Seaside Heights has long been a popular shore spot thanks to its sandy beaches, long boardwalk, amusement rides, and many bars.
Though you can find some Seaside Heights bars off the boardwalk, it is the boardwalk where you will find many bars of all types. Each bar offers its unique vibe from laid-back beachfront spots to high-energy dance clubs, there’s something for everyone.
In recent years, the night clubs in Seaside Heights have seen some changes. The iconic Karma and Bamboo nightclubs have closed their doors. Though their closure marks the end of an era, it also heralds the beginning of a new chapter for Seaside Heights.
In their place, new Seaside Heights Bars have opened on the boardwalk including the Ocean View Restaurant, Seaside Social Club and Midway Bar.
Best Seaside Heights Bars
A common thread among Seaside Heights bars, is their generally low-key vibes, allowing you to relax and unwind in a comfortable chill environment.
Most of the bars in Seaside have simple decor and the occasional bingo or trivia game. Surprisingly, Seaside Heights even has bars that cater to families, providing child-friendly activities for families looking to enjoy a refreshing drink or a meal while their children play and socialize.
1. Spicy Cantina
Spicy Cantina is another popular Seaside Heights bar. The outdoor area is decorated with colorful lights and bright decor. They offer a wide selection of signature cocktails, margaritas, and other drinks.
One of the things that sets Spicy Cantina apart is its live music. The cantina features live bands and DJs throughout the week. The music is a mix of genres, including rock, pop, and country music. After 8pm, the lower level vibe changes as a DJ starts spinning club music that is perfect for dancing.
2. The Beachcomber Bar & Grill
One of the iconic spots in Seaside Heights, the Beachcomber Bar & Grill has been a staple of the boardwalk for years. The bar has a variety of drinks, including frozen cocktails and beers on tap.
The Seaside Heights Bar also features live music throughout the week. Typically you will find local bands on the lower level playing a variety of music genres. If it’s a club vibe you want, hit the open rooftop bar to check out the DJ as you dance and socialize
3. Drifters of Seaside
Drifters is located on the Boulevard and has a super casual flip-flop vibe. The inside has a small but comfortable indoor seating area. There is also a larger outdoor area where you can enjoy the beautiful weather, or perhaps the live music they have on the weekend. The decor is simple and unpretentious, making it a great spot to relax and unwind.
The menu at Drifters is relatively limited. The real highlight is the custom drinks including the Whale Tale martini and Devil’s Lover.
4. Ocean View Restaurant
The Ocean View Restaurant is a chic new spot on the boardwalk, with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. The menu at the Ocean View features a variety of seafood dishes, as well as classic American fare.
There is also live entertainment on the weekends! Enjoy the music or the food from the large bar in the middle of the restaurant, on the large outdoor patio that offers a perfect spot to take in the sights and sounds of the ocean.
5. Sand Bar
The Sand Bar is a quintessential tikii bar and one of the relatively new Seaside Park / Seaside Heights Bars. Located across from the Sawmill on the beach, it offers a chill vibe for day and afternoon drinking. There are tables to sit at, or, you can make a group circle using the many available Adirondack chairs.
You will also find a wide selection of beer on tap and in bottles, as well as a selection of frozen drinks.
The Sand Bar also offers live music and fun games like cornhole creating a fun atmosphere. The bar features local bands playing ‘toes in your sand’ kind of music. One thing to note is there is no food menu.
6. Seaside Social House
Seaside Social is the newest bar and burger joint in town. The owner’s intent is to bring an elevated chill vibe to SSH. Enjoy a craft cocktail, PBR or one of the many local craft breweries. Live music also on tap during summer weekends.
7. Jimbo’s Bar & Grill
Jimbo’s Bar & Grill offers a casual family-friendly vibe that’s known for its burgers, fish tacos, and outdoor seating. Most summer afternoons as you walk by the sound of steel drums is instantly recognizable. The vibe at this Seaside Heights Bar will put you in a tropical and beachy mood!
8. JRs Ocean Bar & Grill
JRs offers a fun laid back typical bar vibe with live music at night. What is different about JRs is the bingo games every Sunday afternoon! There’s something about the combination of the sun, the sand, and the sound of the waves that makes bingo at the beach even more fun. Enjoy a cold beer as you race to be the first to win.
9. Midway
This Seaside Heights Bar also has seating on the iconic boardwalk, the bar has been a fixture of the seaside town for a few years. What sets this bar apart from others is its extremely modern decor and open atmosphere. The entire bar is open to the boardwalk with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and bustling boardwalk.
10. Klee’s Bar & Grill
Believe it or not, the Klee’s bar operation started as a speakeasy in 1931! After prohibition ended in 1933 the establishment was finally named Klee’s Bar & Grill. The bar is more of a local spot, where you might want to come watch a few sports games. It’s known for its family-friendly and casual atmosphere. They do have live music on the weekends but don’t expect to be busting out your best dance moves. This Seaside Heights bar has a menu of American classics and a variety of beers on tap.
11. The Sawmill
The Sawmill is a popular spot and the second oldest bar on this list. They are most known for their massive slices of pizza. But they also have fabulous outdoor seating and a lively atmosphere. If you are looking for a quiet out of the way spot, this is not that.
The bar has a menu of pub food and a variety of drinks. They are also true to their shore roots and have many craft beers on tap from Jersey Shore Breweries including Heavy Reel, The Last Wave, and Ship Bottom.
The restaurant often hosts live music and DJs, and has tons of TVs posted around the bar to watch sports games. There is also a separate game room with arcade games and a pool table, making it a fun spot for families and groups of friends.
12. Waves
Located inside of the Casino Pier arcade, the bar features indoor and outdoor seating areas, with the outdoor space directly on the boardwalk. Parents can enjoy a drink while their kids play in the arcade or while they ride the rides.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic margarita or something more adventurous like a Blue Hawaiian, Waves Bar has something to quench your thirst.
Bars in Seaside Heights NJ on The Boardwalk
Want to do a boardwalk bar crawl? Start at the north end of town and make your way all the way down to Seaside Park.
- EJs Tap House
- Surf Bar
- Waves Bar at Casino Pier
- Froggy’s on The Pier
- Jimbo’s Bar & Grill
- JRs Ocean Bar & Grill
- Spicy Cantina
- Midway
- Beachcomber Bar & Grill
- Ocean View Restaurant
- Sand Bar
- The Sawmill
Bars with Live Music Everyday
- Spicy’ Bar and Grill
- The Beachcomber Bar & Grill
Bars in Seaside Heights NJ on The Boulevard
- Hooks Bar & Grill
- Hemingway’s
- Heavy Reel Brewing Co
- Riggers
Bars with Trivia & Bingo
- Jersey Roll – Boozy Brunch Bingo
- JRs Bar & Grill – Bingo every Sunday afternoon 2pm
- Ocean View Restaurant – Monday Night Bingo 5:30
- Klee’s Bar & Grill – Trivia Mondays
- Beachcomber Bar & Grill – Bingo on Fridays @7:30
Which Seaside Heights Bar Will Be Your Favorite?
From the scenic oceanfront views of Waves Bar to the craft beers and live music of the Midway Bar, all of the Seaside Heights bars have something for everyone. Jumbo’s Bar and Grill offers a casual and family-friendly dining experience, while a steel drum player at any of these bars can transport you to a tropical paradise without ever leaving the shore.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’re sure to find a bar that suits your style and makes for a memorable experience.
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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