Summer Sips and Beer Goggles: A Guide to Jersey Shore Breweries
Ah, the Jersey Shore – where the sand is hot, the water is cool, and the beer is always flowing! That’s right, folks, the Jersey Shore has become a hub for breweries, each with its unique personality and flavor. So, let’s take a look at Jersey Shore breweries with a passion for craft beer and a commitment to using the highest quality ingredients.
Breweries at The Jersey Shore
- Belford Brewing Company, Belford NJ
- Carton Brewing Company, Atlantic Highlands NJ
- Little Dog Brewing Co, Neptune City NJ
- Bradley Brew Project, Bradley Beach NJ
- Garden State Beer Company, Galloway NJ
- Asbury Park Brewery, Asbury Park NJ
- Kane Brewing Company, Ocean Township NJ
- Last Wave Brewing Company, Point Pleasant NJ
- Beach Haus Brewery, Belmar NJ
- Heavy Reel Brewing Co, Seaside Heights NJ
- Backward Flag Brewing Company, Forked River NJ
- Oyster Creek Brewing Company, Waretown NJ
- Ship Bottom Brewery, BLI, Beach Haven NJ
- MudHen Brewing Company, Wildwood NJ
- Cold Spring Brewery, Cape May NJ
- Cape May Brewing Company, Cape May NJ
Belford Brewing Company
This brewery may be small, but it’s mighty in flavor and personality. Their focus is on making English, Belgian and German style beers., but what sets them apart is their dedication to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients in their beers.
But it’s not just their use of local ingredients that makes this Jersey Shore Brewery special – it’s their unique and playful beer names. Each beer is named after a place in or near Belford that has special childhood meaning to the brewers.
For example, the Honey Hudson Ale is a nod to their carefree days when they use to place pennies on the tracks and eagerly wait for the passing trains to flatten them. In the spring and summer, the path was filled with the sweet aroma of honeysuckle, and the trail is known as the “Henry Hudson Trail.” Hence the name – Honey Hudson.
Tasting Room is generally open these days:
Thursday – Friday 5PM to 8PM
Saturday 2PM to 6PM
Sunday 1PM to 5PM
Children are welcome with supervision, and dogs are also allowed as long as they are leashed.
Carton Brewing Company
Carton Brewing Company is all about experimenting with flavors and brewing techniques to create unique and exciting beers. With everything from traditional styles to experimental brews that use unusual ingredients.
Now in from @cartonbrewing pic.twitter.com/raLFsXOqcu
— Andover Classic Wine (@andoverliquors) March 12, 2020
For example, their Zkittles ingredients list contains: Lalbrew Hops: Citra, Citra Lupulin, Simcoe, Amarillo Grain: Idaho Malt, Golden Naked Oats, White Wheat, 2-Row, Carapils, Oat Malt, Flaked Oats Contains: Mango, Pineapple, Strawberry, Hemp Seed Oil.
Their Clam Jam brew contains: US-05 Hops: Green Bullet Grist: Bohemian Pilsner, Wheat, Acidulated, Flaked Barley. Contains: Clams, Lemongrass, Seafood Boil, Lemon
Their Tasting Room is open most days during the week:
Wednesday – Thursday 4PM to 8PM
Friday 4PM to 9PM
Saturday 12PM to 9PM
Sunday 12PM to 5PM
Little Dog Brewing Co.
Little Dog Brewing Company is a small, family-owned brewery. Despite its size, Little Dog produces an impressive variety of beers that are sure to satisfy any beer lover’s palate.
Driven by Gretchen Schmidhausler, Owner and Brewmaster of this brewery, they have earned quite the reputation for creating authentic, flavorful, and drinkable beers. As the first female professional craft brewer in New Jersey, she has bagged three medals at the prestigious Great American Beer Festival.
Their small-batch German and English influenced ales, lagers and special seasonal beers include:
Gesundheit! Amber – A German-style amber Ale, malty and moderately hopped.
