Four Main Sections:
- Bars, Taverns & Saloons
- Hotels, Inns & Boarding Houses
- Theaters, Music Halls and Meeting Places
- Restaurants, Stores and Supplies
BARS, TAVERNS & SALOONS: At one point Keansburg was home to more than 40 bars, including the longest bar in the world (Sheehan's Big House). Briefly, it was the Guinness Book world record holder for the town with the most bars per square mile.
Many bars in town doubled as hotels and boarding houses as well as restaurants. Please note that the picture generally appears below the reference for each entry. Below is a partial list of defunct bars in town and the few that still exist:
Tiki Stadium, Seasonal bar open all year round with a tiki style open air bar. Formerly known as the "TJK Stadium", "Stockhouse" and "Karl's Beachway Tavern". The building was rebuilt twice after two fires but the site was originally home to a diner. Renovated by Hurricane Sandy in Winter of 2012.
The bar lost it's liquor license in a dispute with the town in the winter of 2016. The building is currently for sale along with the Palace next door. Both buildings will most likely be demolished for a new business in time.
The owner of Nappy's Liquor and Bar announced in the Spring of 2017 that the Stadium will be demolished and a three story restaurant and bar called Pier 260 will replace it in the Summer of 2018.
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| Photo courtesy of Gary Ambessi |
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| Pier 260 Restaurant and Bar Concept Art |
The Pavilion, Open air seasonal bar located on the boardwalk, open only in the Summer months. Although, it has been rebuilt many times, this is one of the oldest bars still in operation. Damaged by Hurricane Sandy, awaiting repair for the Summer of 2013. Renovated for the Summer of 2016 and open for business.
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| Pavillion Bar & Grille 2014 |
Cabana Club, Open all year round, located on the boardwalk and Beachway Ave. with two bars serving each side of the building. Formerly known as the "Miami Club" and the "Alibi". Originally was adjacent to "Lefty's" Bar (Casey's). Damaged by Hurricane Sandy, awaiting repair for the Summer of 2013. Renovated and open for business in the Summer of 2016. Set to re-open as the Miami Club in Summer of 2023.
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| Summer of 2004 |
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| Summer of 2012 |
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| Winter of 2014 |
Jackie Keelen's Bar, Open all year round, located on the Henry Hudson Bike Trail near the old train station building. This bar has 26 beers on tap with banquet facilities upstairs. The bar is adorned with three Bear statues at either corner of the building (similar to ones that adorned Lighthouse Beach Club). Both statues (eagle & bear) were architectural salvage from the original Siemens Building in NYC. The picture below is of the train station building and not the bar itself which was built many years later. The bar was renovated and expanded in 2016 after an insurance broker who shared the building retired. The new space is mainly occupied by two pool tables, used for league play.
Applejack Bar & Grille, Open all year round, located at the corner of Centre and Carr Ave. This bar has more than doubled its size, taking over two lots adjacent to the original property in the beginning of this century. One of the few bars in town that still serves decent food. Some people call it the rudest bar in town. Formerly known as "Sully's Bar". Fully renovated (again) and re-opened after Hurricane Sandy in March of 2013.
The Marina Inn, Bar open all year round, located at the foot of Laurel Ave where the creek meets the bay, just down the street from the Raritan Marina. Originally known as the "Maplewood Inn". Never closed after Hurricane Sandy, despite some minimal flooding (the patrons didn't notice). Recently painted a brighter color blue but the inside is trapped in time.
Ted's Tavern, (Defunct Bar) Open all year round, located on Hwy 36 in West Keansburg friendly bar on the edge of town. The back walls are covered with framed cartoons depictions of their patrons allegedly. Recently changed name to Stryker's in Winter of 2013. The building and contents are currently for sale Winter of 2023.
Re-opened as Frank & Teddy's with some renovation of the bar area. They cleared the back yard area for future parking and hope to add on a new kitchen at some point. Apparently, owner failed to heed the property line and cut down some of his neighbor's trees, allegedly. Permanently closed. Set to re-open as a pool company, Spring 2023.
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| Summer of 2012 |
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| Winter of 2014 |
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Nic's Hometown Tavern Bar and Hey Burger franchise, located on Hwy 36 in West Keansburg directly across from Ted's Tavern (aka Frank & Teddy's, aka Stryker's). Formerly known as Mike's Hiawatha Inn. This friendly, raucous bar was originally located on Hwy 35 in Hazlet, near the Red Oak Diner (Lidl grocery) but moved into the area after a dispute with landlord of that property in the early aughts of this century.
