A South Seaside Park institution

Beginning today, South Seaside Park will come alive a little earlier than usual with the commencement of live daytime entertainment at the Berkeley Restaurant and Fish Market, located on the corner of Central and 24th Avenues (adjacent to Island Beach State Park), a Seaside area institution since its inception in 1937.

If Island Beach State Park is full (like it is today), turn to Berkeley...

“This weekend will feature our first party of the summer,” said Chris Barulic, 32, who operates the family restaurant along with his mother, Carol, and father, Nick. “We’ll have cover bands every Saturday and Sunday in our parking lot, featuring mellow ‘off the beach’ music.”

Mr. Barulic, who has been working at the restaurant for as long as he can remember, said even though the restaurant’s “Down Under Bar” has been operating successfully for 10 years, the family wanted to expand its offerings this season, featuring outdoor food and drink service to compliment the music.

“From noon to four [on Saturday and Sundays], we’ll have $2.50 16 oz  Miller Lite aluminum bottles, $3 well drinks, a mixed grill featuring hot dogs, hamburgers, tuna and mahi steaks, and a raw bar,” Mr. Barulic said.

Chris Barulic, right, and the extensive raw bar

Ice cold beer here!

In addition to the music, food, and drinks, the restaurant is also sponsoring giveaways throughout the afternoon, according to Billy Ioiza, 33, who has been tending bar at the restaurant since 2002.

For those who are more interested in escaping the heat, the Down Under Bar contains a regulation size shuffleboard table, a dartboard, multiple televisions (including a massive flat screen unit), and a stocked jukebox. Most importantly, the bartenders are professional, friendly, and talented.

Although Mr. Iozia does not typically work during the weekends, he says to come in and visit him on Tuesday through Friday nights and enjoy his drinks and shots.

“My favorite [concoctions] include Rum Punch, Surfers On Acid, and the Washington Apple,” Mr. Iozia said.

Based on our prior good times (what we can remember) and meals at the Berkeley Restaurant, Fish Market, and the Down Under Bar, Live for Jersey Shore is expecting fun outdoor afternoons this summer. And, look for our upcoming article reviewing Mr. Iozia’s favorite drinks.

Berkeley Restaurant and Fish Market is located at Central and 24th Avenues in the South Seaside Park section of Berkeley Township. You may reach the establishment at 732-793-0400.