Guide To The Shore: Top Beach & Pool Bars
With summer finally here, it's time for visitors and locals alike to enjoy the sand, surf, sun, stars and of course, the party scene at the Jersey Shore. Featuring a myriad of explosive non-gaming activities, the resorts will keep you intrigued and entertained all season long, while the beach bars provide the perfect atmosphere to relax, unwind and indulge in some sexy outdoor activities—all with amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean, the bustling boardwalks and beautiful sandy beaches. -Veronica Dudo
BEACH BARS:
The Beach Bar at Trump Plaza
The Boardwalk at Mississippi Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
609.441.6000
www.trumpplaza.com/entertainment/bars.cfm
Voted one of the '21 Sexiest Beach Bars on the Planet' by the Travel Channel in 2009, The Beach Bar at Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino is just steps away from both the beach and Boardwalk. This beachfront venue invites patrons to listen to the waves crashing against the shoreline, gaze up at the stars and wiggle their toes in the sand during the summer season. The spacious deck offers guests an abundant area to mingle, dance under the moon, mix it up at the bar, lie back in a lounge chair or relax in a private gazebo by the ocean.
In addition to daily food and drink specials, in-demand DJs, local bands and live entertainment, The Beach Bar is embracing specific theme nights this summer: Latin Night Mondays, S.I.N. on the Beach Thursdays, and Island Music with Brian and the Coconutz on Sundays. Guests have the opportunity to rent Gazebos and "The Party Pit" for special events.
Looking for a quick bite to eat? Patrons can indulge in a full menu, including delights like Caribbean Chicken Salad, Jersey Shore Crab Cakes and the Beach Bar Burger.
With fun parties, flavorful food and exciting, live entertainment seven days a week, The Beach Bar at Trump Plaza is your summer destination, open Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Starting in July, happy hour begins Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sammy Hagar's Beach Bar
1900 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
609-236-6983
http://www.ballysac.com/EventsDetail.do?locationCode=BAC&detailName=sammy-hagars-beach-bar-at-ballysatlanticcitydetail&eventTitle=Sammy%20Hagar's%20Beach%20Bar%20at%20Bally's%20Atlantic%20City
The founder of the popular Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Sammy Hagar is also a rock 'n roll Hall of Famer, and his Beach Bar at Bally's Casino is his first location on the East Coast.
After selling millions of records and selling out concert stages across the globe, it's no surprise that the artist and tequila-brand creator employs lots of live entertainment at his beach bar. Packed with the exhilarating energy his brand is known for throughout the world, this party on the beach will feature live music and DJs scheduled throughout the week. Each night, a theme is planned—such as International night on Mondays, retro night on Tuesdays, rock night on Fridays and Top 40 night on Saturdays—in the venue, which can hold a capacity of approximately 620 guests.
Whether you're soaking up the sun during the day or partying at night, Sammy Hagar's Beach Bar is open seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 3 a.m. Customers can enjoy happy hour on one of the establishment's 48 bar stools, or at one of its 55 tables from Sunday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with different drink specials each day. Guests who would like to spend some time on the beach can purchase up to two beverages at one time prior to 6 p.m. daily, which can be brought onto the beach in front of Sammy's, however, alcoholic beverages may not be brought onto the Boardwalk. After 6 p.m., alcoholic beverages must be consumed within the Beach Bar.
For patrons looking for a little more nourishment, the Tex Mex-style restaurant is ready to serve up Mexican treats. The Cabo-meets-the-Jersey-Shore concept boasts a full taco menu, appetizers, salads and classic Sammy's Beach Bar specialties. Some crowd favorites include Spicy Jersey Shore Fries, Sea Salt Spiced Peel & Eat Shrimp, and Wabo Wings with tequila-infused wing sauce. Sundays through Thursdays, food is served from 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. A special Sammy Hagar's Beach Bar menu—including a selection of tantalizing items ranging from Crispy Fish Tacos to a Wabo Burger BLT—is also available. All ages are welcome at Sammy's until 8 p.m., but children must be accompanied by an adult. After 8, no one under the age of 21 is permitted.
If you're looking to enjoy the sand, surf, signature drinks and scrumptious food, Sammy Hagar's Beach Bar is a shore stop!
