Taverns where drinking takes precedence over food, if there even is any. Some are nice places with clean bathrooms while others have questionable sanitation. Quite a few are known for their food on a limited menu with tiny kitchens. All of them function as working class watering holes during the day while some have a younger crowd at night.
Liquor store bars make up a good deal of the list as they seem to have become the workhorse of the modern dive bar. There are quite a few I know only by reputation and bar stories. Let me know what I've missed or if you have some salient detail to add to yer favorite liquor fountain.
Regardless, please don't write and tell me that your establishment is not a dive bar. If you let me drink there then...
“I'd never belong to any club that would have me for a member.” ~ Groucho Marx
We look for any of the following dive criteria:
- Dim lighting
- Cheap drinks
- Drink chips
- Fairly disgusting bathroom
- Poor sanitation
- Dysfunctional beer taps
- Abandoned kitchen
- Billiards
- Evidence of gambling
- CD jukebox
- Broken appliances
- Shuffleboard and bar sports
- Worn bartop and stools
- Table tops with integral games
- Pen for smokers
- Phone booth
- Cigarette machine
- Plastic shot glasses
- Plastic ice cooler
- Residential pet
- Pickled snacks
- Painted concrete floor
- Screen doors
- Prominent graffiti
- Package goods
- Located in a questionable area
“According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the colloquial use of the word dive to describe a “drinking den” or “other disreputable place of resort” comes from the fact that these types of establishments were originally housed in cellars or basements, into which “frequenters may 'dive' without observation.”
Acapulco Tropicana Bar & Grill (South River)
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Ace's Bar aka Parlin Bar & Liquors (Sayreville)
Bright with a white and blue interior. Tiny, 3 seater bar with a Corian top and a brass foot rail. Stools are modern barber style, adjustable with foot rings. Shots, bottle beer and highballs. If yer nice that might put the tv on for ya. Open 10AM to 10PM. Closed for a "bathroom break" when I tried to visit at noon, on a Saturday.
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| Zoom in to see the note. |
Ader's Tavern (Union Beach)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. Good food, try the stuffed pepper soup if Allen felt like making it. I'm told his name isn't Allen but that what I've always called him. There are rumors he retired, he was a good cook. I'll buy you a beer if you can make the owner smile.
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| Bruna |
Airport Bar & Liquors (Hazlet)
Strip mall bar, popular with folks who like to do their laundry next door and wait for their doctors' appointments or grumble about the DMV. There is no airport, well not for 50 years now. Historic photos in the Perkins next door.
Terrazzo bartop with wooden foot rail. Three taps that sometimes work. Bare bones liquor store, take what you can get here. Closes early, every day that they're open, which ain't often. I guess they make their money on the daylight drinkers. Two Widdy boards and an MP3 juke. Follow the labyrinthe hallway to the bathrooms.
Here is their 4 day schedule:
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| Original stools and stained bar face. |
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| New stools, same bar with black facing. |
Ale House Tavern & Tap (South Amboy)
I've not yet been throw out of here. (No Info at this time)
Ale ’N Wich (New Brunswick)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. Foosball hustlers will work you for drinks. This is the last of the bars I remember from the 90's. DevCo demolished the rest to build parking decks. #5 on NJ.com's Best Dive Bars list.
Fairly disgusting bathroom. Devoid of natural light. Always a close second to McCormick's, we would often get lost walking from one to the other.
Al's Airport Inn (Ewing)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. This bar is #9 on NJ.com's Best Dive Bars list. Newly renovated, was more of a dive when I knew it.
Andy's Shore Bar aka No Name Bar (Highlands)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. Missing a sign for many years til recently. The CD jukebox features rock from the 60's and 70's. I hate MP3 jukeboxes. Some sort of limited liquor store in front area. Floor is painted concrete.
One evening, I walked into Andy's as my friends yelled behind me. One quickly followed me in and tried to drag me out. I told them three times, the bar has no sign. Yeah, so? "This is the bar." They looked around puzzled and quietly sat down.
Antini's Bar & Liquor (Old Bridge)
Bright, wide marble topped bar. Stools are metal backed with cushioned seats. Footrail is polished stainless steel. Electronic darts and Mp3 juke. Six beers taps but a fair selection of macro bottles. Friendly bartender despite some political banter from the patrons.
Clean single seat bathrooms. Cool kids use the side entrance. No food when I was there but I did see a hot dog roller and a microwave. I imagine there are some snacks available. Plenty of parking but watch out for pizza delivery guys whipping around the building.
Applejacks II (Keansburg)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. Proudly known as the rudest bar in town. Renovated before and after every hurricane. Decent food but a rough crowd. Watch yourself in the parking lot. Evidence of billiards. Outside pen for smokers. You can use MP3 jukebox app to start a riot here by playing orchestral music remotely.
AV Wood Bar & Liquors (Avenel)
I've not yet been throw out of here. (No Info at this time)
Bachstadt's Tavern aka Carl's (East Keansburg)
Closed while the owner wrangles with some estate issues, allegedly. Shuffleboard and a phone booth in a place where time stood still. Oh, I may have been thrown out of here once before. No visible signage. Large backroom for family events, that mostly served as storage for the owner.
Another bayshore landmark, soon to become condos. Fairly disgusting bathroom. Taps didn't work and beer was served out of plastic coolers. Renovated before it closed. Pen for smokers. Cornhole and horseshoes outside. MP3 jukebox. Sand bucket for smokers.
Dive Bar Gold Cup: No sign, dysfunctional taps, abandoned kitchen, fairly disgusting bathrooms, phonebooth, cigarette machine, shuffleboard and a distinct bar smell.
Baker's American Bar & Grille (Monroe)
I've not yet been throw out of here. (No Info at this time)
The Bar Room and Kitchen (Deal)
I've not yet been throw out of here. (No Info at this time)
Bello's Sports Pub (Parlin)
Bill's Olde Tavern (Mercerville)
I've not yet been throw out of here. Historic tavern was established as Mercerville Roadhouse in the late 1890's. Operated as Bill's since the 1970's. Extensively renovated in 2015 to maintain the 18th century appeal. Craft selection of 50 beers, placing them third for tap selection. Wild game menu is available and often paired with featured ales.
THE MERCERVILLE ROADHOUSE
Black Betty Saloon (South Amboy)
I know what yer gonna say, this is a GO-GO bar and not a dive bar. They're all a lil dive-y but I felt ill at ease here, not for the faint of heart. Fairly disgusting bathroom.
Bliz's Tavern (Hamilton)
Blue Moon (South Amboy)
Friendly, upscale blues bar with a small courtyard & outside dining. Good BBQ on weekends but no fryer. Kitchen is slow when busy, I once ordered wings and they took a literal hour. Everything is baked or grilled. Most plates come with macaroni or potato salad. Sushi is next door if you want a quick meal.
Open WED - SUN 4PM. Live music most weekends. Chuck Lambert hosts an open mic, Blues Jam every Thursday with a strong following. Fun show if you don't mind 15 versions of Lil Red Rooster and Mannish Boy. Nice old style wood bar with Irish tavern store cabinets.
