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    Donovan's Reef

    3.2 (151 reviews)
    ModerateDive Bars
    Closed 9:00 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated 2 months ago

    Donovan's Reef Photos

    DONOVAN'S REEF ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    DJ
    Live music
    Casual
    Loud

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    Recommended Reviews - Donovan's Reef

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    2024 menu
    The Critical J.

    PROS: This is my favorite bar ever. Drink and food have a huge variety, staff is nice, atmosphere is amazing, very spacious, they have a parking lot, good hours, and the beach water is actually more clear here than other places (even know they don't control that). CONS: They haven't updated their website since 2018, they don't show any menu online, they never answer the phone, food is overpriced, and they charge a $20 admission fee OVERALL: Great place to come to if you're in New Jersey. I wouldn't be surprised if you stayed the night in Sea Bright just for this place. I just wish their prices lowered and they would become more tech savvy

    California Chicken Wrap w/ cheese fries
    Maritza M.

    I've been here before, but didn't know they sold food, which I believe is a little part of the problem. Unless someone is or has eaten, and they tell you where it is, there's no advertisement of it. The food pick up and order is on the side, with a little pick up window. Other than the main bar, and a couple of tables and seats there really isn't a lot of space to eat. However they are always playing live music, drinks are "relatively" priced, but beer is cheap. I had the California Chicken Wrap and fries, which was great, but some had the buffalo chicken wrap and said it was it was heavy on the sauce with dry chicken. The fries were on point, and the cheese was that classic nacho cheese, I had to get two sauces it was so good. If you don't make yourself available to order anything, they will never come to you. Other than that, great grab and go service and beers on tap. The view of the water and the live music is key.

    Beach
    Michael M.

    Great beach club. Had DJ during day. Clean facility. Good food with great service. Parking is $15. Come early as fills up .

    1 of upper deck bars (located to the left upon entry)
    Jade O.

    This summer of 22' was my first time at Donovan's after a year of trying. Donovan's is a great place to go in the summer, Wether alone or with friends. They have great staff, and ambience; but is a no cooler/ food/drink etc. This was my 3rd time here this summer, and I'm never disappointed. Donovan's is CASH only, except for the food house where you can use card payment. They have 2 upper deck bars, a food house and then 1 tiki bar on the sand. Bartenders are friendly, personable & can offer a good mixed drink. Usually on the weekends they have a DJ present, and offer a great mixed crowd of people, where everyone is just having a good time! Only thing I would suggest is on a Fri./sat./ you try to arrive no later then 10am. The parking lot is pretty small and gets filled FAST! Other then that, come ready to have a great time at the beach.

    Jonathan R.

    I joined a friend of mine at Donovan's this week to catch the Moroccan Sheepherders, $10 cover charge. Excellent crowd of younger and ahem over 40 crowd enjoying the band and libations to kick off Memorial Day Weekend. Talking to many guests this was the first time many ventured out to a club post COVID19 including myself. Donovan's is setup nicely with one huge indoor bar and several outdoor bars. Donovan's is one of the few bars in NJ located directly on the beach, you can purchase a beach pass for the season or a day pass to enjoy adult beverages while taking in the beach. I would recommend bringing a chair if that is the route you want to go. The band is setup on the outer deck and the crowd can enjoy the band from on of the many deck areas or the beach. Cocktails are reasonable for a club, $8 for a Jack Daniels. Food is available to order and looks to be a solid choice for a snack. I was impressed with the setup and will venture back a few more times this summer as there are a handful of bands I am interested in seeing. Pro-tip.....there are a few areas outside of the clubs jurisdiction on the beach if you where you can view the band and listen to the music. I saw a handful of folks enjoying their adult beverages discreetly outside of the fencing with beach chairs and coolers. Parking fills up quickly and street parking is tight. There is a large municipal lot 2 blocks away that charges $1 per hour. I am looking forward to my next visit.

    H W.

    Service a 2 (slowww) and food a 3, so a 2 1/2. Grilled Chicken (comes with fries) and a Burger that's a nice size also w fries. Skip the side of Onion Rings (horrid) and unnecessary. That's about it. Nothing special. Oh, sticky tables. Yuck.

