Jersey Shore Bar Named One Of The Best In The U.S.

BELMAR, NJ — A Jersey Shore bar has been named one of the best in the U.S. by USA Today.

In this year's edition of the publication's Best Bars In America list, USA Today food writers from across the country chose the nation's best bars of 2026.

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"From dive bars to beach bars, swanky cocktail speakeasies to retro-throwback lounges, the best bars tell a story – and often serve up something tasty to go with your drink," USA Today wrote.

In total, three New Jersey bars made the list, including one in Monmouth County.

Located on Ocean Avenue in Belmar, D'Jais is known for its busy dance floor on the weekends as well as its outdoor deck and famous cocktail: The Grail.

Since 1959, the bar has been one of the Jersey Shore's most well-known venues, and as a club that draws a multigenerational crowd and some politicians too, Asbury Park Press Reporter Chris Jordan wrote.

"The energy is high and smiles abound," Jordan said. "No wonder. It's a rite of passage to dance the night away at this beach bar where sea breezes blow in from the beach across the street and customers can view the ocean from the outdoor deck or inside bars."

According to Jordan, former Governor Phil Murphy visited D'Jais while he was in office, and current Governor Mikie Sherrill (then a Congresswoman) visited during a campaign stop last summer.

In addition to the bar's dance floor, outdoor deck, and drinks, it also offers a variety of menu items ranging from chicken fingers to mac and cheese bites, calamari and more.

D'Jais is one of three New Jersey bars named to USA Today's list of the Best Bars In America. The other two are:

• Cloverleaf Tavern (395 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell)
• The Riverside Inn (56 N. Avenue E., Cranford)

To see the full list from USA Today, you can click here.