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Bachstadt's Tavern, (Defunct Bar) Open all year round, located near Ideal Beach, East Keansburg, off of Port Monmouth Rd. This is the one of the few bars to still sell "set-ups" (Buy the bottle and drink it there, like in old cowboy movies) allegedly. Recently repaired roof with minimal damage from Hurricane Sandy.
Repainted and renovated in 2021. Current owner is waiting on the settlement of an estate dispute, from Carl. Liquor license will probably be sold to another chain restaurant on Hwy 35 while they build condos here.
Carpenter's Pub, (''Defunct Bar''), Main St., Keansburg, NJ. Formally "Mackey's Pub" and "Crawley's" located across the street from Keansburg Drugs, closed due to loss of liquor license for serving minors allegedly. Allegedly, refused to serve single, unaccompanied women for many years when it was Carpenter's Pub. Bar has remained closed and unused for almost 20 years at this point.
Highland Inn, (''Defunct Bar''), Carr Ave., Keansburg, NJ. Located across the street from the old Happy Garden Chinese, this bar looks newly renovated but remains closed. One of the oldest bars in town, along with Centre Hotel. The restored brick building was being used by another business related to restaurant supplies allegedly. Recently, home to Baxter's Burgers. Kasia Rae's Chicken and Bubble Tea closed. Currently, home to Carr High Cafe. The lack of parking seems to limit this business.
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| Home of Baxter's Hamburgers in 2014 |
High Hat Bar, (''Defunct Bar''), Beachway and Main St., Keansburg, NJ. Formally "Chasers" and several other names, closed due to "fire" in 2011 shortly after it re-opened. Also known as "Sullivan's", rumored to be re-opened as a beach rental company featuring banana boats and other floatation devices.
Wagon Wheel Bar, (''Defunct Bar''), Carr Ave, Keansburg, NJ. Located across the street from the old Highland Inn, remains closed after a brief run as Arena sports bar. The building caught fire in early 2012 and has been boarded up ever since. The original old Wagon Wheel was located at the corner of Beachway and Oakwood. Set to re-open in the Spring of 2013 as the "Charlie's Place" allegedly.
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| The Wagon Wheel in the 1970's |
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| The Wagon Wheel after Hurricane Sandy |
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| The Wagon Wheel Winter of 2014 |
Kay & Ted's Bar, (''Defunct Bar''), Main St and Port Monmouth Rd., Keansburg, NJ. Demolished to make way for yet another dollar store. Formally known as "Big Shot's" and "The Sport's Barn" among other names, located at 304 Main St. & Port Monmouth Rd. The bar had three pool tables and a large stage for bands.
Formerly, known as "Bob's Tavern" the oversized building was originally the Independent Fire Company, before they merged with the Manning Place firehouse in 1922. There was a locomotive wheel out front, mounted on wood that could be hit with a sledge hammer for alerting the locals. The top steeple of the building also held a fire bell, originally.
The building also served as the Cameo Theater for a brief time, before it became a bar. The land has been cleared for commercial use with a storefront below and apartments above. The building lot now encompasses a strip mall featuring a corporate sandwich franchise known for using triangular shaped cheese and liquor store.
Home of Nappy's Liquor and Resto Bar. The bar was expanded in late 2022. Owner has installed new kitchen and menu where the Subway was located. High end tequila tasting menu and live bands 3 days a week. Resto is trying to attract an older crowd and they mostly succeed with regulars from the old Stadium.
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| Kay & Ted's Bar in the late 1990's. The firehouse belfry can be seen on the top of the building. |
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| Empty Lot Awaiting Development Winter of 2014. The handicap ramp and rail are all that remains. |
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| Future home of a liquor store and apartments in Winter 2015. |
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| Liquor store and bar opened Summer of 2016 |
The Lookout, (''Defunct Bar''), Beachway and Main St., Keansburg, NJ. Formally known as "Bayliner's" and "Irish Eyes" closed due to mismanagement, allegedly. The bar has a lovely view of the Manhattan skyline and may open again. Somehow, allegedly operated on the Pavilion's liquor license while open. Also, set to re-open in the Spring of 2014 allegedly. Re-opened as La Playa in the spring of 2016 by the owner of Chilango's Mexican in Highlands. The sister restaurant features a similar menu and a bar. However, it does not have the same extensive tequila selection of the Highlands location.
