Located on the Jersey Shore, Asbury Park is a hub of activity. Bursting with light, color, and sound, Asbury is known for great spots like The Stone Pony and The Wonder Bar but is also home to many underground places to eat, laugh, and dance the night away. Here are five places to take your date the next time you’re at the Jersey Shore.
1. The Saint
“One of the top small live music venues in the world and the heart of the Asbury Park music scene, The Saint’s mission is to present and preserve live original music here at the Jersey Shore.”
Whether you’re into hardcore rock or r&b and hip hop, The Saint has offered it all. An intimate venue with an edge, The Saint is impressive not just because of the music, but also because of the multitude of posters, stickers, and signs on the walls from bands that have performed at the venue in the past.
Evening shows at The Saint are 18+, but shows on weekend afternoons are for all ages, so this venue is truly an option for everyone. If you’re looking for a low-key place with a reasonably priced bar, good vibes, and good music, then look no further. The Saint is Asbury is the place for you.
2. Porta
“Founded by Smith in Summer 2011, Porta is an authentic Neapolitan pizza restaurant currently located in Asbury Park and Jersey City, New Jersey. The restaurants have gained national recognition for their innovative take on Italian cuisine while supporting local, sustainable and responsible farmers and food purveyors.”
If you’re looking for a great spot to eat with a boho vibe, Porta is the place for you. Home of breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu with vegetarian and vegan options, great drink selections, and an all around the great atmosphere, Porta’s a cool spot for a first date or an evening out.
Looking for a place to dance the night away? At 10 PM, Porta opens their side room to those 21+. Looking for something more relaxed? Come in on Sunday from 12PM-3PM and eat while listening to a live Jazz Band.
3. The Silverball Museum
The Silverball Museum Arcade, located in Asbury Park NJ is a living, breathing and blinking tribute to our pinball and video gaming past. With 600 games* in a rotation, we are sure you will find your favorites while getting to know and enjoy some new machines.
Looking for something a little less traditional and a little more interactive?
The Silverball Museum Arcade is the spot for you! Challenge your significant other to who can win the most amount of Pinball games during your stay and then stop to grab an ice cream from a spot on the pier just a stone’s throw away!
In the perfect proximity to the beach and some of the more popular beachside bars, The Silverball Museum is the perfect spot if you’re looking to do more than just eat and drink – and if you want to play to see who pays for your meal.
4. The Asbury Hotel
“The Asbury mashes up Asbury Park’s Victorian-era history, rock-n-roll present, and shiny future into a new kind of social hub.”
The Asbury Hotel is fun even if you aren’t there to stay. With a pool table in the lobby and a bar in the lobby, there’s plenty to do without leaving the building. During the week they have film screenings, yoga classes, album release parties and tons of other events.
Walk just around the corner and visit the Danny Clinch Gallery. Go up to the rooftop bar and check out the view. And if you are a guest, the rooms are a reasonable price, beautiful, and spacious.
5. Moonstruck
“2016 marks Moonstruck’s 21st anniversary! The restaurant originally opened in Ocean Grove in 1995 as a small storefront BYOB and moved to its current location in May 2002. But it all began with The Raspberry Café.
Founded in 1989 by owners Howard Raczkiewicz and Luke Magliaro, the breakfast and lunch place was legendary for its fresh food and juice bar. To this day Howard and Luke are still the hands-on owners who oversee the operation on a daily basis.”
If you’re looking for a more traditional date night, Moonstruck is the perfect place. With a beautiful and romantic ambiance and to die for food, this spot is sure to satisfy your stomach and your date. This spot is a little more on the expensive side, but it’s worth it.
Photo courtesy of Google
