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“

“Everyone was accommodating, a friend sent back drunken clams cause it had meat in it as well. She asked for buttered garlic steamers instead recieved them in dipping oil. I don't know where the mix of communication is at between servers to kitchen. I've been here 3x's and sorry to say I won't be going back. They do have cold beers and it's a nice place, maybe the kitchen doesn't understand English very well? I don't have the answer but spending $ here isn't doable“

“Good vibes , friendly staff“

“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!“

“Food was delicious and service was great.“

“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“

“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.“

“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“

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

“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!!“

“The food is fantastic! I especially love the fried pickles. The nachos were great and the burgers were delicious. I had the pleasure of attending an open mic night and catching live music on another night, which made for a great place to hang out.
However, the pours in mixed drinks are inconsistent. I got the rum bucket one night, got pleasantly drunk off of just one, got the same thing the next time I got there and barely felt tipsy off of two of them :/ I had the same experience another time with a different cocktail--one of them I could taste the alcohol and I liked it, I ordered the same one again and it had very little alcohol in it.“

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

“The Sandbox in Highlands is such a fun shore spot. You’ve got food trucks, cocktails, live music, and a beach view all in one place. We loved being able to hang out by the water with a drink while listening to live music. It’s also dog-friendly, which makes it even better for a day out with your pup. Definitely the perfect place to spend a summer day.

Hungry for more NJ food finds? Follow Wonderwithlyss on Instagram & TikTok!“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“great place to meet old friends and make new“

“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.“

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

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

“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“

“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!🎉“

“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!“

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

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

“Stopped by Goodfella's and had a good experience. The food was fresh, flavorful, and served in generous portions that made for a satisfying meal.

The atmosphere was casual and welcoming, with friendly service that made the visit enjoyable. Nice spot to grab a bite and relax“

“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“

“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“

“W’s Bar and Grill is a fantastic place! The food was delicious, the service was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was comfortable and welcoming. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and served with a smile. You can tell they really care about their customers and take pride in what they do.
I had a great experience and would definitely recommend W’s Bar and Grill to anyone looking for good food, great service, and a great atmosphere. I’ll definitely be coming 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.“

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

“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.“

“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!“

“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!“

“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 😀👍🏼“

“My husband recently hosted a bunch of old college buddies and their wives for our wedding! Since about 25 of them were visiting the Shore area for the first time, he wanted to make sure they experienced all the sights and sounds Monmouth County has to offer. Normally, finding something fun (and legal) for a large group of out-of-towners to do after midnight is a challenge—but not in Rumson! He took the whole crew to Murphy’s Tavern with the promise that they’d get a taste of a local legend: a good old-fashioned speakeasy tucked away in the basement of a house, right in the heart of a residential neighborhood. Needless to say, they had a blast! Whether you’re kicking off a weekend wedding celebration or just grabbing a late-night drink, we highly recommend popping into Murphy’s Tavern.“

“Go there every time we are at sandy hook great food snd service“

“The owner has a heart of gold , and when u get a certain age , that’s so important . Love her , she’s the best , coming back in September , hope to see her“