Steinerweiss – A traditional German wheat ale; banana and clove notes.
DuckBoy Pale – An American Pale Ale dry-hopped with cascade hops.
Seafarer’s Stout – Fruity, with distinct coffee notes.
The tasting room is open on the weekends:
Friday 2PM to 7PM
Saturday 1PM to 6PM
Sunday 1PM to 4PM
The Brewery is probably the smallest of all the breweries so they do not allow dogs (except service dogs), nor do they allow outside food.
Friday: 2-7 pm
Saturday: 1-6 pm
Sunday: 1-4 pm
Bradley Brew Project
This laid back Jersey Shore Brewery is proud to offer both indoor and outdoor seating. Their aim is to offer a customer experience that’s centered around community. We take pride in their recipe development and place an emphasis on diverse fermentation processes, which allows them to produce a wide range of beer styles, products, and services.
Their Spring Break brew incorporates loads of wheat and oats for a well-rounded body that holds up against a higher ABV and substantial hop infusions. Amongst the diverse hop blends, this particular variation features a combination of Wakatu, Motueka, Azacca, and Mosaic hops, producing an explosion of intense flavors and fragrances reminiscent of tropical citrus and pungent stone fruit.
Simply named “John” after one of the residents who help build BBP, this straight forward, no thrills beer brewed with Floor Malted Bohemian Pilsner Malt, and noble Saaz hops, it presents with a crisp and clean flavor.
Unicorn Girls is crafted using Citra, Simcoe, Mosaic, and Huell Melon hops. This American Pale Ale is filled with the delightful fragrances of citrus, melon, and strawberry. A combination of oats, wheat, and milk sugar gives this beer a well-rounded body that’s easy to drink and enjoy.
The tasting room is open to families and leashed, well behaved pups
Tuesday -Thursday 4PM to 9PM
Friday – Saturday 1PM to 9PM
Sunday 1PM to 7PM
Garden State Beer Company
The brewery’s taproom is designed to create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere for visitors to enjoy their beers, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating options. In addition to their core beers, Garden State Beer Company also offers a rotating selection of seasonal and experimental brews.
Their motto is “A Beer For Everyone”. Between their 16 taps, there is enough variety that almost anyone can find a style here they’ll like. A few examples include:
Blue Jersey is a beer for hose who haven’t developed a liking for intensely hopped or intricate craft brews or for those who seek a refreshing drink. An American Wheat beer, it features a touch of blueberry flavor. that complements the smoothness of wheat malt.
The Nor’Easter East Coast IPA is a hazy IPA with 6.5% ABV. This New England style IPA has a tropical fruit hop aroma and flavor.. The full body and smooth flavor make it a perfect choice for a lazy day at the beach.
Tasting room is open 7 days of the week:
Monday – Friday 3PM to 9PM
Saturday 12PM to 9PM
Sunday 12PM to 6PM
Their large tasting room and out door seating is also host to darts, cornhole and Quizzo trivia night on Fridays!
Asbury Park Brewery
Asbury Park Brewery, located in the heart of downtown Asbury Park, New Jersey, is a popular spot for craft beer enthusiasts. The brewery boasts a wide selection of beers, ranging from classic styles like pilsners and stouts to more experimental creations like sour ales and fruit-infused IPAs.
One of their year round beers is the Sea Dragon, which is an unfiltered, East Coast IPA loaded with hops for a huge nose of citrus and pine and a classic bitter finish. ABV 7%
Another year round option is their Blonde. A light bodied, European style lager featuring Czech and German hops and the highest quality, imported malts. ABV 4.9% .
Tasting room is open:
Thursday – Firday 4PM to 10PM
Saturday 12PM to 10PM
Sunday 12PM to 6PM
Kane Brewing Company
Located in Ocean Township. Kane Brewing has a great sense of humor and a deep appreciation for pop culture. Their “Head High” IPA is a tribute to the classic surf movie “Endless Summer.” And their “Morning Bell” coffee porter is a nod to the classic song by Radiohead.