Half Moon, under new management with extensive renovations Summer 2021. Bar is named after the first ship in the new world, the Halve Maen captained by Henry Hudson in 1609. Currently, the Lot is open with a food truck and bar trailer while renovations are completed. Managed by H.E.A.T. Hospitality.
The Clipper Jay, (''Defunct Bar''), Located on Shore Blvd. Demolished to make way for a private residence, located near the current Keansburg Waterfront Library but set back further on the property, where the parking lot sits partially. Formerly known as "McArdle's" with rooms for rent above "By the Day or The Hour".
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| Photo courtesy of Gary Ambessi |
The Old Heidelberg, (''Defunct Bar''). Located on Beachway and the boardwalk, this 100 year old landmark, used to sell hot dogs and beer, pure & simple. There was always a sign that read "No Outside Food! French Fries OK". Bar counter and table tops were marble and the ceiling was hand pressed tin. The bar declined in popularity over the years after the hot dogs were changed to another brand, among other reasons.
The LaBruno family operated the bar in 2007 and had a brief revival of popularity serving german craft beer. Later, it briefly served as a sub shop on the boardwalk, sadly without any beer, before closing. The bar is set to re-open in the Summer of 2015, after a kickstarter style campaign by the Gelhaus family, allegedly. They also opened an online apparel store to help defray rebuilding costs, linked through the Keansburg Amusement Park website (See Suggested Links).
Fully renovated and re-opened in the late Summer of 2015, despite the uncooperative weather, that season. The bar is operated by the Gelhaus family after they failed to find an acceptable managing partner. They still serve hot dogs made to the original recipe and now feature fresh cut french fries. A family friendly place, they don't tolerate loud or abusive behavior. Bartenders are very friendly but you sometimes have to remind them that your glass is empty. They conspire to keep you sober by asking if you want to order food with every round.
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| The original Old Heidleberg Inn, featuring Schickhaus Frankfurters |
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| The gambrel roof of the Old Heidelberg can be seen next the carousel building. |
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Boardwalk side
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| Empty during renovation after Hurricane Sandy |
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| Photo courtesy of Gary Ambessi |
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| Street side after Hurricane Sandy |
The Flamingo Bar, (''Defunct Bar''), Located at the corner of Main Street and Frances Place, this landmark was demolished in 1991, on the current site of Friendship Park and condominiums next door. The original hotel had a sparring ring in the back and hosted many famous boxers for Spring training. It was also a hotel with rented rooms upstairs as well. There was also an elaborate garden for guests to enjoy to the North of the building.
Originally, a private residence, it was bought at the turn of the century and turned into the upscale Raritan Bay Hotel by the MacDonald’s. Also known as McDonald's Hotel, sic. They added the concrete columns that supported the porch with a block wall, in place of the wooden porch railing. The hotel was used a meeting place for Summer Catholics before St. Ann’s Church was built. Gene Tunney, the famed boxer served as a bouncer at the hotel and as a lifeguard on the town’s beaches. Catholics faced some harassment at this time and it was necessary to guard the building during these services.
The name 'Flamingo Bar' was adopted in 1953 when the bar regained its liquor license several years after William MacDonald lost it allegedly. The building was painted mint green in later years, making it almost unrecognizable in the photos below. Last known as Apple Annie’s before it closed due to back taxes and remained shuttered until it was demolished in May of 1991.
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| 1950's |
Park Inn, (''Defunct Bar''), Park Place and Main Street, Keansburg, NJ. Located at the corner of Park Place and Main Street, currently serves as a a dollar store. Also known as "Pete's". It re-opened in the 1980's for exactly one day as a go-go bar before being shut down by demonstrators from the Catholic Church allegedly. Currently, home to Jillaney's Luncheonette.
Willow Wood Inn, (''Defunct Bar''), Seeley Ave, Keansburg, NJ. Located off Seeley Ave, in-between Pineview and Bayview. The bar was a few doors down from the old Kinlin's Bar, and under Helen Hill hosted the Goodfellow's Social Club. The women's club was called YCBR, which stood for their motto "You Can Be Replaced" Also known as "Farrel's Hideaway Bar", "Annie Farrel's" and "The Willow-Wood Cottage" The structure burnt down in 1977.
