Jessica Norton 
Every summer, the legendary Wonder Bar at 1213 Ocean Avenue North in Asbury Park has transformed its outdoor space into a dog-lover’s paradise with its beloved “Yappy Hour.” But after two decades of wagging tails and sandy paws, this Jersey Shore tradition is coming to an end, with its final day set for Sunday, October 12th. The closure comes as construction begins on Lido Asbury Park, an eight-story residential project of luxury condominiums. Read on to learn more about the ending of Yappy Hour at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Yappy Hour at the Wonder Bar
Yappy Hour started in 2006 by the Wonder Bar’s general manager, Debbie DeLisa. From April to November, the Wonder Bar has invited dogs and their owners to its fenced-in outdoor space a few days a week for a special dog-friendly happy hour called “Yappy Hour.” Pups of all shapes and sizes are allowed to roam leash-free, splash in kiddie pools, and play with other dogs while their humans sip drinks, enjoy live music, and soak up the sunshine.
Yappy Hour is equal parts community hangout and canine carnival, and over the years, the weekly event has proven that happy hour is even better when shared with four-legged friends. A $10 per person admission fee is collected in order to enter and is donated to animal rescue groups and shelters. Even local legend Bruce Springsteen has been spotted dropping by the Wonder Bar to enjoy Yappy Hour.
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The End of Yappy Hour
Unfortunately, the Wonder Bar will host its final Yappy Hour on Sunday, October 12th. The bar leases its outdoor space from property owner iStar, which is preparing to build the Lido Asbury Park project on its grounds. Although the development was approved in 2023, the Wonder Bar was permitted to continue using the space until construction began. With work set to start soon, the outdoor area will no longer be available.
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“The developer that is taking over this property has given us a two-week extension for Yappy,” DeLisa confirmed in an Instagram Reel on Monday, September 22nd, after the original ending date of Yappy Hour was scheduled for Sunday, September 21st. “I’m actually thrilled because now we can do a Halloween party, which I will be telling you once we get the date set.”
Even though the outdoor space and surrounding environment will be impacted by the construction of Lido Asbury Park, the Wonder Bar will remain operational as a bar and concert venue. According to early reports of the luxury condominium development from The Coaster, the architectural design of the units will be stacked in such a way that the Wonder Bar’s painting of Tillie (essentially Asbury Park’s mascot) will be clearly seen, and that the view to the Wonder Bar will remain intact.
This past July, a penthouse at Lido Asbury Park sold for $7.6 million sight unseen, as the building has not yet been constructed. The eight-story residential project will occupy the properties bounded by Kingsley Street and Fourth and Fifth Avenues and Ocean Avenue next to the Asbury Ocean Club and the iconic Wonder Bar. The condos are expected to feature floor-to-ceiling windows with ocean views and expansive outdoor terraces, each with a private plunge pool. Planned amenities include a private park with barbecue grills, landscaped pathways, firepits, trellised seating areas, and a sculpture garden.
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The final Yappy Hour will take place on Sunday, October 12th. Leading up to the final date, all dogs will be welcome on Fridays from 3PM to 6PM, Saturdays + Sundays from 1PM to 6PM, and small dogs on Mondays from 3PM to 7PM.
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Follow @wonderbaryappyhour on Instagram for updates on “Yappy Hour” hours + events during its final weekends.
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