The 2026 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. The minute the temperature cracks 65 degrees, we’re officially on the hunt for the best patio bars NJ has to offer. But that’s not all, because New Jersey also offers an amazing mix of oceanfront beach bars, rooftop bars, and tiki bars. Our list of The Best Outdoor Bars in New Jersey celebrates them all.
Our list features the state’s best outdoor areas for enjoying cocktails (or mocktails) and more. These venues create immersive open-air experiences. We’re talking massive German-style biergartens, stylish NJ outdoor bars featuring live fire grilling, and beach bars with live music. Grab your sunglasses and pull up a stool, these are the absolute best spots to drink outside in New Jersey.
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find The Best Outdoor Bars nearby.
| 2026 Featured Listings | North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
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Featured from Ocean County:
Bird & Betty’s
Where: 529 Dock Rd, Beach Haven
Details: Bird & Betty’s captures the spirit of a classic Beach Haven night spot, boasting 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 or summer fireworks. For us, 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 |
Featured from Somerset County:
Stage House Tavern
Where: 1719 Amwell Rd, Somerset | 366 Park Ave, Scotch Plains | 1099 US-22, Mountainside
Details: This classic American family restaurant and tavern features scratch-made, chef-inspired favorites. Their seasonally-enclosed outdoor bar is open year round and boasts spacious outdoor seating. During the spring and summer, it’s the perfect place to enjoy signature cocktails, live music, and live fire grilling. The latter comes courtesy of their BBQ Bar, where the chefs prepare pulled pork and brisket daily. Their Raw Bar is also a big hit, featuring clams, east coast oysters, tuna poke and tuna tartar. Guests can enjoy cocktails, sangria, margaritas, and two signature mocktails from any of Stage House Tavern’s three different bars. Popular cocktails include the Pineapple Upside Down Cake and Watermelon Cosmo. But nothing beats a fresh lemonade or iced tea at sunset while enjoying live music on the patio. Add some Stage House Nachos, warm soft pretzels, or pulled pork potachos and it’s the perfect summer vibe.
| Visit Their Website | Reserve Indoor Dining (Somerset) | Order Online via DoorDash | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 732-873-3990 |
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. This outdoor patio area is adjacent to celebrity chef David Burke’s Orchard Park restaurant within The Chateau Grande Hotel grounds. Despite being outdoors, the structure has the ability to be fully enclosed and protected from the elements. Orchard Terrace has a full bar as well as signature cocktails that rotate seasonally. Examples include the Funny Farm, with Farmers Botanical Organic Gin, Salvia & Limone, lemon, pineapple, sage, and more. For those who don’t drink, they thoughtfully curate a selection of flavorful mocktails. Orchard Terrace also offers live music, lounge areas, outdoor fireplaces, large tables, and the full Orchard Park restaurant menu. Chef Burke serves up modern American dishes alongside his signature specialties. This includes his famous Clothesline Bacon, DB Signature Chicken entree, and the miso glazed swordfish.
| Visit their Website | Reserve a Table | Buy Gift Card | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 732-554-5714 |
North Jersey
Concourse Club
Where: Wood-Ridge
Details: Set atop the Element New York Hotel, Concourse Club is a rooftop restaurant and bar with a skyline view. The club pairs craft cocktails and small plates with an unrivaled view of the NYC skyline. Their spacious, heated rooftop is a fan-favorite spot year-round. Outdoor seating offers comfy couches perfect for sunset lounging. Popular plates include the Lobster Bao Bun, Crispy Salmon Sushi Rice, Bang Bang Chicken Sliders, and Truffle Chicken Parm Pizza. As for signature cocktails, we recommend the Let That Mango.
NoHu Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
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. In particular, we recommend the Fried Chicken Strips & Waffle. 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 a great Latin Jazz brunch.
