With the Fourth now just a faded memory like the smoke that hangs in the sky long after a firework has twinkled away, things can seem a little anti-climactic. However, there’s just two precious months left to savor the sweet summer season and all the outdoor socializing it has to offer – this oppressive heat wave be damned! Put on some shorts, pick up an extra bottle of hair defrizzer, and grab your flip-flops (unless you’re heading to the Osprey – flop ban still in effect. Found out the hard way two weekends ago!), and get out!

• Metromix Jersey Shore is hosting a happy hour at the Beach Bar in Asbury Park from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday (which is soon – power down your computer, leave work and go!). Never been to Beach Bar but heard only good things! Print this coupon before you go for drink specials.
• Kick of the weekend properly with happy hour at Leggett’s with music by Turnpike Mike and Randy on the patio and $2 drink specials from 4-8 p.m.
• Hemingway’s features DJ Milky Mike (does he like dairy products? is he really pale? who knows?!) and $2 Coors Lights and $4 unspecified bombs on Friday.
• The Surf Club continues Free For All Fridays with no cover, $1 Coors Light drafts, $5 call drinks, $3 shots and, apparently, hookahs, courtesy of Raaz Hookah, new to Seaside this year. It Ain’t Pretty (who doesn’t seem to have a website) will perform.
• On Saturday, Speakeasy will play in Osprey’s band room. Not sure if it’s the self-described “groove rock” Speakeasy from Missouri (not likely, but the bar’s site links to them) or the Carlstadt-based Speakeasy, who have not updated their Facebook group events since 2008. Guess we’ll just have to be surprised. Seriously though, don’t wear flipflops. Your friends will mock you when you’re the fool who forces the whole group to change plans and go elsewhere.
• 507 Main (bet you can’t guess their address) in Belmar will host the Springsteen tribute band the E Street Shuffle on Saturday night.
• On Sunday, Red Bank will offer Wine Walk from 4-7 p.m. Twenty bucks gets you a wristband, which entitles you to two wine samples and two food samples at 14 participating locations. Stroll around, sip some wine, have a snack – sounds tremendous. Buy a band at any participating restaurant, which can be found here.

Manasquan's most popular beach bar, Leggetts.

If you need an excuse to get rowdy to LMFAO’s summer classic “Shots,” (a song with such deep and meaningful lyrics), then Leggetts in Manasquan is the bar for you.  Every Thursday the bar is packed as everyone crowds around their infamous shot wheel.

Once every hour from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. the live band stops and LMFAO and Lil’John take over the sound waves.  Whatever lucky shot the spinner lands on is then served for the next hour around the bar for just $1.  With options such as Jolly Rancher, Grape Ape, Washington Apple, and Sex on the Beach…you’ll have a wide selection all night long.  It’s a close knit atmosphere where everyone comes together for the one common goal, more shots.

The one large bar takes up a majority of the space at Leggetts, and many flat screen televisions line the walls playing some of the most popular sports games.  Off to the side you’ll find a stage that is home to many bands such as The Mike Dalton Band and Bobby Lynch Band that play every Wednesday and Thursday.  A few tables line the perimeter for those that want to sit down and order food.

As part of Weaze’s themed parties America’s Birthday Bash is on July 3 and 70’s Disco Party on July 10.  Make sure you check out their Web site for their calendar of events, drink specials and menu.

Leggetts has one extremely tiny parking lot, your best bet is to find parking on the street.  There are also many bike cops that patrol the area, and I learned from experience just the other day…bike cops do indeed pull you over so be careful and safe driving!

Leggetts Summer Lineup:

Wednesday

$2 Coors Light, $3 “Bombs,” $4 Kettle “O” Drinks, $3 Coronas and Margaritas

Thursday

$2 Bud and Bud Lights, $1 Shot Wheel

Sunday

$2 Bud and Bud Lights (noon-close), $1 Bud and Bud Lights (5-8 inside bar)

*Leggetts is located at 217 First Ave. Manasquan, NJ

]]> http://liveforjerseyshore.com/all-posts/shots-shots-shots/feed 0 http://liveforjerseyshore.com/all-posts/weekend-picks-6-24-6-27 http://liveforjerseyshore.com/all-posts/weekend-picks-6-24-6-27#comments Fri, 25 Jun 2010 17:26:36 +0000 Jessica Infante http://liveforjerseyshore.com/?p=743

Donovan's Reef in chillier times - no sweats required this weekend! (Photo courtesy of jerseyshore.metromix.com)

Now it’s really here – the kids are out of school; seasonal rentals are beginning; and the 4th of July looms ever nearer. If this gorgeous sunny weather we’ve been having hasn’t put you in the mood for cocktails al fresco, get your pulse checked. Fortunately, the Shore abounds with all sorts of spots for you to get your drink on, enjoy the sweet summer night air and take in a splendid view.

