The Best Outdoor Bars in New Jersey – 2023 Edition is written by Molly Gregor.
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; but they all share outdoor bars with easy access to an assortment of beverages.
Without further ado, check out this list of the best outdoor bars the Garden State has to offer.
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find The Best Outdoor Bars near you.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
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North Jersey
Draught House Bar & Grill
Where: 268 NJ-31, Washington
Details: Though the name remains the same, the Draught House is actually celebrating their first year under new ownership. 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. They host live music throughout the summer, including both solo artists and DJs, and offer a number of outdoor games. (Cornhole, Jumbo Jenga, and Quoits.) Other special events include taco Tuesdays, ladies’ nights, karaoke, bar bingo, open mic nights, Wine Down Wednesdays, and more. In addition to hosting two full bars, the entire restaurant menu is available for outdoor dining.
Why I like it: The atmosphere is fun and lively, with daily events and a relaxing island vibe.
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The Alementary Brewing Co.
Where: Hackensack
Details: Alementary offers an outdoor Biergarten for guests. They have standing tables on a first-come, first-serve basis, as well as seated tables by reservation only. Their drink lineup is a mix of ales, IPAs, stouts, hard seltzers, and more, with rotating options available on tap. However, popular summer favorites include the Strawberry/Rhubarb Vast & Terrible Magic and the High Visibility Safety Vest. Check back every week for yoga, trivia, fundraisers, and more.
Ironbound Farm and Ciderhouse
Where: Asbury
Details: At the heart of this 108-acre regenerative organic apple orchard and vegetable farm is the Ciderhouse; an outdoor bar and dog-friendly courtyard open Friday to Sunday year-round. The Ciderhouse offers fresh-pressed hard ciders, wines, hard seltzers, cider cocktails, and special releases. They also serve a farm-to-table menu and host a seasonal farm market during the spring and summer months. Ironbound even has a farm-share program, as well.
Long Valley Pub & Brewery
Where: Long Valley
Details: Long Valley Brew Pub’s history dates back to the late 1700s as a barn to house dairy cows. However, a 1995 renovation transformed it into the brew pub it is today. This spot brews their beer on site and also serves a full menu of pub food favorites. Their large outdoor bar/patio is a great place to enjoy a drink from their rotating menu of seasonal favorites. They also host live music on Thursdays and Sundays, and often offer pub tours.
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. In case the view isn’t enough, they also serve craft cocktails and creative Southern cooking. 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.
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, and might boast 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. (A warehouse-style club.) 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. Entertainment options like corn-hole tournaments, giant beer pong and Jenga, and hatchet-throwing keep things fresh.
Rooftop at Exchange Place
Where: Jersey City
Details: The outdoor rooftop cocktail lounge at the Hyatt House offers drinks and dining with an unbeatable view. Their menu consists of bottle service, a variety of wines, craft cocktails, small bites, and desserts. But it’s the breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and beyond that really stand out. Rooftop lets patrons relax in cozy lounge furniture seatings, gather around the outdoor firepit, or socialize at the bar; all in a chic, fun setting.
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 bocks, lagers, pilsners, and IPAs. 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 in easy.
The Stirling Hotel
Where: Stirling
Details: The Stirling Hotel also houses a spacious beer garden and outdoor bar. The hotel announces whenever the beer garden is open on social media. Limited openings make every time feel like a special event, typically with live music and food (like taco carts). The outdoor area features a large tent, lounge seating in the grass, and other covered areas as well. They serve over a dozen craft beers (IPAs, Ales, Porters, and more), plus seasonal craft cocktails.
Surf City Beach Bar
Where: Jersey City
Details: Feeling more like Key West than Jersey City, Surf City exudes a vacation party atmosphere. The waterfront outdoor spaces and tropical frozen-drink bar create a care-free setting. The palm trees, sand, Jimmy Buffet and calypso music, and fruity drinks all help set the mood as well. Their communal outdoor tables boast views of Manhattan and Liberty Island. The drink menu includes 75 beers on tap, plus European import and US craft beers.