    Rum Bucket
    Marcelle M.

    $15 enterance fee very strict with no food or drinks while entering, you may bring towels, chairs, umbrellas. Nice spot $7 for hard seltzers and $10 for margaritas. Make sure to grab your lunch by noon the line picks up pretty dramatically. The chicken tenders and sweet potato fries are a must !

    Vanesa F.

    Parking on premises makes it easier for people to enjoy as it's located steps away from their entrance. Lot parking is $10. Arrive early and find street meter parking for $1 per hour. Upon arrival you are given a bracelet, charged a cover fee and have bags checked. On a Monday we paid $10 each. Keep in mind this is more of a party scene on the beach; and one must pay to get onto the beach regardless so paying an extra dollar or two just to have the option of on-premise drinking and eating isn't a bad deal. The bartender was quicker then expected and super nice with offering us drinks that our taste buds were seeking since we were undecided on what to have. They do have a secluded beach area for those who enter and pay through the main entrance. So grab a drink and hang within their perimeter. You will see signs stating "no alcohol beyond this point". I found prices reasonable. We spend about $15 for two Truly drinks plus tip. The girl taking our food order was just as good as everyone else we encountered. Once your order is placed, your number is requested so they can send you a text to inform you your order is done. I got the chicken Cesar salad and my friend got a chicken wrap. Both meals were good. The best part about this place is that it's much closer to home then other spots. I would definitely be back.

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    10 months ago

    Don't allow bikes to park! Yet it comes up as biker bar 's Staff great management.. Typical Jersey let's charge a cover at 2pm

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    4 years ago

    Rude staff who aren't knowledgable about the basic needs of a diabetic. The manager is rude and no help as well. Spend your money elsewhere.

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    Donovan's Reef Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Donovan's Reef

    What's the admission price for the 2024 season?

    Can you bring your own water?

    No, they will check your bags. you have to get water inside

    Does Donovan's close for the season?

    They are open all year round! They may close here and there, but mostly open. Check their Facebook page or call for the latest hours.

    What’s the cost to get on the beach during the day in a Friday?

    For the regular beach I believe $8, for their beach I think it's a $10 charge at the door because you go through their establishment. I'd ring them up or shoot them a message on Instagram or here.

    If you were to sit on the regular beach, can you walk to and from the bar. And how far?

    Donovans own beach has a tiki bar on the beach and weekends a satellite orange crush bar all within feets apart from each other

    Is there a cover charge on friday's?

    Honestly there was one on a Sunday for $10 at 3 PM so I'm going to assumed yes there may be one :/ however the rum buckets done by a taller bartender with a mustache and bald head are heavier handed and better than the first bartender.

    Does this place have a phone number I can call and speak to a manager at? Nothing bad just have questions.

    Donovansreefbeachbar.com has contact link

    View All 8 Questions

    Review Highlights - Donovan's Reef

    Came here for a friends birthday and the two bartenders (both women, LD and Christine) were doing a great job enforcing Covid restrictions while being super hospitable.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

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    Murphy's Tavern

    Murphy's Tavern

    4.7(30 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    First off, this is NOT a dive bar... it's a SPEAKEASY! That said, let's keep this place a secret…read morebetween you and I.... because it will lose it's charm otherwise! Don't let the "basement bar" concept scare you away. Murphy's Tavern dates all the way back to the Prohibition Era (originally opened by Mary Murphy) and even though drinking is back in business with the 21st amendment, the concept of the intimate space to mingle, drink, and socialize is still there. The owner (not the original, but through generations, has kept the Speakeasy vibe going since the 1920s) runs the show. He's an older gentleman with smokey grey hair and bar tends, busses, and let's you finish every drop of alcohol you want- until 2AM! Then, bam, the light's brighten, and it's closing time! Don't worry, though, he blinks the lights around 1:45 for last call! He is also very personable, relaxed, and makes a mean old fashioned! What is great about this place is it really does transport you back in time. The drinks to order here are the classics, strong liquor, high end cocktails, or beer! Side cars, Manhattans, an old fashioned, etc. Single malt scotch. Whiskey, neat. You can also order beer or a vodka soda, or even a club soda. Prices are reasonable. There is ONE TV in the place. It's refreshing. This is the type of space where you actually TALK to your friends or make new ones. You can also play a variety of games. Darts, shuffle board, or the jukebox (it is modernized and takes dollar bills). Age groups ranged anywhere from 25 to 65. Pleasant crowd. Amazing Place. Classy. If you want to check it out, just keep an eye out. The sign is small, but it's there, and it's real! "Prohibition only drives drunkenness behind doors and into dark places..." Mark Twain SHHHHH!!! (see you there!)

