50 Best Bars near Middletown

“Great local bar. Friendly bartendress Donna sold me on a delicious new mixed drink from a local distillery. Yum!Nice outside area to smoke, play corn hole or horse shoes. Almost don't want to leave such a good review.. Gotta keep this place aNeighborhood gem! ❤️“

“We had empanadas and tacos, both were excellent“

“I had a great experience at The Squire at Branches in West Long Branch. My food was absolutely delicious and came out quickly, exactly when I expected it, which made the whole visit even better. The service was outstanding, and both managers, Stacy and Faye, were amazing—friendly, attentive, and clearly dedicated to making sure guests are happy. Everything from the atmosphere to the quality of the food made this a place I’ll definitely be coming back to and recommending to others.“

“Great food, great vibe, fun location! What more is there?“

“I can't say enough good things about this place, obviously a waterfront beach bar has an amazing view and cool atmosphere, they're constantly hosting events, live music, which attracts a great crowd as well. And by the way, in my opinion as far as bar food goes they're top tier. Not just burgers and chicken fingers but kabobs and short ribs and things you typically see as bar food. Awesome bar food, get a spot on a couch in front of a fire pit next to the water with live music... hard to beat that“

“Food was delicious and service was great.“

“Good vibes , friendly staff“

“As a Union Beach Resident, I just have to give a shout out to this awesome local pub. Although I visit there often and it has become like a second home where you visit family when you enter, the NYE celebration last night was so fun! The pre fix menu was full of options and the pricing was so fair. The drinks are always served cold and well prepared. Renee and Courtney were up beat and on point and made the evening even more enjoyable. It would not have mattered though who was behind the bar as the rest of the team there are all amazing and professional! If you are in the Bayshore area and are looking for a place to visit stop by and check them out!! BTW, the burgers are really the best in the area !!“

“Visiting from out of town and stopped by based on other reviews. This place did not disappoint! Great food and drinks. Bartenders and staff were very friendly. Definitely recommend if you’re in the area!“

“wow, the best tacos anywhere in monmouth county! they were so full, the berria was delicious, and the fish taco was fresh local fluke, so good, almost a whole filet or more was in the 3 soft tacos, so good. also enjoyed the guac and chips platter that came with a tomatoe salsa and a mango salsa, so good. nice beer and wine selection. live music was great. sat inside due to weather. next time will try the outside bar.“

“Boyle's is an enduring neighborhood bar that has been in business for decades. It's unassuming and sits in the middle of a quiet residential neighborhood. Don't let that deter you from visiting. The drinks are very good and the staff is consistently friendly and accommodating.“

“Sandbox at SeaStreak is a fun summer spot. The ferry from Manhattan’s East 35th Street takes about 50 minutes, with a stop at Sandy Hook before reaching Highlands. Round‑trip tickets were about $50 per person, and if you take the ferry they waive the entry fee at the Sandbox. There are plenty of food trucks at the entrance, and once inside you’ll find a bar, live music, and lots of space to eat, sit, and relax.“

“This bar is exactly what your looking for. I don’t even know what else to say. I’ve never been there but I spoke to someone on the phone and had an A+ experience. My buddy Was hiding from his soon to be wife and they absolutely held their part. Can’t wait to go slam some beers!!“

“First time here and I wish it wasn’t love loved this place everything was beyond perfect and delicious food drinks (wish I took pictures but when something looks and smells that good u don’t think of pictures)service definitely coming back.“

“Beautiful and clean with a wonderful, friendly staff!“

“awesome place ,food is great, atmosphere is awesome ,workers are great and friendly, love this place“

“you dads famous pizza💖 not to mention ur dads award winning personify 🥰🧡“

“I love buffalo chicken sandwiches and have gone as far as Philadelphia to get one. However, I recently tried a buffalo chicken sandwich at Nicholas. I was speechless…literally. My brain instantly went into survival mode trying to calculate how and why this sandwich was at least ten times better than any other buffalo chicken sandwich I have ever eaten. Not even a close second place. Game changing. Life changing. It’s like I knew nothing about buffalo chicken a moment before taking a bite. I was humbled instantly. Nicholas Barrel and Roost found the cheat code!“

“Been coming here since it's opening. It's a good place to have a delicious sandwich with a cold draft and enjoy the music of talented musicians.

