Manahawkin, NJ - When you are heading toward Long Beach Island and want to kick off the weekend with a vibrant, outdoor gathering, finding a venue that accommodates a large crowd with great views is key. Located at 2304 E Bay Ave, Manahawkin, NJ 08050, The Boatyard is an expansive, incredibly fun waterfront setting. Featuring a massive outdoor patio, a rooftop bar, and places for boats to literally dock so guests can jump off and grab a beer, it delivers the ultimate Jersey Shore summer atmosphere.
Food Trucks, Brioche Pulled Pork, and Nautical Cocktails
Instead of a traditional sit-down menu, The Boatyard utilizes a variety of food truck options, keeping the dining experience casual and varied. While some diners mention that the food can lean toward the pricey side, the quality is definitely there.
- The Food Trucks: During our visit, we opted for the pulled pork served on a soft brioche bun. It was absolutely delicious, and the portion was surprisingly generous.
- The Beer Garden: The beer garden offers a solid variety of drinks and brews on tap, though it is worth noting for stout lovers that they sadly did not have any dark beers available during our stop.
- The Prop Bar: If you prefer spirits over hops, their dedicated Prop Bar serves up fun, nautical-themed cocktails that perfectly match the vibrant coastal atmosphere.
80s Music, Outdoor Games, and Spectacular Sunsets
The true draw of The Boatyard is the energy. We visited on a hot Friday evening, and the atmosphere was incredibly fun, festive, and lively. They featured a fantastic 80s live music set that drew a great crowd of all ages, and the sound quality across the expansive seating area was amazing.
The venue is perfectly designed for groups to hang out for hours. The seating is massive, offering both covered areas and open-air spaces. They have plenty of outdoor games set up, and the rooftop bar offers a spectacular vantage point to watch the gorgeous sunset over the bay. Add in the incredibly friendly staff and a massive, free parking lot—a rare luxury near LBI—and you have a stress-free, highly entertaining evening.
The Verdict
The Boatyard is a flawless execution of a summer beer garden. Between the delicious pulled pork, the fun nautical cocktails from The Prop Bar, and the unmatched sunset views, it is a fantastic waterfront hangout. With live music, plenty of free parking, and a lively atmosphere that welcomes all ages, it is a must-visit destination in Manahawkin.
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