We all know that Asbury Park has once again become the it spot on the jersey shore. There are countless articles and blogs about the resurgence and new energy that has brought the city back to life. This article isn't about any of those things. It is strictly about the places you need to eat or drink at because this former "City in Ruin" has got some seriously good food and booze. Checkout are list of the dope spots you gotta hit this summer in glorious Asbury Park NJ.Confections of a Rock$tar: It is impossible to walk down Cookman Ave, and not be drawn into Confections of a Rock$tar. It screams all things rock and makes some bad a$$ cupcakes. Kimmee Masi, a rock star in her own right, has created something truly special with her bakery. The bright pink walls are lined with rock and roll photos and signatures; make sure you look for the Two Dopes from Jersey one! Chocolate covered bacon has been perfected here. It is by far, without a doubt, the best chocolate covered bacon we’ve ever had. The cupcakes here are also incredible and have hilarious rockin’ names like “S’more Than a Feeling” and “oREO Speedwagon”. The devil will have zero sympathy for you if you do not get something here. 550 Cookman Ave #104, Asbury Park, NJPorta: Porta is as diverse as the food scene in Asbury Park with its outdoor area dubbed “Porta Park" and a large eating hall that transforms into a club at night. Oh,and did we mention the killer pizza ovens. They make authentic Neapolitan pizza with fresh and deliciously quirky ingredients. Our favorite pizza at Porta, often found on the specials menu, is the Jack Rabbit pizza which features their incredible homemade rabbit sausage. Some of their other pizzas include lamb prosciutto, spicy boar sausage and calabrian chiles as toppings. Their pizzas also appeal to picky eaters with classics like meatball, margherita and marina pies that are still packed with blooming flavors. 911 Kingsley St, Asbury Park, NJAsbury Festhalle & Biergarten: The Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten has been written up as one of the best beer gardens in the country, and with good reason! The food and beer menus are epically large and overflow with flavors from Eastern Europe. It is perfectly located in an old rustic warehouse that is filled with large beer garden tables, incredible views from the rooftop bar, amazing live music that creates a truly magical drinking atmosphere. We dare you to try and walk out of this establishment without being stuffed to the gizzards with brat and a protruding beer belly.527 Lake Ave, Asbury Park, NJTalula’s: They just get bread here. They understand the art of making it and how it should taste. This philosophy is clearly baked into the crust of the pizza, which is flawlessly prepared and creates a delicious, sturdy base for their amazing pies. With a sweet spot for honey, our favorite pie is “The Beekeeper’s Lament” with hot soppressata, mozzarella and local honey. The family style seating and rustic décor at Talula’s creates a laid back, comfortable environment where sharing food is easy – even encouraged! It’s a great place to stop by for brunch, a quick bite or a late snack after a night on the town. But if you’re stopping by for brunch, you should try their Pickled Beet Bloody Mary, which is a refreshing take on the classic boozy drink. 550 Cookman Ave #108, Asbury Park, NJBetty’s Icebox: Betty’s Icebox serves some wickedly delicious shave ice and can be found on wheels, or in the Convention Hall on the boardwalk in Asbury Park. The shave ice is made to order and all of the syrups are all natural, vegan, gluten and lactose free. They also have artisan ice pops, cotton candy, popcorn and a variety of candies. After a long hot day on the beach, it is the perfect retreat to escape the summer sun and cool off. 1300 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ Barrio Costero: The aptly named Barrio Costero, which means “coastal neighborhood” in Spanish, serves up some delicious Mexican food in Asbury Park. They have a stocked bar and a great variety of specialty cocktails. One of our favorites is the Barrio Margy, with blanco tequila, mescal, lime and agave. (Two Dopes Tip: ask for it to be rimmed with the fennel salt!) The food is always fresh and the seasonal menu takes a contemporary spin on coastal Mexican traditions.610 Bangs Ave, Asbury Park, NJThe Wonder Bar: When people talk about great music venues in New Jersey, The Wonder Bar is always part of the conversation. It’s quintessentially a Jersey bar with the famous Asbury Park mascot “Tillie” painted on its side. Besides serving their famous Wonder Burger, this bar is worth hitting in the warmer months for its very unique Yappy Hour. Yes, you read the right.. Yappy Hour, a glorious happy hour for you and your favorite 4-legged furry friends. The outdoor patio of The Wonder Bar is filled with doggie pools, an agility course and lounge furniture to be enjoyed by the pups and their humans. Fifth & Ocean Avenues Asbury Park, NJ Pops Garage and Asbury Park Yacht Club:Walk right off the beach and cool down with a cold beer and some fantastic food. The Cuban Grilled Jersey Corn is a must try and will keep you coming back. Did we mention the tacos? We can't forget their no frills, authentic Mexican tacos. They are a perfect way to recharge your batteries before heading back to the beach. Sit inside in the AC or outside under the umbrellas, but whatever you do, make sure you get the corn!! 1000 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712Cross & Orange:Get ready to eat some delightful food with some fantastic drinks. Cross and Orange's menu is as diverse as it is loaded with fresh and seasonal ingredients. The goal of the restaurant is to pay homage to the "cultural and culinary diversity caused by the influx in immigration to New York during the 1800s". We would have to say they nailed it, and we really enjoyed the Slow Cooked Pork Ragu and the truffle burrata with asparagus, heirloom tomatoes, watermelon, basil oil, balsamic reduction. 508 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712The Bonny Read:Fresh Seafood, great taps and a 1920's vibe, YES, PLEASE. For us, the Bonney Read is a great place to cozy up to the bar and have some fantastic seafood. There is nothing better than sipping on an ice cold Kane Head High or perfectly chilled Chardonnay while slurping down some tasty Local Oysters and Jumbo Snow Crab Claws. If Beyonce ate here, a certain song would have new lyrics. Sorry Reb Lobster.525 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712Salvaton:On the roof of the very cool Asbury Hotel is Salvation. This bar gives you a 360 degree views of Asbury Park and the Ocean. More importantly there is comfortable seating and a great drink menu. Warning: It is a dangerous place to hangout on a nice day. The time will fly by and you might forget all about your dinner plans.Take the elevator up, grab a seat and enjoy this great addition to the Asbury scene. Salvation Army Building, 210 5th Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712

Asbury Park Dope Spots, Summer 2017

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