This year, the service and kitchen staff are back in sync. The menu choices are perfect and the food is very good. Sometimes when it's a busy night, the bartenders also work as wait staff and take table orders for food and drinks. Service is slower so expect to wait on those nights.

We enjoy Taco Night Tuesdays and Open Mic. We also love Trivia Nights and the live music on the weekends. We hope to see this wonderful local establishment stay around for a long time! It would be even better if they could expand the building. Perhaps another floor with a wrap around balcony to take in the amazing water view. Overall, we highly recommend this fine establishment. It's truly a great place to eat, drink, and tap your feet to some good music!“

“We ordered dinner from Keelen’s tonight as we’ve done many times in the past. The two specials were incredible and our children’s food was awesome as always. The staff was very friendly and happy to help us right before closing with our late night dinner tonight. Such a friendly atmosphere with great food“

“Disco night was fabulous! More disco nights please! 🪩💃🌅“

“I mean this is the best plaza because there is shoprite, there is party city , a movie theater frozen yogurt and more but we need a target please“

“Great area.,Great friends.Great service...Food.Notta so much..overall Good Time.“

“Step through the doors of The Globe and into a world where time slows, where laughter mingles with the hum of the game, and where the clink of a perfectly poured pint feels like a familiar embrace. Since 1840, this hallowed spot has anchored downtown Red Bank—not just a sports bar, but a living relic of camaraderie, tradition, and the simple pleasure of a burger and a beer.

Once an inn sheltering weary travelers, today it shelters the spirit of the town. The barstools tell stories, the taps flow with over 30 stellar brews—domestic and foreign alike—and the famed Globe Burger is a rite of passage for any local or visitor. And if you're in the know? The pork roll fries—golden, crisp, and utterly decadent—are a must.

Fifteen flat screens glow, capturing every play, every moment, while seasoned bartenders—some here for decades—pour with precision and warmth. Their tenure speaks volumes: a sign of a place run right, of ownership that cares, of a bar where you’re not just served—you’re known.

In a world that races ahead, chasing trends and fleeting fads, The Globe remains steadfast, a beacon of what a bar should be. No pretense, no gimmicks—just good company, great drinks, and the kind of authenticity you can’t manufacture. Pull up a seat, order a Guinness (poured to perfection), and soak it in. Some places fade. The Globe endures.“

“The staff is incredible. They do not serve desert, BUT they are affiliated w Copper Canyon which is next door. The bartender told me if I got dessert from them I could sing happy birthday here.
I called the copper canyon, and that only did they give me dessert, but they delivered it on a plate with candles over to gaslight! Thank you to the bartender at GL and server at Copper Canyon who helped me 2-28-26!🎉“

“This place is amazing, the owners are friendly and alwaya open to suggestions. They have the best DJs playing great music. Beautiful outside patio which you can view the sunset over the ocean. They have a hookah patio as well. I recently celebrated my sister's 50th bday there while they had a paint and sip evening, thank you for all ya did for her . My family can't wait to come back“

“Great place to hang and watch a game or two.“

“We split the Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich and the kitchen sink fries, and it was ok. I guess it would be good bar food, but the fries weren't seasoned, so it was good with the sauce they put on, but when we got fries with the sandwich, the plain fries were unseasoned. We didnt really think this should be under "dive bar" so yea. Refers to food as nips and idk if it was the chicken tenders or just some other item used“

“great place to meet old friends and make new“

“A little riverside deck cocktail bar with a more than decent grill in Sea Bright's north end overlooking sunsets behind the Highlands. Great place to grab a quick nosh and beverage alcohol while enjoying some of the most beautiful vistas the Jersey Shore has to offer. During the summer you can expect live musical entertainment from many local artists that make this spot a definite must for an enjoyable and casual evening out.
PS...come by boat too“

