premium liquor and organic flavors; there's no high-fructose corn syrup, and its daiquiris are non-GMO and vegan.

Grails at D'Jais | 1801 Ocean Avenue, Belmar

An introduction to D'Jais seems unnecessary due to its massive local popularity. A Belmar dance club that has been around since 1959, D’Jais is known for its Sunday Fundays (including bingo) and Theme-Party Thursdays. Honestly, no matter the day of the week, it's always a go-to spot for an authentic Jersey Shore bar experience. Besides its festive parties, D'Jais is also known for its specialty cocktail, The Grail, which has become a local go-to when visiting the bar.

JSG Highlight: The Grail includes orange vodka, a splash of cranberry, and a lot of Red Bull, so it's a good option if you know you’ll be out late.

Rum, Tequila, or Vodka Buckets at Donovan's Reef | 1171 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright

Donovan's is a beach bar in Sea Bright. The tiki bar at Donovan's is situated directly on the beach, so visitors often stop by to grab a cocktail while sunbathing or before taking a dip in the water. If visiting Donovan's, it’ll be difficult to avoid seeing its Rum, Tequila, and Vodka buckets in everyone’s hands.

JSG Highlight: Rum, vodka, and tequila buckets mix well with a DJ playing in the background (another staple feature of Donovan's) and the ocean water ahead, creating a vacation-like vibe.

Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli at Judy + Harry's | 408A 7th Avenue, Asbury Park

Judy + Harry's is a two-concept bar and restaurant located inside St. Laurent's hotel. locals love that the aesthetic is both homey and elevated for a night out. The menu is a fusion of Italian and Jewish food reminiscent of a home-cooked meal. A must-try cocktail (especially if you're a fan of The Godfather) is its "Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli." This dessert-style frozen cocktail includes vodka, white creme de cacao, and Frangelico.

JSG Highlight: There is a topping of ricotta whey on the Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli, which is grated right in front of you (and adds to the entire appeal of the cocktail).

Aperol Spritz at La Dolce Vita | 400 Ocean Avenue North, Belmar

La Dolce Vita is an Italian restaurant in Belmar. It features a large outdoor seating area for dining and a separate section that mimics an Aperol Spritz garden. There is a hard-to-miss Aperol Spritz sign on top of a greenery arch, which customers enter through to arrive at a cute Aperol-themed bar. JSG loves the bright orange bar, which is enclosed and features a window for ordering and picking up an Aperol Spritz.

JSG Highlight: You may have thought you'd had an Aperol Spritz before, but it just hits differently when at La Dolce's.

Boozy Milkshakes or Any (Gelato) Martini at Lola's European Cafe | 539 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park

Lola's is a European-style cafe and bar in Asbury Park. It's known for its high-quality cocktails and homemade gelato; it has a loyal following of customers, so be sure to arrive early if going on a weekend. Lola's uses its homemade gelato to its advantage by incorporating it into many of its cocktails, such as its boozy milkshakes and gelato-based martinis.

JSG Highlight: JSG loves the Grasshopper Martini, which has Stoli Vanilla, Dark Cocoa, Creme de Menthe, and (the best part) Mint Chocolate Chip Gelato.

Chuggies at Low Dive, Deal Lake Bar + Co + Baseline Social | 1000 Ocean Avenue North, Asbury Park, 601 Main Street, Loch Arbour + 675 Oceanport Way, Oceanport

These three sister businesses are owned by BarCo Brands. LowDive is a coastal-themed bar on Asbury Park's boardwalk, Deal Lake Bar + Co is a restaurant and bar in Deal Lake with waterside views, and Baseline Social is a massive sports bar in Oceanport. When visiting any location, customers can order a Chuggy, which the bartender will be aware of due to its consistency across all BarCo brand menus. Its signature Chuggy is made with Vanilla Vodka, Coffee Liqueur, Cold Brew Coffee, and Baileys.

JSG Highlight: The Chuggy is easy to chug because it's so good, and it's larger than the typical Espresso Martini.

