The 2024 Edition of The Best Outdoor Bars in New Jersey is written by Vinny Parisi.
There’s nothing quite like the first sip of a cold drink on a hot day. Summers in New Jersey come with their fair share of heat, which means folks need something to quench their thirst. Enjoy the hot summer with a cold drink in hand thanks to The Best Outdoor Bars in New Jersey.
This year’s list features the state’s best outdoor areas for enjoying cocktails (or mocktails) and more. From outdoor bars with an ocean view to tiki bars with an island vibe, we’ve got something for everyone. Some of these spots have beautiful biergartens, while others boast deck seating right on the water, or panoramic rooftop bars. But they all share outdoor bars with easy access to an assortment of beverages.
Without further ado, here is our list of New Jersey’s Best Outdoor Bars.
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find The Best Outdoor Bars nearby.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
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North Jersey
Angry Dad Draught House
Where: Washington
Details: Owners Stephen Whiteman & John Martino invite guests to visit their restaurant and unique outdoor Boat Bar. The Boat Bar features a real boat as the actual bar—along with sand, palm trees, and an outdoor stage. Angry Dad hosts live music throughout the summer, and offers outdoor games as well. Other special events include taco Tuesdays, ladies’ nights, karaoke, bar bingo, and more. In addition to two full bars, the entire restaurant menu is available for outdoor dining.
Buck Hill Brewery
Where: Blairstown
Details: Buck Hill Brewery promises patrons An American Craft Beer & Food Experience. They serve favorites like Bavarian Pretzels with beer cheese fondue and beer mustard, fried pickles, and steamed clams. They also offer interesting sandwich options like Crispy Eggplant, the Buck Venison Burger, and the Jersey Burger with Taylor Ham. As for what’s on tap, they typically offer twenty different craft beers to choose from. Their selection includes a mix of IPAs, ales, lagers, stouts, and spiked seltzers.
Concourse Club
Where: Wood-Ridge
Details: The Concourse Club takes inspiration from the glamour of private jet travel. This means giving guests the VIP treatment, pairing craft cocktails and small plates with a view of the NYC Skyline. The spacious heated rooftop boasts an elegant design, making it perfect for date night or a night out with friends. Music lovers can stop by Thursday through Sunday each week, as they have a different DJ each night. Check out their signature City Girl cocktail.
The Craftsman
Where: Fair Lawn
Details: As the name implies, this upscale American restaurant specializes in original craft cocktails. The Craftsman actually has two distinct outdoor dining options, the patio complete with patio bar and the outdoor garden. The former is a unique indoor/outdoor hybrid with a glass ceiling and photo wall that’s brimming with floral arrangements. Meanwhile, the latter is available for private events and boasts barrel tables and floral arrangements in a covered setting.
Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub
Where: Sparta
Details: Original proprietor Frede Krogh first opened his restaurant and tap room in 1937. Then, in 1981, ownership transferred to current owners, the Fuchs family. Over the years, Krogh’s has seen many additions and improvements. Most relevant to this list is the Krogh’s Nest, a unique rooftop bar unlike anything else in Sussex County. The rooftop is only open to adults 21 and up, and offers an elevated drink menu. It also offers incredible views of Lake Mohawk, making it a perfect warm weather cocktail spot.
NoHu Rooftop Bar at Envue
Where: Weehawken
Details: NoHu boasts unrivaled views of the Manhattan skyline at their scenic rooftop bar perched right above the Hudson River. In case the view isn’t enough, they also serve craft cocktails and creative Southern cooking like warm buttermilk biscuits. Other amenities at this 15,000-square-foot outdoor venue include bottle service, heated igloos, and wintertime fire-pit seating. They offer year-round happy hour specials during the week, DJ Beat weekends, and also a great Latin Jazz brunch.
The Parkside Social
Where: Verona
Details: This tavern with a New American menu offers cocktails, wine, and beer and a seasonal outdoor garden. While they put their own twist on classics like the Old Fashioned and Paloma, they also develop original cocktails. Their signature, premium cocktail is called Souls of Sinners, and is described as aromatic, rich, and spirit-forward. It features Bhakta Scythe & Sickle, Tempus Fugit Crème de Banane, smoked black tea, absinthe, Peychaud’s Bitters, and rose water rinse.