Kinlin's Bar, (''Defunct Bar''), Carr and Seeley Ave., Keansburg, NJ. Located at the corner of Seeley & Carr Ave, diagonally across from the storm damaged police station. The bar was known as "Mickey's" when it closed in the 1990's, now serves as the SplishSplash laundromat. Originally, known as "Al's Monterey" famous for it's pizza.
Palace Lounge, (''Defunct Bar''), Carr and Beachway, Keansburg, NJ. Located at the corner of Carr Ave and Beachway, this venue had a brief run as Rainbow House chinese buffet in the 1997 before closing. Originally home to the Strand Restaurant & Bar, "a place of fine dinning". The top of the Strand building can be seen in the lower left portion, next to the original Stockhouse (now Stadium Bar). The building is currently for sale along with the Stadium next door. Both buildings will most likely be demolished for a new business in time.
McCormick's Bar, (''Defunct Bar''), Beachway Ave., Keansburg, NJ. Located on Beachway Ave., just before the site of Abjo Villa Housing, near the old Point Comfort Firehouse on Oakwood St..
Main Street Bar, (''Defunct Bar''), Collins and Main St, Keansburg, NJ. Located at the corner of Collin's and Main Street. They were known for their bar pies and shrimp scampi. The location has served as a glass and window store for the past few years before relocating.
Party Bar, (''Defunct Bar''), Maplewood and Laurel Ave, Keansburg, NJ. Located at the corner of Maplewood and Laurel Ave. This venue was "Stubby's Restaurant" before closing, it currently serves as storage for the Laurel Bay Nursing Home. Originally known as "Huddie's Bar"
Empress Hotel Bar & Lounge, (''Defunct Bar''), Maplewood and Laurel Ave, Keansburg, NJ. Located at the corner of Laurel and Maplewood Ave, the site currently serves as the Laurel Bay Nursing Home. Also known as the "Marlin Hotel" built on the site of the original "Mahler Hotel".
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| Mahler Hotel on left hand side. |
Balbachs, (''Defunct Bar''), 117 Carr Ave., located near the corner of Oak St. and Carr Ave. across from the Cumberland Farms Store. The sign in front read "Sail On In To Balbach's". The front facade featured part of an old ship. The bar was known to host boxing and later basketball tournaments on Saturday mornings in the large back room. The structure burned down while the owner was on impromptu holiday in Florida in the 1980's allegedly.
Berkshire Hotel, (''Defunct Bar''), Centre and Fox Ave., Keansburg, NJ. The fenced in empty lot at the corner of Centre and Pineview Ave was the site of this quiet bar and seasonal hotel. The small bar had a wrap around porch that had to be fenced in, in later years to keep patrons from throwing projectiles into the street (and possibly vice versa).
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| Empty Lot Awaiting Development 2014 |
Lawton's Bar, (''Defunct Bar''), Keansburg, NJ. Located at the corner of Greenwood and Forrest Ave. The dilapidated structure was demolished in the 90's for a new home. There was a candy store and deli next door as well but the name is unknown.
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| Private Residence |
Lighthouse Beach Club, (''Defunct Bar''), Located on Shore Blvd, inbetween Beaconlight Ave. and Orchard Street. Also, known as Keelen's Beach Club, this neighborhood fixture had a bar and lounge on the Lighthouse Beach. Much like the distinctive Bear statues that adorn Keelen's Bar, this establishment had twin Eagle statues at the entrance of a similar style. Both statues were architectural salvage from the Siemens Building in NYC.
This pool club & bar was built on the site of the old Point Comfort/Beacon Beach Lighthouse in the late 1960’s. The sunken bar & lounge was located on the second floor over looking the diving boards (pictured below). The business closed in the the 1980's and burned by fire before it could re-open, on the current site of a condominium complex.
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Lighthouse Beach Club in the 1970's
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Keansburg Bowl, (''Defunct Bar''). Bowling alley and bar located above Lefty's Bar (Bev & Wally's Arcade) and the Alibi Bar (Cabana Club) on Beachway Ave and the Boardwalk. The alley burned along with the Keansburg Auditorium and Crystal Ballroom in the 1980's.