    There are few places left that still carry the quiet pulse of history. Murphy's Tavern is one of…read morethem. You walk down the old steps and the air changes cooler, darker, with the scent of wood and whiskey soaked into the walls. It feels honest, like a place built for men and women who have seen enough of the world to appreciate something simple and true. The story on the wall tells of Prohibition and rumrunners, of Mary Murphy and the river that once hid her secrets. You can still feel that in the glass you hold. The On a Yacht bourbon cocktail has the right burn, softened with mint and peach, the kind that lingers like a good memory. The Blackberry Bramble is bright and sharp, a summer night in a tumbler. You don't come to Murphy's for polish or pretense. You come because it feels alive, because the ghosts of the past sit quietly beside you, raising a glass in approval. A tavern like this doesn't chase the world it waits for those who still know how to listen.

    Photos
    Murphy's Tavern
    Murphy's Tavern - Whiskey, old fashion, vodka soda

    Whiskey, old fashion, vodka soda

    Murphy's Tavern - Motto!

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    Motto!

    Bond Street Bar & Grill - SWEET CHILI WINGS

    Bond Street Bar & Grill

    3.9(266 reviews)
    10.1 mi
    $

    Always a good time, lots of events and food specials. How about that goth night, though?read more

    LATE NIGHT STOP!! Work compete, hungry, need to relax…read morebefore heading back to MD. Found this spot open with a late night bar and grill. Now what I will say is make sure you have your cash ready this is a cash only establishment which is not bad at all what you saw as a price is what you paid. Plus the specials that they had were cash only as well and they were worth the bucks. Nothing was too expensive great pricing I don't think I saw anything over $20. Plenty of drink options in the best little glasses that are complimentary of Ball, if you are familiar. As we arrive we met this really nice security guy super cool even came to check in on us at some point through the night an amazing bartender super cool great conversation great tattoos. Sorry I was tired so I didn't get a name but when you see him you will know it. So we did a little late night dipping and dabbing just got something light sweet chili wings perfectly cooked perfect flavor and adjust the right amount of sauce with the freshest celery and carrots! My partner was looking for something heavy so he indulged in the burger and the sweet tater w Pico queso. Delicious .. We remember seeing this place over the summer and all we remembered was a lot of people standing outside so we didn't realize what the bar was but this weekend we stopped in and were pleasantly surprised we will definitely be back and looking forward to it!

    Photos
    Bond Street Bar & Grill - Hopping

    Hopping

    Bond Street Bar & Grill - Patty Melt

    Patty Melt

    Bond Street Bar & Grill - Good times..

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    Good times..

    Blarney Castle - Side salad, penne with (very limited) sausage), chicken francaise which is a very slightly larger portion.

