We had to wait about fifteen minutes for a table, but Old Man Rafferty’s was worth the wait. An open area restaurant built in the historical Steinbach building, the developers must have spent major money renovating and repairing this building to what it is now. All the details were very impressive and the atmosphere was family fun. This is the third restaurant by the same owners, with the original being in New Brunswick known as the “Habit”.

The menu was plentiful and very reasonable for pub style dinning. We started with a cup of soup; I had French Onion, and my wife had Tomato Basil. Both were served in an oversized cup and there was plenty for each of us to share. We were impressed that the soups were served very hot, which sometimes is a disappointment when a restaurant is very crowded, they come out luke warm. Both had great taste and flavor, and we could not wait until our entrees arrived.

My choice of entree was the Chateau Steak Sandwich, which was tender sliced Chateau steak topped with fresh greens tossed in a Sherry Wine Vinaigrette with Gorgonzola cheese, poached pears and sautéed red onion. This was served on a toasted ciabatta roll and served with French fries and dill pickle slices. It tasted as good as it sounds. I thoroughly enjoyed it and even though I thought I would not be able to finish it, I did.

My wife went with the Italian Country Salad which had fresh Mesclun Greens, sliced poached pears, Gorgonzola cheese, and candied walnuts. This was topped with delicate Sherry wine vinaigrette. And again, it was delicious.

We could not eat dessert, but opted for a takeout piece of one of their many homemade desserts. We went with the classic strawberry cheesecake, and a few hours later we were enjoying our fine choice.

Old Man Rafferty’s was a great find for good pub food at a very reasonable price. The total for our meal with tip came to less than Fifty dollars including dessert. You can’t beat that and you must visit Old Man Rafferty’s on your next visit to Asbury Park.

It was late morning when my wife and I were walking and looking at all the new boardwalk venues when we decided to get an early lunch. We had scoped the restaurants along the boardwalk in Asbury Park when we came across McLoone’s Asbury Grille. We immediately were impressed with the menu offerings and decided to give it a try.

It was a cool spring day, but the sun was shining so we could not resist sitting at one of the many outside tables where we could take in the ocean view and the people passing by. The toughest decision was deciding what to order from a lunch menu with many appealing items. Some of the many choices included Caribbean Calamari, Mango & Gorgonzola Salad, Grilled Mahi Mahi, Grilled Vegetable Lasagna, and the list went on and on. Most restaurants gives you a few mouth watering choices and it is easy to narrow down your choices but this menu made it very difficult to decide.

My wife and I decided on the McLoone’s Thai BBQ Wings and a bowl of the Loaded Baked Potato Soup as appetizers. We love to share so we get to try a more variety of foods. For my meal, I chose the Grilled Vegetable Panini, which had grilled zucchini, squash, and eggplant topped with roasted red peppers and fresh mozzarella. My wife was tempted by the Mango and Gorgonzola Salad, which came with toasted almonds and dried cranberries served with thyme vinaigrette. All of our choices were fantastic.

The Thai wings came with a Thai BBQ sauce and bleu cheese that combined together were a taste to savor for long time. The Potato soup was interestingly served in a pitcher, and you poured it into your bowl. There was plenty for both of us to share and again the rich flavors made us want to come back for more.

My Grilled vegetable Panini was served hot and the melted mozzarella cheese, along with the grilled vegetables meet all expectations. This was served with a pickle and homemade potato chips which were an added treat. The Mango and Gorgonzola salad had plenty of all the ingredients and the taste was superb.

We could not have asked for a better lunch anywhere. That along with the sun, beach, and pleasant atmosphere, McLoone’s Asbury Grille gets a five star rating for its unique menu items, fair prices, and fabulous atmosphere.

Anthony Primo, owner, craftsman, perfectionist (as his business card states), has his studio with all of his works of art displayed, while his work is done on premise. You can look at his works of art and if lucky, he or one of his apprentices may be working on one of many handmade craftsmanship pieces of art. We were very impressed with all of the glass pieces such as the jellyfish lighting units, glass key chains, vases, glasses, and all the specific items you would not find in any other stores.

Anthony uses a variety of glass techniques, metals, and hardwoods to create his one of a kind masterpiece that is both functional and decorative. Using his personal life experiences, the glass becomes a canvas for his artistic expression. In the creation of his work, he transforms the craft of glass into an art.

The glass that is used in Anthony’s works of art is handpicked on Murano Island in Venice Italy. Murano is the world renowned center of glassmaking. Using a variety of different glass from around the world creates results that are stunning. Anthony can be commissioned out on request for custom interior pieces and demonstrations.

If and when you are in the Asbury Park area, take the time to visit Primo Glass. You will be glad you did.