Boyle's Tavern aka Pete's (Monmouth Beach)
Bond Street Bar (Asbury Park)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. No sign jus a picture of an eyeball. Sierra Nevada always on tap, none of the taps change. The music sounds like my iPod, 80's and 90's punk rock. Decent food from a simple menu.
Look for the secret exit, it's not really an exit tho. Definitely deserves it's position as #2 on NJ.com's Best Dive Bars list. Fairly disgusting bathroom. Outside pen for smokers.
Brass Monkey (Sayreville)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. Good food and bartender double times as the cook. I'm told the owner's wife (Sheri) will cook, tend bar and play pool at the same time. Bartenders seem to do all of this effortlessly. Barkeeper will ask your name if they don't recognize you and are quite attentive. Owner seems a bit grumpy but don't they all?
Great 9 oz burgers, turkey and beef on Kaiser rolls. They also have a 47 ounce ribeye on the bone for $47, do you need to know more? Rotating dinner specials are all quite good but have limited availability. Bar top is lacquered wood with a brass foot rail. Stools are cushioned plywood backed but a bit too flexible for comfort. Still, I found the wobbler even tho they all seemed to flex.
Two pool tables with an active league. Mp3 juke and Quick Draw kino. There is a Widdy board but it is located over the two booths so I imagine they frown on efforts to play. Outside area not for smokers, they go out back, where the dumpsters are. Stump tables for al fresco dining. All the cool kids use the back entrance.
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| Side Door |
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| A Brass Monkey |
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| Jackie |
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| Monkey coaster |
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| Smoking Section |
Brick House aka Ted's, aka Wally's (Sayreville)
Another old bar soon to close at the end of January 2023. Owners will retain the property and lease it to a Colombian steakhouse. Functioned as a GO-GO bar briefly in the 1970's. Evidence of billiards.
Broadway Bar (Trenton)
I've not yet been throw out of here. (No Info at this time)
Brunswick Grove Tavern (East Brunswick)
Buteco Sports Bar (Long Branch)
Buy Rite Liquors Lounge aka Bilow's (Neptune City)
Buzz Bar & Grill (Trenton)
I've not yet been throw out of here. (No Info at this time)
Cassville Tavern Bar (Jackson)
Originally opened in 1850 as the local post office. The village of Cassville was named after General Lewis Cass, a veteran of the War of 1812. He was defeated by Zachary Taylor in the US Presidential Election of 1848. The area was registered as an Historic Place in 1982.
The building has been run as a tavern by the Fariello family since 1972. This historic tavern is temporarily closed. New owners plan to re-open as a tavern, following renovations. New parking lot will be cleared in the back.
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| Cassville Post Office and Meeting House |
LEGENDARY NEW JERSEY TAVERN IS CLOSING
Celtic Cottage Pub (Long Branch)
Cozy dark bar with rough hewn wood walls and Irish county pennants hanging from the ceiling. Dimly lit despite the presence of windows. Bar is half U shaped with formica top. Gas fireplace and hearth has a folksy appeal. Second bar and outside dining in warmer months. Parking can be an issue, as it sits on a busy side street. There is a lot out back I'm told but we couldn't find it. We did see quite a few tow signs, so I suspect there are parking wars afoot.
Bartender doubles as cook on weekdays. Typical fried bar fare for food. There is no Murphy's Stout here despite what the mural outside says. I'm not angry, I'm just disappointed. Phone booth but no phone, you better page your bookie. Someone should take a video game or photo booth camera and retrofit one. Seems like wasted space, maybe a small ATM?
The Chill Room aka Uptown Tavern (Keyport)
Two bars and an outside deck area, with a good view facing the marina. Bands most weekends during Summer months.The place was mostly empty whenever I would visit. Always seemed a bit too big for the crowd it attracted. Nothing says classy like a keg urinal. Who keeps making these?
Re-opened Chill in February of 2023, part of the Merla Empire. They have a hand in Old Gory and McDonagh's up the street. I tend to avoid bars with this sorta color scheme, looks more like an ice cream parlor than a bar. Very bright decor with 30 plus tv's, all over the place. There's even a few in the dance floor. There's an equal amount of small fans hanging from the ceiling.
They did hire a number of good, veteran bartenders from the area so here's hoping it's better than the awkward design suggests. MP3 juke box was off but present. Six taps were not working during my visit. Food appears to come from other Chill restaurant, two doors down. Outlets for phones and hooks for ladies pocketbooks. No online presence.
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Chill Food & Booze |
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| Uptown Tavern |
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| Old bar at Uptown |
Colts Neck Pub (Colts Neck)
New Roadhouse style tavern opened in January of 2023. You can still smell polyurethane in the air while they grade the parking lot. Mostly older, senior crowd during the day. Happy Hour is 4 - 6 PM but only covers beer.
Outlets for charging under bar and pocketbook hooks for the ladies. Bar is made of polished stone while the foot rail is 2" carbon steel. MP3 jukebox blaring country music, blech. Irish coffee is made with Tullamore Dew. There is food but we didn't eat. Menu was basic bar fare, kinda plain for the area. Secret apartment in the far back corner. Ask if you can spend the night.
The Court Jester (Freehold)
Favorite watering hole of lawyers and unlucky jurors. Original location, open since 1977 in the 149 year old Stewart Brown building.
The Court Jester (Aberdeen)
Satellite location opened in 1995, in a strip mall. I'm told some people come here for the salad bar but I guess Covid killed that. Quite a bit more elbow room than Freehold. Walls are lined with bookshelves, makes it look like a library gone bad. Square bar with a cherry veneer top and oak molding. Pocketbook hooks for the ladies.
Circuitous route to the bathroom, if you reach the antique barber's chair you made a wrong turn. Sewer smell from the floor trap in Mens. Country music on a loop makes me want to stick a pencil in my ear. I'm told it's an MP3 Juke but I couldn't find it and they're usually too high to kick. 17 taps (mostly craft) and a $25 T bone on Thursdays.
Covello's Liquor & Bar (South Amboy)
Newly renovated with outdoor seating for the smokers. Careless driver recently plowed through wall from the hwy on NYE. Bartender doubles at the register on slow days. Cozy bar with dark cherry veneer and a brushed chrome foot rail. Couch and Ottoman stools for lounging. The place has a hotel lobby bar vibe. Not too much traffic but friendly staff. Dark lighting for evening hours.
Crestwood Bar & Food Store (South River)
Deli food and liquor store with a small 3 seater bar. Two small cocktail tables as well but it seems like no one is encouraged to stay. The bar may be another place holder establishment. Some places maintain bar space so they may serve package goods later than regular liquor stores.
Bar top is Terrazzo with a tiled back and no foot rail. Owner seemed friendly but he was on the phone and I didn't want to bother him. There may be another bar downstairs that I missed? Canopy entrance on lower side was the lower bar which is now used for storage.
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| Lower bar |
Danny Boy's Irish Pub aka Mike's (South Amboy)
South Amboy's newest neighborhood tavern is listed as permanently closed. Formally known as Mike's Tavern. Evidence of billiards. Package goods available. Evidence of gambling. Karaoke Fridays. Happy Hour 3 -7 PM. Allegedly, owned by Club 35 family and raided on the same day. Middlesex County Prosecutor seized all assets related to prostitution charges in Summer of 2022.
