50 Best Bars near Union Beach

“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 !!“

“Visited alone to try the pizza and watch some of the Jets game - the former was delicious and the latter disheartening. My fellow diners and the bartender were all remarkably welcoming of a non-islander and even gave me a free Jets x Captain Morgan can which I used as a cup for a year. They might have handed that out just because they didn't want to associate with the Jets anymore. Who knows.“

“Good vibes , friendly staff“

“Food was delicious and service was great.“

“We look forward to our Friday nights .Going there for years. Always have a great time. Friendly place. Great food. Love the staff. 100% recommendation.“

“Great date spot. Food is good, drink are on point and the atmosphere is perfect.“

“This place is a solid bar, I came here on a friday night for a little nite cap around midnight and overall I had a decent time. The bar is a no frills place with three sports tvs, a juke box, at least 15 seats by the bar and some other chairs around the rest of the place. There is also shuffle board and two darts with a scoreboard which is fun. They have a great beer menu from Blue Moon to Angry Orchard, Corona, White Claw, High noon, etc. for only 5 bucks [they have at least 8 beers on tap for only $5 too]. I also saw a lot of whiskey and vodka options if you wanted to do shots or mixed drink [$7 for a shot]. The problem is the shot glasses are so small, it doesn't resemble an ounce and a half which is standard size in other bars, I felt like the plastic cup they gave me reminded me of cough medicine sizes. The bartender was super nice and friendly, he talks with most patrons and makes sure the place doesn't get too rowdy. However my fiancé felt like he was fishing for tips when he would give you a 5 dollar bill back as change. When I came there was a girls birthday with her friends and she was able to put out sandwiches and catered food of her own. I kinda felt guilty invading her space but it was nice to see that the bar lets you do your own thing. The crowd seemed fairly mixed crowd when I came, from college frat boys to young girls in their 20's or groups of men in their 30s and 40s. I did feel it was a little crowded but that seemed more based on cliques then the space itself. In terms of food, they do sell chips nuts and a tombstone pizza but there isn't much space to eat unless you sit at the actual bar. I think if this place rearranged the furniture and had an outdoor backyard they could successfully have more dining. I would definitely come back here for another night cap or to watch a sports game.“

“Great place. friendly staff. friendly locals hangout. Best place to watch sports and live music 👍“

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

“Such a welcoming and friendly spot“

“the best drinks and burgers around 😋“

“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“

“Highly recommend! Nothing not to like!!! Perfect and Quaint w/all you can look for in a neighborhood establishment: Touch Tunes, Pool Table, Darts, Very Reasonable $, Amazing Draft Specials, Friendly Atmosphere and Of Course Service w/ a Smile, Smile, Smile 😊!“

“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“

“GREAT PEOPLE. FRIENDS UNITY CHARITY“

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

“(Translated by Google) Good bar, the beers are always very cold, the girls are very nice. A decent environment. The music is not bad, but it could be better. The clientele for the most part is Dominican and Mexican. Very clean too.(Original)Buen bar, las cervezas siempre están bien frías, las muchachas son muy simpáticas. Un ambiente decente. La música no es mala, pero pudiera ser mejor. La clientela en su mayor parte es dominicana y mexicana. Muy limpio también.“

“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.“

“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!“

“I love the knights of Columbus. I Bartend there on Fridays and Sundays. I’m so happy and proud to be part of a great Organization. The people who come in are friendly and fun, I love the jukebox, the atmosphere is great it’s such a pleasure to work at the Knights.“

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

“Stumbled upon this welcoming pub after a long working day during UN Week in NYC. As my hotel was near Carteret was able to hop off the NYC bus and stroll right in. Trivia night was on and that was a welcome diversion - as was the prompt and friendly service and the cold beer! BTW, $5 Happy Hour is Monday-Saturday 5-8pm. I’m a wing snob so didn’t give them a high ranking but definitely in the zone of tasty and comfort food! Highly recommended!!!“

“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.“

“Burger is absolutely phenomenal! And don’t get me started on the staff, absolute family vibe they treat you with respect and the food is savory! If you want the best burger in In Monmouth County and some fun chill vibes, Gaslight lights the way!!!!!“

“great place to meet old friends and make new“

“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.“

“Olio is a very luxurious hotel had with five stars because he has everything else who has four kids the lobbies really nice the prices are fair their rooms are really really need the stuff is awesome so you pay what you get and definitely I will commend you for family friends for pleasure or business excellent keep it up I recommended you guys are everywhere“

“This is the type of bar that I dig. No frills. No food, but you can order whatever you want. Beer and a shot type of place. Hasn't been updated since 1988 except for the arcade game and touchtunes on the wall. Tony was tending bar... aces of a bar tender. Know what you want, be able to take a joke, show a little respect, and your beer won't be empty and will always be cold.
You will have a good time here. Be sure to tip the staff well.“

“It's tucked away in a small strip mall next to a pizza place. There is a small bar in the back with a TV. The bar is always lively when work gets out. The beer selection here is pretty good. There's a little of everything. The same goes for the wine and spirits. You won't find anything crazy or hard to get. The owner and the employees are all friendly and help you with anything you need.“

“The bar maids were great and the dancers were gorgeous and friendly“

“They have vegan cheese which, for someone with alpha-gal syndrome is a huge plus. The grilled octopus appetizer was delicious with the roasted peppers, olives and arugula-salad greens with a balsamic vinegar drizzle. The service was impeccable: we sat at the bar but servers and the bartender were very attentive, polite, and efficient. The food was delicious and quickly served given the busy Friday night. My only criticism is that they still use plastic straws instead of alternatives, like Phade or (a lesser favorite) paper straws.“

“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 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! ❤️“

“Favorite dive bar!! One of the last in the area. Great bartenders!“

“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 😀👍🏼“

“The place it’s very nice .. for the whole family..“

“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!“

“Great place to meet and eat. Bartenders and cook are super friendly and great to know. Great food and variety. We love coming here from South River.“

“Delish ! So much fun ! Nice folks“

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

“Best jalapeño poppers on the island Service impeccable“

“Coolest place ever - def check it out.“