Best Bars In New Brunswick, Nj

New Brunswick, New Jersey, has a diverse bar scene, ranging from upscale to casual, with something for every occasion. From Irish pubs to cocktail lounges, there's a drinking experience to suit all tastes.

For those seeking a traditional Irish pub, Blackthorn Restaurant & Irish Pub offers a combination of classic Irish dishes, international fare, and traditional American meals. For a more upscale experience, Clydz is a cocktail bar with an extensive martini list and eccentric food options, including alligator, python, and kangaroo.

If you're looking for a fun atmosphere, Destination Dogs, formerly known as Dolls, offers a wide range of cocktails and beers to match their eclectic hot dog menu. For a casual evening, Stuff Yer Face is a popular spot for Rutgers students, featuring a giant bar and a laid-back atmosphere.

New Brunswick also has several bars with unique concepts, such as Roosterspin, a Korean fusion restaurant with a large bar and DJ music on weekends, and INC American Bar and Kitchen, which offers a wide range of cocktails and spirits during happy hour.

Whether you're a Rutgers student, a local resident, or just visiting, New Brunswick's bar scene has something for everyone.

Best Irish Pubs

Blackthorn Restaurant and Irish Pub

Located in the heart of downtown New Brunswick, the Blackthorn Restaurant and Irish Pub offers a variety of traditional Irish-American cuisine, homemade craft cocktails, Irish whiskeys, and a wide range of beers. The pub is open seven days a week from noon to 2 a.m. and features outdoor seating, happy hour specials, weekly food and drink specials, brunch, live entertainment, and sporting events. It also caters to private parties and local businesses. Blackthorn has received positive reviews for its food and drinks, with one patron praising its "generous portion of corned beef and wedge of cabbage with boiled potatoes and steamed carrots."

Hailey's Harp and Pub

Hailey's Harp and Pub is described as a "very authentic Irish pub" with good service.

Ryan's Pub & Sports Bar

While Ryan's Pub & Sports Bar may not be top-notch when it comes to food, it is still a great spot for typical pub grub.

Tim Kerwin’s Tavern

While one patron was disappointed in the menu as a vegan, they acknowledged that it is typical of an Irish pub.

Dowling’s Irish Pub and Restaurant

Patrons have praised Dowling’s Irish Pub and Restaurant as a "fantastic little Irish Pub" with "welcoming and attentive staff."

Best Martini Bars

If you're looking for the best martini bars in New Brunswick, NJ, then Clydz is the place to go. Rated the #1 bar and restaurant on Yelp in 2013, Clydz offers some of the most creative and unique food and drink specials you'll ever have. Their full-service bar and upscale atmosphere make this a popular spot for a girl's night out.

The martini list at Clydz is nearly 6 pages long and is sure to have martini lovers' eyes popping. The bar has a very in-depth martini cocktail list that will satisfy any martini lover.

Clydz is located in Middlesex County, New Brunswick, and can be contacted on 732-846-6521.

Best Live Music Bars

New Brunswick, New Jersey, is known for its lively bar scene, with many establishments offering live music and entertainment. Here are some of the best live music bars in the area:

Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe

A popular spot for live music, Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe offers a range of craft beers and a lively atmosphere. Located on George Street, this bar also serves up tasty food and has multiple locations across New Brunswick. It also hosts trivia nights.

George Street Ale House

This gastropub is known for its live music, generous portions, and reasonably priced food and drinks. It is a great place to enjoy a night out with friends and family.

Blackthorn Restaurant and Irish Pub

This Irish pub offers a unique blend of traditional Irish cuisine, international dishes, and American classics. The pub features live music on Saturdays, with friendly wait staff and a lively atmosphere. It is located on Church Street.

Starland Ballroom

While the staff at Starland Ballroom might not be the friendliest, this venue is still a great place to catch some live music. It is a dedicated music venue, so you can expect a full calendar of performances.

Fat Cactus Mexican Cantina

This bar and restaurant offers Mexican cuisine, chicken wings, and a range of drinks. It also features live music, providing a pleasant surprise for patrons.