Tiki Teas at Martell's Tiki Bar | 308 Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach

Martell's Tiki Bar is a beachfront bar and restaurant in Point Pleasant. It's known for its fun tropical drinks, which customers love to sip on while listening to the live music at Martell's. The signature drink here is its Tiki Tea, which has been a staple Jersey Shore post-beach drink for years due to its refreshing elements. The Tiki Tea features Deep Eddy Iced Tea Flavored Vodka with Pink Lemonade; customers can choose either the regular version or add Raspberry, Peach, or Mango flavoring.

JSG Highlight: Although we love the Tiki Tea, JSG is also a fan of its Piña Colada, which is made in an ice cream machine, resulting in a super smooth consistency for drinking.

Shell-O Shots at Palmetto | 1000 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park

Palmetto is a Southern-style kitchen and bar on Asbury Park's boardwalk. Its Shell-O shots are a twist on the traditional Jell-O shot. It is served in a seashell and garnished with a festive umbrella, which adds to the appeal of the shot.

JSG Highlight: All Shell-O shot flavors (Lemon Drop, Sex On The Beach, Cosmopolitan) are equally good.

Spring Lakers at Parker House | 290 1st Avenue &, Beacon Boulevard, Sea Girt

Parker House is a Victorian beach house turned into a restaurant, bar, and club in Sea Girt. It's the go-to spot in the summer, and it has something for everyone with its multi-floors functioning as good dining spots, chill areas to watch the game, and a basement with live DJs and music. Its signature drink, the Spring Laker, has Red Bull, Vodka, and Pineapple Juice.

JSG Highlight: Parker House has 11  bars, and a Spring Laker can be ordered at any of them.

Bourbon Slushies at R Bar | 1114 Main Street, Asbury Park

R Bar is a New Orleans-themed restaurant and bar in Asbury Park. It has a backyard, greenhouse, and large dining area with spaces for live music (which is often jazz to fit the vibe). In any space, its Bourbon Slushy is available for ordering. The Bourbon Slushy has Wild Turkey 81 Bourbon and Southern Style Cherry Soda, ready to be served from its frozen cocktail machine.

JSG Highlight: The Bourbon Slushy is in good order in R Bar’sgreenhouse, which has a fun aesthetic.

Crushes at Swimcrush | 800 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park

Swimcrush is a beach bar on Asbury Park's boardwalk. It's known for its Crushes, which are crushed fruit cocktails served either individually or in a bucket. There are seven different types of crushes, each featuring a fruity flavor, such as mango, watermelon, and grapefruit.

JSG Highlight: JSG recommends trying the Blue Crush, which is made with Malibu Coconut Rum, Pineapple Juice, Lime Juice, Blue Curaçao, and Coconut Cream.

See More: 21 Vibey Bars for a Low-Key Night Out in Hoboken + Jersey City

Frozen Espresso Martinis at Triton Craft Beer + Oyster Bar | 308 Centre Street, Beach Haven

Triton Craft Beer + Oyster Bar is a cute wine and beer store that sells fresh oysters, clams, and peel-and-eat shrimp. FYI: It's also known for its seafood tower. Customers can grab and go or choose to order at the register and then dine in. For those who are a fan of Espresso Martinis, Triton's is a must-try because it makes them frozen, which pairs well with its seafood selections.

JSG Highlight: To be honest, we weren't aware an Espresso Martini could get any better, but the frozen element definitely adds something fun and new to the traditional cocktail.

No matter the time of year, there is something about a rooftop bar or restaurant that sets a fun mood. While rooftops are typically found in the city, the Jersey Shore area has stepped up its game. The Jersey Shore Girl found some top-floor restaurants with picturesque ocean backdrops that can compete with any skyline. Keep reading for a guide to the best rooftop bars in the Jersey Shore area.

AP Rooftop | 1200 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park

AP Rooftop is Asbury Park's newest bar, with a third-floor panoramic view of the ocean. The decor is chic, with chandeliers of hanging greenery, a large fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The food options include salads, sandwiches, paninis, a raw bar, and plenty of dips. The cocktail menu feels endless and features fun spritzes and mocktails to sip on while taking in the scenery.

The Atlantic House | 67 First Avenue, Atlantic Highlands

 

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The Atlantic House is a family-owned and operated restaurant in the Atlantic Highlands. This casual yet modern spot serves handheld seafood and salads. The drink menu includes wine, draft beer, and fun cocktails. The open-air rooftop dining room is a good spot for families to gather for dinner in this cute coastal town, closer north than most other Jersey Shore locations.

