There's so much to love in Asbury Park. There are so many shops, restaurants and venues to embrace. The town, which once inspired Bruce Springsteen's mournful "My City of Ruins" has come a long way from a generation ago when the Boss was moved to write his ode to the once proud shore destination.
However, Asbury Park, which was named best small beach town by Travel & Leisure in 2025, is beyond back and we love it. One can only wonder what Springsteen would write about a bustling city that's in its glory days run with restaurant row on Cookman Avenue, cool concert halls and charming shops.
Here's our valentine to Asbury Park. Our hearts go out to the following...
The Historical Hall
The 3,600 capacity Convention Hall in so many ways is the heart of Asbury Park. The Kinks, Van Halen and Iron Maiden were among the iconic acts that played Convention Hall during the '80s. However, nothing tops Springsteen's charity Christmas shows with the Max Weinberg 7 during the aughts. There were a number of magic moments such as the holiday songs, such as "Blue Christmas" and "Jingle Bells." And Springsteen brought the house down with "Kitty's Back" in December of 2000.
A nod also goes to the Paramount Theatre. Lou Reed's gig in April of 2008 is unforgettable. Reed was heavy on the Velvet Underground with versions of "Sweet Jane," "I'm Set Free," "I'm Sticking With You" and "Pale Blue Eyes."
Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Avenue, https://apboardwalk.com/conventionhall/
Stop in for some delicious vinyl and some laughs
The vinyl and the vibes are the reason to check out Unwind Records and Comics. The relatively new shop attracted us courtesy of its entertaining Instagram and TikTok videos, which feature the Chloe Fallon and Alina De Palma. Their bits are amusing but part of the gig at a record shop is advising customers and Alina knocked it out of the park recommending Wednesday's 'Bleeds," which is the best album of 2025. Well done! That's particularly so with the social media clips. "We've had people come in they said we've seen you on Instagram and TikTok so it's getting people in the store, which is what it's all about," Manager Chloe Fallon said.
The tandem have created and posted more than 20 videos. "We just did six yesterday," Fallon said. "It's been fun."
Traffic during the winter has been good for one of the few shops open on the boardwalk. "It's been good since the locals are figuring out we're here," Fallon said. "We're doing fine even without the hustle and bustle of the summer season."
Unwind Records and Comics, https://www.instagram.com/reels/DP9EcQMjoX8/
If it's Frank's, Thanks!
The pork roll, egg and cheese is the best breakfast sandwich in Asbury Park. Frank's 's corned beef is delicious. The staff tells it like it is. While picking up breakfast, change was not only given but a thumbs up to Southside Johnny. "He's always a great guy," the lady behind the counter said. They know their music and food at Frank's.
Frank's Asbury Park, 1406 Main Street, https://franksdelinj.com
The pie to die for
Vic's is an old school gem serving up some of the best thin crust style pizza in the Garden State. There's nothing better than the anchovy pizza preceded by the chopped salad. Get right to the point. The wait staff is always busy.
Vic's Bradley Beach, 60 Main Street, Bradley Beach, https://www.vicspizza.com
Swanky, sophisticated and spectacular
Since Tim McLoone opened his elegant establishment in 2008, it's been the place to be for those looking for a terrific throwback vibe with great live music and exceptional cuisine. You can't go wrong with the spicy seafood risotto, with shrimp, clams and crab. The braised short ribs, the burrata rigatoni with sauteed shrimp and the. Add the beach view and it's just the perfect way to spend the night as the sun sets over Asbury Park. What does McLoone like about his venue the most? "The diversity," McLoone said. "You can people watch on the boardwalk and you will not be able to identify a demographic!"
McLoone's Supper Club, 1200 Ocean Avenue, https://www.timmcloonessupperclub.com
It's time to take a break
The perfect way to relax is with a good massage and it doesn't get any better than the experience provided by Diamond Peak Massage and Beauty.
" Every female in my bloodline does healthcare," Diamond Peak Massage and Beauty owner Zilie Louis. "I don't like blood. Massage works for me. It's my destiny to help people. I want to make them feel better."
Diamond Peak Massage and Beauty, 63 W Sylvania Ave, Neptune City, https://www.instagram.com/zilie_lmt/
You gotta have interfaith
The non-profit's slogan 'Neighbors helping neighbors" is what it's all about. Interfaith Neighbors has constructed 55 affordable homes in Asbury Park and Neptune. Interfaith Neighors also helps with food insecurity and education. Hats off to the altruistic organization, which is making sure no one is left behind.
Interfaith Neighbors, 810 4th Avenue, https://interfaithneighbors.org
The glass is half full and never cracked at Precision Glass Solutions
No one throws stones at Precision Glass Solutions. Tom Basile and company knock it out of the park when assembling shower doors.
Precision Glass Solutions, 89 Route 35 North, Eatontown, https://www.precisionglassnj.com/contact-us/
A good designer makes a great difference
If you're looking to upgrade your kitchen, Rocco Grasso is your man at Tinton Falls Kitchen Design. Grasso can help with the innovative and the basic.
Tinton Falls Kitchen Design, 4057 Asbury Avenue, https://tfkitchendesign.com
Don't walk the plank when you can see the Hot Tub Pirate
Aye! if you're looking for a new hot tub or pool and would like the best deal and most options, trek to Neptune for anything related to aquatic backyard fun.
Hot Tub Pirate, 615 State Rte 35 N, Neptune City, https://hottubpirate.com/pages/contact-us
This is where you make the cut
If you're looking for a cool cut, your barber awaits in Shrewsbury. Mike Spanarkel is a wizard with scissors.
The Faded Line, 1026 Broad St., Shrewsbury, https://www.thefadedline.net
Photo fun
The photos by Danny Clinch, which hang in the Transparent Clinch Gallery are unique and compelling. The shots of Bruce Sprintgsteen, Eddie Vedder, Johnny Cash, Tupac Shakur and Willie Nelson, among many other icons are on display at the Gallery. The photos from the world renowned Clinch attract music fans from around the world to Asbury Park.
The Transparent Clinch is atypical. It's not just about the visuals but the sound of Asbury Park. There's a little stage and some instruments housed in a corner. Transparent often hosts small concerts featuring local bands.
The Transparent Clinch Gallery, 210 Fifth Ave., https://www.transparentclinchgallery.com
The House that Bruce Built
There's a reason folks make the pilgrimage to the Stone Pony. The historic club has hosted folks ranging from Southside to the Boss and beyond.
The Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Avenue,www.stonepony.com
An under the radar gem
The Wonder Bar doesn't get the press the Pony receives but it's an amazing venue in its own right.
The Wonder Bar, Ocean Avenue, www.wonderbar.com
Fun in the sun and in the offseason
Let's not forget our amazing boardwalk and beach, which is a huge reason Asbury Park was honored as the best small beach town in the country.
"Every female in my bloodline does healthcare. Massage works for me. It's my destiny to help people. I want to make them feel better."
What makes Asbury Park so special is that there is no beach town or place quite like the unique, diverse, inclusive city on the Atlantic Ocean. Asbury Park offers a variety of amazing restaurants, music venues and shops. There's always something to do and that's not so just during the summer. The offseason is bustling as well. The town has morphed perhaps more than any other city in America over the last generation. What's great is that the city is continuing to evolve.