Summer Shore Series 2017: Favorite Happy Hours Cont’d

When you’re on the Jersey shore this summer, what better places to eat than the shore itself? With outdoor seating, views of the ocean and some spots literally on the beach, Monmouth County’s food and drink scene makes the most of the seaside.

While this list is by no means an exhaustive compilation of all the wonderful cafes, bars and restaurants in the area, these are my personal favorite recommendations where you have the option to sit outdoors and enjoy great happy hour specials to suit any budget. Besides, their convenient coastal locations mean you can conclude your beach day with awesome local food, drink and shore sights and sounds.

For Part 1 on this series, click HERE

Happy Hours Continued

Kim Marie’s Eat and Drink Away
1411 Kingsley St, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
(732) 774-6666
Happy Hour M-F 11am-7pm – $5 Sandwiches and Appetizers – $2 Miller Lite Drafts, $4 Sangria and House Wine
Kim Marie’s has a welcoming community atmosphere. If you sit at the bar, pieces of rich NJ shore history are quite literally all around you in the form of old photographs and relics inside the bar top itself. Located within walking distance to the boardwalk and all the attractions of Asbury Park, this is an essential stop for satisfying food. Their happy hour menu includes an impressive menu of $5 sandwiches and appetizers, including their mind-blowing Irish egg rolls.

The Bar Room + Kitchen
100 Norwood Ave, Deal NJ 07723
732-686-1295
My first visit to the Bar Room was pleasantly surprising. Like many of the other entries on this list, it’s near the beach, but has a very special, intimate “neighborhood diner” vibe. Their menu is unique and enticing, and blows the idea of “pub grub” out of the water.  If you want a friendly place for a bite that’s different than the popular hotspots in the best of ways, look no further than this quiet little gem.

The Rum Runner
816 Ocean Ave, Sea Bright, NJ 07760
(732) 842-2894
Happy Hour: M-F 4-7pm – Special menu, $4 Coors Light Draft, $5 House Wine, $6 House Martinis and Well Drinks. 1/2 priced Rum Runners
The beautiful Rum Runner has an incredible riverfront location, situated amongst beach clubs and close to Sandy Hook National Park. They serve top-notch gourmet eats and their happy hour specials menu is no exception. My favorite picks are the grilled swordfish skewers and irresistible Angus beef sliders. Be sure to try their signature cocktail, the Rum Runner: it’s absolutely bananas.

Porta
911 Kingsley St, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-776-7661
Happy Hour: M-F 12-6pm – Rotating Daily Specials
Porta is described as an “authentic Neapolitan” pizza place, and as such are deservedly known for their excellent wood-fired pizza. But despite all the offerings of their fresh, dynamic menu, I find it difficult to resist the crispy-yet-tender perfection of the Pan-Roasted Day Boat Octopus. There’s also a large outdoor seating area with picnic tables—a perfect spot to enjoy one (or two) of their epic signature cocktails. There is also a location in Jersey City.

Donovan’s Reef
1171 Ocean Ave, Sea Bright, NJ 07760
Happy Hour: M-F 3-6pm – $3 Domestic Drafts/Cans – $5 Well Drinks
Named for the 1963 John Wayne film with a long history to match, Donovan’s reopened bigger and better than in May 2017. Hurricane Sandy tried, but could not put out the spirit of this favorite local hangout. The newly-designed bar features broad ocean vistas and larger outdoor deck area. Donovan’s currently accepts cash only and remains beloved for its live music, friendly service, and an actual beach! Information about its beach can be found on the FAQ section of their website.

Writer: Heidi Chaya

Heidi Chaya lives near the Jersey Shore in Monmouth County. She has started a “Summer Shore Series” highlighting her favorite places in the Jersey Shore area during the Summer.