Memorial Day is here which likely kicks off the awesome shit show that is a summer share house in Manasquan. In general, Manasquan attracts a large, diverse crowd and is very egalitarian. Local school teachers and nurses have the same salt box share houses as NYC finance/law/consulting bros pulling in six figures. There is no “buying tables” or ways to pay to skip the line; You just have to wait like everyone else which is a nice change of pace. Its been a few years since I have had a full summer share down in ‘Squan but the advice holds true.
Getting There / Transportation
Big believer in public transit but this is hotly debated. Driving is a little faster most weekends but comes with too many downsides in my opinion. I will gladly take the train or ferry, enjoy a few drinks, take a nap, finish some work instead of sitting in traffic and worrying about street parking. With that being said, there are two good public transit options. The budget option is taking the train from Penn Station to Manasquan. There are express and local options that will get you there in ~2 hours, however, you have to deal with a stampede when the track number gets announced and there is no guarantee of a seat. Another, more costly but more enjoyable, option that I didn’t start taking until I had a few raises and bonus checks cashed is the Seastreak ferry to Highlands and then Uber to Manasquan. The ferry leaves from E 35th Street or pier 11 in FiDi/Seaport which is pretty accessible for the Midtown East suits. The terminals are civilized compared to Penn Station and the ferries have roof decks and bars making it much more enjoyable overall. However, the ferry/uber combo is ~$50 one way assuming you have a group to split the uber with.
Once you are in Manasquan getting around is pretty easy. The town is small making walking and biking your best option. My first summer in Manasquan, I bought a used beach cruiser from the bike shop in town and dust that same cruiser off every summer since. Nothing like riding your bike to Parker House and valeting it right up front while everyone is waiting for an uber. If you do need to go a little further or don’t feel like biking, Manasquan has Wally’s, a town sanctioned cab company that is awesome. All the drivers are locals so they “get it”, the vans fit 20+ people, they are cheap, they take cash/venmo and you can drink in them. Wins all around.
Where to Live
This is more for newcomers for next summer as you likely locked down a house in September last year. Most of the rentals in Manasquan are “over the bridge” so you will not have much choice in terms of location but there are definitely areas that are better than others. This is a loose ranking but it doesn’t really matter.
Just west of the bridge (Red Box): technically not “over the bridge” but close enough. Houses here are real houses, not made for shore rentals, and you will generally have more space.
South side of 2nd Ave / 3rd Ave / 4th Ave (Blue Box): Generally more in the mix and view of the Osprey line which is good intel. Perfect spot for Saturday mid-game (pit stop on the way from Parker House to Osprey).
North side in general (Orange Box): Close to the beach but away from the bars so a little quieter. Regular families do rent in this area too so run the risk of being next to a Karen all summer who will call the cops for any reason. Just be friendly and shouldn’t be an issue.
1st Ave / E Main St / Brielle Road (Green Boxes): More traffic, harder parking etc. on the east/west streets but I’m splitting hairs ate this point.
Manasquan Map
Bars
Again, not a lot of options here but that is actually a positive. Everyone has to go to the same places so these they will be bumping no matter what and there is no dilution of talent. Downside is there are some lines but lines move and can be avoided with the right timing and/or connections.
Parker House - Sea Girt, NJ
This by far my favorite bar anywhere (Including Montauk and NYC). There is a reason why it is called God’s Basement. There is an unwritten rule that any attractive person within a 50 mile radius must show up on a Saturday. It’s also “cash only” and has no cell phone service, giving the bar an old school vibe which is another reason I think I love it. Get cash before going so you can pay cover and avoid absurd ATM fees. Get on line around 2pm. Parker House gets going around 4pm and will last til 11:30pm. Once you tough out the line (or cut it with a Priority Pass), get a few Spring Lakers on the porch and watch the talent stroll in. Once the liquid confidence hits, head to God’s Basement and try to have a bad time. I dare you.
The Osprey - Manasquan, NJ
Once the Parker House closes and you have the backup digits in hand, time to play with house money at the Osprey. The line here can get long but always seems to move fast so don’t get discouraged and go to Leggett’s. There’s a reason there is no line. Similar to Parker House, this bar is “cash only” and has a cover too so manage your bank roll accordingly. There are two sides to the Osprey; left is live music and right is the “Boom Boom Room,” which has a DJ playing anything from 8th grade dance hits to EDM. I generally prefer the left but I can’t hate on the “Boom Boom Room” either. Good times at both.
Leggett’s - Manasquan, NJ
For some reason people love this bar and I don’t know why. The bar itself takes up 90% of of the floor and they don’t take out the barstools at night making walking around nearly impossible. Because of this, you will be relegated to a corner of the bar, won’t be able to mix with anyone and will need to battle whoever is sitting in a barstool to order a drink. Not to mention, Leggett’s gets all the leftovers from Osprey (I mentioned before there is a reason Leggett’s doesn’t have a line). On a positive note, the food here is actually pretty good, everything is cheap and you can pay with credit card. I don’t mind Leggett’s on Sunday before heading back to the city but I don’t know why people come here at night. If Leggett’s is your only option, just go home and get some sleep.
D’Jais / Bar A - Belmar, NJ
I will refrain from judgement on these two bars because they are very popular, just not for me. D’Jais and Bar A both got famous from being the spots Jersey Shore cast members would go to on off (non-filming) nights. With that being said, you understand what the clientele will be. A lot of “The Situation” and Snooky look-a-likes. Nothing wrong with that, just not my cup of tea. I do still want to go to D’Jais once to experience it but I think once is enough.
Where to Eat
Let’s get this straight, you’re not coming to Manasquan for the culinary experience. This is not the Hamptons where there are world-renowned chefs opening up restaurants. That being said, here are some good options for the circumstances you may find yourself in.
Gee Gee’s - Manasquan, NJ
Late night and you’re wasted? Gee Gee’s has everything you could ever need. Pizza? check. Chicken tendies? check. Fries? check. Gatorade? check. The tie dye slice (buffalo chicken and BBQ chicken pizza in one) and a blue gatorade will get you right.
Playa Bowls - Manasquan, NJ
After deleting 12+ drinks and a personal pizza the night before, it may be a good idea to have some fruit. Acai bowl on the beach should get you back to neutral.
Point Lobster Bar & Grill - Point Pleasant, NJ
Right across the inlet from Manasquan is Point Pleasant, home to Point Lobster which is some of the best seafood ever. This was a Sunday afternoon staple before heading back to Manhattan.
Obviously you know how to have fun but there are little things you pick up on over the years that make a difference. Everyone knows Parker House is fun but if you show up at 9pm, don’t get in until 10pm and then only have an hour before it empties out, you’re not going to have a good time. Let everyone else figure that out on their own while you have the inside track from reading Older Brother Advice. I hope everyone has a good Memorial Day, thank a veteran and happy hunting.
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