Read More: The Best Mocktails in Asbury Park, New Jersey

Avenue Long Branch | 23 Ocean Avenue North, Long Branch

Avenue Long Branch is a Pier Village restaurant, lounge, and beach club. It serves French cuisine and has an upscale, coastal atmosphere that is a good choice for a date night. The rooftop serves exotic cocktails, beers by bottle or draft, and an extensive wine list to enjoy while dining under the stars at one of its open-air lounges.

Beachcomber Bar + Grill | 100 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights

 

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Beachcomber Bar + Grill is a laid-back restaurant with live music and all those classic American bar eats. IYKYK: Beachcomber Bar + Grill was once featured on MTV's Jersey Shore, but that's not the only reason this spot is a staple for locals. JSG loves that the rooftop patio overlooks the Atlantic Ocean + customers can get fun boardwalk appetizers like fried Oreos or select from one of its many sushi roll options. The cocktails complete this Seaside Heights rooftop experience with fun names like the 'Blame It On Aperol.'

The Beach Gallery ​​| 260 Beachway Avenue, Keansburg

The Studio Bar, the rooftop at The Beach Gallery, is located in Keansburg. There is an indoor bar space that has classic and contemporary art and is a good addition for when the weather is cooperating. The outdoor rooftop area has a cute ambiance with string lights, tables, and lounge areas. The views from this rooftop are diverse, as it has a backdrop of the bay, Keansburg beach, and a distant NYC skyline.

Beach Haus Brewery | 801 Main Street, Belmar

The rooftop at Beach Haus is just a floor above Beach Haus's tap room, all of which is conveniently located in Belmar's downtown. This rooftop bar has plenty of bar seating, but customers are usually tempted to sit in one of the lounge seating sections with fire pits — a special addition for those chillier summer nights. It has signature cocktails and tapas boards that are good additions to watching the sunset at this rooftop bar.

Bird + Betty's | 529 Dock Road, Beach Haven

Bird + Betty's is a staple of the Jersey Shore bar + restaurant scene. This rooftop is on the water in Beach Haven and has a table, lounge, and bar seating. The happy hour here is a can't-miss, and JSG loves that the bar has a shuttle that will pick customers up starting at 6PM. The menu has pizza, seafood plates, sandwiches, and shareables. There are martinis, spritzers, and other fun cocktails, and the frozen drinks add to the vacation vibes.

Boardwalk Bar + Grill | 401 Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach

 

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For anyone who has been to Point Pleasant's boardwalk, the Boardwalk Bar + Grill sign is hard to miss. Boardwalk Bar + Grill is the rooftop to visit if seeking a casual spot to drink, eat, + grab a view of the beach. The menu has all those fried food favorites like mozzarella sticks and chicken tenders. Still, there are also salads, bar pizza, + a whole section for seafood lovers. The drink menu is beach festive with margaritas, buckets, frozen cocktails, beer drafts, and signature drinks that come with a souvenir glass.

The Committed Pig | 165 Main Street, Manasquan

 

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The Committed Pig is a pancake and burger house in Manasquan that is open seven days a week. In the summer, its rooftop is open for visitors to test out one of its classic cocktails or brunch items, like cinnamon-crunch French toast or cookie-dough pancakes. For lunch or dinner, it's a must to try one of its burgers or a pork roll sandwich, which pays homage to New Jersey.

Daddy O LBI | 4401 Long Beach Boulevard, Brant Beach

Daddy O LBI is a boutique hotel just steps away from the beach. Besides its proximity to the shore, it has a cute rooftop bar where customers can enjoy a boozy brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The bar has a large wine selection, domestic craft beers, specialty and classic cocktails, and hand-rolled sushi.

Harry's Ocean Bar + Grille | 1025 Beach Avenue, Cape May

Harry's Ocean Bar + Grille is an oceanfront rooftop bar in Cape May. Its popular food items are its signature sandwiches and fresh local seafood options. The bar also offers cocktails, wine, and often plenty of local beer options. It is known for its crushed drinks, which come in various flavors, but the orange crush, which has vodka, triple sec, fresh OJ, and Sprite, is a favorite. FYI: Guests can upsize any drink to 32 ounces for an extra ten dollars.

