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.

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.

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.

The Surf Club is open!

A few things to make note of on the Interwebs: Surf Club is rocking a somewhat new Twitter handle – @jhsurfclub and their website, in case you can never remember like me, is thesurfclubnj.com.

Happy Cinco de Mayo eve!

Hemingway's Cafe is looking for some ballers tonight

Behemoth Seaside Heights bar/club Hemingway’s Cafe will host its second anniversary party and handout VIPs to all those who came out to celebrate tonight . VIP cards are mainly useful on Saturdays, when cover jumps to $10 after 11 p.m. and this valuable piece of plastic lets you jump the line that will snake from the door down to the corner.

Last year’s VIP giveaway featured one complimentary drink and passed appetizers (and they were all delicious – it helps if you’re friends with the waitresses and they come straight to you when they pick up a new tray from the kitchen).

Hem’s boasts a monstrous dancefloor so be ready to bop along to hip-hop and techno remixes. During the week, four massive pool tables fill it. It’s a pretty clubby atmosphere  – lots of tiny dresses and sky-high heels. More guys than not are wearing Ed Hardy t-shirts. If you’re up to the challenge, you can stay and fist-pump until 4 a.m.

The windows and walls along the two front bars completely open up and create a nice patio feel and provide a front-row seat to gawk at the tricked-out, pimped-up sports cars and SUVs that parade along the Boulevard every weekend.

Last Friday, they offered a Coors Light special – $2 bottles. Friday happy hour features $2 drafts, $7 martinis and $5 appetizers.

The food is pretty tasty too – awesome brick oven pizzas and sushi (really, really good shrimp tempura rolls!). The sushi bar stays open til 1 a.m. if the booze munchies give you a craving for unagi. Hemingway’s decor is pretty swanky overall with high ceilings and dark wood but the dining room is bright and tropical.

Hemingway’s Cafe is located at 612 Boulevard, Seaside Heights. For more information, visit them online at www.hemingwaysnj.com or call 732-830-1255.

The Osprey in Manasquan has mandated Tivas, hackey sack not required

Manasquan night-life staple The Osprey has outlawed flip-flops beginning tonight, according to an APP staff report. I’m pretty sure this is patently absurd because who doesn’t wear flips in the summer?? I’ve only been to Osprey once and aside from the $10 cover and $7 Bud Lights, it was a pretty good time. But, guess what I was wearing – oh yes, FLIP-FLOPS. So was everyone else I was with and probably 98% of the people there.

Apparently some chick was injured and now any shoes worn into the bar must feature some type of strap to include the back of your foot. You could go mid-90s style and wear these:

Angry Osprey patrons have taken to Facebook – the college quad for protestors of the digital age — to show their disappointment and brainstorm a solution to their plight. One creative poster suggested that the ‘Sprey regulars show up in “the most inappropriate foot wear possible. I am going to wear ski boots i suggest soccer cleats motorcycle boots cowboy boots flippers…you get the idea.” Hats off to you, Jamie Annese of Central Jersey, for getting original, but for your own sake please don’t wear ski boots to the bar – ouch! Other posters suggested bunny slippers and rain boots. I love my Rainbows to death but personally, if it was socially acceptable to wear my L.L. Bean slippers out in public, I totally would.

Can you imagine waiting in the line that snakes from the Ospreys door and around the block only to reach the front and be told that your footwear precludes you from entering? Yikes. I’m not terribly well-versed in Manasquan watering holes but I would imagine Leggett’s and The Parker House are about to get much, much busier.

I really couldn’t tell you what she played but it was vast array of music from lots of genres – no unntz-unntz techno at all! Sam’s beats even got my wallflower boyfriend dancing out on the floor (it also could have been the booze).  The night was a bit chilly so the entrance to the beach from the outer bars was shuttered but you could still see that beautiful Atlantic – easily one of my favorite things about the Surf Club.

Samantha Ronson’s Mac has gone political.

The Surf Club rolled out VIP cards for partiers with Monmouth and Ocean county IDs. Scrawled atop the cards in big red type is LOCAL’S ONLY. Ouch. Grammar’s not their forte but I’ll let it slide, since cheap beer is. Problem is, last summer’s Bring Your Own Mug promotion is out and alleged 24 ounce Coors Light drafts for $2 are in, but check this out –

Maybe not.

Does that cup look like it could hold the equivalent of two cans? I think not. Maybe if we all request the return of Mug Night we can bring back a local favorite. After all one should “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Think Margaret Mead ever dreamed her famous line would be applied to a bunch of cash-strapped booze-hounds?