Pier 115
Where: Edgewater
Details: Guests can bank on finding exceptional views of the Hudson River — particularly the west bank — at Pier 115. This combination restaurant and lounge offers an upscale atmosphere and requires a smart casual dress code. Pier 115 boasts a massive selection of draft beers, bottled beers, hard seltzers, and canned cocktails. In fact, many patrons start with a craft beer flight to help find their favorite. The flight includes any three 5 oz craft beers from their tap.
Pier 13 Hoboken
Where: Hoboken
Details: Pier 13 is the place to be in Hoboken during the summer. The pier juts right out into the Hudson River, so it feels like being on the water. Meanwhile, the Astroturf ground has beach chairs, benches, and lunch tables to relax at with a drink. Speaking of drinks, their two bars serve anything from beer and sangria to mixed drinks in a coconut. The popular spot also draws in a variety of food trucks to sate any appetite. As for the view, locals say it boasts the best NYC skyline view in all of NJ.
Rockbottom Morris Beer Garden
Where: Morristown
Details: This 9,000-square-foot beer garden is the outdoor space of its sister lounge, Whisky & Virtue. Picnic tables and the full-service patio bar get hopping as soon as the weather turns warm. Plus, they host live music every week, happy-hour game nights, rotating food trucks, and a great bar menu. Outdoor entertainment including karaoke, cornhole tournaments, giant beer pong and Jenga, and hatchet-throwing always keep things fresh.
Seven Tribesmen Brewery
Where: Wayne
Details: This local craft brewer has an outdoor dog-friendly beer garden in the back. As for drinks, they have pints and pitchers available in a variety of handcrafted lagers, pilsners, IPAs, and hard seltzers. It’s all about the beer here, with no other drink or food options available. But they do keep menus from local businesses on hand, and encourage patrons to order delivery or order for pickup. They even have a food-pairings guide to make dining at the brewery easy.
Central Jersey
Featured from Middlesex County:
Orchard Park by David Burke
Where: 670 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick
Details: The outdoor bar at Orchard Park by David Burke is part of Orchard Terrace; the outdoor patio area adjacent to celebrity chef David Burke’s Orchard Park restaurant found within The Chateau Grande Hotel grounds. Orchard Terrace has a full bar as well as signature cocktails such as the Left on Red and Cranbury Thymes. The former features Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur, Pomegranate, Grapefruit, Sparkling Wine, and Rosemary. Likewise, the latter mixes Sourland Mountain Gin Reserve, Cranberry, Thyme, Honey, and Lemon. Orchard Terrace also offers live music, lounge areas, outdoor fireplaces, large tables, and the full restaurant menu. Chef Burke serves up a modern American menu that includes many of his signature dishes, including his fan favorite Clothesline Bacon and Signature Chicken entree.
Why I Like it: Orchard Terrace is fully protected from the elements, while being open and airy for all seasons.
| Visit their Website | Reserve a Table | Buy Gift Card | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 732-554-5714 |
The Bradford
Where: Bridgewater
Details: The Bradford Rooftop is a rooftop lounge that pairs craft cocktails and small plates with wonderful sunset views. The bespoke cocktails and carefully curated light bites include their signature Bacon Jam Burger and Nashville Chicken Sliders. Likewise, their namesake ‘The Bradford’ Espresso Martini contains Ketel One Vodka, Cold Brew, Coffee Liqueur, Vanilla, Cinnamon, and Toasted Marshmallow. We recommend grabbing a lounge seat by the fireplace just as the sun goes down.
The Brown Stone Bar & Grill
Where: Metuchen
Details: Open seven days a week with a lunch and dinner menu, The Brown Stone promises something for everyone. The interior boasts TVs for watching live sports, while their outdoor bar and patio offers privacy in a casual atmosphere. Their extensive drink menu includes mules, martinis, wines, spirits, beers, and of course, cocktails. We recommend the Apple Crisp cocktail, which blends Bacardi Spiced Rum, Crown Royal Regal Apple, and Apple Cider with a splash of sour mix and a cinnamon rim.
The Ciderhouse at Ironbound Farm
Where: Alexandria Township
Details: At the heart of this 108-acre regenerative organic apple orchard and vegetable farm is the Ciderhouse. This outdoor bar and dog-friendly courtyard is open Thursday to Sunday, year-round. The Ciderhouse offers fresh-pressed hard ciders, wines, hard seltzers, cider cocktails, and special releases. But patrons say nothing beats the Ironbound Original, which blends bittersweet and sweet apples for a dry, crisp finish. They also serve a farm-to-table food menu available for outdoor dining.
