Eat, Stay, Drink: A Weekend In Asbury Park, New Jersey (Slideshow)
I know what you're thinking. "I want to go to there."
Stay: The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel
The recently renovated hotel, designed by Beaux Arts architect Warren Whitney of New York, sits just steps from the Asbury Park boardwalk. Booking an ocean-view room is totally worth it.
Pascal & Sabine
Head to Pascal & Sabine on Bangs Ave. for brunch. Start with a bloody Mary and the sea salt and sesame croissant.
Soft-Shell Crab Sandwich
Next, try Pascal & Sabine's fried soft-shell crab sandwich. The crab is fried with a cornmeal crust, topped with frisee, pickled shallots, tomato, and garlic aioli, all served on a warm croissant.
Paramount Theater & Convention Hall
The Paramount Theater has hosted such amazing musicians as Elton John, Frank Sinatra, The Rolling Stones, and, of course, Bruce Springsteen.
Boardwalk
Stroll the boardwalk and soak up the sun.
Music
You might even catch the next Bruce Springsteen.
Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room
At Brickwall Tavern the portions are huge, so come hungry. They have 24 beers on tap at all times, so come thirsty too. Seen here is the po' boy on the left, with a side of sweet potato fries, and on the right is the black bean burger topped with avocado, corn relish, and frizzled onions and served with tater tots.
Truth
Words of wisdom on the table at Brickwall.
Ralph's
Ralph's Italian Ice is a must on the Asbury Park boardwalk.
Pucker
Grab a lemonade to cool off on a hot day.
Goldie's
Goldie's is redefining vegan cuisine. Their current menu (which rotates every 3 to 4 months) is all-vegan Mexican food. It features dishes like sweet potato chile rellenos, curried cauliflower tacos, and a dish they call "cheese party," which is charred tomato, daiya (vegan cheese), and flour tortillas. Save room for dessert because you're going to want the choco taco.
Cocktails
The cocktails at Goldie's are on point. Try the mojito, or whatever they're featuring as "Goldie's Cocktail" that night. Every night they have a specialty cocktail for only five bucks. The one on the right is an orange lemongrass margarita.
The Stone Pony
For live music, look no further than The Stone Pony. This is where Bruce Springsteen got his start, and they're celebrating their 40th anniversary this year.
Wonder Bar
Wonder Bar is another great place for live music in Asbury Park.
Porta Pizzeria
Finally, grab a drink and a pizza at Porta Pizzeria. They only opened in 2011, but it's housed in one of the oldest buildings in town. Step inside and take a minute to appreciate the fact that Bruce Springsteen and Clarence Clemons first met in the same place you're standing. The mozzarella is made in-house every day, and their cocktails combine ingredients you would never expect — shandy and rum, bourbon and red wine, or vodka, white wine, and prosecco.