Drinking on rooftops is one of those universally beloved activities. And during summer months in the Garden State, there’s no better perch than a rooftop bar down the Shore.
Some specialize in cocktails and raw shellfish, others offer a beer garden experience, but all feature beautiful, beachy views. Wherever they are, these Jersey Shore rooftop bars, listed north to south, are sure to elevate your summer outings.
The rooftop pool at Avenue Le Club. Photo courtesy of Bread & Butter PR.
Avenue Nuit
Long Branch
This rooftop bar and lounge is located right on the beach in Long Branch—and it has a pool, too. Sip on an Endless Summer (rum, coconut purée, passion fruit and turmeric) or a Pineapple Cilantro Jalapeño Margarita by the pool, which overlooks the ocean. During the day, from 10am to 5pm, the rooftop is only open to beach club members. Starting on June 15, the Nuit nightclub is open from 10pm to 2am. And starting June 24, it will be open for Monday Pool Parties from noon to 5pm.
23 Ocean Avenue, 732-759-2900
Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten
Asbury Park
Mingle over giant mugs of beer and Bavarian pretzels at communal tables on this 9,000 square-foot rooftop bar. The Austro-Hungarian beer garden is a popular attraction year-round, but especially on those warm, breezy summer nights. Enjoy dozens of draft beers, wursts, schnitzels, potato pancakes, smoked trout, sauerbraten and strudel.
527 Lake Avenue, 732-997-8767
The view from Salvation in Asbury Park. Photo courtesy of the Asbury Hotel
Salvation
Asbury Park
This seasonal rooftop bar set atop the Asbury Hotel opens each May, and is one of the hottest spots in town during the summer. It features guest DJs all summer long, cocktails and some of the best views in Asbury Park, especially during sunsets. Heads up: Per the website, a dress code (no athletic wear, baseball caps, tattered clothing, etc.) is enforced for entry after 9pm, when it becomes a popular nightlife destination.
210 5th Avenue, 732-774-7100
Watermark
Asbury Park
The rooftop deck at the Watermark, a modern bar and lounge, overlooks Asbury Park’s boardwalk and the Atlantic Ocean. You also get a western view, making it an ideal spot for sunset drinks. The menu includes craft cocktails, wine, beer and light, seasonal bites to snack on.
800 Ocean Avenue, Floor 2, 732-455-3447
O-Bar, the rooftop bar at LBI’s Daddy-O. Photo courtesy of Daddy-O.
O-Bar at Daddy-O
Brant Beach
The Daddy O Hotel boasts LBI’s only rooftop bar, O-Bar, that is decked out in a simple yet elegant beachy theme: lounge chairs, colorful umbrellas, stringed lights. While the restaurant downstairs might require fancier dress or footwear, beach attire and flip-flops are perfectly fine up on the roof. Enjoy cocktails, sushi and other small plates with a refreshing rooftop breeze. The O-Bar opens daily at 4 pm on weekdays, at at noon on weekends, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
4401 Long Beach Boulevard, 609-494-1300
The Vüe
Atlantic City
Take in the panoramic view of the Atlantic City skyline and ocean at the aptly-named Vüe Bar and Lounge, located on the 23rd floor of the Claridge Hotel. Enjoy small bites like cheesesteak spring rolls, flatbreads and sliders. You can go all out and order bottle service, or come for Happy Hour, which is offered from 4-7pm, Sunday through Thursday.
The Claridge Hotel, 23rd floor, 114 South Indiana Avenue, 844-224-7386
The view from Harry’s rooftop bar. Photo courtesy of Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille
Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grill
Cape May
Find this popular rooftop bar at the family-owned and operated Montreal Beach Resort. Harry’s offers local oysters and clams, salads and sandwiches, and their signature clam chowder, plus cocktails, local beer and wine. From the rooftop bar, enjoy a panoramic view of the beach, just across the road.
1025 Beach Avenue,