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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Asbury Park

Cool food

The standard dinner routine gets stale. A meal in a space that feels genuinely different makes the evening memorable.

Based on 518 Opinions
+515
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Updated May 2026
01
Hadaka Asbury Park image 1
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Small sushi bar with intimate seating for about a dozen guests creates a personal and interactive dining atmosphere. Loud, trendy club music contrasts with the delicate, authentic Omakase experience featuring fresh, creative sushi sourced from Japan. Communal table and exclusive setting add to the unique vibe.

Dining offers a unique, personable, and intimate atmosphere unlike any other. Food and service combine for an exceptional experience that stands out clearly.

Watching the chef prepare dishes in front of you adds a live cooking element that feels fresh. The overall vibe and friendly owner make the experience feel genuinely cool.

People are saying

"The omakase here is an amazing, memorable dining experience."

"This sushi food is on another level, the best I've ever had."

"The vibe here is really cool."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for the summer special to ensure a spot.

2

The restaurant is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own drinks.

3

The menu changes daily, offering unique dishes each visit.

02
Azure Restaurant NJ image 1

Spacious venue with chic decor and outdoor seating features a stage for live dance shows that add vibrant energy. Atmosphere blends diverse music genres with a lively, engaging vibe. Frequented for brunch, it offers plenty of Instagram photo spots and a captivating floral entrance.

Food comes packed with bold flavors and arrives on time. The menu pairs well with tantalizing drinks in a chic setting.

A super cool vibe defines the atmosphere here, making it a notable addition to the local scene.

People are saying

"Cassidy's menu recommendations made selecting our food a delightful experience."

"I had the best brunch experience with attentive service."

"It's a cool addition to the scene."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price drinks during select hours.

2

Bottomless mimosa brunch is available on weekends.

3

The restaurant hosts live shows on weekends.

03
The Speakeatery image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop with speakeasy style and cramped seating creates a cool, lively vibe enhanced by fantastic music. Tight bar-style seating dominates the space, encouraging quick meals or takeout. Creative menu offers high-quality, interesting sandwiches with a mix of dietary options.

Food tastes fresh and exciting with dishes served hot and quickly. The menu offers a fun and tasty experience.

Atmosphere has a super cool vibe with an interesting speakeasy style. Overall, the place feels pretty darn cool.

People are saying

"I loved my sandwich, especially the pork and egg."

"The food here is so good, tasting fresh and exciting."

"I found the sandwiches here to be so good and awesome."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult to find, especially during lunch hours.

2

Seating is limited, so consider takeout if dining with a larger group.

3

The menu features a variety of creative sandwich options and dietary choices.

04
Asbury Lanes image 1
Live music venue

Converted bowling alley with intimate stage and two large bars creates a relaxed, fun vibe for live music. Small space leads to crowded, warm atmosphere but offers unique entertainment with bowling available after shows.

Food comes out quickly and tastes delicious, with highlights like the papaya and arugula salad. The menu is somewhat limited but offers great dishes that complement the lively music and lighting.

Super cool vibe fills the venue, making it a novelty spot to hang out and drink. The atmosphere and people add to the overall cool experience.

People are saying

"It's a fun place with live music and bowling."

"The diner staff here is amazing and friendly."

"I thought the vibe here was super cool."

Good to know

1

Bowling costs $25 per game, which some find steep.

2

A 20% service charge is added to all bar orders.

3

Parking is available nearby, but some spots require payment.

05
Lola's European Cafe image 1

Small cafe with rustic European decor and Baroque style creates a warm, relaxing atmosphere. Music ranges from classic movies on TV to live and curated playlists, enhancing a chill vibe. Outdoor seating is narrow but adds to the intimate setting.

Food includes late night options like charcuterie boards and French fries. Drinks and dishes come with a friendly welcoming atmosphere and impressive bartending managing orders smoothly.

Unique spot with a cool vibe and amazing ambiance. Features a vibrant outdoor area and great music playing on speakers.

People are saying

"The gelato here is delicious and a perfect end to a meal."

"The vibe here is so cool, with unique decor and great music."

"The food here is delicious and good."

Good to know

1

The kitchen closes at 6 PM on Saturdays, so plan accordingly.

