Where to Drink in Asbury Park, New Jersey

When The Stone Pony opened in Asbury Park in 1974, the music venue (a favorite of New Jersey “Boss” Bruce Springsteen) put the historic seaside town on the national map. And while it has weathered its fair share of ups and downs, Asbury Park is once again a hot beachfront destination thanks to a thriving culinary scene, a welcoming LGBTQ+ community, and a focus on its lifeblood: music. “This urban city by the sea optimizes cultural aspects of city life that are not typical of most Jersey Shore towns. It was that alone that attracted folks like me and chef David Viana to this town,” says Neilly Robinson, a New Jersey native and founder of Heirloom Kitchen.

In 2016, Robinson partnered with fellow Garden State native Viana. Since then the pair (in both business and life) has opened the acclaimed Portuguese restaurant Lita and bar La Otra. Their newest project, Judy and Harry’s, offers one more reason to make Asbury Park a go-to destination. “Over the years, Asbury Park has leaned into its rich history of music and art to build a like-minded community of innovators,” adds Robinson. “That history bleeds into every piece of Asbury, including every restaurant and bar.”

Judy and Harry’s

Named after Robinson’s parents (who, we are told, are always the life of the party), Judy and Harry’s is the newest concept from Robinson and Viana. Located within the historic St. Laurent Social Club, the spacious, airy restaurant is the perfect counterbalance to the sexy, moody cocktail bar. “Expect Italian classics with whimsical, international Jewish flair at Judy’s before or after heading to its companion cocktail bar, Harry’s, for a drink,” says Robinson. Pair a plate of latkes or the decadent “Philly Roast Pork” pasta with a cocktail like the Bergamot Margarita or the Olive Oil Sour (grappa, dark rum, marsala, honey, thyme, lemon, olive oil). Over at Harry’s, enjoy a preprandial aperitivo like their Garibaldi riff with Punt e Mes, mezcal, and fluffy grapefruit juice, or stop in after dinner for a nightcap like the Bitter Harry (tahini-infused Cynar, sweet vermouth, bourbon).

Bond Street

“Every city needs a good dive bar, and this is it—a gritty spot perfect for a shot and a beer,” says David Viana. Located, logically enough, on Bond Street, the bar opened in 2009 and has since become a neighborhood institution, hosting live music, comedy shows, block parties, and generally cultivating good vibes. Opt for a local drinks combo, like a shot of New Jersey’s own Laird’s Apple Brandy and a beer from Last Wave Brewing, paired with the platonic ideal of bar food—which includes a full menu of grilled cheeses. “They also have the best burger around,” says Viana. “Or try the patty melt if you’re an overachiever.”

Steady Hand Café and Collective

Long functioning as a pop-up around Asbury Park, Steady Hand opened its first brick-and-mortar café this year, the better to highlight their long list of creative coffee drinks, sodas, and other nonalcoholic beverages. “Owned and operated by Ashley Burk, Steady Hand is more than a coffee experience, it’s art,” says Robinson. “Ashley’s experience draws inspiration from meals and beverages enjoyed while traveling, plus a heavy dose of childhood nostalgia.” That includes favorites like a Sweet Corn Latte (made with local Jersey sweet corn during the summer), a Burnt Orange Espresso Tonic (a spritz-like drink inspired by the Calabrian coast), and a juniper-pomegranate-hibiscus soda topped with espresso dubbed Persephone’s Return.

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Burk spent years working in the coffee industry as well as the craft beer and cocktail spheres before launching Steady Hand, as well as her own line of syrups. “My list of drinks runs long and is never-ending,” says Burk. “We’re constantly striving to bridge the gap between the coffee and cocktail world.”

R Bar

“R Bar is a love letter to New Orleans,” says Viana, who appreciates the day-to-night food menu, with a solid selection of snack options like the Cacio e Pepe Deviled Eggs—a personal favorite. House cocktails lean playful such as a bourbon slushy made with cult-favorite Cheerwine soda, and the Abnormally Large Child with gin, pineapple, strawberry, citrus, and a Fruity Pebbles punch. Their aptly named Greenhouse bar upstairs is all windows and sunshine (with a connected patio), while the downstairs bar brings the party with live music every week. “There are different vibes to be found based on your mood,” notes Viana.

Talula’s

What began with a backyard wood-fired oven has become a local institution from husband-and-wife team Steve and Shanti Mignogna. “OGs of Asbury Park’s foodie moment, Steve and Shanti were pioneers in town, building community through fermented dough, killer pizzas, bread, and pastries, and their famous Gin +Jam cocktail, made with a house-made seasonal jam and lemongrass syrup,” says Robinson. Everything on the food menu is pickled, fermented, baked, and preserved in-house, including most of the cheeses, so try a pizza like the Pantera Rosa on sourdough crust with vodka sauce, aged mozzarella, pepperoni, pickled cherry peppers, gouda, and basil. And once you’ve tried the Gin + Jam cocktail, sample other house faves like the La Bodega Rosa (tequila, mezcal, manzanilla sherry, Aperol, falernum, ginger and lime.)

Laylow

Opened in 2019 beneath the Culture Collective’s sister restaurants of Barrio Costero and REYLA, Laylow bills itself as a cocktail lab for collaboration and experimentation. “It’s a speakeasy-style basement bar with a playful vibe and a menu inspired by music,” says Viana. With a new menu dropping every few months, regular DJ sets, and performances like Burtonesque gothic burlesque, there’s always a new experience to be had. The spring menu explored Japanese spirits and flavors, with drinks like the Rising Sun with Japanese gin, green tea shochu, sesame, and yuzu. The summer menu, launched in July, goes full tiki, so embrace the island vibes and step right down.

Grand Tavern

Technically located in Neptune, just south of Asbury Park proper, Grand Tavern lives up to its moniker. “Pulling inspiration from Montreal gastropubs and Manhattan’s Spotted Pig, this dimly lit space is cool and comfortable, featuring an impressive seasonal cocktail list of classics and playful creations,” says Robinson. “It’s the perfect midweek haunt.” Tuck into some seasonal fare like the tuna tartare with strawberry, yuzu, and basil oil, or the beloved house burger, complete with American cheese and special sauce, alongside a cocktail like the Dove 15.0 (fennel-infused tequila, rhubarb, lime, fennel salt).

Strada

“Chef and I spend almost every Tuesday at Strada. This place has a total vibe, from the candles to their wood burning oven,” says Robinson. “The biggest draw is their bartender, Christopher James, a true OG of the New Jersey hospitality scene and making some of the best cocktails around.” The ever-revolving drinks menu might include a seasonal Margarita or a perfect Martini for pairing alongside cast iron-seared octopus, with fingerling potatoes, pickled fennel, and house romesco. “It’s right down the street from the Atlantic Highlands Ferry—perfect if you are coming from New York or on your way home from a weekend at the shore.”