Sheehan's Dublin House, (Defunct Bar), Located next to Centre Hotel & Bar at corner of Carr and Center Ave. Also known as "Memories"and "Billy O'Brien's". This bar has had several coats of paint but has never re-opened in my lifetime, except for a brief run as an arcade in the 1980's.
Keaton's Bar, (''Defunct Bar''), 53 Carr Ave. Located behind the Highland Inn and across from the Highland Hotel. The building was a long one story structure but the lot is currently empty. Also known as "Mulligan's" or "Joe & Joe's".
Sheehan's Bighouse, (''Defunct Bar''), Near Pineview and Beachway Ave., was actually located on wooden pilings on the beach but was washed away by storm damage in 1953. Once, home to the longest bar in the world, at more than 100 feet long.
The building was located on the shore, near the corner of Pineview and Beachway Ave, before the roadway was extended to Main Street (Tanner's Landing). Main street originally ended at the beach (Tanner's Landing), where a dock was located and Beachway Ave ended at Sheehan's Big House. The bar was surrounded by small seasonal bungalows which were available for rental (pictured below).
The Ship Wreck Inn, (''Defunct Bar''). A decent seafood restaurant and lounge, located on Hwy 36, on the site of the recently closed "Pumps", which was a low end strip joint that smelled of recycled beer. Closed due to non payment of taxes and other bills, allegedly. Set to re-open as "Sin-sations" go-go bar in Summer of 2013.
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| Closed Summer of 2012 |
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| Renovations Winter of 2014 |
Centre Hotel & Bar, (''Defunct Bar'') Located at the corner of Carr and Center Ave, it is neither a hotel nor a bar. It currently serves as a liquor store but there is a restored bar in the back that goes unused. The sole purpose of the rebuilt bar was to allow the owners to sell liquor later than most other stores. It is one of the oldest bars in town still standing. Also known as the "Wonder Bar", "Kaufmann's" and "Carr Ave. Liquors". Looted during Hurricane Sandy, owners closed up shop and left town. Current status unknown.
Flynn's Shamrock Bar, (''Defunct Bar'') on the corner of Highland & Beachway Ave., on the site of the current water park. Also known as the "Shamrock Bar", "Rosie O'Grady's" and "Sweet Georgia Brown's". They also rented rooms above the bar and featured live music. The infamous Terry Alden allegedly planned an botched armored car robbery from this bar in the 1970''s.
Lefty's Bar, ("Defunct Bar") on Beachway under the Bowling alley, next door to the Alibi Bar (Miami Club) and across the street from the Shamrock Bar. Also known as "Casey's Bar".
Nickel Beer Johnie's Bar, ("Defunct Bar") Located on the corner of Seeley and Carr Ave, served the cheapest beer in town, undercutting the competition (10 cents beers) by a nickel. Later, exploded in fire due to an unknown cause.
Oldtimer's Bar, ("Defunct Bar") on Beachway Ave. next to the Casino Theater. Also known as The "Surf Lounge" and "Moran's Landing".
Karl's Beachway Tavern, (''Defunct Bar'') Located at the corner of Beachway and Raritan, next to the Holland House Hotel, on the same site as the Stockhouse and the Stadium. Karl's is pictured below, adjacent to the East View Hotel on Raritan Ave. You can see the sign for the Beachway Tavern (Stockhouse) as well in the corner of the photo.
Presto Lunch & Bar, (''Defunct Bar'') Located at 11 Carr Ave, it was also known as "Daily's Bar". Half bar in the back and half luncheonette in the front. The bar was once a hangout for local cab drivers but a new owner chased them away because he said they were hurting his business. He subsequently lost all of his business before closing allegedly.
Deluxe Bar & Grille, ("Definct Bar") Located at 58 Carr Ave., right next door to Appljack's. Operated by the Keelen family they served tomato pies & Italian food. (Pictured below along with the Essex House in background after Hurricane Carol 1953) The building has been home to several pizzerias including Dolce and Brooklyn Pizza pictured below. Currently, home to Tutto Bene Italian Restaurant & Caterers.
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| Home of Tutto Bene Italian Restaurant in 2014 |
Seahorse Tavern, (''Defunct Bar'') Located at the foot of Ocean Ave., on Ideal Beach in East Keansburg at the intersection of the current Bayside Pkwy.
