New Jersey

Bryson’s Pub

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Hello and welcome to my first post back!

By popular demand, I am starting off my return with a review of a small bar in the heart of South Jersey…Bryson’s Pub of Pennsauken. If you haven’t heard of this bar don’t feel bad, most sane people haven’t! Reason being it is quite literally a hole in the wall, and only the ~locals~ know about it.

Inside is extremely small with a horseshoe shaped bar and a couple of tables scattered around the perimeter. There is an outdoor patio that is basically an alleyway with a bench, serving its purpose as a smoking area. I have been to Bryson’s several times, and every time is an out of body experience that leaves me wondering how the fuck I ended up here.

For starters, it is open till 3 am everyday, which I am not entirely sure is legal (it probably isn’t!) but hey, I’m not complaining. Bryson’s is the type of bar you never plan on going to, but just kind of end up at after a night out. Will you see random people that you haven’t talked to since third grade? Probably. Will you see your ex from 2 years ago and make out with them? Most likely, yes! Will you have an in depth conversation with someone you’ve talked to maybe 5 times in your life? Of course. Bryson’s is a wondrous land full of bad decisions and ghosts from your past, which is why it’s so entertaining. It’s a local high school reunion mixed with an uncomfortable family party all wrapped into one cigarette smoke riddled bar.

This cash only bar does offer food, however I have yet to try it because I value my life. Its so small I’m not sure if they even have a kitchen, so that definitely leaves some room for concern! However, they do sell bags of chips, so if you were feeling hungry that is probably your safest bet. Overall, this bar is always a fun time if you go with friends from the area because you truly never know who you will run into or what events may unfold.

Oh, and do not under any circumstances order a ‘trashcan’. No follow up questions- just trust me on this one.

Hannah Kate

Tommy’s Tavern + Tap

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Driving along the Jersey Shore can be so beautiful and has some of the cutest towns. One of my personal favorites is Sea Bright, where Tommy’s Tavern + Tap is located. It is nuzzled into the downtown area, which is scattered with shops and restaurants right along the water, making for a great area to dine in.

The ambiance of Tommy’s is fantastic, you walk in and there are string lights dangling from the entire ceiling, giving off nice soft lighting, perfect for a date or cozy gathering with friends. There are booths and high tops or you can sit at the bar. Televisions are displayed on a lot of walls, because it is actually considered a sports bar. You would think that this would not go with the whole string light, rustic vibe but it is actually a surprisingly nice pairing together.

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The food and drinks here are AMAZING. Seriously, my friends and I ate so much we could barely move afterwards. I ordered a shrimp flatbread that was so buttery and cheesy my mouth was watering just looking at it. My friends ordered burgers that were nice sized and came with fries of course. But the real showstoppers here are the appetizers. The spinach dip was to die for; it was extra creamy and came with pieces of warm bread to put it on. We also got chips and guacamole that was so fresh and came with fancy chips, just all around great presentation and taste.

My only complaint about this restaurant would be that everything is a little more expensive than I would like. I got two single margaritas and it came out to $24, which made my wallet very sad. With that being said, they were amazing so it was almost worth it. The food was a little on the higher side as well but it was so good I was not even upset about it because you really do get what you pay for.

I will 100% be back here. Great ambiance, amazing food and lots of drink choices. But next time I’m coming at happy hour because ya girl is ballin’ on a budget.

Hannah Kate

Asbury Ale House

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If you have been keeping up with my blog posts you would know that I spend a fair amount of time in Asbury Park, New Jersey. It is such an interesting area with a lot of different bars to explore, and Asbury Ale House is the most recent finding of mine. Located on Cookman Ave, this sports bar and grille opened up in 2015 and is thriving.

My friend and I went early on a Friday night, just on a whim but I have to say I had a great time here and plan on going back this weekend. You walk in and it is massive. There are 3 separate bar areas each with multiple TV’s at them (unfortunately we went when curling was on) and plently of seating available, including tables if you feel like a sitting down and grabbing a bite.

The drink selection is superb, they offered a list of drafts they currently have and then a list with drafts that were on deck. Smart move on their part to mention the beers that will be coming soon because it means people will keep having to come back to see if the beer they like is in yet. If you don’t like beer go ahead and treat yourself to a mixed drink, they aren’t too expensive and they taste great.

I think what I liked most about this bar is the staff. They were so friendly and kind to my friend and I. Even though I am aware that is their job, I like to think that they liked us because of our charming personalities and good looks and not just for our money. Either way, we really appreciated the bartneders’ fun spirits, it just made the whole night that much more enjoyable!

My friend and I left around 10:30 because we are old and washed up, but as we were leaving it was getting packed, with people on the dancfloor and others playing a variety of bar games that were offered. Looks like next time I will have to come later at night, see you soon Ale House.

Hannah Kate

Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten

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I recently went here with my friend for dinner and drinks. From the outside it looks like a renovated factory with the exposed brick and massive windows. Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten is painted on the wall in a distressed fashion, giving an antique look to the restaurant.