The Nottingham Tavern
Where: Hamilton
Details: Beyond being the best spot for a cold beer in town, The Nottingham Tavern offers plenty of entertainment options. The bar frequently hosts bands and live music, plus karaoke nights. It’s also the spot to be to watch all Liverpool Premier League matches, as an officially sanctioned soccer bar. The robust food menu features starters, salads, soups, paninis/sandwiches, pizza, and wings. Their comfy outdoor patio is the perfect spot to enjoy a warm afternoon or evening.
Riley & Jake’s
Where: Clinton
Details: This neighborhood restaurant & bar offers an outdoor patio and frequently hosts live music. Their seasonal menu rotates at least twice per year. Unique spring/summer menu specials range from Shrimp and Crab Scampi and Mahi Mahi Tacos to Bavarian Pretzel Sticks. Between the indoor and outdoor bar, they offer a large selection of wines and beers. Plus, they have a dessert menu that changes regularly with hits like Oreo Mousse Cake and Adult Milk & Cookies.
Stage House Tavern
Where: Somerset | Scotch Plains | Mountainside
Details: The rustic Stage House Tavern has three locations and a sophisticated food menu. They also have a huge drink menu, and an outdoor bar and patio. Their Somerset location even has a live music stage. The drink selection boasts signature cocktails, as well as beers, mules, wine, margaritas, sangrias, whiskeys, and seasonal selections. Meanwhile, their large food menu includes poke bowls, burgers, steaks, tacos, house-made ravioli, and much more.
Jersey Shore
Featured from Ocean County:
Chef Mike’s ABG
Where: 10 24th Ave, Seaside Park
Details: Renowned Chef Mike pushes his culinary skills to the limit to create a unique dining experience at his restaurant. Chef Mike’s ABG delights patrons with a mix of fresh seafood, Filet Mignon, famous creamy crab bisque, and more. They serve both red and white wine by the glass, as well as an assortment of martinis and cocktails. Popular drinks include the Lemon Cheesecake, with Limoncello Italian Lemon Liqueur, Liqor 43 Spanish Liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, and cream. As for cocktails, the Mango Mule features Tito’s Vodka, mango puree, lime juice, and ginger beer. Other flavor-packed picks include the Fig and Berry, Smoking Hemingway, and Not Your Mama’s Baybreeze. The latter is a signature blend that features Papa’s Pilar Rum, Triple Sec, pineapple juice, lime juice, and blackberry syrup. Their outdoor seating is a fun beach vibe that comes with a picturesque view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Why I Like it: Sitting out in the sun is even better with a group of friends and a pitcher of Fresh Fruit Sangria.
| Visit their Website | Reserve a Table | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 732-854-1588 |
Featured from Ocean County:
Bird & Betty’s
Where: 529 Dock Rd, Beach Haven
Details: For folks who miss the good ol’ days, a visit to Bird & Betty’s feels like a fond memory. Capturing the spirit of a classic Beach Haven night spot, the restaurant provides creative cocktails, fresh food, and live music. Late night crowds can expect dance parties, popular bands touring through, local acts, and an all-around good time. The menu includes sandwiches, seafood, pizza, and a variety of popular starters such as their Short Rib “Disco” fries. Their cocktail menu includes martinis and spritzers, as well as a selection of drinks either frozen or over ice. One popular martini is the Farm to Disco, with Strawberries, basil, and Supergay Handcrafted Vodka. Meanwhile, their spritzers come in flavors like blueberry lemon, guava limeade, and jalapeno ginger lime. Of course, Bird & Betty’s also boasts an outdoor bar on their deck overlooking the water. Come for the sunset, stay for the exciting nightlife.
Why I Like it: Nothing beats some fresh ceviche, the perfect cocktail, and great music right on the water.
| Visit their Website | Reserve a Table | Shop their Merch | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 609-492-3000 |
9th Ave Pier
Where: Belmar
Details: This outdoor patio bar and restaurant boasts a casual summer fare menu and specialty cocktails. 9th Ave Pier is also famous for their “Belmar Buckets,” an expanded menu based on their popular rum buckets. Popular options include the Suzie Girl and Captain Chris. Their food menu includes favorites like coconut shrimp, chicken quesadillas, and the Oklahoma Onion Burger. Besides drinks and food, they host live music and mini golf, all right along Shark River.
