REBORN, REBUILT, AND BETTER THAN EVER
BY LAURA D.C. KOLNOSKI • PHOTOS BY ROBERT NUZZIE
Belmar = beach, boardwalk, boats, bands, and bars. Families share spaces with those engaged in traditional, uniquely Belmar rites of passage on the sand during the day, and at hoppin’ hot spots as the sun sets. Fully restored post Sandy, the township continues to polish its image and upgrade its ambiance, but fun remains number one at this summer mecca.
Things to do LET’S GO
BEACH HAUS BREWERY
Guided and self-guided tours, taproom, and packaged goods. Bring your own food to enjoy inside or on the balcony. Scheduled events and event room for rental. 801 Main St., 732.202.7782, beachhausbeer.com
BEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL
5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, August 26. 5th Avenue Beach. 500 Ocean Avenue 732.681.3700, belmar.com
BELMAR MARINA
One of Jersey’s most scenic and popular, located on the Shark River adjacent to the downtown area, and has its own small beach. With the additions of the Ninth Avenue Pier dining and entertainment venue and Marina Grille, it has become a magnet for tourists and locals alike. 905 Rt. 35, 732.681.2266, njbelmar.com
D’JAIS
The legendary gathering place for fun, music, food, themed events, parties, and making memories since 1959. Across from the boardwalk. 1801 Ocean Ave., 732.681.5055, djais.com
MISS BELMAR
A plethora of sport fishing vessels, charters, and party boats are docked at the marina on Rt. 35. Explore visitbelmarnj.com for more. The Royal Miss Belmar and Belmar Princess are among the most popular, in business over 76 years. 732.681.6866, missbelmar.com
PYANOE PLAZA CONCERTS
Bands perform free concerts 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Fridays, Main St. & 9th Ave., belmarnj.com
32ND ANNUAL NJ SANDCASTLE CONTEST
Free event open to public. Judging by age categories. Prizes. 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 18th Ave. beach, (Rain Date: July 19), visitbelmarnj.com
Dining DIG IN!
BOATHOUSE BAR & GRILL
Food, drinks, and entertainment with a bar that dates to 1933. 1309 Main St., 732.681.5221, boat-housebarandgrill.com
BRANDL
Noted Chef Chris Brandl creates innovative American cuisine. BYOB. 703 Belmar Plaza, 732.280.7501, brandlrestaurant.com
CIELITO LINDO
Fresh classic Mexican favorites served in a spot whose name translates to “beautiful heaven.” Second location in Asbury Park. 1510 Main St., 732.894.3977, cielitolindomexicanfood.com
FEDERICO’S PIZZA & RESTAURANT
A local favorite. 732.681.6936, federicospizza.com
KLEIN’S WATERFRONT CAFÉ
From its humble 1924 beginnings, this meandering family owned venue has grown to include a fish market, indoor and outdoor dining, and a Tiki Bar. 708 River Rd., 732.681.1177, kleinsfish.com
A DOLCE VITA/LA TERRAZZA
The original Italian seafood grill added a more casual cucina rustica and bar; both across from the boardwalk. 400 & 408 Ocean Ave., belmarrestaurantnj.com, laterrazzabelmar.com
MARINA GRILLE MODERN
American eatery with spacious multilevel deck, live music, and stunning views. 905 Rt. 35, 732.894.3211, marinagrillenj.com
NINTH AVENUE PIER
Large outdoor venue jutting out to the Shark River. Light eats, miniature golf, live music, killer views and sunsets. 905 Rt. 35, 732.749.3800, 9thavepier.com
RAJUN’ CAJUN
Dine on the front lawn or inside a charming converted home across from the Shark River. The open kitchen serves up the Bayou’s best. Live music. BYOB 1102 Rt. 35, 732.280.6828, rajincajunnj.com
10TH AVENUE BURRITO
Acclaimed authentic Mexican, tequila selections, and live music, Featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive ins, & Dives. 802 Belmar Plaza 732.280.1515, tenthaveburrito.com
TWISTED TAPAS
Indoor seating, a picturesque outdoor patio, and varied menu. 1006 Main St., 732.681.8272, twistedtapasnj.com
Shop UNTIL YOU DROP
A PEACEFUL HOME
Furniture and interior design. 701 Main St., 732.894.3661, Facebook
BELMAR JEWELERS
Extensive collection of vintage, estate, and antique jewelry from the 1800s to contemporary. Roman coins and pirate treasure, too! 1006 Main St., 732.280.7777, belmarjewelers.com
CUTE AS BUTTONS
Upscale children’s clothing, gifts, personalization. 1005 Main St., 732.682.3953, cuteasbuttons.com
DOWNTOWN TILE
Extensive collection of mosaics, natural stone, porcelain, and glass products. Second location in Red Bank. 904 Main Street., 732.894.9415, downtowntile.net
GIG MORRIS FLORIST
Full service, family owned florist known for design innovation. Rt. 71 & 16th Ave., 732.681.1909, gigmorris.com
HAZEL
Twins Jenna and Kim, who call their fans Hazelnuts, have their own line of clothing and accessories. Second location in Ramsey. 1202 Main St., 848.404.9266, hazelboutique.net
JLYNN’S BOUTIQUE
Women’s chic, trendy apparel and accessories. 1004 Main St., Facebook
JB COUTURE CUPCAKES
801 Main St., 732.620.1407, Facebook
NOSTALGIC NONSENSE VINTAGE CLOTHING
Retro wear and accessories. 903 Main St., 732.681.8810, Facebook
OCEANSIDE GALLERY
Art, décor, framing, and other services since 1987. 1010 Main St., 732.280.2167, oceansidegallery.com
SENOR JUAN’S CIGARS
Retail shop and cigar lounge featuring hand rolled cigars. Cigar roller available for private events. 905 Main St., 732.749.3192, senor juans cigars. business.site
SERENITY BY THE SEA
An artisan hub featuring clothing, gifts, events, classes, craft parties, and other creative activities. 973.699.1760, serenity by the sea too. business.site
STAINED GLASS GALLERY
Crafter supplies, jewelry, gifts, custom windows and lamps. 1012 Main St., 732.606.3644, sggallery.com
THE BEACH NUT
Beach clothing and supplies. 804 Ocean Ave., 732.280.0911, Facebook
Lights OUT
SALTWATER INN
Eight well appointed suites two blocks from the beach in a charming home with a wraparound porch. 300 10th Ave., 732.681.1047, saltwaterinnbelmar.com
THE INN AT THE SHORE
A family friendly 1880s Victorian bed and breakfast with 11 guest rooms and multiple amenities. 301 Fourth Ave., 732.681.3762, theinnattheshore.com
THE MAYFAIR HOTEL
Step back in time at this 1929 family owned establishment across from the boardwalk. Lobby common area, upgraded rooms, pool, and ocean views. 1000 Ocean Ave., 732.681.2620, mayfairhotelbelmar.com
THE TANDEM BIKE INN
Continental breakfasts, afternoon tea and cookies, Jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, and immaculate surroundings suited to the discriminating guest. And yes, there are complimentary single and tandem bikes of all sizes, plus everything from locks and helmets to lights and baskets for your Jersey Shore adventure. 603 10th Ave., 732.556.6621, tandembikeinn.com