“Great place to come and have a great bloody Mary and other drinks“

“Amazing food, view and atmosphere! Darrel and his team are top notch. Highly recommend lunch, dinner or happy hour at this spot!“

“I’ve been going to W’s for years now. The burgers and wings are off the hook good. The waitress can’t do enough for you. Great restaurant to take the family to eat and also a friendly bar to watch sports. Very reasonable priced. You definitely won’t go hungry or thirsty at W’s. Well worth trying out. Your first time will not be your last.“

“I was here when they first opened. it was not really "for me". Recently tried it again and loved it. I am vegetarian and my friend is vegan. we found options. Really enjoyed the eggplant sandwich. Would love more options (saw on one of the burger challenges a portobello on a burger, so loose the beef and just do the portobello) then I would definitely be there more often. Plan to check out the events that they have in the winter. So nice to have a quality and nice place locally to go out to at night.“

“Awesome terrific food no doubt 100pct. People like Soria are the best in the business..but but but Jesus Mary&Joseph omg when u call there and whoever might pickup the phone all you hear is an enormous background noise like I'm in Las Vegas. That must stop. Not at all professional not in the least. Move the woman who answers the phone to a separate non loud room. Not close to acceptable. I couldn't hear myself placing my order“

“Recommended by locals so we stopped for lunch. They had several lunch specials to choose from and we had a hard time choosing from all the great choices. Their specials included salad and drink and both of ours were $20 each. We had Penne Vodka and the 4 cheese baked Rigatoni. Dave took great care of us and was a good time. Both dishes were excellent and were large portions. Definitely a great meal and the locals were absolutely correct about it.“

“Most amazing views you could ask for on the water. \nWatch the boats come in and the ferry go out. \n\nThe sangria comes by the picture and is exceptionally good. \nThe service was very good and bar scene was vibrant. \nThe food is very good too. \nYou go here for the view and get good eats to top it off!“

“First time to the restaurant last night and we loved everything! Had pork dumplings, spaghetti with clams and the crab cakes. Great service too! We will be back 😀👍🏼“

“Came here twice so far both times was amazing. Service was great food was great. Nice atmosphere decor is great it’s a great hidden gem.“

“My first time here. Loved it. The food was delicious! Felt like I immediately was in a neighborhood restaurant. And the prices weren’t over the top. Very reasonable.“

“Great food, service and atmosphere! Cynthia was a friendly and caring waitress. We really enjoyed her service. She added a lot to our experience.“

“Great food amazing service and wonderful warm hospitality“

“We had such an amazing experience at The Rock House! From the moment you walk in, the vibe is incredible — everyone’s in a great mood, super friendly, and ready to have fun. We went for the Halloween party, and they absolutely nailed it. The band was fantastic, the music was excellent, and the whole place had this awesome ‘80s throwback feel — from the décor to the energy. The food came out fast, tasted great, and the prices were very reasonable. The Halloween-themed drinks were creative and fun, and the bar staff was quick, smiling, and clearly enjoying the night. The place was packed but still felt friendly and comfortable — we ended up meeting so many great people. You can tell The Rock House puts a lot of heart into what they do. Overall, this is a class act bar that knows how to throw a party. Beers are always cold, the food is consistently good, and the atmosphere is unbeatable. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommend checking it out — and whatever you do, make sure to try their candied bacon. It’s amazing!“

“Food and service was very good. Would recommend Tommy's to all.“

“I am eager to share my review of this exquisite restaurant in Long Branch Maltese. The cuisine is exceptional and the staff go above and beyond to ensure a special experience, which is why I highly recommend this establishment 100%. Thank you for providing us with unforgettable moments.“

“awesome place ,food is great, atmosphere is awesome ,workers are great and friendly, love this place“