Atlantic City Tiki Boat
Where: Atlantic City
Details: It doesn’t get much more outdoor than a Tiki Boat. The Atlantic City Tiki Boat offers both private and social party cruises throughout the warm weather months. This US Coast Guard-certified boat can fit up to 25 passengers and features a fully-stocked bar. In fact, it’s the only Tiki boat cruise in New Jersey with a full bar. It’s a unique way to enjoy music, snacks, and drinks, all while getting a guided boat tour of Atlantic City. (For those wondering, yes there is also a bathroom on the boat.)
Daddy O
Where: Brant Beach
Details: Daddy O earns a loyal crowd as Long Beach Island’s original rooftop bar. This modern and hip spot sits atop the boutique Daddy O hotel and restaurant of the same name. Of course, the rooftop bar offers gorgeous views of the island and the Atlantic Ocean. Their seasonal bar — dubbed the O Bar — is open all day on weekends, and select hours during the week. Locals also know about another secret oasis on-site, the hidden Garden Patio and Rum Bar.
Donovan’s Reef
Where: Sea Bright
Details: This beach bar is only for adults 21+ and they require photo ID for entry. But once inside, regulars know to expect a party-like atmosphere with live music and daily drink specials. Donovan’s Reef offers multiple open-air decks and bars, as well as ocean views and a sandy tiki bar. The bar leads out to a private, lifeguarded beach, and even has a beach cam live on their website. In addition to drinks, their menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
No 79 Restaurant Bar & Liquor Store
Where: Hammonton
Details: The drink options at No 79 may seem simple, but they are curated with care. They use homemade simple syrups and fresh squeezed fruit to create specialty and classic drinks. This includes favorites like their Jalapeno Margarita, Blue Lemon Drop Martini, Pomegranate Tequila Cosmo, and the Berry Jito. The bar also offers a wide selection of beers from around the world. In fact, patrons can build their own six pack as a one-of-a-kind experience to take home.
The Star Beach Bar
Where: Wildwood Crest
Details: The Star Beach Bar offers fun for the whole family, with open-air cabanas and lounges. It is also part of the ICONA Diamond Beach Hotel, along one of NJ’s only private beaches. Adults can enjoy the unique cocktails, while everyone else drinks in the live music, tasty food, and oceanfront views. The food and drink menu changes annually, but always includes handheld favorites like tacos, sandwiches, and pizza. Their specialty cocktails can also be upgraded to a bucket for the table.
Sweetwater Marina and Riverdeck
Where: Hammonton
Details: Sweetwater Marina and Riverdeck doubles as a restaurant and event venue right along the Mullica River. Their outdoor tiki bar is near the water, along with picnic tables and lawn games like cornhole. They host different dinner and drink specials every day, as well as weekly events. The menu features beers, buckets, cocktails, and wines, plus many snack, lunch, and dinner options, too. Just keep in mind that the restaurant does not allow pets or take reservations.
South Jersey
Bobby Ray’s Black Horse Tavern
Where: Mount Ephraim
Details: Bobby Ray’s is a local favorite for their tasty food at great prices and exceptional service. The menu boasts new sandwich specials every week. These unique options range from pepperoni cheesesteaks and meatball sandwiches to crispy chicken Caesar wraps and corn beef quesadillas. Outdoor dining and drinks are served on their spacious deck, which has a covered bar and ample open air seating. They frequently introduce new cocktails, and their Bacardi rum buckets are great for groups.
Creekside Bar & Grill
Where: Cinnaminson
Details: The Creekside Bar & Grill is the outdoor grotto part of the Jug Handle Inn. Giving off backyard oasis vibes, the spot offers live music and outdoor games like horseshoes, bean bag toss, and washers. (The latter is similar to horseshoes.) In addition to food specials, Creekside Bar serves up signature buckets and specialty cocktails from their outdoor bar/gazebo. Popular picks include the Corona Sunrise Bucket, with Cuervo Silver Tequila, orange juice, and grenadine over ice, topped with Corona.
