Photo of The St. Laurent by Jen Woodruff

Planning a trip down the shore but seeking the je ne sais quoi of a cocktail lounge? This list has you covered from Asbury Park to Cape May. We’ve rounded up all of the must-stop spots for sipping spirits by the beach, whether your vibe is dark and sexy or vibrant and divey. Here are the best cocktail bars along the New Jersey Shore.

Photo via Watermark

Watermark - Asbury Park
Situated along the boardwalk across from the Empress Hotel, Watermark boasts a spectacular ocean view and a menu of classic libations. The 8,000-square-foot lounge is the perfect spot to catch the sunset from the balcony. Or, settle in by the fireplace to enjoy one of their signature cocktails. (800 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park)

Photo via Asbury Park Distilling Co.

Asbury Park Distilling Co. - Asbury Park
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, Asbury Park Distilling’s cocktail program comes to play. Every drop in your glass is made entirely with their own spirits, bitters, and cordials produced on site including handmade tinctures and syrups. Don’t forget to tour their distillery and take home a bottle of their renowned award-winning gin. (527 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park)

Photo by Tori Sekkema

Hierloom at The St Laurent - Asbury Park
The Lounge at the St Laurent is the perfect place to enjoy an evening sipping artfully made cocktails while chatting with friends. Relax on the beautiful wrap-around front porch and enjoy the summer night air or settle in for some live music. You can also enjoy their cocktail menu all day at the attached Heirloom restaurant or pool-side with a daily swim pass. (408 7th Avenue, Asbury Park)

Photo by Ed Newton

Angeloni’s Club Madrid - Atlantic City
Named after the original Club Madrid founded in Philadelphia in the 20’s, this 1980’s-style lounge offers classic cocktails and Italian fare. Angeloni’s Club Madrid is a time capsule adorned with vintage tile, a ceiling of repurposed casino globes–even a plastic-covered couch to complete the vibe. Be sure to stop in during their aperitivo hour from 4-6 pm to enjoy a complimentary snack pairing with your drink of choice. (2400 Arctic Ave, Atlantic City)

Photo via Horse Dive

Horse Dive Bar - Atlantic City
Don’t let the carnival vibe fool you–the handcrafted cocktails at Horse Dive Bar are some of the best in Atlantic City. Located at Caesar's just inside The Hook, this funky spot is decorated to the nines with Atlantic City memorabilia and (diving) horses. Grab a drink before a show, or settle in and enjoy this homage to 1960’s carnival history. (2100 Pacific Ave Caesars, Level 1, Atlantic City)

Photo via Knife and Fork Inn Instagram

Knife and Fork Inn - Atlantic City
This historic steakhouse will transport you back to 1912 Atlantic City. With its classic charm and original prohibition-era mural, Knife and Fork exchanged quite a few hands before its final restoration in 2005. Settle in at the bar for a signature cocktail or come for dinner to experience their famous lobster thermidor and stunning ocean views. (3600 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City)

Photo via Mexiquila

Mexiquila - Somers Point
Spice up your evening with craft cocktails at the newly opened Mexiquila bar and restaurant! Join them for small plates during their tapas hour and check out their sprawling tequila list, or indulge in one of their signature margaritas made with fresh fruit purees and finished with a garnished rim. Tapas hour features eclectic bites like their birria spring roll as well as more traditional snacks like tostones with avocado crema. (101 East Maryland Avenue, Somers Point)

Photo by Heidi Kirn via Cape Resorts

Ebbitt Room - Cape May
Located in the Virginia Hotel, the Ebbitt Room is a swanky, white tablecloth restaurant with a fabulous menu of both classics and specialty cocktails. In the mood for something from the vineyard? The Ebbitt Room’s staggering wine list received the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator’s Magazine. Be sure to stop in on the weekends to enjoy live piano music while you unwind. (25 Jackson Street, Cape May)