Best Warm Weather Outdoor Drinking/Brunch on the Bayshore

Monmouth County, NJ - It's going to be 64 degrees and sunny on Saturday, and just shy of 70 on Sunday. We don't know about you, but that's just about warm enough to have brunch or a beer outside. While not all of these places have outdoor seating, here are some of the best spots in or near the Bayshore (we included Red Bank/Holmdel) to get out and enjoy now that spring weather is finally here:

Brunch:

Zoe's Vintage Kitchen, Atlantic Highlands: Gingerbread pancakes, incredible fresh-squeezed OJ and port wine cheese omelettes. Walk around the charming streets of Atlantic Highlands afterwards.

The Turning Point of Holmdel: Brunch/lunch, French press coffee, cold press, wide tea selection. Caution: Can be up to an hour's wait for a table.

Molly Pitcher Inn, Red Bank: Highly regarded brunch on the Navesink River. Lovely hotel; dress is a little more formal.

Meemom's Cafe (Middletown location/Rt. 35): Yes, it's in a strip mall, but this spot serves up some of the most inventive, wacky breakfast dishes you could think of: Peach Cobbler French Toast, Short Rib Eggs Benedict with Guinness onion and a combination French toast-pancakes, French Cakes. Try the Crazy Grandpa Coffee.

Booze:

Uptown Keyport Bar and Grill, Keyport: Overlooking Keyport Harbor. Good for happy hour. Outdoor patio and deck. No food served, very casual. They sometimes have bands on the weekends.

Up the Creek Tavern, Keyport: Very casual fishermen's spot/local's dive bar. Outdoor deck overlooking Matawan Creek. Good pick 'n peel shrimp.

Off the Hook, Highlands: Right off Sandy Hook with views of the Atlantic Ocean and Sandy Hook point. Try their sangria. For a sunset view, head to their sister restaurant On the Deck, located near by in Atlantic Highlands.

Windandsea, Highlands: Just opened for the season March 25. Very casual. Have a cold beer on the deck while watching the boats go by.

Eventide Grille, Sea Bright: Overlooking the Navesink River, best place to watch the sunset, live music, rum buckets.

Molly Pitcher Inn, Red Bank: Also on the Navesink River, but definitely more upscale than all the above mentions. Elegant waterfront dining with a salty breeze, or just have a drink at their more casual International Bar. Dress nicely for the dining room, more casually for the bar. Also does a highly-regarded brunch. See above.

Oyster Point Hotel, Red Bank: Also on the fancy side. Upscale waterfront dining (and drinking) on the Navesink.