The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park was named one of the Best Bars of the Year on USA Today’s list.
USA Today put out an article on Monday detailing 27 bars across the entire country, and New Jersey found itself on the list twice.
According to the Asbury Park Press, manager Debbie DeLisa says, “it’s the community that makes the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park so special.”
The Wonder Bar opened in 2022 and is among many bars and music venues within just the few minutes stretch of Asbury Park. Within walking distance, you can find yourself at The Stone Pony, Asbury Lanes, House of Independents, and Convention Hall.
Known for its Yappy Hour, the Wonder Bar brings a mix of music and drinks, and best of all, it brings people together.
“It seems like everybody is brought together and nobody feels alone,” DeLisa said to USA Today. “A lot of people come by themselves.”
The bar has even raised money for many charities, including for veterans, schools, and animal rescues.
The music scene at the Wonder Bar is also unmatched, bringing huge artists like Bruce Springsteen, but it also serves as a great place for local artists like Sunshine Spazz and Dogs in a Pile.
In fact, the Stone Pony’s house and esteemed music photographer Jeff Crespi hosts his own show every Monday, featuring all sorts of local and non-local artists.
But the Wonder Bar isn’t the only great bar in Asbury Park. Bond Street Bar is a hidden dive bar that’s a fan-favorite to many, and there are even bars right on the boardwalk like Low Dive – both of which also have live music on a regular basis.
The Wonder Bar wasn’t the only bar in New Jersey to make the USA Today list, however. If you head up north, you can find Tierney’s Tavern in Montclair, which also found its way into the article.
Tierney’s Tavern is a vintage, Irish-style pub in the heart of Montclair, which is already full of history. In fact, an episode of “The Sopranos” was filmed in the bar.
The bar has been known around New Jersey for over 90 years, more notably as “Montclair’s Cheers.”
“We are grateful to the town and people of Montclair for supporting us for the past 90 years,” the Tierney family said to USA Today. “We would like to thank our predecessors, dedicated staff, and irreplaceable regulars who have truly turned Tierney’s into ‘where friends meet,’ and to USA Today for this recognition and honor.”
It’s clear that New Jersey is a hotspot for bars and live music, and it continues to be recognized years later.
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