Best Boardwalk Bars for End of the Summer Sipping
A quick escape to the beach is always made better with an ice cold beer or frozen drink, which is still made better by an easy getaway right on the boardwalk. And the Jersey Shore doesn’t fool around. There’s a handful of bars located right on the boards that make the shore all the more enjoyable.
Check out our picks of some of the shore’s best boardwalk bars, located directly on the boards or right across from the sand- for those towns without an actual wood boardwalk. Just don’t forget to bring your wallet when leaving the sand.
Evo Restaurant & Bar: This upscale boardwalk escape features a long bar that practically wraps around the entire restaurant. And the accompanying wine list is just as impressive, with reds and whites available by the glass, half bottle and bottle. You can also take your pick from martinis and frozen cocktails, along with drinks on their “Always Happy Hour” menu for $6. (2225 Boardwalk, Atlantic City; 609-441-0400)
Wet Willie’s: Beat the heat inside the Tropicana at this frozen daiquiri bar. Wet Willie’s offers a number of chilly concoctions from the “Attitude Improvement” to the “Monkey Shine.” They even give you suggestions on which ones to mix together. It’s like the slushie machine at the movie theater, with grain alcohol. (2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City; 609-449-8401)
Firewaters: Just a quick trip inside Tropicana, Firewaters is a craft beer destination unlike no other at the Jersey Shore. More than 40 taps serve up craft beers you won’t find anywhere else, and an even more impressive bottle list gives you even more variety. Then there’s a list of unique and creative martinis, all designed to keep you cool this summer. (Brighton & The Boardwalk, Atlantic City; 609-344-6699)
Spicy Mexican Cantina: The ocean view is good, but the margaritas are even better. You can have your pick of both thanks to a wrap-around second-story balcony and accompanying downstairs bar, both of which offer blended or mixed margaritas, draft beers, and rum buckets that you can sip on from sun up until sundown. (500 Boardwalk, Seaside Heights; 732-793-4777)
The Sawmill: Famous for their 27-inch, jumbo pizza, The Sawmill also offers a full bar and a view of the surf that can’t be beat. Their menu of frozen drinks and crush cocktails are the perfect way to cool down after a day of baking in the sun. And what goes better with pizza than beer? The Sawmill has a number of draft and bottled brews to go with your jumbo pizza. (1807 Boardwalk, Seaside Park; 793-1990)
Martell’s Tiki Bar: This bar is so close to the beach you can buy your own Martell beach badges. It doesn’t get any beachier than a tiki bar, and this authentic bar takes you from the Jersey Shore to Hawaii. Frozen drinks, rum punches and beer make it easy to relax on the boardwalk after catching a few waves- just make sure you don’t get any sand in your glass.(308 Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach; 732-892-0131)
Cabana’s: When Cabana’s throws open the windows it’s like you’re sitting right on the beach. Kick back and relax with their house-made sangria or other wine blends, or enjoy a beer from their impressive draft list. If the drink list isn’t enough to get you going, the daily happy hour savings and summer-long live music should help. (429 Beach Ave., Cape May; 609-884-4800)
The Brown Room: Occupying the same space as Congress Hall’s first post-prohibition cocktail bar, The Brown Room looks to draw from the style and class from the age. Settle in to one of the leather chairs with one of the Brown Room’s signature cocktails or a glass of beer. By the end of the night you’ll start to feel like you’re at home. Maybe that’s why they call it “Cape May’s Living Room.” (251 Beach Ave., Cape May; 609-884-8421)
Photo via Spicy Mexican Cantina
Tags: Beer, Cocktails, Food, Outdoor Seating, Wine