D'Arcy's Tavern (Bradley Beach)
Originally a blacksmith shop and inn before turning into a tavern with the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. I may have been thrown out of here, several times. This bar is proudly #14 on NJ.com's Best Dive Bars list. I really like this place, wish it was closer to home. We used to find it by the giant satellite dish they had outside. I once tried to kiss a girl who worked here. She was so horrified she ran into the street. "Nooo..." Good times.
Recently renovated before Covid. Bar top is lacquered plywood with a knotty pine fascia and walls. No foot rail but the floor is burnished (scorched) plywood. Stools are metal frame backed with cushion seats. Open 11AM to 2AM. Package goods available. Allegedly, there's a prison style two seater bathroom, sans privacy screen.
Evidence of billiards and electronic darts. Unused fireplace and hearth. They should should throw the Mp3 juke in the fire. Outside pen for smokers & dining al fresco. I'm told they have better food. I've seen the new menu and it looks like standard bar fare with a few salads thrown in to confuse you. Still, I miss it so...
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| Old style menu 2014 |
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| Old bar before renovation |
Dory's Diamond Bar (Trenton)
This is an interesting part of town. Yelpers say “The worst place in Trenton...” and “High crime area”. Who wants to let me know?
Double Dyme Tavern (South Amboy)
Located near the Hole in the Wall in the Mechanicsville section, on the site of the former Deluxe Lunch & Deli. The owner declared on their website she is "...striving for Double Dyme to be known as a neighborhood dive bar." We'll be the judge of that but it looks good so far, except for the stools. They seem to be designed to keep people moving.
Two happy hours at "Dyme Tyme": 12 - 2 and 6 to 9 PM. $3.75 Guinness pints and $1 off domestics. Taps rotate seasonally, charcuterie is a selection of prosciutto and hard meats. Rustic interior with slate blue exterior. Bar rail made of carbon steel. Outside pen for smokers. Another dreaded MP3 jukebox.
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| Michelle |
Dowling's aka Jakeabobs (Union Beach)
Imperial pints of Guinness with an engaging staff. They have trivia and bingo nights every week. Odd décor, someone thought it was a good idea to nail pallets to the ceiling? Another location in Roselle Park.
Driftwood Liquors & Bar (Highlands)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. Should be the called the Highlands town center, everyone goes here eventually. Luncheonette on the side that always seems to change hands.
The Dublin House (Red Bank)
Fun place to drink with three bars and outside dining. This majestic looking bar has the worst food. Honestly, I can't understand why they put so much effort into renovating it and nothing into the menu. Basically, over priced diner grade food.
The Guinness pints are nice, slow pour. I used to be able to get Murphy's here from the manager's stash, when he wasn't working. They have a bit of hootenanny on Sunday afternoons with local musicians. I'm told the the Irish jam session is no more. Hooks for ladies pocketbooks. Wood veneer top with weathered black wood accents. Knurled wrought iron foot rail on a tiled floor. $8 imperial pints of Guinness.
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| Megan |
Firkin Tavern (Ewing)
I've not yet been throw out of here. Evidence of billiards, darts and air hockey. A whole game room actually which is sure to attract people with kids I imagine. I never smoked but I miss the smoking section of bars. Outside deck for smokers. Two nitro taps, one for Left Hand Stout and the other, the ubiquitous Guinness.
Flat Iron Tavern (Perth Amboy)
My favorite bar in this part of the Amboys. They used to play a movie every day at lunch. We tested our foreman's patience one afternoon, when they played the Godfather. Short day, long lunch.
Franklin Corner Tavern aka The Bottom Half (Lawrenceville)
You feel a bit like you're drinking in someone's basement and that's because you are. There are fake windows to simulate light and ventilation. Jon Stewart used to frequent this bar a lot in the 90's. He grew up in Lawrenceville. Fairly disgusting bathroom. This place is a literal dive, meaning it's in a basement (hence the name).
Game Time Bar and Grill (Freehold)
This horrible place is located inside iPlayAmerica. If McDonald's opened a bar it would be like this, a hollow corporate shell with zero personality. Bar room looks like a movie set. Good luck getting a beer, these folks work at the speed of tree sap. Send your enemies here.
Garden Bar Liquors aka Sprengels (Neptune)
I'm not sure which one is the bar and which is the liquor store, maybe both? Bar is on the side behind the Gulf station. Odd they named a bar after a medical condition. I'll save ya the Google, it's an asymmetrical shoulder blade deformity. Mentioning it doesn't get you a free beer tho.
No food except for the occasional chili contest. Bar and foot rail made of plywood veneer. Pocketbook hooks for the ladies. Three Widdy boards. I didn't see a juke box but there was some shitty country music playing while I was there. Finding the Mens was a bit of a challenge. $6 mixing box Guinness. A local correspondent took photo and reported a lively, friendly crowd.
Garden State Bar aka Ryder's Lane Liquors (Milltown)
Modern liquor store bar with QR code menu system, updated regularly. Originally located at other end of the same strip mall for more than 20 years. Silver flecked Terrazzo bar top with a veneer face and tile foot rail. Nice swivel cushioned seat stools with wood backs.
This bar tries to draw an older crowd with a strict no profanity policy. They sell food but share a mall with several good restaurants. Menu was a mix of bar fare with a few Indian items. I visited on a slow afternoon. There was a fair amount of space between the bar and more than 10 high top tables. Advanced air filtration but bathroom floor trap had a slight odor.
Informative staff explained their wares to me. 17 taps, mostly craft beers are displayed on screen with abv %. Website links beer selection to Untapped app. Bar utilizes a Wineemotion dispenser for touchless automation. You can conduct your own wine tastings or sample craft pints. Quick Draw Kino and Mp3 jukebox. Bottled coke and snacks available up front. $6 Guinness but sadly a fast pour and $3 Miller lites.
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| Junior |
Gateway Bar & Liquors (Atlantic Highlands)
The sunken bar makes you feel tall with lowboy table chairs. They used to keep snacks fresh in mason jars but that was before Covid, not sure now. Pickled eggs available. Karaoke on Saturdays with occasional bands.
The one cashier should start a Ramones cover band and no I don't think that's an insult. Bathroom hidden among a maze of liquor crates. Another dreaded MP3 jukebox. Evidence of gambling.
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| Old signage |
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| Chuck Lambert rocking the holiday |
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| Pickled beet egg |
George C.'s Tavern (Trenton)
I've not yet been throw out of here. (No Info at this time)
General Saloon aka Vitelli's (Old Bridge)
Wide open space with a long copper clad bar. Looks like an old hitching post saloon with rusty tractors and wooden wagons outside, where your children can get splinters and tetanus.
Decent thin crust, bar pizza but bathrooms are ice cold. I do like this place despite the children present. Sometimes yer drink will jump when you lean on the counter. Bring your own nails or secure your beverage.
The Globe Hotel Bar (Red Bank)
Gold Star Bar (Parlin)
Corner tavern with a black flecked Corian bar top and brick facia. Metal backed stools. No foot rail but outlets under counter. Diamond Pool table and working antique foosball. League play is telecast on corner screen. Smoking porch is enclosed with a back entrance to parking lot. One Widdy dart board and a tabletop video game. I didn't see an Mp3 jukebox but I suspect there's one lurking somewhere. I wanted to play foosball but it was a pool league day.
