The set-up is simple, but elegant—with an unmistakable Tiki vibe. Comfortable lounge chairs and sun chairs are arranged around the perimeter of the roof, and punctuated with the occasional side table so patrons have a place to eat, if they choose. High tables and chairs are concentrated in the center, for people primarily focused on grabbing a quick bite and quickly returning to the beach. There’s a small bar on the west end of the roof with a handful of stools, and a team of servers wander around taking orders and running food and drinks.
While Daddy-O, which is a boutique hotel as well as a bar and restaurant, projects a sophisticated, modern image, the rooftop bar doesn’t require any fancy dress or footwear. Beach attire and flip-flops are perfectly fine. Up on the roof, the breeze is a little more refreshing, the drinks a little bit cooler, and the food just a tad tastier than can be found in some of the danker, darker indoor-only bars that are common at the Shore.
Daddy-O’s prices won’t kill you either. The rooftop opens at 5 pm, and Happy Hour runs from 5-7. My friends enjoyed a few $5 “Marilyn Monroe” drinks that contained a generous compliment of four different types of rum. I opted for Victory Brewing Company’s HopDevil Ale ($7).
Of the many small pleasures that make summer in New Jersey immensely enjoyable, I rank luxuriating at rooftop bars near the top of my list. If you find yourself on Long Beach Island, pop on in to Daddy-O for the full summer rooftop experience.
Daddy-O’s rooftop bar opens at 5 pm, with Happy Hour from 5-7. For those of you immediately programming your GPS—4401 Long Beach Boulevard.