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 about 144 European and American draft beer options, plus an variety of German-style food.
Central Jersey
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. 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.
Why I Like it: Popular menu choices include his unique Clothesline Bacon appetizer. DB Signature Chicken entree, and Chocolate Mousse dessert..
Visit their Website | Reserve a Table | Buy a Gift Card | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Give them a Call |
Artie’s Bar and Grill
Where: Frenchtown
Details: Artie’s brings the entire beach to patrons. In fact, they have two outdoor seating options; the first is the beach bar, a covered outdoor bar with upholstered logs to sit on. The second seating option is their deck/patio with tables and chairs. Artie’s also has a spacious sandy beach that is ideal for volleyball, horseshoes, concerts, and more. They have over 10 beers on tap, craft taps, and bottled beers (including gluten-free and non alcoholic beers).
The Bradford
Where: Bridgewater
Details: Bespoke cocktails, fine spirits, small plates, and a chic outdoor bar is what the Bradford is all about. Patrons can visit this stylish rooftop lounge at the top of the AC Hotel. The upscale bar offers great views and an adult-only clientele after 7:00 pm. (Note: the dress code does not permit athletic wear, flip flops, or sweatpants.) With its craft cocktail list and sophisticated food menu, the Bradford is great for special occasions and private events.
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, with the spring and summer bringing specials like Cajun Catfish Fingers. Other unique menu specials range from Sausage Lasagna Rollups and Chicken Cordon Bleu entrees to Homemade Strawberry Crepes for dessert. Between the indoor and outdoor bar, they offer a large selection of wines and beers.
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, with a live music stage (in Somerset). The drink selection boasts signature cocktails, as well as beers, mules, wine, margaritas, sangrias, whiskeys, and seasonal selections. Meanwhile, their large menu includes poke bowls, burgers, steaks, tacos, house-made ravioli, Sunday brunch, and much more.
Jersey Shore
Bird & Betty’s
Where: 529 Dock Rd, Beach Haven
Details: This seasonal spot gives Beach Haven a nightlife scene bursting with old-school fun. The restaurants harkens back to 1960s and 70s with vintage decor, but is a nostalgic reboot of sorts; introducing the forgotten fun of decades past to a new generation. The signature drink menu features martinis and a selection of Highball drinks including Elderflower Gin & Tonic. Likewise, their Old Fashioned cocktails include the Patio Pounder, with Casamigos Reposado, Aperol, agave, and pineapple. The food menu offers salads, starters, pizzas, sandwiches, veggies, and plates like the Crab & Pesto Pasta. Bird & Betty’s has a patio as well as a deck where patrons can kick back and enjoy live music at least four nights a week.
Why I Like it: Bird & Betty’s hosts a special Teen Night on Sunday evenings, perfect for the younger crowd.
| Visit their Website | Reserve a Table | Shop Online | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Give them a Call |
Mud City Crabhouse
Where: 1185 E Bay Ave, Manahawkin
Details: Mud City Crabhouse is a triple threat, and combines a fish market, restaurant, and outdoor bar. Of course, they use the same fresh fish available from the market in many of their signature restaurant dishes. This includes favorites like their Crab Cake, Butterfly Shrimp, Sea Scallops, Broiled Seafood Combination, and Classic Clams and Linguine. Patrons looking for a drink outdoors can sit on the patio next to the Mud City Barstream. This is an airstream trailer that has been customized for drink service and serves wines, beers, and specialty cocktails. Some of their most popular drinks include Strawberry Basil Lemonade, Muddy Mary, la Paloma, and Mojitos. They also have the fan favorite Narragansett beer on tap.
Why I Like it: They work with local Ocean County producers, crabbers, and fisherman who deliver fresh supplies daily.
| Visit their Website | Shop Online | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Give them a Call |
The Star Beach Bar
Where: 402 E Rochester Ave, 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. Cocktails include Tito’s Oasis of Peace, Rosé Frozé, and The Shooting Star. Meanwhile, their food menu features starters, salads, handhelds, brick oven pizza, and a kid’s menu. Popular options include the Chef’s Crab Cake Sandwich, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Mediterranean Caesar Salad, and Beach Roasted Mussels. But we recommend the Loaded Fries and Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail & Jonah Crab Claws starters.