Keg & Kitchen
Where: Westmont
Details: Cocktails, beer, and a full menu of eats are available at Keg & Kitchen’s outdoor beer garden. They have lunch and dinner options, as well as Sunday brunch and happy hour specials Tuesday through Friday. Brunch features favorites like eggs or Shrimp & Grits. Meanwhile, their Happy Hour special keeps things simple: everything from drinks to food is just $5 each. The Keg & Kitchen beer garden’s cozy vibe includes twinkling lights, perfect for relaxing on a warm summer night.
Lake House Restaurant
Where: Newfield
Details: There are plenty of ways to enjoy the American menu and craft beers available at Lake House Restaurant. In addition to their dining room and lounge, they have an all-season deck and covered patio. Their rotating selection of beers on tap typically feature local brewers like Spellbound, Bonesaw, and Urban Village. IPAs, stouts, bocks, porters, and more provide options for every taste. We recommend ordering the Sausage Stuffed Chicken and current recommended beer pairing while dining out on the patio.
Nipper’s Pub
Where: Deptford
Details: Nipper’s is Deptford’s — or Westville’s, depending on your GPS app — oldest pub. Known for being a casual spot that’s equal parts fun and charming, their outdoor seating is perfect for warm weather. Their patio hosts a full size outdoor bar with plenty of beverage options. Nipper’s is a fan-favorite for their famous all-you-can-eat crab nights ($29.99 per person). The deal takes place every Monday, and slightly overlaps with their 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm Happy Hour.
Oaklyn Manor Bar & Grill
Where: Oaklyn
Details: A great place to enjoy great food and great drinks with great friends, Oaklyn Manor aims to be… great! Their patio offers a sunny spot to enjoy draft beers or their wide selection of liquor. Options include vodka, tequila, whiskey, bourbon, rum, gin, and other specialty drinks like Baileys Irish Cream. The rotating draft list frequently features a mix of lagers, pale ales, IPAs, sours, and more from local craft breweries. Warm weather favorites include Pina Bullada, Peach Mango Cider, and Summer Ale.
Rack’s Pub & Grill
Where: Atco | Williamstown
Details: With two locations across Camden and Gloucester County, Rack’s is a go-to choice for many South Jersey patrons. Both locations offer outdoor patio bars, with Atco boasting spacious bar seating. In addition, both locations host live music, regular food and drink specials, and other fun events throughout the week. The pub offers traditional beers on tap, cans, and bottles, with staples like Coors Light, Bud Light, and Miller Lite. But they also have a selection of local brews as well.
Uncle Ricky’s Outdoor Bar & Grill
Where: Vineland
Details: The crowd at Uncle Ricky’s is older than the other outdoor bars on this list. With the exception of younger first-timers just passing through, most of the regulars have been going for years. The food menu includes sandwiches, pizza, wings, sliders, jalapeno poppers, and more. Popular “bar delights” include steamed clams, jumbo shrimp cocktail, and BBQ pork sliders. Uncle Ricky’s is totally outdoors, and includes a tiki bar and frequent live music. It’s a great weekend hangout bar to visit with friends.
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Best Outdoor Bars in New Jersey FAQs
New Jersey’s best outdoor bars are scattered all throughout the state. Best of NJ’s list of The Best Outdoor Bars in New Jersey features over 30 amazing outdoor bars. This list includes rooftop bars, beach bars near the ocean, biergartens, and more.
New Jersey is home to some of the best craft breweries in the country. As a result, many of the best outdoor bars source their beers locally. In addition, New Jersey offers a range of vistas from NYC skyline views, to oceanfront views, to luscious garden views. This allows New Jersey to offer a diverse variety of outdoor bars, each with their own distinct atmosphere and vibe.
Each Outdoor Bar in New Jersey offers their own unique signature drinks and cocktails. For instance, Orchard Park by David Burke in East Brunswick serves the Left on Red and Cranbury Thymes cocktails. The former features Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur, Pomegranate, Grapefruit, Sparkling Wine, and Rosemary. Likewise, the latter mixes Sourland Mountain Gin Reserve, Cranberry, Thyme, Honey, and Lemon.
NJ has a few different outdoor bars that are pet friendly. One of them is the The Ciderhouse at Ironbound Farm in Alexandria Township. Another pet-friendly bar is Seven Tribesmen Brewery in Wayne. But there are many other dog-friendly restaurants and breweries in the state.
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © Donovan’s Reef / Facebook
Additional Images:
Chef Mike’s ABG | Taken by Colossus Media Group
