There’s no denying that summer weather can turn an ordinary afternoon into a mini vacation. Even the best craft cocktail tastes exponentially better when paired with a warm breeze, outdoor fire pit, or waterfront view. Lucky for us, The 5 Best Central Jersey Outdoor Bars offer all that and more.
For this list, we aren’t just settling for some folding chairs on the sidewalk. Instead, we’re showcasing the region’s best celebrity-chef-driven terraces, high-voltage sports lounges with state-of-the-art sound systems, and historic inns pouring sophisticated bourbon cocktails under covered patios. Whether you’re hunting for an energetic crowd to watch the game, a romantic enclave for upscale dining, or a riverside spot with live bands and killer BBQ, these are The 5 Best Central Jersey Outdoor Bars. Keep Scrolling to See the Full List.
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Outdoor Bars
Featured from Somerset County:
Stage House Tavern
Where: Somerset | Scotch Plains | 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 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 |
Cooper’s Riverview
Where: Trenton
Details: Cooper’s Riverview is a great summer spot for live music and waterfront drinks on the patio. Their spacious patio coupled with covered outdoor bar area means there is no shortage of seating available. During warm weather seasons, they typically host live music up to four nights a week, from Thursday to Sunday. Their jumbo wings — which we recommend ordering with their Dragon’s Breath BBQ sauce — and Lobster Mac & Cheese are popular summer menu items. The drink menu features beer, wine, and hard seltzers/ciders/teas.
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.
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Central Jersey Outdoor Bars FAQs
It does! Cooper’s Riverview is Trenton’s premier waterfront destination. They boast a massive patio and a covered outdoor bar right on the water, complete with live music all weekend long.
While it’s not the only “game” in town, The Lobby in Elizabeth is unmatched. Their spacious outdoor patio features a stage, a dedicated bar, and a state-of-the-art LED TV and audio setup that makes it the ultimate destination for game day.
Stage House Tavern (with locations in Somerset, Scotch Plains, and Mountainside) features a fantastic, seasonally-enclosed outdoor patio. (Equipped with a live-fire BBQ Bar.) Chefs prepare pulled pork and brisket daily, which pairs perfectly with their live music lineup and signature cocktails.
Orchard Park by David Burke (East Brunswick) features the stunning Orchard Terrace, offering rotating signature cocktails in a climate-adaptable setting. Meanwhile, The Tewksbury Inn (Oldwick) provides white-tablecloth service, lobster starters, and high-end seasonal cocktails on a covered patio.
Top (Hero) Photo: © Orchard Park by David Burke / Facebook