Comadora Bar, ("Defunct Bar") Located down the block from the Seahorse Tavern, on the corner of Hudson and Bayside Parkway. Today both sites and most of the block, are newly constructed homes.
Duffy's Irish House, (''Defunct Bar'') Popular bar located on the site of the current Tonya Keller Community Center & Youth Recreation Hall at the corner of Port Monmouth Rd and Bray Ave near Ideal Beach in East Keansburg.
Murphy's Tavern, (''Defunct Bar'') Located on the current site of St. Catherine's Church Rectory on Bray Ave. in East Keansburg. The ground had to be sanctified twice to remove past sins after demolition, allegedly.
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| Home of St Catherine Thrift Shop and Rectory 2014 |
Ideal Bar, (''Defunct Bar'') Located in-between Atlantic and Ocean Ave. on Port Monmouth Rd., across the street from the old Tom's Citgo station in East Keansburg. Kids would hang out at the Sugar Bowl luncheonette (run by Viola Lacey as the Bonnie Bee) next door while their parent's had a beverage at the bar.
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| Residential Apartments 2014 |
Meadowview Inn, ("Defunct Bar") Located next to the current site of the NY Waterways Ferry Service on Main St in Belford. This rough bar was a favorite spot for local fishermen and crickers (slang for those who live in the creek).
Known for allegedly serving underage patrons, although I could attest to that. Infamous, for the body of a drug overdose found rolled up into a carpet and left in the creek nearby, allegedly. The building was torn down in the late 1990's but only an empty lot remains.
Charlie's Place, ("Defunct Bar") Affordable family restaurant & bar located on Main St. in Belford. Originally known as "Langford's". Ironically, the building was damaged by fire in the early 1990's but now serves as the site of the Belford Fire Department. The family sold the property after rebuilding, due to illness and retired.
Buck Smith's Bar, ("Defunct Bar") Bar, liquor store and banquet facility located on the corner of Thompson and Palmer Ave. in East Keansburg. Currently home to Jacques Catering and the bar is only open to private parties.
Eimoki Bar, ("Defunct Bar") Bar and banquet facility on the corner of Colman St. and Palmer Ave. in East Keansburg. The odd name was derived from the first few letters of the owners name: Eileen & Moe Ki****. Currently the home of Amato Karate Studios.
HOTELS, INNS & BOARDING HOUSES: At one point Keansburg was home to more than 25 hotels and Inns. Some hotels doubled as restaurants and taverns (see Berkshire Hotel and Raritan Hotel).
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| Eastview, Holland House, Sea View and White House Hotel on Beachway Ave. |
Holland House Hotel: Located near the corner of Bellview and Beachway, a few doors down from the Beachway Tavern on Raritan. The hotel was owned by the Melavenda family from New brunswick.
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| Holland House and Sea View House Hotels. |
White House: Located on the corner of Beachway and Seaview Ave., the building burnt down in the 1980's and was demolished.
East View Hotel: Located on the corner of Beachway and Raritan with Carl's Tavern adjacent to the hotel on Raritan Ave. You can also see the Holland House Hotel in the picture below.
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| East View Hotel and Holland House. |
Willow Wood Inn: Located off Seeley Ave, in-between Pineview and Bayview. Also known as the "Willow-Wood Cottage". The building burnt down in 1977.
Seaview House: Located on Fairview Avenue near the boardwalk. Currently the home of Grandview Apartments, subsidized housing project.
Sea Breeze Cottage: Located on the corner of Grandview (eliminated in Urban Renewal program) and Beachway Ave. Currently the home of Grandview Apartments, subsidized housing project.
Grube Cottage: Located on Prospect Place, opposite the boat landing. Possibly located at Morris Pavillion as no record of a Prospect Place could be found.
Hollywood Hotel: Located at the corner of Carr and Centre Ave. Currently the home of Grandview Apartments, subsidized housing project.
The Imperial Hotel: Located at the corner of Green Grove Place and Highland Ave.
College Inn: Located on Seabreeze Way, in-between Carr and Highland Ave. There was a popular bar on the ground floor of the hotel.
The Saint Charles Hotel: Located on Maplewood Ave., in the Keansburg Heights Section.
Granville House: Located on Carr Ave, whose title was derived from the town's original name. Originally, there was a granary (grist mill) just outside of town near the intersection of Palmer Avenue and Middle Road. Currently, the site of Grandview Apartments.