Splendid Rooftop
Where: Montclair:
Details: Sitting atop The MC Hotel, The Splendid Rooftop is Montclair’s only indoor/outdoor rooftop bar, and a high-energy gathering spot for sports fans and socialites. The indoor and outdoor dining spaces offer sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and the rolling hills of Montclair. Their 3,000-square-foot space can seat 75 indoors in the bar room area and 100 guests outside seasonally. Menu favorites include the Pizza Rossa and Deviled Eggs with golden caviar. Popular cocktails include Lychee Cosmo and The MC Margarita.
Zeppelin Hall
Where: Jersey City
Details: As far as bars go, Zeppelin Hall is massive. The indoor space alone is expansive, but the real shocker is the massive biergarten in the back. The outdoor bar — dubbed “The Polar Vortex” — serves both hot and cold drinks, as well as s’mores and fondue. The biergarten seats a lot of people thanks to family-style tables that line the yard. Overall, the bar offers over 100 European and American draft beer options, plus a variety of German-style food. We recommend “The Hindenburger” or their “Ring of Fire” for the table.
Central Jersey
The Lobby
Where: Elizabeth
Details: This sports bar and lounge is known for raising the bar when it comes to live sports spectating. (Partially because of their high-end LED tvs and state-of-the-art audio system setup.) It’s definitely a party atmosphere, so expect loud music and an equally-loud crowd. Their spacious outdoor patio features both a bar and a stage. Specialty cocktails include the What a Peach, Henny-rita, and Not Your Basic Witch. The latter blends D’USSÉ cognac with fresh espresso, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, Bailey’s, and Kahlua.
The Tewksbury Inn
Where: Oldwick
Details: Besides the formal dining room and rustic atmosphere, The Tewksbury Inn also has a nice outdoor bar. Their covered patio still boasts white tablecloths and upscale dining options, including starters like steak tartare and butter poached lobster. As for the drink menu, The Tewksbury features seasonal cocktails like their popular “Winter in the ‘Bourbs”. This cocktail includes bourbon, bergamot liqueur, apricot liqueur, and orange bitters. They even have dessert drinks like Caramel Swirl Hot Cocoa and Irish Coffee.
Jersey Shore
9th Ave Pier
Where: Belmar
Details: 9th Ave Pier is the place for fresh seafood, an ice cold raw bar, and waterfront outdoor dining. Set within the Belmar Marina, this spot is famous for their rum buckets which come in seven different flavors. Popular picks include the Tropical Adventure, Miss Belmar, and Ocean Explorer. Locals know 9th Ave Pier is also the spot to go to see the Jersey Shore’s hottest bands playing live. If great music, killer seafood, and top notch drinks aren’t enough, the restaurant also has a mini golf course.
AVA Beach Bar
Where: Long Branch
Details: AVA Beach Bar is the ultimate oceanfront destination at the Jersey Shore. With sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and a stylish, laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect place to unwind. This outdoor bar is part of Avenue Long Branch, one of NJ’s Best Brunch Spots. AVA Beach Bar’s outdoor deck allows guests to step right out onto the beach. In fact, it’s one of only a few spots where guests can enjoy a drink with toes in the sand. They even have covered areas and cozy spots in case of sudden rain.
Leggetts Sand Bar
Where: Manasquan
Details: This food and liquor club is a Jersey Shore hot spot for darts, daily specials, and live music. Their spacious outdoor patio is the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon or evening. The menu features pub favorites like nachos, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, and Southwest Style potato skins with chili and cheese. We also recommend either the Classic Reuben or Bacon Blue Cheese Burger. But save room for their Brick Oven S’more dessert. Leggetts does not accept reservations, so it’s first come first serve here.
PigDog Beach & Bar
Where: Wildwood
Details: Since opening in 2018, PigDog has become Wildwood’s go-to summer beach bar. This unique oceanfront experience boasts live music, signature drinks, the perfect summer BBQ, and an unbeatable beach view. Their massive outdoor area is right on the sand, offering beach games, live music, and a dog-friendly atmosphere. (Plus direct access to the beach, making it the perfect summer hangout.) From their non-alcoholic Strawberry Daiquiri to their No Snout About It frozen cocktail, the drink menu is on point.
