During the colder months, the dimly-lit, velvet-lined speakeasies have their time to shine. But once the weather gets warm, nothing tops drinking a cold cocktail on a sun-drenched deck along the Shore. When you’re ready to visit Margaritaville, it’s time to hit up the The 10 Best Jersey Shore Outdoor Bars.
These immersive summer experiences feature sprawling oceanfront decks where you can sip a spritzer with your toes literally in the sand, glamorous high-rise rooftops offering panoramic views of the Atlantic, and legendary bayside taverns where the golden-hour sunsets are just as spectacular as the fresh-caught seafood. Whether you’re looking for a high-energy waterfront dance floor, a dog-friendly hideaway to crush fresh fish tacos, or the perfect marina-side table to share a massive rum bucket with friends, this list delivers the goods. Keep Scrolling to See Our Full 2026 List of The 10 Best Jersey Shore Outdoor Bars.
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The 10 Best
Jersey Shore Outdoor Bars
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.
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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.
Daddy O Restaurant Hotel Bar
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. (A boutique spot that features 22 rooms plus a rooftop lounge.) Of course, the rooftop bar offers gorgeous views of the island and the Atlantic Ocean. This seasonal bar — dubbed the “O Bar” — is open all day on weekends and select hours during the week. Real fans also know about another secret oasis on-site: the hidden Garden Patio and Rum Bar.
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.
Mule Barn Tavern
Where: Highlands
Details: Technically in Sandy Hook but registered as Highlands on GPS, Mule Barn Tavern is a historic restaurant and bar. Once serving as an actual barn, the space has since been renovated into a laid-back American restaurant and tavern. Their seasonal outdoor patio boasts panoramic views of Sandy Hook Bay as well as a spacious covered patio bar. Besides outdoor dining, the dog-friendly patio offers Adirondack chairs for lounging with one of their signature Barn Beverages. Try the Sea Glass Mule, with gin, lime juice, ginger beer, and blue curacao.
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 Rooftop Bar
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.
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Jersey Shore
Outdoor Bar FAQs
AVA Beach Bar (Long Branch) features a stunning outdoor deck that allows guests to step right out onto the beach. Likewsie, PigDog Beach & Bar (Wildwood) offers a massive outdoor area right on the sand. (With beach games, BBQ, and immediate ocean access.)
The VÜE Rooftop Bar is the tallest rooftop lounge in Atlantic City, offering unparalleled views of the skyline and ocean. Similarly, Daddy O Restaurant Hotel Bar (Brant Beach) features a chic, modern rooftop oasis known as the “O Bar”.
The Seafarer and Mule Barn Tavern—both located in Highlands—boast highly dog-friendly patios with sweeping waterfront views. Down in Wildwood, the PigDog Beach & Bar is a dog-friendly summer hangout.
Bird & Betty’s (Beach Haven) is an iconic late-night spot featuring dance parties and bands right on the water. Alternatively, The Watermark (Asbury Park) perfectly catches the live music crowd spilling over from the legendary Stone Pony.
9th Ave Pier (Belmar) offers an incredible ice-cold raw bar alongside their famous rum buckets. But Bird & Betty’s offers the most spectacular sunset views on the coast, perfectly paired with fresh ceviche and martinis.
Top (Hero) Photo: © Bird & Betty’s / Website