Hilton Beach Bar
Boston & Pacific Avenues
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
609.347.7111
www.hiltonac.com/beach-bar
Though the Hilton Casino is currently the smallest casino in Atlantic City, the recently renovated Beach Bar at the Hilton certainly packs a punch as one of the resort's most happening summer hotspots. Seven days a week, patrons and beach-goers can enjoy electrifying entertainment, featuring industry nights, tribute bands, celebrity DJs and island sounds. The Beach Bar attracts patrons from local condominiums, apartments, hotels and houses, and offers daily drink and food specials.
Guests looking for fresh air and engaging outdoor activities will surely enjoy the sun and sand as well as great fare and libations at the Beach Bar. The new menu now features a variety of choices for partygoers, including fresh fruit, shrimp, salads, sandwiches and wraps. Patrons have their pick of refreshing drinks such as Man Overboard, Coco Nutts, Midnight Pass, South Beach and Coco Rhuuuumba.
The Beach Bar has a large stage, complete with a new lighting and sound system that will satisfy a variety of clients. A new VIP section featuring comfortable couches creates an upscale ambiance, and because of its proximity to the stage, guests have the opportunity to fully enjoy the plush accommodations and the music. While the VIP section is open to everyone (free of charge!) during the day, at dusk, it's rented out with bottle service.
The Beach Bar is an island oasis with live entertainment, tropical drinks, delicious summer snacks and waves of activities. It's truly a party all summer long at The Beach Bar where "it's always better at the beach!"
The Windrift
105 80th Street
Avalon, NJ 08202
609-368-5175
www.windrifthotel.com/rest-beachbar.html
The Windrift Hotel in Avalon has it all: fine accommodations, a dining room, lounge, deck, beach bar and tiki bar—all just steps away from the picturesque Atlantic Ocean.
Open at 11:30 a.m., the beach bar is a great place to eat lunch and enjoy a refreshing drink. Happy Hour is 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, with $1 off all mixed drinks and bottled beer along with $3 domestic pints and discounted appetizers.
The summer schedule kicks off with "Mexican Monday Karaoke," featuring tacos and specials on buckets of Coronitas and pitches of margaritas; Tuesdays are "World Famous Wing Night," with $1.50 Miller Lite drafts and $7 pitchers; then "Wild Wednesday Dueling Pianos," with $5 pizza and $3 Miller Lite pints; Thursdays are "Crab Night," featuring Maryland-style crabs and $7 Bud Light pitchers; on Friday, it's the "Weekend Kick-Off," with live entertainment starting at 5PM; on Saturday, get all "Decked Out" in your beach attire and party to live entertainment on the upper deck; and finally, "Sushi Sundays" offer the opportunity to relax and enjoy $1 off all rolls and $3 Bud Light pints. Whew!
Among the afternoon and evening entertainment this summer, the Windrift welcomes crowd favorites such as the Exceptions, Secret Service, Gypsy Wisdom and Amish Outlaws.
A full menu with popular shore fare includes items like a tomato and mozzarella salad, a buffalo chicken cheese steak, a crab cake sandwich, a cheeseburger, jumbo shrimp cocktail, oysters and seared Ahi tuna.
Specialty cocktails are also offered, like the James Bond with Stoli orange vodka, 7-Up and a splash of orange; the Beergarita, a frozen margarita and coronita mix; and the Transfusion, with Three Olives grape vodka, ginger ale and a splash of grape juice.
Looking for a cool place to party with hot people? Check out the deck at the Windrift, where you can order a meal or grab a snack, enjoy live entertainment and sip on a cocktail overlooking the beach and ocean.
Laguna Grill Martini Bar
1400 Ocean Avenue
Brigantine, NJ 08203
609-266-7731
www.lagunagrill.com
While perusing the coast, a relaxed and serene beach bar destination is the Laguna Grill Martini Bar. Known for their signature martinis, this beach bar is open year-round and has something for everyone—from a beach deck with a bar, to a four star Zagat-rated dining room and banquet facility.
During the summer season, Laguna Grill Martini Bar conveniently offers free parking and free weekend valet services. The enclosed patio bar is open all year long for patrons to enjoy views of the Brigantine Beach, Atlantic Ocean and Atlantic City skyline. Out on the beach deck and veranda, take a seat, order your favorite cocktail and select from a long list of martinis, including the Island Classic, Sun Kissed, Startini and Island Blue…or you could indulge in a Chocolate Martini and enjoy dessert first!
Offering indoor and outdoor seating, the Laguna Grill Martini Bar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Award-winning and professionally trained chefs Michael P. Williams and Marlone Flores prepare culinary masterpieces for guests. Inside the dining room, the Laguna Grill Martini Bar has 18 hi-definition TVs and a 100 seat bar, as well as air-conditioning and heat.