But the real standout is their “Sunday Brunch” beer, which is made with maple syrup and coffee. It’s like having pancakes and coffee for breakfast, but in beer form!
But it’s not just their beer names that are impressive – it’s the beer itself. Kane Brewing’s beers are made with the highest quality ingredients, and it shows in every sip. Whether you’re trying their “Sneakbox” IPA, their “Overhead” imperial IPA, or their “Party Wave” pale ale, you can taste the passion and care that goes into every batch.
And let’s not forget about their barrel-aged beers.. Their “A Night to End All Dawns” imperial stout is aged in bourbon barrels and is a decadent treat that will warm you up on even the coldest of nights.
Kane Brewing Company is a must-visit for anyone who loves great beer, great company, and great pop culture references.
Tasting Room is open every day for tastings:
Monday – Thursday 2PM to 8PM
Friday – Sunday 12PM to 8PM
No reservations required, kids are allowed as long as they are supervised. Sorry, no dogs (unless they are service animals).
Jersey Shore Breweries on the Barrier Islands
Some of the most unique and exciting Jersey Shore Breweries can be found on the barrier islands. These breweries offer a taste of the local culture, with beach-inspired beers and a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for a day of relaxation. Escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, enjoy a cold beer and soak up the sun.
Last Wave Brewing Company
If you’re a beer lover in Point Pleasant Beach, Last Wave Brewing Company is a must-visit spot. Not only do they have a cool, laid-back vibe, but their beers are seriously delicious.
This Jersey Shore Brewery also a fantastic beer garden where you can enjoy and relax and unwind with friends.
The name of the brewery is an homage to the last wave of a surf session. It’s the wave that has to hold you over until the next time you get the chance to paddle out. It should provide a satisfying feeling that tides you over until the next swell. That is how these brewers approach their passion for brews.
Their flagship beer is the A-Frame IPA, Hazy and bursting with notes of citrus and pine with just a touch of bitterness.
The Combo Swell is a hazy pale ale with a classic twist, notes of passionfruit and pine shine through a soft and rich body of oats and wheat.
The Impact Zone with 7.8% ABV is an imperial New England-style IPA that’s overflowing with tropical, candy-like flavors from an interesting mix of hops, a hazy body, and a smooth finish.
Tasting room is open first come first serve!
Wednesday – Friday 4PM to 9PM
Saturday 1PM to 9PM
Sunday 12PM to 7PM
Families welcome including your canine children as long as they are leashed
Beach Haus Brewery
This Jersey Shore brewery is probably one of the largest on the list and offers a spacious second floor taproom with patio, and a downstairs bar / dining room. Soon to be added is a rooftop deck.
They regularly feature 15-20 rotating beers on tap. And unlike most other breweries, they have a full liquor license which allows them to have an executive chef on site.
A few of the beers they offer include:
Swell, a New England Style IPA with heavy citrus and fruity notes throughout. A heavy-handed hop blend.
Swash White Ale which has a medium body, coriander, and a hint of sweet orange peel. Made with Hallertau Blanc, and Mandarina Bavaria it has a slight tropical, pineapple and citrus note.
Light Haus Lager has a low bitterness with a clean, crisp and balanced finish. This light in body this beer lends itself to repeated pours and pairs well with most food.
Tasting room is open every day!
Monday – Wednesday 4PM to 10PM
Thursday – Saturday 12PM to 11PM
Sunday 12PM to 8PM
Heavy Reel Brewing Co.
Heavy Reel is not just a brewery, but an experience. In 2018, Jeff, the owner and brewer of Heavy Reel Brewing, settled on Seaside as the breweries location, as it perfectly encapsulated the quintessential Jersey vibe – a bit pretty with a little bit of an edge.
