Have you ever gone out and asked yourself: Is the music getting louder these days, or is it just me? If that’s the case, maybe it’s time to try a dive bar. Lucky for you, Long Beach Island is filled with them. From old local classics to modern new ones, there’s a dive bar for everyone here on the island.
Dive bars on LBI provide a great change of pace to the hustle and bustle of night clubs and popular restaurants. Avoid the crowds (some nights). Meet some new friends. And take in the community that makes Long Beach Island special.
And we did you the favor of breaking down the best dive bars you can find on LBI.
Quintessential Dives
The Hudson House
Tucked away on a side street in Beach Haven sits a no frills dive bar called The Hudson House. Also known as “The Hud” this is one of the oldest buildings on Long Beach Island dating back to 1882 when it was originally designed as a three-story hotel.
Small and quaint, The Hud is filled with dive bar fun, offering an assortment of entertainment like an old fashioned wooden shuffleboard table, dart board, pool table, pinball machine, and a variety of other arcade games. Snug in the back is also a vintage jukebox to put on your favorite throwback.
If you’re looking for a more local feel on the south end, this is the bar for you. Its rise in popularity has led to large crowds on summer weekend late nights. If you want to avoid the crowds, try a weekday, get there early, or visit them during the fall months (open through New Year’s Eve).
And remember, bring cash! This is a cash only bar, with an ATM by the entrance.
Baker's Port Hole
Proud to be Long Beach Island’s oldest family run bar, the Baker family has served four generations since 1936. And Baker’s Port Hole is still going strong today being one of LBI’s best local spots with great bartenders and tasty bar food. Open all year, come play a round of pool (Oct-May) or corn hole with your friends, sit by the fire pits to warm up on those cool summer nights, or simply sit at the bar to take in the local vibes.
The Port Hole offers both indoor and outdoor dining and takeout at this must-visit dive bar. Come enjoy a full bar with a good selection of beer, wine, cocktails, & liquor. And with a bunch of tables scattered throughout, you won’t have to worry about the crowds to enjoy the quality, great priced bar food. From hot and cold sandwiches, wings, burgers, to other delicious snacks, there’s something for everyone to munch on. Locals go especially crazy for the Roast Beef Sandwich and Chipotle Chicken Cheesesteak.
This dive bar also offers live acoustic music throughout the week. You can check their schedule on their social media pages. Remember to bring cash! But there’s an ATM available if you forget.
Dive(ish) Bars
Kubel's
Snug away up in Barnegat Light sits a dive bar called Kubel’s. Originally an inn built in the 1920’s, it served as a watering hole where tired and hungry fishermen could eat, drink, and rest to prepare for another day of fishing. Now, this family run business went from a neighborhood watering hole to a full-service tavern. With honored traditions that started years ago, Kubel’s offers good food, good drink, and good times.
Kubel’s is a great place to experience old LBI. Bring your family for a memorable night with delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere. You can even step outside after a full stomach for a walk around the Barnegat Lighthouse that sits just up the street. Or come with friends, or even alone, to sit at the bar and enjoy the latest game after a hot day at the beach.
Kubel’s offers a variety of special nights throughout the week during the off season:
Sunday
Join Kubel’s every Sunday for Prime Rib Night at 4 pm. Where you pay $50 that includes a house drink, appetizer choice, house salad, prime rib, starch side, and dessert.
Monday
Every Monday during the off season you can enjoy $8 wing plates, $10 half pound cheeseburgers, $3.75 Miller Lite, Coors Lite, Yuengling, and PBR draft.
Tuesday
Venture into Kubel’s every Tuesday night for tacos and trivia starting at 4 pm with taco entrees, trivia with prizes at 6 pm, and half priced margaritas, modelos, and coronas.
Northside Bar & Grille
Northside is a dive bar with a modern touch. Open year-round in Surf City, Northside gives a beachy casual feel with a full bar. Its location right next to the beach is perfect for any time of the day, whether for a quick beach break for lunch, an end of beach day celebration, or a more casual night out with family and friends.
Northside has a variety of food items like burgers, wings, and an assortment of seafood. And an expansive drink menu of cocktails, wines, draft beer, cans & bottles, non-alcoholic cocktails, and soft drinks. If you’re looking for a great deal, head over on Thursday nights for half off burgers.
And there’s no lack of entertainment here. Play some cornhole outside with your friends for some friendly competition. Or take it inside and watch your favorite game on the one of many TVs. Northside also offers live music all throughout the year. You can check their event calendar on their website for the next live show.
Surf City Hotel (The Beach Club)
The Surf City Hotel is a great place for both locals and tourists. This historic spot has been around for over a hundred years and is one of the oldest structures on the island. It was the go-to spot for local fishermen and hunters, offering a colorful history mixed with a modern touch throughout the years.
Now, the hotel and small bar have expanded to accommodate the many summer vacationers and year-round residents. With the Bistro, the Clam Bar, Sushi Bar, and the Beach Club, there’s no lack of things to do here.
Play trivia with your friends. Dance the night away at the Beach Club to the island’s hottest bands. Have a drink in the Bistro, while listening to the latest live entertainment. Enjoy sushi after a long day out in the sun. And maybe catch the famous Shorty Long & The Jersey Horns. You can check the event calendar on their website for the latest entertainment.
So whether you’re staying at this famous hotel, or just passing by, the Surf City Hotel is a must add to your LBI experience.
A Brewery with Dive Vibes
Ship Bottom Brewery
The Ship Bottom Brewery is proud of brewing its finest beer at the beach for the beach. This brewery has dive bar vibes with its cozy, modest space and tasty local beer. Its location on the bayfront in Beach Haven allows you to sip one of their local classics with beautiful bay views.
They craft their award winning beer to handle the crazy year-round weather experienced on the island from harsh winters to beautiful summers. Try one of their traditional brews, or experiment with one of the adjunct stouts or heavily fruited sour ales. Not into beer? You can also try one of their freshly pressed hard ciders.
Offering a calm atmosphere, the Ship Bottom Brewery is the spot to catch up with friends and chat with the locals. And every Friday night at 6 pm there’s trivia with prizes! If you think you have what it takes to win these five rounds of brain stumpers, grab a drink and sign up with your trivia crew.
So if you’re looking for a bit more of a local, community touch to your island getaway, then definitely check out these dive bar spots. Whether you consider yourself a dive bar person or not, these places are sure to add unforgettable memories to your Long Beach Island experience. So which dive bar are you visiting this summer?
Patrick Johns is a New Jersey writer with a background in engineering and mathematics. He spent his summers on LBI glued to his beach chair reading his next favorite book. He worked at Custard Hut, Country Kettle Chowder, Thundering Surf Waterpark, and Long Beach Island Foundation. After working for a large engineering firm for 3 years outside Washington D.C., he discovered his passion for writing and decided to move to Spain. For 4 years he taught English overseas, wrote and published his own fantasy and poetry books, wrote and performed his own music live, and got involved in many freelance projects like copywriting, editing, and book coaching. Currently back in the US, Patrick is passionate about inspiring people with non-writing backgrounds to gain the confidence, routine, and skills to finally start the book they’ve always wanted to write. He’s convinced his writing journey blossomed from those days reading on the beach in Long Beach Island.
When he’s not writing, you can find him…
🏄 Out in the ocean, surfing some narly waves
📚 Reading whatever he can get his hands on
🗺️ Traveling and seeking inspiration for his next book