The inside is quite similar, with plenty of exposed wood and beams, pairing well with the long wooden tables and benches. The entire restaurant is styled to be German and they definitely did a good job at making it seem very realistic. Not only did they achieve this through their décor but the food and drinks as well seem to be German inspired. My friend and I both got sausages that came with sauerkraut, potatoes and bread. So bad for you but SO good. We ate it like we had never seen food before in our lives; it was just great quality and such comfort food.

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The drinks were also exceptional; we each got a flight of beer meaning we were able to pick four beers to try in smaller glasses. If you wanted just one beer they had a range of glass sizes, all in frosted mugs to ensure that your drink stays extra chilly. The beer list what quite lengthy, which I appreciated, I mean they should have options, they are a Biergarten after all. Each beer was described well and the menu was split up into different sections to help you make a decision better.

What I liked most about this bar was the atmosphere for sure. It was a very relaxed environment. If you are looking for a chill night this is 100% the place for you. It is a place to talk and laugh with your friends or family and the whole building just gives off warmth that makes you want to stay. I will without a doubt be back here very soon.

Hannah Kate

Bond Street Bar

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On Bond Street in Asbury Park, New Jersey you will find a little bar called Bond Street Bar…aptly named. When you first walk into this bar you are met with a crowd that has kind of a rocker, biker vibe to them. It was very tiny and as I was getting a drink I saw a crowd of people walking down some stairs, so of course I followed them. The hallway took me to another bar downstairs! This bar was much bigger and more my speed, with high ceilings, plenty of seating, and great lighting.

There was a much better ambiance at this lower level bar. We didn’t notice at first, but there actually was a separate entrance to here from the street. As I am walking around the bar, scoping out the scene, I see a long hallway with stairs at the end. I walk down, and you guessed it, THERE IS ANOTHER BAR. I was floored. I felt like I was on a prank show that’s how genuinely shocked I was.

This last bar known as ‘The Basement’ (also aptly named) was extremely spacious with another bar in the back and an area for cornhole. Unfortunately there was already a game going on so I did not get to play, which means I will just have to come back next week!

If I could describe this bar in a couple of words it would be hipster meets rock and roll meets speakeasy. There was a great energy in the air, everyone was having a good time and the drinks were strong and cheap. There was an interesting mix of people at this bar making the whole experience that much better, and should make you want to come too because clearly it is the place to be.

I know technically this is a review of one bar but it kind of feels like three because of the constant bar-ception. Either way, I would recommend every level of Bond Street Bar, but especially the basement bar, because who can pass up a game of cornhole?

Hannah Kate

Stinger’s

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I have never seen The Twilight Zone, nor have I experienced it, yet this is the only term I can use to describe Stinger’s Bar and Grill. Located in Long Branch, New Jersey, this bar is basically a frat basement with a liquor license, and it is amazing. They have three full bars in the establishment and their drinks are ridiculously cheap, I’m talking three-dollar drinks, six dollars maximum. I genuinely do not know how they make money. The drinks are not only cheap, but also insanely strong. If you watch them pour you a mixed drink you will noticed it is actually half alcohol and half mixer. I’m not a bartender, but that ratio seems a bit off if you ask me. However, for three dollars that’s a steal.

Thursday nights are most popular at Stinger’s since they are closed on Fridays and Saturdays. If you plan on going on a Thursday, be warned it is a very large crowd of college kids. This is partly because you could hand the bouncer a piece of cardboard and they would let you in. Therefore, all of Monmouth 21 or not, congregates here on Thursdays for one big party. The music they play is always amazing, with great current remixes to early 2000’s R&B to which you will undoubtedly know each and every word.

If you are looking for a chill night at the bar with friends, for your health, I am telling you to not attend this bar. I have gone here before and said the infamous last words, “I’m not getting that drunk tonight.” Let me tell you, it never ends up like that because Stinger’s is a black hole. With drinks that cheap and music that good how could you NOT get drunk? It’s a recipe for a great time if you ask me. See everyone there again on Thursday night!

Hannah Kate

The Shrimp Box & Outside the Box Patio Bar

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Point Pleasant Beach is a quaint little beach town right on the Jersey Shore, a picture perfect setting where the Shrimp Box & Outside the Box Patio Bar is located. It is right by the inlet, giving you a nice view of all the boats and yachts that aren’t yours.

I went here for lunch with my Dad and we sat at the patio bar which he claimed was actually moving on the water, but he has vertigo so we really can’t trust anything he says. Moving on, the drink menu at this restaurant was extensive which I appreciated, I ended up getting the Kona Big Wave, which is a nice light and fruity ale. If you didn’t want beer, they have plenty of cocktails and choices of wines to choose from.

The food here was absolutely amazing. We started with appetizers of the garlic shrimp and crab cakes, each were made to perfection. Our entrees were a medley of seafood and you could just tell that everything was so fresh; I was really impressed with each dish. It was hard to choose what to order because they had so many options, each sounding just as good as the next. They do have none seafood options, but not many, so if you aren’t a fan of fish or other seafood, I would not recommend dining here.