Casadio Undici espresso machine behind bar. $2 demitasse with Cafe Bustelo. Half the bar was drinking coffee when I walked in, like an Alex Cox spaghetti western. Friendly local crowd but most were speaking Spanish if that's a concern. The internet says they have food but I didn't see anyone eating.
Four macro beers on tap, three unusual. Carlsberg lager, Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc wheat and something called Super Bock from Portugal. Hours posted on internet are definitely not accurate. I've tried to go to this bar twice, well after 1PM each time. Third time's the charm, bar was packed at 1PM on a Sunday.
G.T. 502 Bar & Lounge (Trenton)
This is an interesting part of town. (No Info at this time)
Hidden Lake Liquors and Bar (Somerset)
I've not yet been throw out of here. (No Info at this time)
Homestead Liquors and Bar (Piscataway)
I've not yet been throw out of here. (No Info at this time) Evidence of billiards.
The Hub Liquors and Bar (New Brunswick)
I've not yet been throw out of here but I've heard good things. (No Info at this time)
Ivy League Bar (Howell)
I've not yet been throw out of here but I've heard good things. (No Info at this time)
Ivy Inn (Princeton)
Ivy Tavern and Liquors aka Russo's (Hamilton)
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| https://www.ivytavern.com/ |
Jack's Goal Line Stand (Long Branch)
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| Paddy's Pub |
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| Left Side Bar |
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| Right Side Bar |
I've not yet been throw out of here but I've heard good things. Open since 1962, captain's seats and brass foot rail. Allegedly has the elusive Murphy's Stout on tap. Known for their pork roll & mustard pizza. Diagonally across the street from Bill's Olde Tavern.
Johnny Mac House of Spirits (Asbury Park)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. Eclectic bar that looks like a thrift shop gone wrong. I've heard people say this is a tourist spot but I don't care. I start every visit to AP here.
Free pizza, free omelets and (not free) skeeball, what more do you need to know? Always say yes to pizza tix and give them to one of the poor students drinking Pabst on your way out.
JFJ Liquor & Bar (Matawan)
I've not yet been throw out of here. (No Info at this time)
J R's Pub (Fords)
I've not yet been throw out of here. (No Info at this time)
Jumping Brook Spirits (Neptune)
Liquor store bar with generic signage out front in a strip mall. Easy to drive past unless you know it's in there. Female owned and operated. Wood veneer bar top with a inlaid wooden facia & foot rail. Wood backed bar stools. Back half of bar tilts at 10 degrees toward the back door.
Six taps but mostly macro domestic. Mp3 Juke on wall and Supertouch video game on counter. No other bar sports but several Tv's. All the cool kids use the back entrance and smoke by the dumpsters. No food except for special events. Several food options next door. Open 10AM to 12:30AM
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| Tilting bar |
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| Christine |
Junction Liquors & Bar (Middletown)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. They have Summer BBQ deals out back. Limited food in Winter. Tented outside pen for smokers.
Keelen's (Keansburg)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. $6 Imperial pints of Guinness and Smithwicks. 40 beers on tap that no one seems to drink. They don't seem to stock gin anymore but try a cocktail from the speed rack. They do pour heavy here.
MP3 jukebox always seems to be playing Metal. Use MP3 jukebox app to start a riot here by playing techno music remotely. Two Dynamo pool tables and a Widdy board. Electric fireplace and hearth. Devoid of natural light. Bar top is formica and foot rail is stainless steel. Package Goods. Liquor store attached with a second bar upstairs reserved for events. Find the three bears.
Elaborate drink chip system.
- White: Pony bottle
- Gray: Domestic draft events
- Red: Domestic draft or bottle
- Green: Call liquor or craft beer
- Yellow: Premium liquor
- Purple: Double well liquor
- Black: Anything
Kelly's Korner (New Brunswick)
Another great bar permanently closed. One of the few working class bars not over run by students. They made good hamburgers but I don't think anything else, even tho I've seen pictures to the contrary. Fairly disgusting bathroom.
Kennedy's Bar (Trenton)
I've not yet been throw out of here. (No Info at this time)
Lagoda's Saloon (South Amboy)
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| Ann |
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| Print ad from 1997 |
Last Call Bar aka Clarkie's (Sayreville)
Well worn bar top and stools. Formally known as Clarkies or Big Shots. Originally served as both a hotel and the local post office. Cash and carry, no tabs, no cards. I'm not sure why they have a POS system, no one seems to use it? DeWalt job box radio used to sidestep the MP3 jukebox. Microwave and popcorn available. Sadly, no hard boiled eggs. Second register to the side for lottery and other sundries.
Evidence of billiards and Widdy darts. Evidence of gambling. They have mugs and pints along with plastic shot glasses. Outside pen for smokers. Package goods available and ample parking. All the cool kids use the back entrance. Opens at 11AM on weekends for the hungover. Watching a hyped up guy, frantically work through his scratchers at the bar gave me a real Tree's Lounge vibe.
Dive Bar Trifecta: Gambling, well worn bar top and abandoned kitchen.
Liberty Tavern (Fords)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. Established in 1949, you can almost smell the history. I think all the food they offer is fried and breaded. Kitchen wall was a sheet of congealed grease above the friers, which served as a natural fly paper. I'm told they're known for their pizza burger.
Fairly disgusting bathroom. Questionable sanitation. Devoid of natural light. Ample parking. All the cool kids use the back entrance. Rumors of an imminent closure are vehemently denied by owners on social media.
Dive Bar Trifecta: Devoid of natural light, fairly disgusting bathroom and questionable sanitation.
Locals Bar and Entertainment (Manalapan)
I've not yet been throw out of here. (No Info at this time)
Mainbrook Tavern (Manalapan)
I've not yet been throw out of here. A bar located inside the Englishtown Flea Market, what could possibly go wrong? This place never seems to be open when I'm there browsing the stolen tools or gloves made in China. I'm sure there are many stories to tell tho.
Main Street Bar & Grill (Ocean)
I've not yet been throw out of here. (No Info at this time) Closed in end of 2022.
Main Tavern (Woodbridge)
I've not yet been throw out of here. (No Info at this time)
Marina Bar (Keansburg)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. Sometimes the kitchen is open. Quiet bar, everyone seems to mind themselves. Parking lot is patrolled by a family of stray cats who live in crawl space. Two pool tables. No online presence.
Cigarette machine for convenient cancer. MP3 jukebox. Well worn bartop and stools. Outside pen for smokers. On a warm day, you might meet Cigarette Man. He likes to collect your stubbs and make his own special blend. I'm not kidding.
Dive Bar Trifecta: Resident bar pets, cigarette machine and abandoned kitchen.
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Marissa  |
Marty's Place-Bar & Grill (Trenton)
I've not yet been throw out of here. (No Info at this time)
McCormick's aka Jack's (New Brunswick)
Long gone but it is my favorite bar of all time. First time I went there, some guy was smashing cake into people's faces on his birthday. I was told it was the owner. This bar had to close due to some legal entanglements in Florida, at another bar. That one didn't have liability insurance, allegedly. Tabletops had games like Monopoly & backgammon lacquered into them.
