WILDWOOD - While taking the boat out for a spin around the back bays with a few friends recently, we decided to dock at Grassy Sound Marina and check out The Lazy Bass Bayside Bar & Grill at 5 Old N Wildwood Blvd East in North Wildwood. What started as a lazy afternoon stop turned into an incredible, relaxing day on the water—and it's hands-down a must-visit if you're in the area.
The Ultimate Unpretentious Coastal Vibe
If you enjoy a laid-back waterfront bar with reasonable prices—especially compared to neighboring spots in Avalon and Stone Harbor—this place hits the sweet spot. It is the kind of spot where you don't even need to rinse the sand off your bathing suit or wear anything fancier than a well-worn Phillies tank.
With a sprawling faux-beach setup, picnic tables, and stunning views in the shadow of the bay bridges, the atmosphere is unbeatable. We arrived during the day to a solo acoustic guitarist who provided the perfect casual daytime soundtrack and stayed long enough for a full band that really got the crowd going. Even with a lively adult crowd, the setup is super family-friendly—the kids in our group had fun playing in the sand the entire day!
Drinks & Food Truck Dining
The massive central bar is staffed by lightning-fast bartenders serving cheap beers, dangerously drinkable frosé, and standout signature cocktails like the Breaking Bass (a spicy strawberry-jalapeño creation).
The dining system here is unique and super efficient:
- The Ordering System: You order all your drinks directly from your server or at the bar, but for food, you head over to the on-site food trucks (usually one on quieter days and two during busy nights).
- Pro-Tip for First Timers: Make sure to note your table number before heading up to order, as you'll need to give it to the food truck staff so runners can deliver your meal directly to you. Also, grab your napkins and utensils at the truck, as food runners don't bring those to the table!
- The Standouts: From the Westside Saloon food truck, do not skip the crab grilled cheese or the spiced bay fries. The food came out surprisingly fast and hit the spot perfectly after a few drinks in the sun.
Between the easy boat dockage, the live music, the fast service, and the hilarious innuendo-covered merch stand you'll inevitably visit before leaving, The Lazy Bass is the absolute place to be from afternoon until sundown.