NJShore Guide

Seaside Heights Nightlife

Boardwalk bars and the famous Bamboo Bar. A shore classic with strong MTV: Jersey Shore nostalgia.

3Venues
3Bars & Clubs
1Beach Bars
3Seasonal
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The Jersey Shore Experience

Love it or meme it, MTV's Jersey Shore put Seaside Heights on the map for a new generation. The Bamboo Bar, where Snooki, Pauly D, and the crew made their legendary nights, is still the center of the action. But Seaside's party scene predates the show - this has been a classic Jersey Shore destination for decades. The boardwalk, the beach, the bars - it's a rite of passage. Come for the nostalgia, stay for the party. GTL optional.

The Bamboo Bar

Bar

$$

The legendary Bamboo Bar, featured on MTV's Jersey Shore. DJ-driven dance floor and energetic crowds make this a Seaside Heights institution.

  • MTV Jersey Shore fame
  • Party central
  • Fist pumping encouraged

Best For

dancingJersey Shore experienceparty
21+Summer Only
Summer: Daily 11am-2am
Cover: $10-20
DJdance floorMTV famousfull bar

Tip: Embrace the chaos. It's a Jersey Shore rite of passage.

The Beachcomber

Bar

$$

Seaside's oceanfront bar with deck seating, live music, and a more laid-back alternative to the boardwalk club scene.

  • Best ocean views
  • Chill alternative
  • Live music weekends

Best For

beach drinkslive musicocean views
21+Summer OnlyBeachfrontFood
Summer: Daily 11am-2am
oceanfrontlive musicoutdoor deck

Tip: Grab a deck seat for sunset.

Spicy Cantina

Bar

$$

Boardwalk bar with margaritas, tacos, and a party atmosphere. A more casual option on the Seaside strip.

  • Great margaritas
  • Food + drinks combo
  • Less intense than Bamboo

Best For

margaritascasual drinksfood and drinks
21+Summer OnlyFood
Summer: Daily 11am-2am
margaritasMexican foodboardwalk location

Tip: Happy hour margaritas are a solid pre-game.

Build Your Seaside Night

The Full Boardwalk Experience

  1. Beach time until sunset
  2. Boardwalk games and food (pizza, zeppoles)
  3. Pre-game drinks at Spicy Cantina
  4. Main event at Bamboo Bar
  5. Late night at Beachcomber or keep dancing

Saturday Night Live

  1. Get there by 10pm for the crowd buildup
  2. Hit Bamboo when the DJ starts going off
  3. Dance floor until you can't anymore
  4. Step out to Beachcomber for ocean air
  5. Boardwalk pizza at 2am (tradition)

Seaside Nightlife Tips

Getting There

Ocean Ride bus service. Mostly walkable boardwalk area.

Parking

Paid lots near boardwalk. Street parking limited.

Best Nights

Saturday is absolutely peak. Friday nights pick up late. Thursday can be surprisingly fun with a younger crowd.

What to Know

No strict dress code - casual beach attire is fine. Drinks are strong. The party scene is young and energetic. Embrace the chaos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bamboo Bar from Jersey Shore still open?

Yes! The Bamboo Bar made famous by MTV's Jersey Shore is still very much operational. It features DJs, a dance floor, and strong drinks. Fist-pumping is absolutely encouraged. The vibe is exactly what you'd expect from the show - embrace it.

What is the crowd like at Seaside Heights?

Young and party-focused, primarily 21-30 year olds. The GTL culture is alive and well. Summer weekends get packed. It's a classic shore party scene - not pretentious, just fun. Come ready to dance and have a good time.

Are Seaside Heights bars open year-round?

Most are seasonal, operating from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Some stay open for fall weekends in September. By October, the boardwalk is largely closed. Winter is very quiet - this is a summer destination.

What should I expect from a night out in Seaside?

Expect a lively boardwalk scene with multiple bars, DJs, dancing, and a young crowd looking to party. Drinks are strong, music is loud, and the vibe is unashamedly Jersey Shore. It's a rite of passage for many NJ summer visitors.

Is Seaside Heights family-friendly during the day?

Absolutely. The boardwalk, beach, and amusement piers are very family-friendly during daylight hours. The party scene kicks in after dark, roughly 9-10pm, when the bars become 21+ and the energy shifts.

More Seaside Heights

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