Occasional cook, Gene was featured on the Buzzkill album cover. He liked to yell at people for blocking the kitchen door. Great CD jukebox but bartenders hated Led Zep's Houses of the Holy for some reason. Whenever anyone played it, they would hit the skip button and post 75 cents on the bar without comment. We used to encourage people to play that album just to gauge their reactions. Good times.
Dive Bar Trifecta: Tabletops with integral games inlaid, Fairly disgusting bathroom & Devoid of natural light. The only thing it was missing was a bar pet, unless crackheads count?
McGuinn's Place (Lawrenceville)
A local college hang out but mostly blue collar during the day. Now they have bands and an outside deck area. This place gets nicer each time it catches fire. Three times renovated, allegedly. Fairly disgusting bathroom.
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| Patty |
McManimon's Pub (Trenton)
I've not yet been throw out of here but I've heard good things. (No Info at this time)
Middlebrook Bar & Spirits (Ocean)
Google says “Located in: Kohl's” That's probably a mistake. I've been told it's a "lil ghetto” by a friend. That just makes it sound all the more appealing. You can use MP3 jukebox app to start a riot here by playing punk rock music remotely. Google says it's "permanently closed."
Mikey's Bar and Grill (Trenton)
This is an interesting part of town. (No Info at this time)
Mill Hill Saloon (Trenton)
I've not yet been throw out of here but I've heard good things. This bar #31 on NJ.com's list of best dive bars. I'm not sure if that means it's the best or the worst?
Moby Dick's Restaurant Lounge (Seawaren)
It's much bigger on the inside than it looks from outside, kinda like clown car. Still, it fills up quickly with pipefitters from the refinery and fishermen from the boat launch. Outside pen for the filthy smokers. Devoid of natural light.
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| tilting bar top |
Mulligan's Bar & Restaurant (Farmingdale)
I may have been thrown out of here once before.
Munck-Ee Bar & Grill aka Tommy's (South Amboy)
Friendly bar known for their food a bit more than their drinks. Open grill bar kitchen and prep kitchen in basement. Free baked, seasoned wings on Tuesdays. Food is great, just don't order the pizza, unless you like tortilla crust. Thursday is Bingo night.
Working fireplace where they burn a cord of wood a week. Oak ceiling molding and accents. Outside pen for smokers. Bar stools are comfy captain seats. The cool kids use the side door. Tiny bathroom, my shirt touched the urinal. Another horrible MP3 jukebox. Evidence of gambling.
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| Munckee Lamp |
Murphy's (Rumson)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. Once was a speakeasy during prohibition, allegedly. This bar is #9 on NJ.com's Best Dive Bars list. A dive in Rumson? C'mon, this place is quite nice and well run. The tiny bar can be difficult to find on a residential side street. Shuffleboard and a quiet crowd.
Murphy's Bar (Long Branch)
Neighborhood bar with friendly, informative staff. No food but a fair amount of bar sports to keep you occupied, Evidence of billiards, American darts and foosball. Pool table has its own room in the solarium. Open table some nights. One of the few bars that I know of with a Tornado Foosball table. Don't mistake the red door, next door, that's a residence, despite the neon bar signs in their windows.
DJ booth for the weekends and the ever present MP3 juke box. Package goods and mugs available. Well worn formica bar top and stools. Another place with an old phone booth, but no pay phone. Don't worry, your bookie is prob belly up to this bar. Someone should take a video game or photo booth camera and retrofit it. Covered, cinder block pen for smokers. They seem to appreciate it but it definitely looks like smoker's jail or a shore town holding tank.
One Yelper claimed "The bathrooms are so filthy it looks like a cracked (sic) den. It's a great place to go to if you want to see drug deals in front of you." I don't think it's that bad and the bathrooms were fine.
My Way Cafe aka Sam's (Long Branch)
Small U shaped bar, very friendly crowd despite some right wing banter. Tile bar top with oak molding and foot rail. Almost no visible signage out front, similar to Andy's. Small painted sign on front window. I guess ya jus need to know where it is? I've driven by this place a few times. Still decorated for Christmas in February. Plastic shot glasses for chips.
MP3 juke box and two small tv's. Plenty of tables but no bar sports, just food & drink. Outside dining in back. All the cool kids use the back entrance. They have a full kitchen but no menu. I was told "Ya know, bar foodstuff". I think the menu is chalkboard style, at the whim of the cook and owner. Owner seems a bit eccentric but that's fine. Parking lot out back if you can locate the driveway. Gas fireplace and white brick hearth. No online presence.
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| Sam |
M & M Bar & Liquor Store (Trenton)
This is an interesting part of town. (No Info at this time)
New Rainbow Bar & Liquor (Perth Amboy)
I've not yet been throw out of here. (No Info at this time) Evidence of billiards.
Nic’s Hometown Tavern aka the Hiawatha (Hazlet)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. The original Hiawatha moved from Hwy 35 to Hwy 36 then it changed hands a few times. Currently home to Hey Burger, a piggyback franchise. No more Billiards. Outside pen for smokers. Another horrible MP3 jukebox.
Nip n Tuck Bar & Package Goods (Long Branch)
Female owned bar with craft beer samplers. Open grill behind P shaped bar, formica top and wood foot rail. Occasional bands, inside bar and out. They had an extensive tent city during Covid which appears to have become permanent pen for smoking. Happy Hour 3 - 6 PM. Ample parking. Package goods. All the cool kids use the back entrance.
Bartender doubles as cook. Typical bar fare for food, tho the menu makes it seem unique. No more billiards. Photobooth and Boxer punching bag game. Boxer machines are banned from many bars for causing injuries and starting fights. MP3 jukebox. Lottery machine. Drink chips. I found one glued to bar rail. Yes, I fell for it and I don't want to talk about it anymore.
Nottingham Tavern aka the Nott (Hamilton)
I've not yet been throw out of here. Historic tavern built as a hotel in 1790 on a colonial crossroad. Fully renovated in 2021 with outside dining available in the backyard patio. A bit too bright inside but nice woodwork.
They have a serious English dart league. An official Liverpool FC sanctioned soccer bar. Bands most weekends. Package goods available. Smoker's bench out front. Karaoke on Thursdays. I'm fairly certain they have a sandwich board somewhere that says "Soup of the Day: Whiskey" but I could wrong.
Renovated historic Nottingham Tavern reopens in Hamilton Square
Old Bridge Bar & Liquors (South Amboy)
Dark, semi circular bar with a glass block back and wooden rubber tiled, foot rail. Bar top is black and white 4x4 tile with metal molding. Odd end collection of stools. Try to avoid the wobbler. Four taps, one is a craft micro. Cashier doubles as bartender. Open 10AM to 9PM, sometimes later on weekends.
Olde Liberty Tavern aka Gersh's Place (Trenton)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. St Patrick's Day parade would start here, well for me it would start here. Completely renovated now, looks nice. I once fought two marauding females who tried to take over the men's room one St. Patrick's Day. Evidence of Billiards. Devoid of natural light. All the cool kids use the back entrance.