Since then, Heavy Reel Brewing has expanded to a significantly larger production The brewery still maintains its core ethos of pushing the envelope and creating beers that challenge traditional boundaries. The menu includes:
IPA Examples
BRING OUT THE GOON / 7% ABV
COASTLINE / 6.8% ABV
TIPPY TOE / 10.5% ABV Triple IPA
SOUR Examples
LUVV: CREAMSICLE / 6% ABV
LUVV: KEY LIME PIE / 6% ABV
THYKK: PINA COLADA / 6% ABV
ALES AND LAGER Examples
PREMIUM / Lite Lager 5%
RICHMOND SPECIAL COLLAB W/ TABOL BREWING / Helles Lager 5%
ISLAND BEACH LAGER / 5% ABV
Tasting Room is open every day of the week from 1PM to 9PM
Backward Flag Brewing Company
WOMAN OWNED. VETERAN BREWED!
The backward flag on a Military uniform, is a symbol of always moving forward in. When Assaulting Forward into battle the blue star field must always face towards the front, in the highest position of honor, followed by the flag’s red and white stripes.
This Jersey Shore Brewery is located in Forked River, just south of Toms River. It is all about celebrating their service and the service of others. A few of their brews include:
Sand Rations, a traditional German wheat beer, subtle notes of banana, clove, and bubble gum.
S.T.F.U., a pale ale brewed with Veteran Owned Black 6 Coffee and conditioned with vanilla.
Safety Brief, Imperial cream ale brewed with 2 row malt and flaked corn, Pacifica hops in the kettle, and finished with wai-iti dry hop.
Bravo Brown Ale Brewed with an abundance of roasted sweet potatoes and conditioned with vanilla, oak, and smokey peppers.
Their tasting room welcomes kids and dogs and is open:
Thursday 4PM-10PM
Friday 2PM-10PM
Saturday 12PM-10PM
Sunday 12PM-6PM
Oyster Creek Brewing Company
Oyster Creek Brewing is a “nanobrewery,” which is slightly larger than a home-brewing setup but smaller than a typical microbrewery. Unlike other Jersey Shore breweries featured on this list Oyster Creek offers gluten-reduced brews that retain their delicious taste and exceptional quality. A few of the brews they offer include:
MELTdown Habanero DIPA – This Double IPA brings the heat! Starting with a crisp West Coast base, we doubled up the malt, doubled up the hops and finished it off with fresh Habanero peppers.
YELLOWcake Cream Ale – Light and crisp, this ale is reminiscent of many macro-lagers. Brewed with flaked corn, which adds a fullness not found in most lighter ales. Lightly hopped using Cascade hops.
HALFlife Hefeweizen – A traditional Hefeweizen made with Hallertau Hops and with that distinct Hefe Haze, we make several variations of this ale using different fruit combinations.
Tasting room is open:
Wednesday – Friday 3PM to 9PM
Saturday 12PM to 9PM
Sunday 12PM to 6PM
Ship Bottom Brewery
The Ship Bottom Brewery has a beautiful bay front view in Beach Haven NJ. The brewery also hosts events throughout the year, such as trivia nights, live music, and food truck festivals. Overall, it is a great place to relax and enjoy some delicious craft beer while soaking up the beach town atmosphere.
Ship Bottom Brewery offers a diverse range of beers, including pale ales, IPAs, stouts, and more. Some of their signature beers include:
Barnegat Lager – The most iconic landmark on Long Beach Island. Our classic German Lager has a malty aroma with subtle fruit flavor from the Munich male and has a crisp finish.
The Shack IPA – Created to honor The Causeway Shack, which was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. The hops used in this IPA leave hints of musky, earthy, citrus, mango, tropical and stone fruit aromas.