Here’s what’s good for this weekend:

• A True Story makes their debut Surf Club performance Friday night during the bar’s new Free For All Fridays. In the interest of full disclosure, LFJS loves, loves, LOVES this band (and has known its lead singer since middle school) so if it seems like we’re playing favorites, we are. Nick, Vic, Rick, John and Matt play their own awesomely catchy originals and can turn any bar into a rollicking dance party. Keep your ears out for their killer versions of “Bye Bye Bye,” “Shout,” anything by Kings of Leon and “Break Your Heart” by Taio Cruz (hint hint, Nick). It’ll be easy on your wallet too – no cover, $1 Coors Light drafts, $3 shot specials, $5 Grey Goose drinks, $5 keep-the-cup Seven Tiki spiced rum drinks, which, whatever they are, sound dangerous.
• Bar A throws a Devotion Vodka party on Saturday for those of you devoted to vodka. If you go early, happy hour is on the new grotto beach – let us know what it’s like! No cover until 9 p.m., $2.75 Heineken and Amstel Lights until 11:30, Miller Lite draft, Stoli Apple and Pomegranate specials.
• The Patio Bar at the Wharfside in Point Pleasant Beach, a great waterfront spot to drink and dine outside, has the Jamie Brown Trio from 1-5 p.m. and Undisputed from 6-10 p.m. on Saturday.
• Donovan’s Reef has Bitter X at 6 p.m. on Sunday if you’re looking to extend your weekend with some Sunday Funday beachfront festivities.

The new and improved Asbury Park boardwalk

Asbury Park, a Jersey Shore beach town with a rich musical past, has recently revamped their boardwalk and is slowly making a new name for itself.  As a Monmouth County resident, I’ve always had reservations about traveling to this beachside metropolis and after 22 years, I’ve finally made the trip.

2005 marked the beginning of the new Asbury era.  Since then, many new shops, restaurants and bars line the walkway.  Langosta Lounge, McLoone’s, and the new Aqua Restaurant and Bar (which I’ve been told is rumored to have fist pumping gurus at night) are among some of the more trendy destinations on the boardwalk.

Feeling a little daring last night, my friends and I veered right into Pop’s Garage Taco Bar, which also has a location at Normandy Beach.  This tiny eatery is seat yourself either on the boardwalk overlooking the massive beach or inside their tiny quarters.  Sitting outdoors was definitely the better option as I watched not only the waves crash but the diverse crowd stroll by.  The laid back atmosphere made for the quintessential summer night.

Reminiscent of Surf Taco, with far less options, you have your choice of tacos, quesadillas and burritos, to name a few.  Their menu even includes a glossary for those of you who did not have to endure 4 years of high school Spanish such as myself.

Margaritas were had and salsa was dipped, and after my three supersized chicken quesadillas, I was stuffed.  After our South of the border adventure we continued to walk on the boardwalk to see what else Asbury had in store for us.  Music was bumping outside of The Beach Bar and Wonder Bar as these nightly bars were gearing up for a routine thirsty Thursday.

The original boardwalk in the early 20th century

Forget about your preconceived notions about Asbury Park and venture out to a new Jersey Shore destination that is slowly becoming one of Monmouth County’s hot spots.  The Asbury boardwalk is not like others I’m used to, it definitely has a historical and old fashion feel to it evocative of the 1930s, but rich history is what our lovely Jersey Shore is all about.  So come check it out the new Ocean Avenue for yourself.

Barba was eliminated before the top 12 was chosen, but like every reality television star, she of course had racy photographs leaked over the internet….but that’s a whole other story.

Barba grew up locally in Point Pleasant, a true Jersey Shore girl, so I guess we’ll cut her some slack for jumping on the Jersey Shore bandwagon.  Will this be the new summer anthem for us East Coast girls now that Katy Perry has everyone singing about the Golden Coast?  You be the judge.  (and yes I’m exit 98 too)

Barba filming at Bar A.

Now that the summer season is in full effect, our favorite beach bars are up and running. For the ultimate Jersey Shore experience head over to Donovan’s Reef in Sea Bright, where the scent of the salty Atlantic greets you from the parking lot.

For you movie fanatics, Donovan’s Reef was established in 1976 and named after the famous John Wayne comedy coincidentally titled Donovan’s Reef. This 1960’s film is about a former sailor who owns a bar on a South Pacific island after WWII, called you guessed it…Donovan’s Reef.