Olde Liberty Tavern Brings Back Neighborhood Feel
Olde Village Pub aka OVP (Middletown)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. One of three liquor store bars in Middletown. The other two being Portside and Junction Liquors. Green formica bar top with oak molding and wooden foot rail. Stools are wood and backed. Open 11AM to 2AM. Happy Hour 4PM to 6PM.
The prime rib special (Thursday) is a good deal but it sells out early. There must be some way to reserve a meal for regulars? I've noticed some have one waiting for them before they arrive. I once watched the owner repurpose a number ten nacho cheese can for culinary use. My chef friend was not amused.
All the cool kids use the back entrance. A long dark hallway that makes me think I'm gonna get jumped at the other end. Smokers hang by the dumpsters with the trash. Sometimes they have bands on the weekends. Shuffleboard and Widdy darts but no more pool table. Cigarette machine with intricate directions for use.
Otto's Tavern (Ocean)
Rectangle bar surrounded by high top table in the back of a strip mall. New location, bar was formerly located on Hwy 35 in Oakhurst. Your GPS may lead you to the old location like mine did. Sunday's well drink pints for $6 and $20 buckets on Thursday. Kitchen and bathrooms looked clean with up to date Serv Safe certs on the walls. Decent bar food at reasonable prices. Ketchup is doled out in lil cups.
Bartop is made of oak flooring with square tube steel foot rails. Hooks for ladies pocketbooks and outlets for phones. Widdy darts but I did see an English board high up on the wall. This might work if yer 7 feet tall. Complaint department is a door to nowhere, literally. Lots of funny signs decorate the walls. There's a string game that I'm told some people enjoy. Gender neutral bathrooms. MP3 juke and lottery machine. I wonder how many times I could play Otto by the Replacements before they unplugged the machine? There's not much shelter for smokers, bring yer umbrella.
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| Otto's new location |
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| Old location on Hwy 35 |
Parkside Tavern aka Sloppys (Jamesburg)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. This seminal place was great but but closed for good in 2019 after 80 years of service. They had great food specials in the back and a small bar in the front. Owners did not enjoy being called Mr and Mrs Sloppy. All the cool kids used the back entrance.
Pat's Pub Inc (Sayreville)
Small, dark bar with a square, angled formica top and concrete foot rail. The side entrance is your only option as front door is blocked by a washing machine and dryer. Elevated side room has a Widdy board and pool table. Big, old school MP3 jukebox with subwoofer speakers. I'm told it's censored for bad word lyrics. Antique Megatouch video game machine as well. I'm old enough to remember when both were cutting edge technology.
$3.25 domestic bottles and abandoned taps. I forgot to ask about drink chips. Peruse the small plant garden of succulents in the corner. This place has the same owner as the recently closed Roadhouse Bar & Grill on Rt 9 in South Amboy. I'm told she lost the building lease but retains that additional liquor license.
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| Ann |
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| Candace |
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| Abandoned taps |
Patrick's Pub (New Brunswick)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. Seemed pleasant enough but I spent most of my time across the street at McCormick's. We only came here for package goods when asked to leave Jack's. Bathroom is fairly disgusting. Devoid of natural light. This place is a literal dive, meaning it's in a basement.
Peter's Place (Trenton)
I've not yet been throw out of here. (No Info at this time)
Pleasure Bay Liquors and Bar (Long Branch)
This is an interesting part of town, located in a sleepy strip mall on a dead end street. Liquor store bar with curved cut hard wood bar top and tile foot rail. Bar is either too high or stools are too low. Bar facing is brick pattern Marlite, so it's just a matter of time til someone puts their foot through it. Two fold away cocktail tables are too small for anything other than drinks. A small stage for events.
No taps, only bottle beer and cocktails. Bartender doubles on the register next door. Bathroom had no discernable light fixture but easy access to the liquor cabinet. MP3 juke and lottery machine. No bar sports or entertainment beyond a few TV's. No online presence. I'm not sure how long this place will last.
This review makes me want to go back at night: "Open late, loud music, and solicitation every single weekend. It's wash, rinse, and repeat. Cops have been there almost every weekend and yet still this continually happens."
Poole Avenue Liquors & Bar (Hazlet)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. Small kitchen I'm told serves food? Empanadas made by a guy called Taco. They had a thriving tent city during Covid. There is a smoker's bench out back. All the cool kids use the back entrance. You can use MP3 jukebox app to start a riot here by playing rap music remotely. Bar and foot rail made of Terrazzo. Some call it the Applejack's of Hazlet but I thought that was Frank's?
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| Dave |
Portside Bar & Liquors (Port Monmouth)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. Located just off the Henry Hudson trail, you can ride your bike here. They bake their own roast beef fresh, every week. Half price burgers on Monday. The food is better than most of the restaurants in the area. Kitchen and bathroom are spotless. Six craft taps out of 12 but they mostly seem to be sours or fruit beers. Who picks these? $5.50 Guinness pints.
The bar is filled with fisherman who hate fish. Bar rail made of carbon steel. Pocketbook hooks (boat cleats) for the ladies. Gets way too crowded on oblong ball sport days but the game specials are nice. MP3 jukebox and lottery, but no bar sports other than a dozen tv's. All the cool kids use the back entrance. There is a smoker's bench out back. The bench in front was removed "because of kids and weirdos." This is why we can't have nice things. Now, I lean against glass while I wait for my Uber.
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| Mark |
Raise The Bar (South Amboy)
Someplaces can't decide if they want to be a bar or a club, I kinda get that feeling here. It's big and disorganized when I stopped in for a beer. I guess they mostly cater to younger crowd at night?
Blue Moon and Lagoda's is up the street, this place is a distant third even if my knee hurts. Happy Hour 3-7 PM. Website makes this place look more like a restaurant but I saw no one eating. I found nothing of interest, kinda boring. Covid killed plenty of places yet this survives.
Resto Bar at Nappy's Liquors (Keansburg)
New renovated bar restaurant aimed at an older crowd. They have bands three nights a week. Lots of natural light and bright despite blue walls. Bathrooms and shelves are spotless. High end tequila specials. They have an attentive staff but it is in a liquor store so we include it. Food is decent but not a bargain for price or quantity.
Another horrible MP3 jukebox. Some evil bastard plays 70's disco whenever I'm there. You can use MP3 jukebox app to start a riot here by playing punk rock music remotely. Marble bar top with a copper bar face and no foot rail. Electric outlets but no pocketbook hooks. Bar stools are padded and backed.
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| Anish |
Rittmans Bar & Liquor (Trenton)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. Premiere location for the St. Patrick's Day parade. I used to enjoy making rum & cokes outside on the window ledge, in front of the bartender. He would shake his fist at me but I don't think he meant it. Evidence of billiards.
The Rock Cafe aka The Blue Rock (Keyport)
I often wondered why they never painted the building blue. No idea about the name, I've never seen a rock of any kind here? Six taps of macro beers that you're probably tired of seeing. Diner grade food with table service. Decent seafood specials weekdays. Known for their french dip sandwich. Chef has excellent penmanship but you may need to read cursive menu to your millenial friends. Prices go up on weekends.
Two pool tables and three bars. Widdy dart board somewhere and cornhole on deck. Bar is made of lacquered oak with a 4x4 foot rail. Outside bar is heated in Winter. No Smoking On Deck signs are mostly disregarded. Cigarette machine for convenient cancer. Bartenders actively deodorize the bathrooms.
