Sun, sand, and a cocktail in hand. What better way to relax this summer? On LBI, you can let loose and sip on craft beers, quality wines, and tropical cocktails, while taking in the natural beauty and the friendly atmosphere of this beach town. Discover the best bars on Long Beach Island and get ready for beer fests and bar crawls and other Long Beach Island 2017 events.
Unique Experiences at the Best Bars on Long Beach Island
At times, mood dictates choice, and there is an option that suits any mood when it comes to local drinking establishments on Long Beach Island. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual afternoon at a beach bar or you want to rock out with the band and enjoy the nightlife downtown, there are bars on Long Beach Island for every mood and vibe. No matter the time of year, spending spring beach or visiting mid-summer, you’ll have a blast in LBI!
Happy Hour
The Arlington hosts a great happy hour, with musical guests and an amazing selection of snacks, craft beers, and wines. The modern, cozy atmosphere is a perfect place to catch up with friends and enjoy their variety of food and drinks.
Beach Bar
If you haven’t been to Sand Dollar Restaurant yet, you don’t know what you’re missing! This great dining experience at Spray Beach in Beach Haven is a “can’t miss” event. On weekdays, you can take a quick walk from your beach chair to the oceanfront pavilion for cool drinks and a bite to eat al fresco, or cool off on summer’s hottest days with a frozen drink at the Tiki Bar. On the weekends, a crowd gathers to hear live music and enjoy exotic mixed drinks. The Sand Dollar is famous for their Bloody Mary’s and summer-perfect margaritas.
Nightlife
Nardi’s Tavern. LBI’s favorite cover bands perform regularly at Nardi’s. Even better, the Nardi’s Party Bus will safely pick you up and take you home from their location in Long Beach Township.
Best Hangout
The Hudson House. Don’t call it a “dive bar” but the atmosphere will make you want to dive in! This is one of Long Beach Island locals’ favorite bars. With a dart board, a shuffle board, and plenty of beers to choose from, the simplicity of the Hudson House in Beach Haven make this one of the best bars on Long Beach Island to hang out with friends, on any summer night.
Best Loved Bars: Reviewers’ Choice
Anytime you don’t know from personal experience where to go, it’s good to ask for referrals or check online for reviews. TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google Maps are valuable resources when you’re not sure where to stay overnight or where to go out and party! Previous visitors share their insight so first timers can make good choices.
Here’s what we found when searching online for the best bars on Long Beach Island:
TripAdvisor
Black Whale Fish and Bar House is rated on TripAdvisor as one of the best bars on Long Beach Island. This Beach Haven bar and restaurant is another LBI “go to” for seafood and drinks, especially for their happy hour specials. The bar’s casual atmosphere makes it a perfect place to catch up with friends over some local beer selections.
Yelp
Triton Craft Beer and Oyster House comes highly recommended on Yelp. One reviewer commented, “Its concept is simple and done right.” Located on Center Street in Beach Haven, the Triton has a selection of fresh oysters and a rotating selection of craft beers as well as a selection of wine. Summertime happy hour specials include $1 oysters and drink specials.
Google Maps
The Engleside Inn has one of the best bars on Long Beach Island according to Google reviews. This LBI mainstay has been one of LBI’s favorite restaurants for many years, and its 5-star Google rating holds true. With a formal dining room and a sushi bar, the Engleside has been an LBI favorite for generations.
2017 Beer-centric Events on Long Beach Island
At times, it’s worth searching outside of the bars on Long Beach Island to experience the best of LBI’s bar scene. Whether it’s a beer hopping bike tour, a brewery fest, or a pub-crawl, there are local events that will appeal to all beer enthusiasts.
Hop Sauce Festival
The Hop Sauce Festival, originated by Jetty Apparel Company, is a community event that celebrates craft beer, music, and hot sauce. Since its inception in 2013, the event has risen in popularity and attracted 6,000 people in 2016. In addition to hosting well-known brewers, the event will feature some local breweries, including Ship Bottom Brewery and ManaFirkin Brewery. The event on June 3, 2017 is hosted in Beach Haven on the west side of Taylor Avenue and best of all, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Jetty Rock Foundation, which supports improving the local LBI community.
LBI Bar Cycle Tour
LBI’s 11th Annual Bar Cycle Tour is happening July 29, 2017. From Barnegat Light to Beach Haven, this tour takes riders to all of Long Beach Island’s Best Bars. Check their Facebook page for updated information as the date approaches.
LBI Pub Crawl
The Ocean County Pipes and Drums Club is hosting their 4th annual Pub Crawl on May 20th. The band will play at six of Long Beach Island’s best bars, which provide crawlers with drink specials for the event. Tickets are $35 and all proceeds will go toward the band and PBA 373.
TRUCKerton Food and Truck Brew Fest
If you’re willing to venture off the Island just a bit, the TRUCKerton Food and Truck Brew Fest is worth the trip to Tuckerton Seaport. This is the fourth year for this event, and will be held on May 6th from 11am-6pm (rain date May 7th). The event will feature live music, craft beers, and food from over a dozen food trucks from all over the East Coast.
The Best of All Worlds: Bars on Long Beach Island
Whether your preference is beer, wine, or cocktails, or you just want to have a good time, Long Beach Island’s best bars and local events restaurants have what you like! Remember the free LBI Shuttle if you do not have a designated driver. Enjoy crashing this beach town to make some new friends and new memories this summer!