Beach Haven Tasting Room Hours:
Thursday 12PM to 6PM
Friday – Saturday 12PM to 9PM
Sunday 12PM to 6PM
Jersey Shore Breweries Wildwood & Cape May
MudHen Brewing Company
Located in the heart of Wildwood, NJ the brewery offers Happy Hour , Weekly Specials, Live Music and Fun Events. You can also enjoy their huge menu, featuring their famous BBQ ribs, smoked wings, juicy burgers, skillets of mac & cheese, and so much more!
With 3 indoor spaces and a new large beer garden PLUS the outdoor patio there is plenty of space to hang out in. The patio is partially covered with awnings and features fire pits for cozy evenings. Some of their on tap brews include:
1883 IPA – Their flagship IPA has floral, citrus and pine components complimented by a notably dry finish.
HOLLY BEACH WHEAT – Belgian-style Witbier with delicious notes of citrus peel & ginger
BAKERS’ DOUBLE – Unfiltered DIPA brewed with a generous combination of both old and new school hop varietals.
MUDHEN PALE ALE -Irish Ale malt backbone highlighted by Cascade and Chinook hops with a hint of blood orange.
SEA TIGER – White IPA fermented with Belgian yeast and single hopped with Citra
The tasting room is open 7 days a week:
Sunday – Thursday: 11AM to 10PM
Friday & Saturday: 11AM to 11PM
Cold Spring Brewery
Cold Spring Brewery in Cape May is NJs first non-profit brewery. The historic barn that houses the brewery was rebuilt board by board. Some of their brews include:
Cape May Farmhouse – Reminiscent of a period appropriate beer using single malt and single hop. Sweet and fruity. With very low hop bitterness.
Seashore Line Shandy -Tastes like Lemon Meringue Pie – YUM!
Cold Spring Red – Irish Red Ale, their best selling beer, with a rich burnt sienna color, a creamy beige head and good lace.
Tasting room is open:
Thursday – Saturday 12PM to 8PM
Sunday 12PM to 6PM
Cape May Brewing Company
Cape May Brewing Company is the southernmost of our Jersey Shore Breweries, and one of the largest in the state. They’re known for their wide variety of styles, including IPAs, stouts, and sours.
Cape May Brewery’s values encompass a commitment to producing the highest-quality beer using premium ingredients and techniques, as well as being active members of their community by supporting local businesses, charities, and organizations. A few of their flagship beers include:
Coastal Evacuation, a West Coast-style Double IPA brazen blend of hops serving up hints of orange citrus and honeydew melon.
Cape May White is a Belgian-Style Wheat Ale brewed with orange and lemon peels, coriander, grains of paradise, and our favorite Belgian Witbier yeast.
Always Ready is a Northeast Pale Ale. With the addition of wheat and oats for a medium body and aromas of tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and citrus zest.
A seasonal option would be the Crushin’ It. An India pale ale, it has Samba, Moutere, and Azacca hops blending together to accentuate the fresh flavors of mango juice.
Their main Tasting Room is open daily!
Sunday – Wednesday 12PM to 7PM
Thursday – Saturday 12PM to 8PM
Their “Brewtanical Garden” is open Fridays and Saturdays from 12pm to 5pm.
Are There More Jersey Shore Breweries?
There are plenty of other great Jersey Shore breweries that didn’t make this list. In fact, No matter where you are on the Jersey Shore, there’s a brewery nearby that’s worth checking out. These are just a few of the many great Jersey Shores breweries. Each one has something unique to offer and a passion for craft beer, and there’s sure to be a beer for everyone’s taste.
So next time you’re looking for something to do on your beach vacation, head to one of these Jersey Shore Breweries. Don’t forget to take advantage of each of the Jersey Shore brewery tours.
You won’t be disappointed!
THE AUTHOR
I have spent my whole life going to and loving the beach. I am a wife, a mom of 2, and a business leader with an MBA in Marketing from Seton Hall University. We have owned a home in Seaside Heights since 2012, and I have been writing about Seaside Heights and the beach for the past 10 years. I love discovering new things about our town and helping you make the most of your vacation. The only thing I love more than writing about Seaside Heights is being there!
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