During Hurricane Sandy, a boat landed right in the middle of bar, requiring extensive renovations. Owner will often fill jukebox with crooners in the morning to the dismay of some early patrons. He's very generous, known for buying rounds in other establishments. I've never actually seen him here even tho I've met him in several other bars. Allegedly, lost his one eye in a knife fight. Open 11 AM to close.
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| Billy |
Rectangle lacquered wood bar with a tile foot rail. Wood backed, cushioned seats. Hooks for the ladies under bar and a usb battery for charging in the front window. Bathroom sanitation wasn't great for a restaurant but acceptable for a dive bar. Local trade unions advertise their services on the bathroom walls for some reason. Bartender was generous with her pours and seemed to know everyone. Prices were very reasonable. $6.50 Guinness and $3.50 domestics. I keep forgetting to ask about drink chips. Open 12PM to 2AM.
Buffalo wings were okay despite tasting of old grease. They will sell flats and medium hot is spot on. Bleu cheese tasted like ranch, it should be legally required to dye itself yellow to avoid these problems I'd avoid this place for meals but it's okay for snacks. General Saloon is around the corner, for much better food. This is definitely a primary drinking tavern. Mp3 juke played non stop 80's music and I wanted to put a pencil in my ear. Electronic darts. Merch available. All the cool kids use the back entrance.
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| Heather |
Sammy D's Bar, Wine & Spirits aka Dime's (Old Bridge)
One of the nicest liquor store bars I've encountered. Modern industrial styling with dark wood accents. Extremely clean, single seat bathrooms. Long dark Corian bar top with black carbon steel foot rail. Stools are metal backed with wood seats. Open area in back with tables and a dance area. Interior very similar to the Portside. No hooks or outlets.
Eight micro craft taps. All macro beer is served in bottles or cans. Guinness bottle is $5.50. Quick Draw kino and Mp3 juke. Bands most weekends. There is no food but you are in a strip mall filled with other options. Open 8AM to 11PM. Catering available for events. Website features a party planner app. Owner tends bar on busy nights. I hope to go back soon.
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| Sammy |
Sean's Pub N' Grub aka Deerfield Inn (Parlin)
Roadhouse style tavern on the top of the Parlin hills with ample parking. Formally known as the Deerfield Inn. Very friendly crowd of locals. Bartender struggled through a hangover but joked around on a Sunday. Plain unmarked (poker) drink chips. Bar stools swivel and there are charging outlets near each station. Well worn formica bar top. Free Wi-Fi.
Shrimp in the rough available along with $5 dollar Swedish meatballs. Cook offered sandwich samples to the bar. Outside smoking area in front. Two entrances but not sure why? Urinal loaded with ice like a classy joint, ahem. Unpaid tabs will be charged 15% gratuity. $7.25 Guinness is a lil on the high side and plastic shot glasses. Ubiquitous MP3 jukebox, English and American darts but no more pool. This place much like a good woman, is nicer on the inside than out.
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Scenic Liquors & Bar (Atlantic Highlands)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. Micro, sunken bar with friendly bartender owner. Soon to be demolished for condos I am told, allegedly.
Skylark Bar & Liquors (New Brunswick)
I've not yet been throw out of here. This place looks like the setting for a Bukowski novel. I can almost smell the funk from the pictures. Evidence of billiards. Evidence of gambling. Package goods. Well worn bar top and stools. Outside pen for smokers. Beer taps are unused, only bottles and cans here.
Smith's Liquor Shop & Bar aka Smitty's (Keyport)
Bar is completely separate from liquor store. Choose the door marked "BAR" for libations, there are three. Clean, gray interior, owner may be color blind? Gray wood veneer bar top with exterior plywood back bar face. Metal backed stools with a wooden foot rail on gray tile flooring. Two beer taps, Miller water or Coors water. Bud bottle is $4 and Guinness Export bottle $5 at 5.6% abv. Loaded maraschino cherry bombs but I was driving. I do ike even number pricing.
Widdy board and beer pong table. Bingo on Fridays but get there before 8PM. Mp3 juke and ultraviolet fly killer. Quick Draw kino. Cigarettes sold at bar and a sand filled bucket out front. Pizza and pretzels cooked in small toaster oven. Bathrooms were spotless. Open 8AM to 9PM, later on weekends. Apparently, this is the place if you have early morning shakes.
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| Corey |
South River Pub (South River)
Huge U shaped bar connects both sides of the building. Dark and dismal like a real dive with a distinct bar smell. Bartender was diligently cleaning the bathrooms when I walked in but that didn't seem to help. Bathrooms looked clean enough but I wouldn't eat here,even if they did have food. Open 9AM to 2AM every day. I think this is where grandpa hides during the day.
Bartop is chipped and hollow formica. Bar stools are cushion backed but have definitely seen better days. Ample parking in back and yes this is how the cool kids make their entrance. Two benches for smokers and corresponding sand filled buckets. Ice machine at end of parking lot, next to a wood pile. Front faces a busy street with a dj booth to one side. Two Widdy boards and a pool table. Mp3 juke and an empty popcorn machine.
South Stevens Pub aka Dugout Cafe (South Amboy)
Copper flecked Terrazzo bar top with a copper foot rail. Metal backed cushioned stools. Pool table, English dart board and an Mp3 juke. Brickface front with outlets for charging. DJ dance music most weekends with a young crowd. No basin water in Mens and no soda gun when I visited. However, they were installing new thermostats and doing other repairs.
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Sportsmen's Pub (Trenton)
I've not yet been throw out of here. (No Info at this time)
St. Stephen's Green Publick House (Spring Lake)
I've not yet been throw out of here. Upscale Irish bar. I'm fairly certain they have a sandwich board somewhere that says "Soup of the Day: Whiskey" but I could wrong.
Suburban Bar & Liquors (Long Branch)
Either we hit it at a bad time or this place ain't open during the day. Bar appeared to be under some alteration or at the very least it was being used for storage. Taps appeared to have been abandoned altogether. Owner was debating the price of a 40oz with a patron so we moved along. We failed to secure libations. No online presence.
A rare corner tavern in a residential neighborhood, up the street from Buchanan Park boat ramp. All the cool kids use the back entrance. Drink chips and take home growlers. 5% discount for Starland Ballroom ticket holders. $6.50 Guinness pints. $5 Jack's Abby lagers. $4 Long Island Iced Tea on Mondays. Modest craft selection, 12 taps, half are microbrews. Pitchers available. Very polite, professional bartender.
Lottery but no other bar sports. QR code menu. 50 types of wings, sauce and dry rubs. You can't order all flats but they will run a tab. $8 Smashburger Tuesdays. Outside pen for smokers. Broken L shaped bar with standing room on the end. Vintage photos inlaid bar top. Foot rail made of carbon steel. Package goods available.
Tara's Tavern (North Hanover)
I've not yet been throw out of here but I've heard good things. (No Info at this time)
Tavern On The Lake aka The Court Jester (Hightstown)
No longer part of the Court Jester empire, there is still two left in Freehold and Aberdeen. I'm not sure when it changed hands.
