Jenna Giustino 
March is known for many things — St. Patrick’s Day, the spring equinox, Women’s History Month, and, of course, March Madness. Even for those who aren’t typically basketball fans, there’s something about the tournament that brings people together and draws in a need to find the ideal local bar to view, root, and hang with friends. The Jersey Shore is home to plenty of bars hosting specials, watch parties, and an excuse to get out on a weeknight. Read on for a list of 20 restaurants and bars to watch March Madness at the Jersey Shore.
Asbury Ale House | 531 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
Asbury Ale House is a downtown Asbury Park restaurant and bar that fits the vibe needed for March Madness. With 60 beers on tap, over-the-top cocktails, and plenty of fried foodie options, it has everything you need to watch the games. There’s also a 110-inch projector, TVs (in what feels like) everywhere, and the restaurant typically hosts specials and a lively atmosphere during sports events.
Bar Anticipation | 703 16th Avenue, Lake Como
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Bar Anticipation is a staple Jersey Shore bar, restaurant, and music venue in Lake Como. It’s also typically a go-to spot during March Madness, hosting packed viewing parties and providing a high-energy atmosphere. Bar A also has plenty of TVs in multiple rooms, DJ sets, and drink specials (IYKYK: Beat the Clock on Tuesdays is a can’t-miss).
Read More: A Guide to Dive Bars at the Jersey Shore
Baseline Social | 675 Oceanport Way, Oceanport
Baseline Social is a sports bar venue in Oceanport. It’s a solid selection for March Madness for those looking for an over-the-top viewing experience, featuring a 640 sq ft LED 4K TV wall. Baseline Social is the kind of spot where everyone will be watching the game, and it’s expected to be packed with fans who add to a fun atmosphere for getting into the tournament.
Brick Township Chamber of Commerce | 2770 Hooper Avenue, Brick Township
Brick Township Chamber of Commerce is hosting a March Madness Watch Party at Brick’s Buffalo Wild Wings. On Friday, March 20th, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the organization is providing light fare, a cash bar, and an opportunity to connect and network with other young professionals while watching the basketball game. To register, click here.
Beacon 70 | 799 NJ-70, Brick Township
Beacon 70 is a waterfront bar and restaurant in Brick Township. It’s a standard sports-watching spot, with a 19ft TV wall, drink and food specials, and fun game-day vibes. Beacon 70 is also known for its beer towers and opportunities to win prizes and giveaways during sports games.
Chickie and Pete’s | 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
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Chickie and Pete’s is a sports bar chain located in the Tropicana in Atlantic City. It’s known for its all-you-can-eat menus, specialized game-day packages, and (of course) its Crabfries. Chickie and Pete’s was also spotlighted by ESPN as one of the top sports bars in North America, so JSG recommends making a reservation, as it often books up, especially for the first weekend of the tournament.
Court Jester | 1077 New Jersey 34 #a, Aberdeen Township
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Court Jester is hosting a March Madness Networking with Monmouth Monday Connections on March 16th at 7:00 PM. Besides getting a chance to grow your business and make connections, the Court Jester has the game playing in the background, providing a chance to chat with other basketball enthusiasts. Every business gets 60 seconds to speak about its business, and it can use the time to share testimonials about other members.
For more information, call Jackie Berman at 732-610-1567 or email [email protected]. FYI: Attendance is free.
D’Arcy’s Tavern | 310 Main Street, Bradley Beach
D’Arcy’s Tavern is a classic Bradley Beach pub. It’s known as the home of soccer, but it’s also a prime location for March Madness — a casual hub featuring daily specials and a local Jersey Shore vibe. D’Arcy’s often has live audio, and it’s a good selection for those wanting a quality pint while watching the games.
Deal Lake Bar + Co | 601 Main Street, Loch Arbour
Deal Lake Bar + Co is an American-style bar + restaurant in Loch Arbour. With lake views and an open concept featuring three large bars and a large dining area, it’s a reliable stop for watching sports. Deal Lake Bar + Co also often plays music and has TVs everywhere, making it easy to get a good vibe for March Madness.
Jack’s Goal Line Stand | 149 Brighton Avenue, Long Branch
Jack’s Goal Line Stand is a laid-back sports restaurant and bar in Long Branch. Jack’s has 50 flat-screen TVs spread across three bar areas, so it’s easy not to miss a minute of the basketball game. Jack’s also has a large selection of draft beer and is known for its 10-oz burgers and shareable appetizers, like its wings, which pair well with the March Madness games.
Joe’s Surf Shack | 415 18th Avenue, Lake Como
Joe’s Surf Shack is a neighborhood bar in Lake Como. It’s known for its upbeat vibes, drink specials, and fun events like its dating game. Joe’s Surf Shack often has live game sound and a DJ, which makes watching March Madness a festive experience.
Kelly’s Tavern | 43 NJ-35, Neptune City
Kelly’s Tavern is an Irish pub in Neptune City that’s been around since ‘49. It has a heated patio with a large bar surrounded by TVs, which keeps the sound on during popular sporting events. Kelly’s is a good selection for those looking to grab a Guinness while having a comfortable setting for watching the basketball tournament.
Marina Grille | 905 NJ-35, Belmar
Marina Grille is a scenic bar and restaurant in Belmar. Besides being an ideal location for sunset views, it also has tons of tvs wrapping around its large bar. There’s also a massive floor-to-ceiling TV in the middle of the open concept space, which makes for a fun viewing experience.
Moore’s Tavern + Sports Pub | 402 W Main Street, Freehold
Moore’s Tavern is a sports pub in Freehold. It’s known as a historic location (it’s been around since 1987), hosts two-for-one burger specials on Tuesdays, and features live music. Moore’s often has watch parties for sporting events like March Madness, so follow its Instagram here for updates.
Ocean Casino Resort | 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Ocean Casino Resort overlooks the ocean in Atlantic City and features oversized screens and premium drinks for sports viewing, including events like March Madness. At the center of the casino floor is Gallery Bar Book + Games, where guests can watch games on LED screens and visit betting windows. For more information, click here.
Red Horse Steakhouse | 26 Ridge Road, Rumson
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Red Horse Steakhouse is in Rumson. It’s hosting a special March Madness Wine dinner on March 19th, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, featuring four courses, four wines, and a viewing of the game. Tickets are $95 a person and are available for purchase by clicking here.
River Rock Restaurant + Marina Bar | 1600 NJ-70, Brick Township
River Rock is a lively restaurant and marina bar known for its scenic waterfront views. With 60 TVs throughout the bar, it’s a local go-to for March Madness. River Rock has an energetic sports bar atmosphere and a broad menu, making it a clear pick for the basketball tournament.
Spring Lake Tap House | 810 NJ-71, Spring Lake
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Spring Lake Tap House is a classic Jersey Shore sports bar. It has elevated pub food and local draft beer. Spring Lake Tap House is a cozy, low-key spot to watch March Madness.
Street Kitchen Pub | 5 Broad Street, Red Bank
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Street Kitchen Pub is in Red Bank. Seven Oaks Capital is hosting an exclusive March Madness happy hour for Sigma Chi brothers at Street Kitchen Pub on Thursday, March 19th, at 5:30 PM. If planning on attending, message the Instagram account here.
See More: The Best Places to Watch Football in Bergen County
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