This small bar is not only reserved for after hours fun, Donovan’s is a hotspot for daytime drinking as well. Guests can come in their bathing suits, lay on the beach, listen to music and enjoy the drinks that the tiki bars have to offer. Donovan’s is a private lifeguarded beach bar so you’re more than welcome to get in touch with your inner Michael Phelps out in the waves.  You most certainly won’t leave hungry either with their grill that is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. serving some of your summer favorites.

It’s not uncommon for the regulars to stay through the night, as many patrons are still donning their cover-ups and tan lines well into the early morning hours. It’s the ultimate laid back, beach bum, real Jersey Shore atmosphere.

If you prefer not to get sand in your shoes, there are a few small outdoor bars on the other side of the boardwalk as well as a full indoor bar. Inside you’ll find a stage that is home to many live bands whose music keeps everyone singing and dancing.

Make sure you check out their Web site with full a calendar of events and for you social media savvy people out there, follow them on twitter for instant updates on everything Donovan’s.

Some helpful tips that my friends and I learned the hard way this past Memorial Day Weekend. Donovan’s does in fact have cover, and no they don’t accept credit cards, so make sure you come with that cash money!

*Located at 1171 Ocean Avenue in Sea Bright

Don't let its seeming-emptiness fool you. This boardwalk's about to be overrun.

Gentle readers, it is upon us. On Friday, our fair island will be inundated with seasonal owners, their guests and, yes, the dreaded Benny. For lifelong beach kids like yours truly, Memorial Day Weekend (MDW for the uninitiated) is better than Christmas. Beach, barbecue, beers, old friends – what’s not to like?

For those of you seeking entertainment outside your own backyard, here are our picks:

• Shorty Long and the Jersey Horns at the Beachcomber Thursday night at 10 p.m. Party with Shorty, definitely among my favorite Shore bands, in the boardwalk bar where Snooki got punched. Bud Light drafts are usually $1.50; there’s never a cover and when you get hungry, Steaks Unlimited is right across the street.
• If you’re an early riser, Jenks and WPLJ 95.5 will salute the unofficial start to summer with the sunrise for the 2010 Summer Blast Off with the Scott and Todd Morning Show at 6 a.m., Barenaked Ladies, Kris Allen (see, who says winning American Idol doesn’t get you anywhere?) and then Lifespeed at night.
• Hemingway’s is touting the “biggest party in Seaside Heights” from May 28-30 on its website, whatever that means.
• The Osprey in Manasquan has a cover band-eriffic weekend with Big Bang Baby, Screaming Broccoli and Bitter X Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Bad news though, you still can’t wear flip flops.

Were I you, I’d probably stay away from MTV’s magnificent 7’s favorite hotspots this weekend. Save Bamboo and Karma for another time, friends.

Another thing to remember, prices are going to jump higher than Snickers’ poof this weekend on just about everything. Last summer, a 2.5 mile cab ride from Used to Be’s to my house cost $60, which we should have negotiated before getting in the taxi. The Ortley Beach McDonald’s banishes their dollar menu beginning MDW, although hours have been extended to round-the-clock, so find late-night snacks elsewhere. Also, the invasion of horrendous drivers has already begun so be extra careful.

We’ll be tweeting with #MDW10 all weekend and you should too! Happy summer!!

shorty!

Dance the night away at one of Belmar's favorite bars.

The time has come ladies and gentleman; I have finally been to the infamous D’Jais. Despite the general consensus among the locals that this beachside bar is guido-central, I happened to love it.  It’s Belmar’s version of Hemmingway’s for you Seaside enthusiasts. Being a wallflower won’t cut it here, expect to dance the night away.

Four full indoor bars as well as another on their outside deck gives you many options to catch the bartenders attention, and when you do, you are rewarded with a supersized drink. The beats are always bumping, making it hard to hear yourself speak, but who’s really talking anyway?

The stage is always a favorite for the female clientele to shake what their momma gave them, and the night would not be complete without a dance competition to beat up that beat. To quote the overly enthusiastic emcee “You gotta be dancing, you gotta be smiling, you gotta be shaking that…” If you follow those three steps you will probably be called up on stage and walk away with glow sticks galore.

Not only can you cool off and nurse your ringing ears on their outside patio, but the full lunch and dinner menu with outdoor ocean view seating is also a plus for those late night munchies on your way out. Once the summer is in full effect make sure you check out their website for their themed Thursday nights such as Christmas, Valentines Day, and New Years in July…giving everyone another excuse to dress up.