Teddy's Bar (South Amboy)
Historic building with a 80 year old Art Deco bar, looks like something from a 1930's movie. Tavern sits up on a hill, bar is the front part of a larger structure with apartments. You walk through a vestibule and secondary doors to get into bar with a connecting staircase for residents. Roomy saloon with a high ceiling but no bands or entertainment just shots and beers.
Bartender was eating a hard boiled egg when we arrived. Sadly, it wasn't pickled. They have a kitchen but no food. Online reviewer said there were snacks but bartender giggled no, when I asked. All sales are cash and carry, no tabs, no cards. They also have signs prohibiting vaping. This means you, hippy. Evidence of billiards. The pay phone still works, in case you need to call your bookie. The bathroom was surprisingly clean and well appointed. Someone should shoot a movie here, maybe an updated version of the Glass Key?
Dive Bar Exacta: Working pay phone and abandoned kitchen.
El Tenampa Bar (South River)
I've not yet been throw out of here but I've heard good things. (No Info at this time) The Tent was not open at 3PM on Saturday despite posted hours and a car out back. No customer parking in back. Apparently, it's part of the confusing, gravel, one way street.
Tir na nOg aka Over Billy's (Trenton)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. If yer here when they play the Irish national anthem, you best stand up. I had an Italian friend who had an unpleasant experience when he initially refused to stand. There's a jar that says Northern Aid Fund on the bar and a picture of Bobby Sands on the wall. One of the crazier places I've drank. Fairly disgusting bathroom.
Tom's Tavern (Farmingdale)
I've not yet been throw out of here. Roadhouse bar popular with motor cyclists and gearheads. They are not known for their food. Can someone let me know what Gourmet Monday is? Evidence of billiards. Package goods available. Smoker's bench out front. Well worn bar top and stools. Bathroom is fairly disgusting.
Townsquare Liquor & Bar (Matawan)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. Odd hours (2PM to 9PM) but go here for the bargain priced Long Island Iced Teas. Beer tastes fine but they always seem to have problems with the odd tap system they use.
All liquor is fed through a digital reader that rings at the register automatically. Evidence of billiards. I almost caused a riot here by playing some angry music. Patrons told me Clutch sounded like Horror movie music. I left after my 2nd LIT. More of a fueling station than a bar.
Union Plaza Liquors aka Frank's Bar (Hazlet)
Allegedly, part of the Ader's-Portside consortium. Oak flooring bar top and rubber dot foot rail. Wood backed stools and three high top tables. The only hooks are for coats by the door. Three macro domestic taps. Bud bottle is $3.75. Bathroom is gender neutral if that's a concern. Microwave for popcorn and salty snacks up front. No food but a friendly crowd. All the cool kids use the back entrance. Picnic table and two benches for smokers out back. Small canopy and sand filled planters.
No bar sports other than Quick Draw kino. You can use MP3 jukebox app to start a riot here by playing rap music remotely. Thankfully, they use a radio bypass during daylight hours. Classic rock cruise control. One guy kept buying rounds for the bar and apologizing to folks for playing "That's Amore". Seems like everytime I'm here someone buys a round, Welcome to the Yabba.
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| Caroline |
Up The Creek Tavern (Keyport)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. Completely renovated after Hurricane Sandy. Raised 15 feet with a great view of the harbor. Outside bar on back deck. Fun place to drink. There is an elevator.
People used to leave the bar at high tide, only to find their car surrounded by water, as parking lot used to flood. Evidence of billiards. Drink chips. You can use MP3 jukebox app to start a riot here by playing punk rock music remotely. Kitchen is super clean but bathroom has a sewer gas smell.
Urban Coal House Pizza + Bar (Red Bank)
Located inside the Galleria (old Eisner uniform factory), overpriced Neapolitan pizza made with wood coal (not rock coal) and a decent bar staff. Bar is made of solid marble while the foot rail is brass.
Good selection of local craft beer and great dry rub buffalo wings. Local drunks often soil the semi-public bathrooms on weekends. ½ priced craft beer Tuesdays and ½ priced sangria & meatballs on Wednesdays.
Whiskey Tango Bar & Liquors (Fords)
I've not yet been throw out of here. (No Info at this time)
Woody's Roadside Tavern (Farmingdale)
I've not yet been throw out of here. (No Info at this time)
Yorktown Bar and Liquors aka Molly's Public House (Englishtown)
Well run liquor store bar with attentive staff and modern industrial styling (think Chipotle). They have a twin sister store in the Forked River Wine & Spirits with the Thirsty Piney. 24 craft taps with only five macros, if you count Goose Island. Owner actually takes the time to map out beer varieties. $10 beer samplers. Beer menu features description of each selection with ABV. $8 Guinness pints from a mixing box is not a bargain. Craft bar with craft bar prices and some pours are reduced to 10 or 12 oz.
Package goods, growlers and crowlers. Extensive collection of craft cans sold in handy 2 packs. Food is provided by Big Bob's next door but delivered to your table. Food is on same check as liquor but with a 30% markup for delivery. If you're on a budget, take the walk two doors down and eat in your car. French dip was mediocre.
Bar top made of butcher block wood with a corrugated steel face. Foot rail made of carbon steel. Mp3 jukebox, which played mostly 90's rock when we visited. Overflow section in the wine department features barber chair style stools. We get standard metal backed wood seat stools in the bar area. Those wine people know how to live. Men's room features a slop sink and mop. Foosball tournaments on Mondays. Game nights every other Thursday. Music most weekends. Merch available.
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| Rob |
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| Extensive craft can collection |
Zachary's Bar & Restaurant (West Long Branch)
Apparently, this place has been here for years and they have a stuffed bear to prove it. Octagon bar with a crazy high (2') tiled foot rail. Your legs may go numb after a while. They have cracker crust pizza that some people love. Beer pitchers used and available. Monday, ½ priced pies and other specials draw in a lot of senior folks. Tuesday all you can eat ribs for $17.
Rt 18 Bar and Liquors (Old Bridge)
Liquor store bar permanently closed. Another Covid casualty. They had a small courtyard in front for smokers. Located in between a dentist and Halal restaurant, not a great draw for this kind of business. For Rent if you're looking to start a business on a dead, divided highway.
33's Tavern (South River)
I may have been thrown out of here once before. I drank here every week day for a month. I still have a drink chip, wonder if they'll honor it? Evidence of billiards. Devoid of natural light. You can use MP3 jukebox app to start a riot here by playing punk rock music remotely.
The 404 Bar (Sayreville)
More of a bar than a liquor store in a new, purpose built building. Established in 2016, open 11 AM to 11 PM, seven days, sometimes later. Use the side entrance. No regular food but they often have a crock pot of something on offer for patrons. Friendly local crowd.
Bar top made of Terazzo with a tile foot rail. Bar seats swivel. MP3 juke and lottery. Six beer taps that occasionally work. Evidence of billiards. Package goods available. Bench for smokers and ample parking. Domestic bottles $3.50
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| Cookie |
Resources:
10 Ways To Know a Legit Dive Bar
Dowlings and JakeaBob’s Bay are two different establishments
ReplyDeleteI'm aware. Jakeabobs lived there temporarily after Sandy
Delete