Essex Building Hotel: Located on Raritan Ave, in-between Seabreeze and Center Ave. Shown above in the back distance of the photo (white building) from one of the many hurricanes the town has weathered. The site is currently home to some condominiums. The building in front of the photo is still standing and has been home to several pizza parlors.
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| Condominiums on Raritan Ave. |
Viking House: Still in operation near the corner of Maple & Main Street as a boarding house. The building was completely renovated in the late 1990's.
Bayside House: Location unknown, near the bay?
Belleview House: Still in operation as Beverly Hills Manor boarding house, located on Oceanview Ave.
Belvedere Hotel: Still in operation as a boarding house, located at the corner of Laurel Ave., and Charles St.
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| Winter 2014 |
Porter Building Hotel: Located on the corner of West Shore and Carr Ave., still standing on the current site of Papa Lou's Laundromat, formally Dom's Laundromat. The gambrel style was replaced with a standard gable roof, omitting the third floor of the building. This may have been done to avoid costly upgrades necessary to a three storey building but not applicable to a two storey structure.
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| Porter Building with a gable roof replacing the original gambrel style. |
Atlantic Hotel: Located on Beachway Ave. near Belvedere Beach. Pictured on far right of photo below.
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| The Atlantic Hotel in the 1980s |
New Point Comfort Hotel: Located at the west end of Beachway, it was one of the first upscale hotels in the area. Adjacent to the the Dance Hall Auditorium and Crystal Ballroom, it was destroyed by fire in 1917.
Majestic Hotel: Located on Carr Ave and the South side of Jahn Street, across from Camp Jahn. The building was razed many years ago for a new home.
Mahler Hotel: Currently on the site of the Laurel Bay rest home, located at the corner of Laurel and Maplewood Ave., near Belvedere Beach and the Belvedere Amusement Park. Reuben Mahler of Perth Amboy built the original structure in 1916 for $25,000. The two story building was designed by architects Goldberger & Greison.
The original structure burnt down in the 1980's after being converted to a rest home for the elderly. Also, known as the "Empress Hotel" and the "Marlin Hotel" before it became a rest home in the early 1970's. Part of the original structure of Huddie's Bar can be seen to the far right of the picture.
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| Hotel Mahler and Huddie's Bar from Waackaack Creek |
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| A 1917 Ad for the Mahler Hotel in a Brooklyn newspaper. |
Meadow Brook Hotel: Located on Creek Road and Seeley Avenue.
Melrose Hotel: Originally operated by Mrs. L.N. McKevitt, the hotel is located on the corner of Highland Avenue and Boulevard. The building still stands as a private residence, divided into apartments owned by the Pigott family.
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| Summer of 2013 |
Delaware Hotel: Located on Carr Ave. near the site of the Deluxe Bar & Grille. The picture below is from a Hurricane Carol of 1953. You can see the signage for the Wagon Wheel Bar in the distance.
Highland Hotel: Located on 14 Highland Blvd behind the site of the former Kumasaka's Store (original Happy Garden Chinese). The building was converted to separate apartments in the 1970's. Allegedly, the owner's son had returned from Vietnam and thought apartments would be more profitable and less of a headache then a hotel.
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| Summer 2013 |
Camp Raritan: a two story building with a roof that rented semi-outdoor rooms on Beachway across from the New Point Comfort Hotel, on the current site of the Water Park and Boardwalk. The building was razed in the 1990's. Pictured in the upper right hand potion of the photo below.
Camp Jahn: An open air encampment of bungalows, tents and a beer hall for German athletes & outdoorsmen. The camp was several acres, all surrounded by a wall. The area encompassed Jahn St. to Center Ave. and Walters St. to Carr Ave. Also known as "Camp Victor". Camp Jahn was a private club that became a German community unto itself. The camp was a town within a town and it really deserves a dedicated article (some day).
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| Camp Jahn Entrance |
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| Dancing Pavillion and Beer Hall |
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| Tents and Dancing Pavillion |
THEATERS, MUSIC HALLS & MEETING HOUSES: Keansburg had a number of dance halls and theaters throughout its history.
Tanner’s Landing, Located at the foot of "Tanner's Landing Road" (Main Street), the landing was the principal port throughout the 1700’s and still in use as late as 1820. Although it was never actually a public house, the store was a favorite hangout for fisherman in the area and doubled as a meeting house.