Live bands provide entertaining evenings for everyone on the dance floor. For those already enjoying everything the beach and ocean have to offer but hungry for a drink or a quick bite, simply walk up to the Laguna Martini Bar's deck and take your pick of fruity cocktails or delicious food (a tavern menu on the deck is available until 1 a.m.). Even on rainy days, people can relax on the enclosed deck and still enjoy the views, thanks to the open cut-out windows.
Come celebrate classic shore cuisine, an alluring atmosphere and quality service in Brigantine at the Laguna Grill Martini Bar!
Ventura's Greenhouse Café
106 South Benson Avenue
Margate City, NJ 08402
609-822-0140
www.venturas-greenhouse.com
Ventura's Greenhouse Café in Margate is located in a prime spot right along the beach and draws a lively mix of locals and visitors. The tiki deck is located right off the beach on Benson Avenue and is accessible by steps which lead up to the tropical oasis. The deck has two bars and offers views of the Margate Beach and Atlantic Ocean, so grab a seat and enjoy popular drink specials such as Beach Blanket Bingo, Sun Stroke, Coco Cabana and Bahama Mama. Customers can also order from the deck menu at the bar.
Patrons dining on the tiki deck can also relax under the sun or seek shade under an umbrella while feasting on appetizers, seasoned fries, salads, wraps, hoagies, burgers and desserts. Raw bar selections and pizza are also offered on the deck for those looking to experience Ventura's signature cuisine.
A canopy covers the outside main deck—a great option for rain or shine—which overlooks Margate landmark Lucy the Elephant. The main deck menu features an array of items like salads, steak sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and pizza.
If you need to beat the heat, head into the Greenhouse and dine inside the café, which offers up the same menu as the main deck.
For a fine dining option, the upstairs dining room inside serves Northern Italian dishes, grade A steaks and fresh seafood with a view of the beach. The chef creates daily specials with fresh ingredients from the Jersey Shore.
The history of the Greenhouse dates back 100 years to the early 1900s, when it was an apartment house. It became a speakeasy during Prohibition, and in the 1940s, it was a tavern. From the '50s on, it's become a popular summer spot to sip on a tropical drink and look out over the beach and boardwalk.
Peaceful views of the waves crashing against the shore, beautiful sunsets, tasty food, cool drinks and a great time await you on the decks at Ventura's Greenhouse Café.
The Rusty Nail
205 Beach Avenue
Cape May, NJ 08204
877-SHACK07
www.beachshack.com/rusty-nail.php
A warmth-providing fire pit for chilly nights, shoes-are-optional policy and a laidback atmosphere are all part of the "endless summer" vibe at The Rusty Nail in Cape May. Patrons can sit at the bar or at tables, or dance to the sounds of live bands inside this seaside hot spot. An outside area with seating, umbrellas, a sand bar, a fire pit and a shuffle board offer the opportunity to sit back, relax and gaze up at the stars above the beautiful Cape May beaches.
With a history dating back to the 1970s, this iconic surfer bar and restaurant is just steps away from the beach and known by locals as the place to go to get the coldest draft beer—validated by a thermometer! The Rusty Nail serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, delighting patrons with a modern spin on traditional dishes and specialty cocktails. Some guest favorites are the Maine Style Lobster Roll, Beach Shack Pulled Pork Sandwich, Crab Stuffed Flounder, Grilled NY Strip Steak, Fish & Chips, Surf & Turf Pork Fajitas and Baja Grilled Fish Tacos. Fare for kids features shore classics served on Beach Shack Frisbees, which provides incentive for them to actually eat their meal and keeps them occupied once they're finished.
Located on the grounds of the Beach Shack, The Rusty Nail offers a colorful collection of specialty cocktails including The Nor'easter, Sand Dune, Exit Zero, Beach Shack Tini, and their signature Rusty Nail "Redux," which has aged Scotch, Drambuie, local honey drizzle and a splash of fresh cream. Monday through Thursday from 9 p.m. until midnight, The Rusty Nail runs a late night happy hour—perfect after a day spent at the beach.
Referred to by regulars as "The Nail," this establishment prides itself on having a wooden bar that's "the longest in Cape May." It also offers live entertainment all summer, like all-day Reggae Sundays, Acoustic Mondays thru Saturdays, live music inside on Fridays and Saturdays, and the classic No Shower Happy Hour on Mondays.
During your visit to this treasured town, stop by The Rusty Nail; satisfy your palate, gather around the fire pit, and enjoy the live entertainment all summer long.