Overall, I was very pleased with my experience here between the food and extensive cocktail list it was a great way to spend an afternoon. I will definitely be back since I’ve heard their rum buckets are a must!

Hannah Kate

Porta

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Porta, located in Asbury Park, New Jersey is a restaurant by day and club by night- the best of both worlds. They are famous for their amazing pizza and authentic Italian cuisine, bringing in people from all over to experience it. Their aesthetic during the day is rustic chic; with exposed beams and Edison light bulbs it gives you a modern hipster vibe, which I personally love. But do not let this fool you- because at night Porta transforms into the hottest club in town.

The string lights are swapped for dangling crystals that light up with the music and a huge DJ stand. Porta is notoriously busy on Friday nights with a line around the corner, packing the house. Some people come for the drinks and dancing, others come for the infamous DJZA (short for pizza? The world may never know). Anyhow, once you get in it is one giant dance floor with three bars on each side of the room, making it pretty easy to get a drink, which not a lot of bars can say.

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If we are being honest, you have to be extremely drunk to last more than an hour here, which is fine by me because I usually do that anyway… but for the not as seasoned drinker I would prepare before coming here! The dancing is fun but can be overwhelming, there is a large amount of jumping and fist pumping involved, we are in Jersey after all. If you need time to cool off there are other rooms off the main one with additional bars and more of a relaxed environment for talking and drinking instead of dancing.

The drinks at Porta are more on the expensive side, ringing up at around $10 for a tiny vodka cran that I can suck down in about two sips. Pre-gaming is a necessity if you aren’t trying to break the bank. My other complaint is that they only play club/electronic music and I am really more into music I can belt out the words to, but hey you can’t have everything. Overall, Porta is great vibes and if you want to dance and fist pump then look no further than this upscale Jersey shore bar.

Hannah Kate

Jack’s Goal Line Stand

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Jack’s Goal Line Stand is exactly what you would picture from hearing the name, a sports bar. This is an establishment equipped with plenty of televisions for all types of sporting events- basketball, baseball, hockey, and currently football. With that being said, do not attempt to go in there on a Sunday night expecting a relaxing environment, it will be packed, I learned that the hard way.

What is interesting about this bar is that it is located in Long Branch NJ, which is right near Monmouth University, so you would expect it to be a college bar through and through, but that is not the case here. This bar is crawling with locals; these are loyal customers who keep coming back week-to-week without fail.

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So what is it about Jack’s Goal Line Stand that has people wanting more? For some it might be the fact that they can watch whatever game is on at the moment. I can tell you right now that is definitely not why I go to this bar, or any bar if were being honest. It’s all about the food and drinks with me let’s be real. Jack’s has superb deals on food and beverages and quick service to back it up. Their mixed drinks are $6 each, and their beer is even cheaper coming in between 3-4 dollars. Getting drunk is violently easy because of these prices, but it makes karaoke on Tuesdays and Thursday’s much easier, trust me!

Even if you for some reason don’t like cheap alcohol, you can always appreciate some good a** wings. Buffalo Wild Wings, Wingstop? Never heard of them. Jack’s wings are so amazing you genuinely will not want to order wings from any other restaurant again.

Even though I’m not a huge sports fan, I can still appreciate this sports bar. Great food and cheap alcohol is really all a girl can ask for.

Hannah Kate

Mix Lounge & Food Bar

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The Mix Lounge & Food Bar is a modern style bar located just a couple blocks from the beach in Long Branch, NJ. This bar is so small that it could probably only fit around 30 people inside comfortably. With that being said, the Mix Lounge still has so much to offer even with the limited space.

The entire establishment has a chic vibe to it, with high tables and comfy leather couches lining the walls alongside a sleek bar. These features work together to give off a high-end feeling as if you’re in downtown NYC meeting your girlfriends out for a martini and not on the Jersey Shore…a girl can dream.

The ambiance is not the only draw to hang out at this bar; the drinks and food are reason enough. They are famous for their many different options of martinis, which are notably very strong. Some of the martinis contain fruit soaked in vodka, which when eaten is basically a full shot in itself, not that I’m complaining. If you don’t like martinis, not to worry, they have plenty of beers on tap and a full bar so anything you ask them, even if not on the menu, they can most likely make for you.

With great drinks there is usually great food, and this is so true for the Mix Lounge. When I went I had one of their specialty pizzas, which was just amazing. With goat cheese, spinach, mozzarella and garlic I was truly in heaven. They offer plenty other options if you aren’t in the mood for pizza, such as salads sandwiches and appetizers. Great food overall but the pizza is always a crowd favorite.

I know you must be thinking how can this bar get any better? Well, their happy hour specials will make you want to come here every night. They have happy hour at varying hours throughout the week, with $3 off pizza and cocktails and $2 off salads, sandwiches, wine and beer. Better yet, on Monday nights they offer the happy hour specials all night long, what better way to start off the workweek?

Hannah Kate