On a recent visit to the Central Jersey Shore, my wife and I wondered over to Asbury Park after receiving a recommendation from an Ocean Grove business that we would be pleasantly surprised by what we found. Our comment was: “Is it safe to go over there”, and the response was “YES”. So we walked over and found a Boardwalk with stores and restaurants and it actually made us smile at what we were seeing. The last time we have visited this area was two years ago, and we would have never thought to walk over to Asbury Park. We now found ourselves wandering with excitement as to what we might find.

We spent most of the morning meandering along the boardwalk with its shops of unique items, and looking at the restaurant menus for the perfect place to have lunch. Although it was spring, the sun was out and there were many people strolling along the boardwalk and sitting on the beach. The temperature was perfect and we thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed time.

After eating a wonderful lunch at McLoone’s Asbury Grille, we went downtown in Asbury Park, and again to our surprise, the shops and restaurants were plentiful, and the town was crowded with shoppers and people looking for a place to dine. We found many shops that caught our interest and spent the afternoon amongst the young and old enjoying the newness of this old town with its historical buildings and history that was being preserved.

We found out that Asbury Park offered one Saturday a month an evening out with bands and DJ’s in town and the shopping and restaurants were all hopping with customers. So we decided to come back in the evening and enjoy this Town that was once considered dead.

New housing condominium units and much new construction is taking place in the revitalization of Asbury Park. This town has come a long, long way from the past, but still has a way to go. There are still some concerns in some areas, but overall we felt very safe and welcomed what Asbury Park had to offer.

The Empress Hotel sets the standard for accommodations in Asbury Park. With 101 rooms in a glorious oceanfront setting, this hotel is just across the street from the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent to historic Ocean Grove. The hotel offers views of the beach, Wesley Lake and its oversized pool. Whether you go sunbathing or jogging, shopping or swimming, the hotel is the perfect access point for the boardwalk, beach, revitalized shopping district, and dozens of area attractions. The grounds are complete with poolside tiki huts, Club Paradise a world-class dance club, and customized professional service offer everything for a relaxing getaway or the perfect party. At The Empress Hotel in Asbury Park, New Jersey, you’ll get the royal treatment.

The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, located on Ocean Avenue, has all the splendor and glamour of a bygone era and has been restored. Discover the old charm and sophisticated character of the Jersey Shore’s most unique hotel, with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. Step into a bygone era of this historic oceanfront hotel with its 250 oversized guest rooms and luxury suites. The accommodations here offer all the comforts expected from a grand hotel. There are newly renovated grand ballrooms, which set the stage for an unforgettable celebration, whether a cozy cocktail party, storybook wedding or high-tech convention. The ballrooms span more than 30,000 square feet. The Asbury Park Convention Hall and Paramount Theatre are located directly across the street with 50,000 square feet of flexible convention space. This is a great place to stay during a summer vacation or to enjoy a large-scale trade show or convention.

Just a town away is the quaint Jersey Shore town of Ocean Grove, and there are plenty of charming places to stay here. The Lillagaard Inn is less than one block from the boardwalk and Ocean Grove Beach. The historic inn features three turrets and exterior corridor balconies on each level. Public rooms in the house include the “English Kitchen” dining room, where continental breakfasts are served up daily. An additional formal dining room is available for intimate gatherings and offers a personal touch. Also available on site is a library, a television/game room and an old-fashioned front porch. A Victorian tea room is the perfect venue for an afternoon tea with dainty desserts, finger sandwiches, and scones, which sadly, are offered only on weekends. Guestrooms here include porches, some of which offer ocean views. Select rooms include private bathrooms.

Be sure to check out your accommodations in Asbury Park, New Jersey, ahead of time. You want to make sure you’re in an area of town that you feel comfortable in.

For a classy night out, try Moonstruck. This elegant restaurant offers a gorgeous bar and lounge with an upscale feel.

The Brickwall Tavern and Dining Room on Cookman Avenue remains a favorite around here. With great food and drinks, not to mention live music, an evening here makes for a fun night out. Carmine’s has a nice bar with good drinks and a lively crowd. Located on Main Street, this restaurant is a great place to meet with friends for after-hours fun.

The Stone Pony and The Saint also have bars, so if you’re catching a live music show in one of these well-known venues, you can always get a drink at them. The crowds may be a little noisy, however.

Nightlife here caters to the gay community as well, and Georgie’s is always a hit. Play pool or darts while you enjoy fabulous cocktails with a friendly crowd. Known as “The Gay ‘Cheers’ of Asbury Park,” there’s something happening here everyday of the week for people of all sexual orientations.

Cruisin’ the Circuit is another gay nightlife hotspot. Located on Kinsley Street, the nightclub features a sunken dancefloor (visible from anywhere in the club), three spacious bars, an outdoor patio bar and a smoking lounge. There’s always plenty of great special events and themed events, too! Paradise is another gay nightclub that features lively entertainment and themed events as well. This club has a truly tropical feel with an outdoor tiki bar, a huge dancefloor, swaky bars, an inviting atmosphere, and fabulous cocktails. Paradise is located on Asbury Avenue.