Are you a summer baby? If so you can also enter on their website to host your birthday at D’Jais. Parties are available any Saturday night from 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.  All guests receive free admission and VIP wristbands which are good for reduced drink prices till 1 a.m.  As well as a complimentary bottle of champagne, balloons and more. Forget about the stereotypical birthday getaways to AC and head to D’Jais!

Some lovely treats that you can look foward to:

EVERYDAY SPECIALS
Buckets of Coronitas $12
Buckets of Coors Lights $10.99
Buckets of Bud light $10.99

FRIDAY
World Famous After Work Happy Hour
No Cover Free Hot & Cold Buffet
Bucket of Coors Lights $10.99
Win a Special Coors Light happy Hour Party
Free Admission & Coors Light Giveaway For Your Entire Group

SATURDAY
Kipples Beach Party
Happy Hour 3-7
Bucket of Coors Lights $10.99

SUNDAY
Off The Beach Happy Hour
DJ Charlie Cavallo & Kipples
DJ Gary Love
Sunday $2.75 Bud Light Bottles

*D’Jais is located at 1801 Ocean Avenue in Belmar.

Sawmill, we hardly know ye anymore.

This week, Jersey Shore Metromix compiled a photo gallery entitled Closed at the Jersey Shore with shots of dearly departed watering holes. I haven’t been of the legal drinking age long enough to mourn the dive bars that my parents’ generation misses, nor has my social life lost any significant spots. However, while it still stands, the Sawmill is a fraction of what it once was. Ever since the Seaside Park Borough Council voted in 2008 to change the town’s closing time to midnight, this boardwalk staple hasn’t been the same.

Quite frankly, I miss having another place to go see bands, dance and drink cheap beer. You could easily make a whole night of hanging out at the Sawmill, unlike its tinier counterparts that dot the Seaside boards. There was excellent people watching to be had from the stools near the open windows on the lower level and a bird’s eye view of the entire boardwalk undulating northward from the massive upstairs.You could dance on the Green Room’s giant dance floor (why the upstairs area had a different name is beyond me); you could sit at the many tables and play cards or watch the crowd pass by.

Remember Holla for a Dolla? (Forgive the unfortunate spelling; it’s not my doing.) That was awesome – $1 Miller Lites, $1 shots, $1 giant slices of pizza. And the Thursday night mug deal where a bartender would fill your commemorative Sawmill mug with Coors Light or Yuengling for 50 cents. Sadly, my mug now holds pens and pencils in a box under my desk. I’m sure they still have these same deals, but now the bouncers have to start herding everyone out at 11:30 p.m. Not quite the same.

This weekend, I’m bringing that mug home and pouring some beer out of it on the ground for our fallen friend.

Lots of stuff going on around the shore this weekend – Cinco de Mayo continues into Seis de Mayo, bands we like are around, and there’s good deals to be had. Let’s review…

• Hemingway’s combines its belated Cinco de Mayo celebration with its new Thursday night promotion, Plan B Thursdays. No, not so called because they anticipate patrons to need emergency contraception the next day (but it kinda sounds like it, right?), but because they’ve gotten giddily alliterative with specials on beers and bomb shots and live music from bands. $2 Coors Lights and Yuenglings, $3 bomb shots from 12-1, no word yet on this Thursday’s band.
• Speaking of featured bands, super-fun cover band A True Story will make their monthly appearance at Bar A on Friday. Full disclosure, ATS’s singer Nick is a dear friend of mine. Rick, Vic, John and Matt round out the band and in addition to some awesome originals, they cover almost everything and do it well. Seriously, their Kings of Leon covers sound just like, well, Kings of Leon. Also, they don’t shy away from the occasional Britney jam.  Bar A VIP card holders can swap their old cards for new ones; have-nots can purchase cards. Bud Lights cost $2, well-drinks $2.25, no cover before 9 p.m.

A True Story continues to rock out despite a stage-crasher at Bar A last summer.

• Supposedly the next best thing to seeing Sublime live is seeing Badfish and you can do so Friday night at the Surf Club. Tickets cost $16 in advance and $18 at the door, $2 Coors Light drafts.
• If Saturday’s 40 percent chance of thunderstorms doesn’t scare you off, Dr. Cheeko mans the afternoon shift at Martell’s Tiki Bar and there’s nothing like a fresh-squeezed OJ drink to deal with the heat we’ve been having lately.

Martell's Tiki Bar on the Point Pleasant boardwalk is just as fun by day or night.

• If you’re devoid of cooking skills and would rather just take Mom out for brunch on Mother’s Day, Metromix Jersey Shore rounded up a list of brunches in the area.