    Blarney Castle

    3.8(21 reviews)
    14.3 miBreezy Point

    The Blarney Castle re-opened about a month ago under new owners and a new chef. So ignore all…read moreprevious reviews from that time. The place has been re-done but the "historic" fish remains. Sound suppressors have been installed and they help temper the noise. The limited wine list is well priced but unfortunately they were out of one of the two chardonnays (Bonanza) on the list. I ordered the other Chardonnay which was double the cost of the Bonanza (but still fairly priced for the quality) and it did not come out for 15 minutes. I alerted the waitress who stated that she was getting ice for it. The wine finally came with two chilled wine glasses (wrong) and it was warm. Strike two on the wine. Someone is not checking inventory. We got there as it opened at five. No excuse for not having a listed wine and then serving a warm $65 dollar bottle. Each plate of food was delivered in a staggered delivery about five to ten minutes apart. Food should come out at the same time to all customers. That's probably on the chef with the mercurial temperament. That being said; the food was very good. The chef can really cook but get there soon because he might not be there long. Four televisions the dining room is unnecessary and very distracting. Turn them off during service. I plan on going back for the good food but will bring my own wine. I got three different answers when I asked about a corkage fee; so I don't know what the corkage fee is. The owners are new and need time to adjust to the place. I see the place improving as the kinks are worked out.

    Always consistent and good food. Service is always pleasant and personable…read more Atmosphere is low key and comfortable. Has a great bar following. Take out/pick up available..

    Photos
    Blarney Castle - Outside

    Outside

    Blarney Castle - Chicken francaise

    Chicken francaise

    Blarney Castle

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    Up the Creek Tavern - Up the creek tavern off deck

    Up the Creek Tavern

    3.5(39 reviews)
    13.7 mi
    $$

    Why the hate for this spot?…read more Is it fancy? Hell no, but that's the point. Up the creek is a no-frills hybrid sports-dive-bayside bar that serves up cheap food, cheap drinks, and cheap company, in the best possible way. You're not coming here to be fancy, you're coming to watch the Mets, Yankees, Giants, or Jets on one of the huge TVs they have everywhere, while sucking down 3$ beers, and when the time calls for it, a porkroll* with cheese on a roll and an order fries. You can choose the bar, a high top, or the outdoor bar when the weather is nice enough (you'll always find me at the bar). There are some stairs to get up here, but you'll be rewarded with a view of the marina...and route 35....and if you look hard enough the parkway....ok there are stairs that lead up to a bar, that's all you gotta know. It's the perfect spot to catch the game and hang with the locals. Come in, say hey to Linda, and drink enough that you need some greasy food to make everything feel better. Doesn't get much better in my humblest of opinions. _____________________ *Call it "Taylor ham" and you're dead to me.

    KEYPORT: Up The Creek Tavern is a great local spot with gorgeous views of the Matawan Creek and…read moremarina. Leashed and friendly dogs are allowed on their second story outdoor deck and there is a staircase to the left of the building to go up. Depending on the season, there could be wait service or you have to go inside to order. The food menu is American-style comfort food and a full bar of drink options.

    Photos
    Up the Creek Tavern
    Up the Creek Tavern
    Up the Creek Tavern

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    Brothers Daley - Apple coffee cake

    Brothers Daley

    3.9(57 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    Here's the deal! I know this place has a summer following that's tough to beat! The holiday…read moredecor inside and out is worth a visit alone !! Only visits drinks but the other tables like to have amazing food Outside bar is all decorated and set for winter fun!

    visited last week for my birthday and was welcomed by some of the friendliest hosts. The restaurant…read morewasn't decorated for Christmas yet, but the vibe and ambiance were perfect--very classy and fun. Our servers were great, but I have to admit the food and drinks were just okay. I ordered a non-alcoholic frozen apple cider with vanilla cold foam, but the foam was nowhere to be found. The cider itself was good for what it was. The crab deviled eggs sounded amazing in theory but were disappointing, and the $25 price tag definitely added some regret. We also had oysters and the French onion soup, both of which hit the mark, along with a really tasty French onion rigatoni. The BD burger, however, was pretty average. I was excited for a birthday dessert, but was extremely let down to learn they only had two options left because they had run out of everything else... on a Friday at 7 PM. It seemed like they hadn't prepared for the weekend crowd at all. It was a disappointing way to end the meal and made my birthday memorable for the wrong reasons. Overall, we had a nice evening and I would return with adjusted food expectations.

    Photos
    Brothers Daley - Beautiful floral arrangement

    Beautiful floral arrangement

    Brothers Daley
    Brothers Daley

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    Donovan's Reef - divebars - Updated May 2026

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