2

Lola's offers late-night food options like a charcuterie board and French fries.

3

The cafe is dog-friendly and allows well-behaved dogs inside.

06
Silverball Retro Arcade image 1

Pinball machines from the 1940s to modern models fill a large space with a retro vibe and classic arcade games. The atmosphere feels nostalgic and encourages mingling in a relaxed, playful setting. Enthusiasts find a phenomenal collection tailored especially for pinball fans.

A retro vibe fills the space with pinball, arcade, and skill games. The nostalgia and history behind the games add a cool experience.

People are saying

"It's packed with classic pinball machines and other retro games."

"You can get quick boardwalk food here."

"It's cool how the arcade games bring back childhood memories."

Good to know

1

Entry fee is $20 per person for access to the arcade.

2

The arcade has a food concession but no bathroom access without paying.

3

The hourly rate for playing games is $17.50.

07
Bond Street Bar image 1

Dark interior with multiple entryways creates a retro basement and punk dive bar vibe. Music ranges from house beats to throwback EDM, supporting a laid-back, crowded atmosphere with a hipster and clique crowd. Outdoor picnic benches offer a casual spot for drinks and smoking.

Food here is consistently delicious and excellent. It pairs well with cheap drinks and serves as a reliable option after events.

Atmosphere feels laid-back and offers a unique alternative to typical spots. People there bring a cool vibe that stands out.

People are saying

"I found the bar to be a great casual old school dive."

"It's a cool dive bar with a lively atmosphere."

"I thought the food here was great."

Good to know

1

The bar accepts only cash but has ATMs on-site.

2

There is no cover charge for entry.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends.

08
Palmetto Southern Kitchen + Bar image 1

Restaurant offers oceanfront views from every table with outdoor patio seating that welcomes dogs. Atmosphere combines loud live music and DJs with an energetic vibe, making conversation challenging. Stylish design and boardwalk location create a fun, lively setting for dining and entertainment.

Food features all natural ingredients and showcases the chef's skills clearly. Dishes deliver a phenomenal and delicious dining experience with excellent quality.

Unique dishes like cheese dip and crab cakes stand out. The place has a consistently cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"The American food, especially the cornbread, is so buttery and good."

"The food here is on another level, especially the lobster mac and cheese."

"The food concepts here are so cool and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

2

The kitchen closes at 1am, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Palmetto welcomes dogs, making it a pet-friendly dining option.

09
Johnny Mac House of Spirits image 1

Bar features multiple bars and extravagant decor with eclectic layout including different levels. Atmosphere shifts from spacious and lively to packed and loud on weekend nights with a strong party vibe. Activities like live music, skee-ball, and free pizza add to the energetic and social environment.

Food centers on bar pies served late at night. Free food used to come with drinks but now only the bar pie remains on the menu.

The bar area has a really cool and eclectic vibe. One bartender is famous on TikTok, adding to the cool brewery atmosphere.

People are saying

"I got free pizza with my drink order, and it was pretty good."

"The vibe inside is really cool and eclectic."

"They offer free personal pizzas baked to order."

Good to know

1

Parking near the bar can be challenging; consider using Uber or Lyft.

2

Free personal pizza is offered with every drink purchased.

3

Sunday mornings feature a free omelette brunch.

10
Low Dive image 1

Small concrete bar opens to boardwalk and beach with an unbeatable ocean view. Live music and DJs create a lively atmosphere, drawing locals and visitors for beach tunes and local bands. Vibrant wall art and an outside deck add to the cool surf bar vibe.

Casual food includes shrimp cocktail and Palmetto Grilled Cheese that go beyond typical dive bar fare. Ice-cold beer pairs well with the comfort food and sushi available.

Chill bartenders create a personable and fun vibe. The bar offers a cool surf atmosphere overlooking the beach, making it a nice spot to grab a drink while walking the boardwalk.

People are saying

"The beer selection here is great and cold."

"The live music here is a cherished staple, pulsing through the air."

"It's a cool spot to pop into for a drink."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

The bar hosts a DJ party every Sunday night starting at 8pm.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is recommended to avoid extra charges.

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Asbury Park, New Jersey

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