R Bar | 1114 Main Street, Asbury Park

 

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R Bar is located directly on Main Street in Asbury Park. This restaurant + bar has New Orleans-inspired food options that go along with it. The jazz bands often play on the first floor or, in the summer, in the backyard. This shore rooftop is unique because instead of having an ocean view, it is set up like a greenhouse, making visitors feel like they aren't at the Jersey Shore. The cocktails at this greenhouse rooftop are constantly changing, which keeps things interesting. Still, the bourbon slushy is a staple that JSG recommends trying.

Red Rock Tap + Grill | 14 Wharf Avenue, Red Bank

 

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Red Rock Tap + Grill has three outdoor decks that overlook Red Bank. There is often a lively atmosphere at Red Rock — there is often live music + other fun events. Visitors can grab one of its 16 beers on tap or watch a game on its 19 TVs. The menu has burgers, salads, tacos, and for those with a sweet tooth, there's a lava cake that will be hard to resist.

Reef + Barrel | 153 Sea Girt Avenue, Manasquan

Reef + Barrel is a bar and grill located in Manasquan. It has DJs, local bands, and nightly entertainment that screams Jersey Shore. The plates here are comfort dishes with a casual beach vibe, like quesadillas, tots, pizza, and handhelds. There are daily specials to check out, along with its rooftop, which has a full-service bar.

The Rooftop Bar: Hotel LBI | 350 West 8th Street, Ship Bottom

 

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The Rooftop Bar at Hotel LBI is easy to go to for those visiting the hotel, but locals also love this spot for its views and cocktails. While it doesn't have a full dinner menu, it does serve artisan pizzas, cocktails, wines, and draft beer. The lure of this spot is that it has the best sunset views and cozy outdoor lounge sections that are good for a large group.

Salvation | 210 Fifth Avenue, Asbury Park

Salvation is the rooftop bar at The Asbury, just steps away from the beach. In addition to views of the ocean, this hotel's rooftop has a full view of Sunset Lake, which adds to the pretty atmosphere. Salvation often has live music and DJ sets, so guests will often find people dancing while sipping on one of the curated cocktails or wines. Small bites are also served, like tuna tartar or caviar dip.

Teak Restaurant + Bar | 64 Monmouth Street, Red Bank

 

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Teak is an Asian fusion restaurant and bar located in downtown Red Bank. Its rooftop is known for its nightlife experience — it is the spot to go if looking for a live DJ coupled with dancing and good drinks. The rooftop has a weekly schedule of themed days like Wine Down Wednesdays or Feel Good Fridays. Rooftop updates and special inquiries, like VIP table reservations, can be found on its Instagram here.

Tuckers Tavern | 101 Southwest Avenue, Beach Haven

 

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Tuckers Tavern was created with the inspiration of many American + English pubs in mind. It has gastro-pub-inspired menus and coastal beach favorites. The menu has everything from a raw bar to wings + tacos. Tuckers Tavern has a weekend brunch, happy hour deals, and a vegetarian menu. The cocktail and beer options feel endless, but JSG recommends getting a fishbowl. The rooftop deck is a perfect setting for a cute dinner date or girls' night in Beach Haven.

See More: Outdoor + Rooftop Bars in Hoboken + Jersey City

The VÜE Rooftop Bar | 123 South Indiana Avenue, Atlantic City

The VÜE Rooftop Bar has a 360-degree view of Atlantic City and a clear outlook of the Atlantic Ocean. Located on the 23rd floor, this restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating and happy hour deals from 4PM to 7PM every day. It has a full-service bar for drinks served until 2AM on the weekends, along with a late-night bites menu that will be hard to resist.

Watermark | 800 Ocean Avenue, Second Floor, Asbury Park

Watermark hovers right over Asbury Park's boardwalk, a staple bar to visit no matter the time of year. Watermark has a sizable inside rooftop section with a full bar + lounge area with dim lighting that sets a vibe for the night. The windows provide a clear view of the ocean without stepping outside. The outdoor deck area is open in the summer, along with another bar and seating area. IYKYK: Watermark is a great spot to grab a cocktail and listen to music when the Stone Pony Summer Stage has concerts.