Later, the site was known as Morris Beach, home of Camp E-Z, Morris Park and Bayside Grove. Although there is no public marker, the raised boardwalk, at the turn of Main Street into Beachway Ave, is the area in question. Beachway Avenue originally stopped at Pineview at the foot of Sheehan's Big House & Bungalows. (This detail can be seen in Keansburg Maps & Legends)
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| Tanner's Landing in 1906 |
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| Tanner's Landing, empty except for a raised boardwalk featured at either end of Beachway Avenue. |
Casino Theater, Also known as the Colonial Theater. The structure Burned down in the 1980’s and was located near the corner of Carr Ave and Beachway. This theater had no heating plant, and operated in Summer only, on the beachfront.
During its final season, management tried allegedly tried a "porno policy" that didn’t work, and the theater closed permanently in the late 1980’s. It had a brief run as "Midway Arcade" a summer pool hall and arcade before it burned down, on the current site of a three story condominium. The arcade featured many older machines which would be considered antiques today.
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| Home of Point Comfort Condominiums 2014 |
Fowler Theater, Located at 161 Ramsey Avenue. Listed in the 1941 to 1951 FDY’s, this theater served as VFW Post 1953 for many years until it was taken over by a christian youth organization in 2002. From October 2002 to 2007 it was run by the Jesus Fellowship Revival Church.
The building was vacant from 2007 forward and was fenced off to protect it from vandals as the building deteriorated. The building was demolished in the summer of 2012, for more condo's or possibly part of the new grammar school development to replace Frances Place School, which was torn down a few months later.
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| Home to a VFW Post until the turn of this century |
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| Home to the temporary grammar school Winter 2014 |
Point Comfort Bijou Theater, Located on Carr Ave, this wood structure was still standing in 1908 next to a store of the same name. The theater had wooden benches and showed mostly silent films in its operation (pictured below).
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| Carousel Restaurant (to the right) and Bijou Motion Picture Theater (on the left) |
New Point Comfort Auditorium, Located adjacent to the New Point Comfort Hotel. Built in 1915, it burned along with several other structures in fires in the 1980's (pictured during construction above and the view from the boardwalk below).
Cameo Theater: Located on the corner of Port Monmouth Rd and Main St in the former Independent Fire Company building. Also, served as Bob's Tavern and Kay & Ted's before being demolished in 2010. Currently, an empty lot awaiting development.
Keansburg Airdrome: Located "near Carr Ave." on Bay Ave., this theater featured "Movies and Vaudeville". The Airdome can be seen adjacent to the Bijou Theater below.
Keansburg Auditorium: Movie theater and music hall on Main Street, across from Fussall's Ice Cream Parlor.
Crystal Ball Room, Dance Hall Octagonal building moved to Keansburg, originally from the Philadelphia Exposition in 1926 and burned down in the 1980’s. Also known as the Palais de Dans. The building was adjacent to the Auditorium (pictured to the left bottom) but conflicting reports say it was erected in 1917. The Crystal Ballroom was a premier venue for jazz music for many years. (Both the Crystal Ballroom and the Auditorium can be seen in the postcard below.)
Beacon Beach Club, Located at the intersection of Beacon Blvd and Bayside Parkway. This building served as a meeting place for the private resort community before it was into incorporated into the borough. The building burnt down in the 70's. Often confused with Lighthouse Beach Club as both were located on either side of Gilligan's Alley Beach. However, Beacon Beach Club burnt down many years before the Lighthouse Beach Club.
Belvedere Beach Club, Located at the foot of Laurel Ave at the intersection of Beachway on the bay. The site of a beach club and a separate amusement park destroyed by storms in the 50's.
Lighthouse Beach Club, Located on Shore Blvd, in between Beaconlight Ave. and Orchard Street, this beach club had a bar and lounge on the bay. This bar was built on the site of the old Point Comfort Lighthouse in the late 1960’s. Closed in the the 1980's and burned by fire before it could re-open, on the current site of condominium complex (pictured above in the bar section)
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| Home to Bayside Gardens Condominiums |
Crystal Pool Club, Located on Beachway Ave., on the current site of the Runaway Rapids water park. The pool was constructed in 1928, it pumped & filtered salt water from the bay and was lit by lights above & below the water. The pool was open and continued in use throughout the 1980's.
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| Pole sitter in distance. |