The Kilimanjaro Bar & Lounge

While the staff may not be the most attentive, The Kilimanjaro Bar & Lounge offers live music without a cover charge, making it a good option for those on a budget.

VintEdge Wine Bar and Lounge

VintEdge is one of the top-rated live music bars in New Brunswick, offering a unique experience with wine and music.

Hailey's Harp and Pub

Hailey's Harp and Pub is another highly-regarded live music bar in the area, known for its friendly staff and lively atmosphere.

Christopher's Lounge & Bar

Located within The Heldrich Hotel, Christopher's Lounge & Bar offers a great ambiance, a wide selection of beers, and live music. It is a popular spot for social gatherings and special occasions.

Best Cocktail Bars

New Brunswick, New Jersey, is home to a variety of cocktail bars, each with its own unique atmosphere and offerings. Here are some of the best cocktail bars in the area:

Social Room Bar & Kitchen

This bar offers a lively atmosphere with dance clubs and event spaces. They have a wide range of cocktail mixers and a solid beer list. It is a great place for a date night, with pleasant staff and tasty drinks.

The Ale ‘N ‘Wich Pub

The Ale ‘N ‘Wich Pub is a more mature and relaxed bar, perfect for those seeking a break from the typical college bar scene. They offer a unique menu with nicely portioned food that is always tasty. The drinks are strong, and the bartenders are skilled at what they do.

Catherine Lombardi

Catherine Lombardi is a sophisticated Italian cocktail bar. It is known for its excellent cocktails and upscale atmosphere, making it a popular choice for a girls' night out. The bar boasts a nearly six-page martini menu, with creative and unique drink options.

Clydz

Clydz is a highly-rated bar and restaurant, known for its creative and unique food and drink specials. Their martini list is extensive, with nearly six pages of options. It is a great choice for a girls' night out, with a full-service bar and an upscale atmosphere.

Christopher's Lounge & Bar

Christopher's Lounge & Bar is a popular spot for locals and travellers alike. It offers a great ambiance, a huge selection of beer, live music, and friendly staff. The shrimp tacos are a must-try, and the bar also accommodates pets.

These are just a few of the fantastic cocktail bars that New Brunswick has to offer. Each bar has its own unique charm and cocktail selections, ensuring that there is something to suit every taste and preference.

Best Sports Bars

If you're looking for a sports bar in New Brunswick, NJ, here are some top-rated options to consider:

Ryan's Pub & Sports Bar

This family-owned establishment is a great spot for a date night, with a clean kitchen and bar, tasty food, and pleasant staff. It's also well-suited for enjoying drinks with friends and offers a range of beverages, including cosmos.

Elixir Bar & Grill

Although Elixir Bar & Grill has received some mixed reviews, it is still worth considering if you're seeking a sports bar in the area. It offers a variety of cuisine, including Tex-Mex, burgers, and more.

The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille

The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille is a newer sports bar located in a shopping complex. It provides a nice atmosphere and a mix of games and entertainment, including laser tag and video games. The food is highly regarded, especially the appetizers.

Arooga's Grille House & Sports Bar

Arooga's provides a unique and distinctive sports bar experience. While the service has room for improvement, the food is excellent, and they offer a variety of American (Traditional) and chicken wings options.

Huey's Knight Club

Huey's Knight Club is a versatile venue that doubles as both a club and a sports bar, with plenty of TVs showing sports. It also offers dancing and a range of drinks.

North Brunswick Pub

North Brunswick Pub has a real "local" sports bar feel to it. The crowd is diverse, ranging from college students to locals. It has a mixed menu, including American (Traditional) and beer.

George Street Ale House

George Street Ale House is a great option if you're looking for outdoor seating at a sports bar. It has a typical pub-style atmosphere, with a lively vibe, and offers a variety of American (New) and gastropub cuisine.

Harvest Moon Brewery / Cafe

Harvest Moon Brewery / Cafe is another excellent choice for outdoor seating. It features live music and a range of beers, making it a popular spot for those seeking both a sports bar and a live music venue.

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