POOL BARS
After enjoying the beach and the blue Atlantic Ocean visitors may want a different kind of outside experience—one with a sexy atmosphere, cocktails, massages, music and a pool. South Jersey has a unique selection of pool bars each offering a fun ambience all their own.
Cabana Club at The Chelsea Hotel
111 South Chelsea Avenue 5th floor
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
609-428-4545
www.thechelsea-ac.com/fifthfloor.php
The Cabana Club is situated atop the Chelsea Hotel's roof and is the ultimate open-air party scene. Guests are invited to escape to the famed Fifth Floor pool deck all summer long. When visitors enter, they're surrounded by contemporary landscape and Brazilian Ipe wood planters. Inspired by Las Vegas-style beach clubs, the Cabana Club is anchored by an island bar—featuring an oversized 25-foot umbrella—and a lounge area filled with seating and perfect for food and cocktails. The pool is lined with private cabanas that feature plasma screen TVs and private stocked mini bars for guests looking to party or simply to lounge. And, of course, the Cabana Club Concierge is on-hand to offer services throughout the day like massages, palm reading and chilled hand towels.
The Cabana Club features live DJ's and performances during the summer season and was chosen by USA Today as one of the 'Top Ten Rooftop Bars and Lounges in America'. The Chelsea also has a handcrafted cocktail menu and a bottle menu focused on rose, champagne and premium liquors. Pitchers of fresh sangria, daiquiris, and margaritas with fresh fruit and daily flavor specials are also available, along with signature cocktails and global bistro cuisine, such as Mahi Tacos with spicy slaw and lime aioli, or Cabana Kobe Burgers.
C5, located inside the Cabana Club, is the Chelsea's "club within the club." Designed by Shaun Hausman—whose projects include The Standard Hotels in LA, Sub-Mercer NY and Continental Midtown in Philadelphia—C5 is a boutique venue with a glamorous rock-n-roll edge. Accented with art deco reminiscent of the rock and roll glam inspired by the 1970's London scene, C5 is a place for after dinner drinks, dancing and late night bottle service.
With all of these elements, The Cabana Club is a fabulous destination fulfilling all of your day and night life desires.
The Pool at Harrah's
777 Harrah's Blvd
Atlantic City, NJ
609-441-5585
www.harrahsresort.com/casinos/harrahs-atlantic-city/casino-misc/indoor-pool-detail.html
Since its debut, The Pool at Harrah's Resort continues to make a splash in Atlantic City. By day, you can lounge poolside with a drink in hand. By night, you can party for hours in a private cabana with bottle service and oftentimes, with celebrities at The Pool After Dark.
The opulence envelopes patrons as soon as they set foot into this tempting paradise situated under a striking, 90-foot-high glass dome that allows guests to party under the stars. As excited clubbers funnel through The Pool, they're immediately mesmerized by $1 million worth of horticultural accents. Beautiful towering palm trees, flowers and foliage surround visitors while complimenting the Olympic-size pool, six Jacuzzis, 12 cabanas, indoor and outdoor deck areas, and the Pool Bar.
No matter where guests are in the complex, the heart-pounding atmosphere will take hold of them, intensifying when singers, rappers and musicians perform on stage for live, poolside shows. Guests have the opportunity to dance to the sounds of house and internationally recognized DJ's. In this unforgettable utopia, partygoers can sip on fruity cocktails while sitting at the bar, sink into plush cabanas, strut out onto the dance floor or sway by the stage during a concert. For those looking for a little pampering, a poolside table or secluded hot tub can be reserved and servers will provide first-class bottle service for all the festivities.
The Pool After Dark also brings a little Hollywood to the East Coast. While in town for appearances or vacations, many celebrities frequently host parties open to the public. Most nights, capacity crowds pack into The Pool, hoping to rub elbows with visitors such as Kim Kardashian, Carmen Electra, Joanna Krupa, Lil Jon, Flo Rida, Adrian Grenier and Steve Ward.
If poolside's not for you, take your experience to the next level—literally, upstairs at The Loft. Positioned on the exclusive balcony level, overlooking The Pool complex, The Loft is a limited-access VIP area. This ultra upscale setting features a private bar, daybeds and cabanas and offers European bottle service to entertain guests.
Whether you enjoy a hot bubbling Jacuzzi, indulging in a midnight swim, lounging in a cabana or dancing until morning, The Pool After Dark provides the venue for endless possibilities.
