Jenna Giustino 
There’s something about the Jersey Shore energy in the summer that is pure magic. Luckily, plenty of local bars and restaurants stay open year-round, which matches that fun spirit in the fall and winter. For some, it’s trivia nights; for others, it’s live music and happy hours. JSG felt it was essential to share the same enthusiasm for fall and winter as we do for summer, so we curated a list of our favorite local businesses that have a lively atmosphere despite the season. Read on for our guide to restaurants and bars that bring a Jersey Shore summer vibe to the winter and fall.
Asbury Ale House | 531 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
Asbury Ale House is a restaurant and bar in downtown Asbury Park. It’s known for its seasonal over-the-top cocktail menu that is popular all year round (IYKYK: in the past, this bar has had Jack Frosty shareable drinks in the winter and Witch’s Brews for the fall). Asbury Ale House is also the go-to place for football Sundays, featuring a brunch party including confetti cannons and half-time games.
Bar Anticipation | 703 16th Avenue, Lake Como
Bar Anticipation is located in Lake Como. It’s one of the classic Jersey Shore bars that remain open all year long. Even though it’s a summer favorite, Beat the Clock Tuesdays are still on deck for winter nights. Bar Anticipation also keeps the vibes going into the colder months with happy hour parties, music bingo, and plenty of live music events.
The Basement at Bond Street Bar | 639 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
The Basement at Bond Street Bar is in Asbury Park. On Friday and Saturday nights, the basement has DJs and live music, which helps to transform the venue into a fun nightclub atmosphere. JSG Tip: To get in, either enter through the corner door inside Bond Street Bar (ask the bartender if you can’t find it) or through Capitoline’s restaurant entrance (there will usually be bouncers to spot).
Beachcomber Bar + Grill | 100 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights
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Beachcomber Bar + Grill is a Jersey Shore staple located in Seaside Heights. It keeps the summer feeling alive all year with fun events like live music and bingo nights. In the past, Beachcomber also hosted New Year’s Eve and St. Patty’s Day parade events.
Beach Haus Brewery | 801 Main Street, Belmar
Beach Haus Brewery is in downtown Belmar. Besides keeping its kitchen, cocktails, and 20 craft beers on tap open all winter, Beach Haus’s rooftop bar and lounge is a chic aesthetic spot for the fall and winter. It also keeps the energy alive with a full event calendar featuring live music already planned out well into the cold season. Click here to learn more.
Read More: How to Have a Locals-Only Summer at the Jersey Shore
Dogtooth Bar + Grill | 100 East Taylor Avenue, Wildwood
Dogtooth Bar + Grill is in Wildwood. Locals love Dogtooth for its events that keep people coming past summer, like its happy hour specials, which are available Monday through Friday, 3PM-5PM. There is also music bingo every Tuesday, 8PM-10PM, and a DJ every Friday at 8PM.
Icarus Brewing | 2045 NJ-88, Brick Township
Icarus is a brewing company in Brick. Icarus releases 3-5 beers each week, and its taproom has a rotating taplist of 30 brews on draft, all of which are available year-round. It also already has a full lineup of brewery happenings scheduled for the fall, including an Oktoberfest, Trivia Wednesdays, and Vinyl Nights every Monday.
Jamian’s Food + Drink | 79 Monmouth Street, Red Bank
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Jamian’s Food and Drink is located in downtown Red Bank. It’s known as the spot for food, drinks, and live music. In the winter, Jamian’s music schedule is reminiscent of Jersey Shore summer energy. For more information, click here. JSG tip: Arrive at Jamian’s early if live music is scheduled, as a line forms outside (even in colder weather) if the venue gets too crowded.
Joe’s Surf Shack | 415 18th Avenue, Lake Como
Joe’s Surf Shack is a restaurant and bar, located in Lake Como off the beaten path of a downtown hub. Joe’s is a local go-to in the winter for a dive bar aesthetic, with DJs scheduled year-round. Its laid-back dance floor brings summer-at-the-Shore energy year-round. Joe’s also has plenty of fun events, like an all-day, all-night happy hour on Wednesdays. Click here for more information.
Johnny Mac House of Spirit | 208 Main Street, Asbury Park
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Johnny Mac’s is in Asbury Park. It’s known for its free pizza every day (with the purchase of a drink). At night, it’s a popular spot for playing emo hits, making it a great night out for dancing at the Jersey Shore in the fall or winter. FYI: Johnny Mac’s also has speed dating every second Wednesday of the month, and on Sundays, you can get free omelets with a purchase of a drink from 10AM-3PM.
Marina Grille | 905 NJ-35, Belmar
Marina Grille is in Belmar. A fall or winter dinner here still comes with those breezy, summertime views. Marina Grille also has live music year-round, and its ample open-air space is also fun for football Sundays, featuring plenty of screens for viewing.
The Pig + Parrot | 201 Union Lane, Brielle
The Pig + Parrot is in Brielle. It makes our list for its aesthetic choices, which provide a beach vibe environment for Jersey Shore locals year-round. The Pig + Parrot also has live music and happy hour specials all year.
Porta Asbury Park | 911 Kingsley Street, Asbury Park
Porta is a restaurant known for its pizza in Asbury Park. It hosts live entertainment all year, like jazz brunches and live bands. Porta’s Abbot Room Dance Parties give a massive club atmosphere well into the winter, featuring multiple rotating DJ sets available from 10PM-2AM on Fridays.
Reef + Barrel | 153 Sea Girt Avenue, Manasquan
Reef + Barrel is a restaurant and bar in Mansquan. It has a beach-culture aesthetic, with seasonal shore food + cocktails. Reef + Barrel has live music and DJs all year, click here to learn more.
River Rock | 1600 NJ-70, Brick Township
River Rock is in Brick Township. The restaurant and marina bar is a year-round destination offering food and nightlife options with a Jersey Shore waterfront view. River Rock’s entertainment brings summer spirit to life, featuring trivia, happy hours, and social events. Click here to learn more.
TEAK | 64 Monmouth Street, Red Bank
Teak is located in downtown Red Bank. Its menu has Asian-fusion plates, and locals love the sushi and fun cocktails for an upscale night out. Teak is a go-to for a nightlife experience at the Jersey Shore in the winter; its rooftop has dance parties including DJs, late-night specials, and VIP tables available.
Watermark | 800 Ocean Avenue, Second Floor, Asbury Park
Watermark is a rooftop bar in Asbury Park. Watermark’s floor-to-ceiling windows offer a picturesque view of Asbury Park’s beach in the winter, without the cold. Its lounge area transforms into a chill club-like atmosphere at night, with guests sharing loveseats. The fireplaces add a cozy vibe that makes summer (almost) undesirable.
See More: Italian, Indian, Seafood, + More: MG’s 50 Best Restaurants in North Jersey
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