Why I Like it: Tables are first come first serve, but guests can book a private Cabana and Fire Pit.
| Visit their Website | Reserve a Cabana | Purchase Gift Card | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Give them a Call |
9th Ave Pier
Where: Belmar
Details: This outdoor bar and restaurant boasts a casual summer fare menu and a 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. 9th Ave offers drinks, food, live music, and mini golf, all right along Shark River.
Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten
Where: Asbury Park
Details: Most New Jersey beer connoisseurs are likely already familiar with the Asbury Biergarten. But they may not know there’s a great rooftop bar at the top of this popular festhalle. The bar hosts happy-hour specials, live music, trivia and family movie nights, and premium local and international draft beers. Meanwhile, the authentic menu offers German classics such as potato pancakes, bratwurst, kielbasa, and pretzels with hot beer cheese.
Bally’s Beach Bar
Where: Atlantic City
Details: Bally’s Beach Bar is the spot to take a break from all of the flashing lights and slot machines. Moreover, it’s a chance to breathe in the fresh, ocean air. Bally’s Beach Bar specializes in cocktails, frozen drinks, and more, with drink specials nearly every day of the week. Aiming to offer a “non-stop party,” this outdoor bar is equally ideal for evenings out and pregame fueling. Signature cocktails include the Hurricane Fabio and low-carb Cool Vibes.
Beachcomber Bar & Grill
Where: Seaside Heights
Details: Beachcomber Bar keeps a low profile online, but locals have plenty to say about it! Folks love the service and the menu, with hits like paninis, pizza, poke bowls, salads, shrimp, sushi, and more. This spot is no slouch in the live music department either, with acts every weekend all year long. The upstairs deck is where guests can go to enjoy the view and sip some drinks. Plus, they offer classic boardwalk desserts such as fried Oreos and funnel cake.
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. The rooftop menu offers cocktails, mocktails, beers, and a large selection of wines.
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.
Dublin House
Where: Red Bank
Details: The Dublin House serves traditional Irish fare, with a few seafood options. Most meals typically start with Maryland crab cakes and end with bangers and mash. Their seasonal outdoor bar, The Temple Bar, boasts both outdoor and covered seating sections, as well as live music. In addition, their dessert menu includes choices like Key Lime Pie and Flourless Chocolate Torte. Plus, they broadcast all Premier League Live football matches.
Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille
Where: Cape May
Details: Cape May’s only rooftop bar offers ocean views, fresh seafood, live music and a great happy hour. In addition to serving local beer, wine, and specialty cocktails, Harry’s is famous for their orange crush. This is a refreshing concoction of orange vodka, triple sec, and orange juice, with a splash of fizz and ice. Weekly entertainment includes acoustic artists, live bands, and dueling pianos. They offer happy hour specials and an amazing view of the Atlantic.
KIX
Where: Sea Isle City
Details: KIX is unique because it is a sprawling venue with six distinct bars; one of which is the KIX Outside Patio Bar. But each bar feels unique. For instance, the Kix On The Go Mobile cart offers frozen and mixed drinks. The Kix night club has a huge dance floor, live music, and weekly karaoke. The patio bar also features frequent live music, with a drink menu of frozen cocktails and beer. The experience is like going on a bar crawl without ever leaving the venue.
Martell’s Tiki Bar
Where: Point Pleasant Beach
Details: The name Martell’s has been synonymous with “island getaway” for decades. As Point Pleasant’s premier Tiki and beach bar, patrons come to Martell’s for a few hours of vacation bliss. One of the most unique aspects of Martell’s is their private beach. Locals know to purchase their Tiki beach badges in advance so they can spend the warm weather relaxing in style. That’s because Martell’s is one of the few spots that allows alcohol out on the beach.
