Belmar Nightlife
Home to legendary Bar Anticipation and D'Jais, drawing thousands of 20-somethings every summer weekend. The party epicenter of Monmouth County.
The Big Two
Bar Anticipation and D'Jais are the twin pillars of Belmar nightlife. Together they draw thousands every summer weekend.
Bar Anticipation
Bar
The legendary "Bar A" - a Jersey Shore institution since 1981. Massive indoor/outdoor complex with multiple bars, live music stages, volleyball courts, and thousands of 20-somethings every summer weekend.
- +Shore legend since 1981
- +Volleyball tournaments
- +Live bands every weekend
Best For
Tip: Thursday is local's night. Saturday is packed by 10pm - arrive early.
D'Jais
Bar
Ocean Avenue party palace and Belmar's premiere nightlife destination. DJ-driven dance floor, huge outdoor deck with ocean views, and a beautiful crowd. The place to see and be seen.
- +Best ocean views in Belmar
- +Top DJs
- +Sunday Funday legendary
Best For
Tip: Sunday Funday starts at noon. Ocean deck fills up fast on nice days.
Bar A vs D'Jais: Which Is Right for You?
Bar Anticipation
- • Multiple outdoor stages with live bands
- • Volleyball courts (tournaments!)
- • More spread out, easier to move around
- • Mix of live music and DJs
- • Thursday locals night is legendary
- • Slightly older crowd (mid-20s to 30s)
D'Jais
- • Oceanfront location with beach views
- • DJ-driven dance floor
- • More club vibe, less concert venue
- • Sunday Funday is the main event
- • Younger, more party-focused crowd
- • Higher energy, more dancing
Best Nights by Day
Thursday
MediumLocals & Young Pros
Best at: Bar A
The unofficial locals night. Less touristy, more regulars. Great live music.
Friday
HeavyWeekend Kickoff
Best at: Both
Weekend crowd arrives. Both venues pick up after 10pm.
Saturday
MaximumPeak Party
Best at: Both
The main event. Every Saturday is a party. Expect lines.
Sunday
Heavy (daytime)Sunday Funday
Best at: D'Jais
Legendary day drinking at D'Jais. Starts at 11am, winds down by 7pm.
Plan Your Night by Group Type
NYC Weekend Crew
Start: 6pm (beach first)
Route: Beach pre-game → Bar A for bands → D'Jais for dancing
$80-120/person
Take NJ Transit to Belmar. Uber back is expensive but worth avoiding DUI.
Bachelor/Bachelorette
Start: 3pm (day drinking)
Route: Beach Haus for beer → Bar A for photos → D'Jais to dance
$100-150/person
Both venues have spaces for big groups. Call ahead for reserved areas at D'Jais.
Local Friends
Start: 9pm
Route: Skip the line at Bar A → Know the bartenders → End at Boathouse
$50-75/person
Thursday is YOUR night. Tourists haven't arrived yet.
First-Timers
Start: 8pm
Route: Bar A first (easier to navigate) → D'Jais after 10pm
$60-100/person
Start at Bar A to get your bearings. It's huge but less intense than D'Jais.
When to Go: Seasonal Guide
🔴 ExtremeMemorial Day Weekend▼
Season opener - everyone shows up. Chaos.
💡 Expect long lines, full capacity. Arrive by 8pm or skip it.
🟡 HeavyJune Weekends▼
Building momentum. Good energy, manageable.
💡 Sweet spot before peak July. Thursdays are great.
🔴 ExtremeJuly 4th Week▼
Peak party week. Maximum crowds.
💡 Wednesday and Thursday are almost as crazy as weekend.
🔴 Very HeavyJuly-August Saturdays▼
Peak season every weekend. Packed.
💡 This is what people picture. Plan accordingly.
🔴 ExtremeLabor Day Weekend▼
Last hurrah. Emotional and wild.
💡 Everyone saying goodbye to summer. Book everything early.
🟢 ModerateSeptember▼
Locals season. Smaller crowds, still fun.
💡 Hidden gem - good weather, no lines, venues still open.
💰 Budget Breakdown
Buckets available at both venues
Frozen drinks popular in summer
Fireball is the unofficial drink
Free before 9pm usually; higher for events
Bar A has good food; D'Jais limited
Surge pricing after midnight - budget for it
Belmar Party Survival Guide
✓ Arrive Early or Very Late
Lines at both venues can hit 30-60 minutes from 10pm-midnight. Get there by 9pm or after midnight.
✓ Bring Cash
ATMs inside charge massive fees. Bring $100+ in cash for drinks and cover.
✓ Hydrate and Pace Yourself
These are marathon nights, not sprints. Drink water between rounds. Eat before you go out.
✓ Plan Your Ride Home
Uber surge pricing after midnight is brutal. Book early, split rides, or have a designated driver.
✓ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be standing for hours. Ladies: skip the heels at Bar A (it's outdoor).
✓ Know the Layout
Bar A has multiple bars/stages. D'Jais has indoor dance floor and outdoor deck. Scout first, then settle.
More Belmar Nightlife
The Boathouse
Bar
Waterfront bar on the Shark River with tiki vibes, live music, and a more relaxed alternative to the Belmar party scene. Great for sunset drinks and casual summer nights.
- +Best sunset views
- +Chill alternative to Bar A/D'Jais
- +Come by boat
Best For
Tip: Dock your boat and grab drinks. Best sunset spot in Belmar.
Beach Haus Brewery
Brewery
Belmar's craft brewery with house-made beers, a family-friendly taproom, and a chill alternative to the party bar scene.
- +Best craft beer in Belmar
- +Year-round
- +All-ages welcome
Best For
Tip: Great afternoon option before the Bar A/D'Jais crowd arrives.
Build Your Belmar Night
Saturday Night Out
- Pre-game at Beach Haus Brewery (4-7pm)
- Dinner nearby or at Bar A
- Bar A for live music (8-10pm)
- D'Jais for dancing (10pm-close)
Sunday Funday
- Beach morning to recover
- D'Jais opens at 11am
- Deck drinks with ocean views
- Dance floor gets going by 2pm
- Wind down at Boathouse for sunset
Belmar Nightlife Tips
Getting There
NJ Transit to Belmar station. Short walk to bars.
Parking
Limited street parking. Many bars have lots. Arrive early on weekends.
Cover Charges
Usually $0-10 at both venues. Higher for special events. No cover before 9pm typically.
Dress Code
Casual at both. Beach attire fine during the day. Smart casual for Saturday night. No dress codes enforced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bar Anticipation?▼
Bar Anticipation (Bar A) is a legendary Jersey Shore bar in Lake Como near Belmar. It features multiple indoor/outdoor bars, live music stages, volleyball courts, and can hold thousands of people. It's been a shore institution since 1981.
What is D'Jais known for?▼
D'Jais is Belmar's premier oceanfront club with a DJ-driven dance floor and huge outdoor deck with ocean views. Known for Sunday Funday and attracting a young, party-focused crowd all summer.
What is the best night to go out in Belmar?▼
Saturday is biggest at both venues. Thursday is locals/young professionals night at Bar A. Sunday Funday at D'Jais is legendary, starting around noon.
Are Belmar bars open year-round?▼
Bar A and D'Jais are primarily summer venues (Memorial Day to Labor Day) with limited fall schedules. Beach Haus Brewery operates year-round for a more relaxed option.
What is the crowd like at Belmar bars?▼
Predominantly 21-30 year olds, heavy NYC/North Jersey crowd. Very party-focused on weekends. More casual locals scene on weekday nights.
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