14 Best Cocktail Bars near Toms River

“I would give them 3 out of 5 stars. since the day they opened, inconsistent with food and drinks. one day the sliders are medium, the next well done. one day your $16 martini is full, the next it's missing the top inch of the drink. one day the pizza is ok, the next time is soup. last time the service was just ok. tonight she was great.“

“the staff is amazing, the food is delicious, the prices are cheaper then most of the restaurants in the area, happy hour is 2pm to 6pm, Sunday thru Thursday specials, atmosphere is comfortable and is just a great place to hang with family and friends, eat good and relax. There is also a 20% off coupon in the savy savings booklet in mail and also a free game of darts!“

“Just wanted to say thank you for the excellent food for our recent party. The guests were all commenting how delicious and well prepared the food was. It was also more food than we expected, and was very well packed for transport. We’ve enjoyed the experience of dining at Sofia’s, and now also the catered g experience.“

“My wife and I had dinner here last night 2/11/2026. Service was fantastic and attentive warm and friendly. We loved the ambiance of a local restaurant/bar however the food elevated the whole experience. Buffalo wings were crispy and sauced perfectly. The steak bites delicious and the Mahgarita Pizza was amazing as well as the Zeppoles and Crème Brûlée for dessert. We will be back to try more“

“James was our server and he was amazing, outgoing very attentive. We had a great time and we will be coming back and hope he is our server again!!!!“

“Everything about tomahawk steakhouse was amazing.. I was there two nights in a row and couldn't ask for better food, service and ambience. It was the best way to celebrate my daughter's birthday and coming from my family who owns the best Italian restaurants this was outstanding. 10 out of 10.“

“EJs is awesome. Bartenders are great, atmosphere is awesome. Always welcoming.... we had our friend visit recently who is disabled and has a service dog. Everyone at EJs was welcoming to both him and his dog. We are smokers so we love thst there is an outdoor space to hang out as well.“

“If you’re heading down the Shore and craving something simple, satisfying, and reliably good, Shady Rest Restaurant continues to be a go-to for locals who appreciate classic comfort food done right.

This is the kind of place that doesn’t need a lot of fanfare. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, with that familiar neighborhood feel that makes you instantly comfortable. It’s not about trends here—it’s about consistency, and Shady Rest delivers on that time and time again.

On my visit, I opted to take something to go, which is always a great test of a kitchen—because if it holds up outside the restaurant, you know it’s worth it. I tried the sweet potato bisque and the Manhattan clam chowder, and both were excellent in their own way.

The sweet potato bisque was smooth, rich, and full of flavor. It had that perfect balance of natural sweetness and savory depth, without being overly heavy. It’s the kind of soup that feels both comforting and a little indulgent at the same time—especially on a cooler day.

The Manhattan clam chowder, on the other hand, offered a completely different profile. Light, tomato-based, and packed with clams and vegetables, it was fresh-tasting and well-seasoned. It didn’t feel overly salty or thick, which can sometimes be the case—it was clean, satisfying, and exactly what you’d hope for from a classic version of this dish.

The fact that both soups traveled well and still tasted this good says a lot. Even outside the restaurant setting, the quality held up, which isn’t always easy to do.

Beyond the food, Shady Rest has a reputation for being a welcoming, easygoing spot—somewhere you can dine in, grab a drink at the bar, or simply pick up something to enjoy at home. The outdoor space in warmer months adds to its charm, giving it that true Jersey Shore feel.

Service is friendly and efficient, whether you’re dining in or picking up. It’s clear this is a place that values its regulars—and keeps them coming back.

In a world of overcomplicated menus and trendy concepts, there’s something refreshing about a place like Shady Rest. It knows exactly what it is: a dependable local restaurant serving comforting, well-prepared food.

And sometimes, that’s exactly what you’re in the mood for.“

“I have been eating here for a while now. i think it is the best place in the area. food is always fresh and hot whenever I get delivery, and the atmosphere when dining in is wonderful!“

“I recently visited the Pancake Factory and had the pleasure of being served by J. From the moment I walked in, J's warm and welcoming demeanor made me feel right at home. They were incredibly attentive, ensuring my experience was smooth and enjoyable from start to finish. J's knowledge of the menu was impressive—they provided excellent recommendations, which turned out to be absolutely delicious. The pancakes were fantastic, but it was J's exceptional service that truly made my visit memorable. Their professionalism, friendliness, and ability to anticipate needs were outstanding. If you're looking for top-notch service and a great dining experience, ask for J—you won't be disappointed!🥰“

“Cute little place. Waitress was lovely. Food was decent. Nothing to really go crazy and rave about. Very very pricey. More expensive than center city steakhouses! Hated the weird dim led lighting. Guitar guy was fun. Wine was good. We would return but wouldn’t rush back. SP has limited options so, God Bless. Don’t blame you for charging top $. Atmosphere was much nicer than Chef Mike ABG. Updated and clean! A plus for that. Thank you for a fun night 🥰 Bring on summer“

“Delicious pizza, crisp salad, great service, and friendly staff--all we expect. The restaurant was bustling on a Saturday night, but the vibe was lively and friendly. Warnings: 1) The two of us ordered a "small" pizza; it was huge and could easily have fed six people. 2) It was very noisy so conversation was difficult.“

“We heard about Castaways from some friends and had to give it a try. The drinks were a little expensive but maybe because we had several and it added up. The food was better than good and my wife commented that the fish was cooked perfectly. Our waitress was prompt and courteous. It was a good time and that’s what we look for during the winter.“

“staff or employees are nice friendly and knowledgeable. From the servers and food runners to the bartenders. Food is good and you get good portions. Pizza, wraps, burgers, wings, sandwiches pasta highly recommended.“