The Seafarer
Where: Highlands
Details: Dog-friendly, family-friendly, and just friendly in general, The Seafarer is a true highlight in Highlands. With waterfront and NYC skyline views and live music on weekends, this is a classic Jersey Shore summertime hot spot. Each year, The Seafarer introduces fresh new cocktails along with a curated selection of small batch beers from local breweries. Meanwhile, the food menu features a popular mix of tacos, seafood, and grilled meats. For private events, the SS Hughie is an air conditioned boat with two private bars.
The VÜE
Where: Atlantic City
Details: This rooftop bar and lounge is actually the tallest in Atlantic City. Towering over every other point in town, The VÜE offers an unparalleled view of the AC skyline. The mouth-watering menu offers options such as wings, quesadillas, Jamaican Jerk Chicken Shank, roasted long hots, and loaded nachos. They even have a special late night bites menu with loaded potato skins, sweet corn nuggets, and more. Stop in often to find their rotating selection of daily house cocktails, or try out their signature VÜE Margarita.
Watermark
Where: Asbury Park
Details: The Watermark has no trouble drawing a packed house all summer long. Between foot traffic from beach-goers and the Stone Pony, just about everyone passes through at some point. The Watermark boasts 8,000 sq ft of space on the second floor of First Avenue Pavilion. Of course, their outdoor seating is a summertime staple, featuring comfy couches and daybeds overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Popular cocktails include the Desert Mirage and Matcha Matcha Man, which both pair well with Wagyu Cheeseburger Sliders.
South Jersey
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.
Nipper’s Pub
Where: Deptford
Details: Nipper’s is Deptford’s — or Westville’s, depending on your GPS — 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 amazing selection of fries. This includes seafood fries, Spanish fries, disco fries, BBQ pulled pork fries, pizza fries and more. Wings, shared plates, and other handhelds round out the menu of popular pub fare.
Oaklyn Manor Bar & Grill
Where: Oaklyn
Details: Oaklyn Manor offers draft beers as well as a 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. Their patio is the perfect place to enjoy popular picks such as Hennessey, Jagermeister, and Black Haus Schnapps. As for the food menu, expect familiar favorites like buffalo chicken cheesesteak rolls, firecracker shrimp, and BBQ brisket tacos.
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. The welcoming staff makes it a great weekend hangout bar to visit with friends.
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Best Outdoor Bars in New Jersey FAQs
For those seeking rooftop views and upscale ambiance in North Jersey, visit Concourse Club in Wood-Ridge. This chic rooftop bar sits atop the Element New York Hotel. Over in Weehawken, NoHu Rooftop Bar provides panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline paired with creative Southern cuisine.
Stage House Tavern in Somerset has a seasonally enclosed outdoor bar, BBQ pit, and live music events, making it an ideal summer hangout. Another local gem is Orchard Park by David Burke in East Brunswick. Its Orchard Terrace patio offers signature cocktails, fireplaces, and lounge seating.
AVA Beach Bar in Long Branch delivers 100% shore vibes. Here, guests lounge oceanside with live DJs, drink specials, and sunset views. In Beach Haven, Bird & Betty’s brings retro flair with live bands, frozen cocktails, and menu items like Short Rib Disco Fries.
In South Jersey, Uncle Ricky’s Outdoor Bar & Grill in Vineland offers a relaxed vibe complete with tiki bar service. Similarly, Creekside Bar & Grill in Cinnaminson creates a backyard oasis with outdoor games, specialty cocktail buckets, and live music.
For standout cocktails with a view, Stirling Tavern in Morristown offers a rooftop bar with a retractable canopy. Their signature “Woke Up & Chose Violettes” is a tropical blend of tequila and creme de violette. Likewise, The Tewksbury Inn in Oldwick serves up seasonal creations like the bourbon-based “Winter in the ‘Bourbs”.
Top Photo: © PigDog Beach bar / Instagram