There are plenty of venues in the city that appeal to all ages and preferences. Explore Asbury Park, New Jersey, to find a nightlife destination that suits you best!

Shopping is certainly in order here—and a day of shopping is ideal. Visit Cookman Avenue’s Allan & Suzi, which offers new and vintage designer clothing and accessories. Clothing from Allan & Suzi have appeared in numerous movies and have been purchased by many of the world’s biggest stars.

Walking along the mile-long Asbury Park Boardwalk is a fun trip. Once known as the “Crown Jewel” of the Jersey Shore or the “Shore’s Foremost Year-Round Resort,” it’s awe-inspiring to witness all of the changes this Jersey Shore town has undergone.

Get a little bit of the town’s history in your trip by visiting he restored Paramount Theatre, Convention Hall, The Stone Pony, the new Casino Rotunda, the renovation of the The Berkeley Hotel, and The Empress Hotel. These staples of the town are all experiencing comebacks and the history runs rich here.

Spook up your trip with a visit to Paranormal Books and Curiosities along Cookman Avenue. They run Asbury Park in the Dark Tours, and also feature plenty of paranormal-related products and events. There are even classes on becoming a ghost hunter. This specialty store is certainly worth a stop and attracts plenty of crowds to Asbury Park.

Get artsy and visit the many art galleries in the city. Stop by Sulli Studios, which presents the work of artist Kelly Sullivan. Visit the studio in the historic Asbury Park Press Building on Mattison Avenue. The Larkspur Gallery, located on Cookman Avenue at the Antique Emporium of Asbury, showcases painting, sculpture and works on paper.

As this Jersey Shore city experiences a rebirth, a trip here will certainly give you a perspective on the Jersey Shore’s history and excite you about the revitalization here.

Between 1871 to the time of his death in 1921, Bradley was deeply involved in every aspect of Asbury Park’s development. He planned the town’s layout before the first structure was built.

By the 1930s, the city had become a premier destination at the Jersey Shore. There was a swan boat and paddle boats on Wesley Lake, pony rides and miniature golf on Ocean Avenue. A footbridge crossed Ocean Avenue near the Berkeley-Carteret, providing easy access to the many pavilions, many which provided both fresh- and salt-water swimming pools. During the evenings, noted “Big Bands” played at the various pavilions for dancing. After that, a decline set in.

During the late 1960s, when Bruce Springsteen first came of age, the town’s council started implementing a plan for revitalization; the changed economy has made it necessary to go back to square one, forcing the council to revise plans for a “new” renewal.

The Stone Pony, a world-renowned music venue, opened in 1974 in a building which formerly housed a popular restaurant called Mrs. Jay’s. The club attracted fans from around the world, all hoping to catch a glimpse of Bruce Springsteen, who performed regularly on stage with friends or with the E Street Band before going on tour.

More recently, Asbury Park has been undergoing a revitalization. Trendy, hip restaurants, lounges and housing developments have popped up. There are plenty of interesting shops to visit and exquisite restaurants to sample. But some of the staples here are still around—The Stone Pony, for one—so you know Asbury Park will always stay true to its roots.

The Brickwall Tavern is a great place to enjoy delicious American fare and fabulous beer. This place is a true Asbury Park Favorite. Located on Cookman Avenue, the family-friendly atmosphere is enjoyable and bustling. Plus, it’s a kid-friendly place so there’s no need for a babysitter to enjoy a night out.

Bring out your inner Manhattanite at Restaurant Plan B, which features a smaller menu that is full of exceptional tastes. There are funky flavors fused together in brunch and dinner dishes such as Smoked Salmon Benedict, Fennel Scented Spaghetti and Confit Chicken Spring Rolls. Dessert doesn’t get much better than at Restaurant Plan B—choose from desserts such as plum cake and caramelized banana custard tart.

For a flair of ethnic food, Taka is the place to go. The Japanese restaurant features fresh Japanese food made from only the finest ingredients. This eatery can get really busy in the summer, but the food makes it worth the trip and the possible wait. The staff is very polite, taking the time to open your wine and bring some rice crackers or edamame right away.

The Adriatic offers a fun, relaxing vibe with great food on the menu. The staff is friendly, the place is clean and the food is scrumptious. Plus, there’s a bar where you can kick back and hang out with friends. Located on Kingsley Street, this eatery is close to the beach and is the perfect place to enjoy an appetizing meal at an affordable price.

Carmine’s is a top destination for many people who come to Asbury Park for metropolitan chic dining. This elegant Asbury Park restaurant is located on Main Street. Chef Carmine Mazzone brings his Brooklyn restaurant experience to the Jersey Shore—and people continue to come back for more. Enjoy a cocktail in the swank cocktail lounge that boasts an appetizing raw bar. Carmine’s also has an extensive wine list with some of finest selections here.

This popular resort town is being revitalized with new shops, eateries, bars, and lounges. Come be a part of the action and grab a great meal while you’re here.