River Rock Restaurant & Marina Bar
Where: Brick
Details: River Rock is right on the river offering a lively sports bar atmosphere as well as waterfront dining. Patrons can take in a view of Manasquan River while ordering a cocktail from the outdoor Tiki bar. They also offer live entertainment regularly, including family fun like DJs and a balloonist for kids every month. River Rock even has their own liquor store, with cans of craft beers, bottles of bourbon, whiskey, and more; including kegs rentals for parties.
Salvation
Where: Asbury Park
Details: The Asbury Hotel offers more than just a place to stay for the night. The top of the hotel also houses a modern, sleek, and very chic rooftop bar simply known as Salvation. This seasonal spot is 21+ only, with a “Casual Sophistication” dress code in effect. Salvation has wine, beer, and cocktails on the menu, in addition to some light bites like Shrimp Cocktail. As for the drinks, signature cocktails include Lavender Lemonade and the Raspberry Park Spritz.
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 corn hole. 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. Note: Sweetwater does not allow pets or take reservations.
The VÜE Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Where: Atlantic City
Details: The Claridge Hotel boasts that The VÜE is one-of-a-kind in Atlantic City. That’s because it’s the only rooftop bar with a view of both the Atlantic Ocean and the entire city/boardwalk. Located on the 23rd floor of the hotel, this bar offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The full-service bar features wine, champagne, bourbon, tequila, whiskey, scotch, both bottled and draft beer, and more. Their specialty cocktails are all handcrafted.
Water Street Bar & Grille
Where: Toms River
Details: The drink menu at Water Street focuses on quality over quantity. They offer a curated selection of beers, wines, spiked drinks, and cocktails. Their signature cocktails include The Mermaid Mule, Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita, and Water Street Punch Bucket; the latter is mango, banana, pineapple, and coconut rums with cranberry and pineapple juice. This outdoor bar on the water frequently features live music, and also has a full dinner menu.
South Jersey
Uncle Ricky’s Outdoor Bar & Grill
Where: 470 Wheat Rd, 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. They post daily specials — as well as the day’s bar and wait staff — on their menu board. Popular “bar delights” include steamed clams, jumbo shrimp cocktail, and BBQ pork sliders. Likewise, some of the standout sandwiches they serve are the Prime Rib, Fried Flounder, and the Spicy Italian Sub. As the name implies, this spot is totally outdoors, and includes a tiki bar and frequent live music. It’s a great weekend hangout bar to bring friends.
Why I Like it: The staff at Uncle Ricky’s makes everyone feel like family, with a vibe that’s very welcoming.
| Follow them on Instagram | Follow them on Facebook | Give them a Call.
The Golden Nugget Tavern
Where: Berlin
Details: This family business first opened in 1956. Now, more than 50 years later, The Golden Nugget continues to be South Jersey’s most authentic country bar. In addition to their popular indoor area, this spot sports an outdoor tiki bar and a large deck. Something that sets them apart is their daily and nightly food specials. In particular, they offer $1 lunches Monday – Friday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm; plus all-you-can-eat pizza on Monday nights!
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. Their Happy Hour special is simple, everything from drinks to food is $5. Meanwhile, the beer garden’s cozy vibe includes twinkling lights, perfect for relaxing on a warm summer night.
Redstone American Grill
Where: Marlton
Details: Redstone American Grill is part of a chain with nine locations throughout NJ, PA, IL, MD, and MN. Out of the two locations in NJ, the Marlton spot has an outdoor bar and patio complete with fire pit. They have an extensive wine list, in addition to a few specialty cocktails like the “House of the Dragon-fruit”; in addition to a selection of mocktails. The Marlton location also raises money for local charity groups through their Wood Fired Fund program.
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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 offers a list of The Best Outdoor Bars in New Jersey which features over 30 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 Ironbound Farm and Ciderhouse is Asbury. 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: © Pier 13 Hoboken / Facebook
Additional Images:
Draught House Bar & Grill / Website
Orchard Park by David Burke / Facebook
The Star Beach Bar / Facebook
