These 2 NJ Bars Rank Among Best In America, New Report Says

Drink up Jersey, you have two of the top 29 bars in America, according to USA Today.

The rankings are done by USA Today journalists, and highlight "places where locals and visitors alike gather for good conversation, warm vibes and a little slice of the city’s character."

Here are the watering holes from the Garden State that made USA Today's top picks for 2025:

Georgies (Asbury Park)

Known as the "gay Cheers" referencing the classic 90s sitcom, Georgies prides itself on welcoming everyone through their doors.

The classic, neighborhood dive bar has been serving customers since 1999 with its lineup of cold drinks, karaoke and trivia nights. Drag shows and brunches are also held at Georgies.

The patio regularly hosts live music in the warm months, along with plenty of soft pretzels, mozzarella sticks and other traditional dive-bar lore.

MORE FROM PATCH: In 2021, a town hall was held at Georgie's as part of an initiative by Miller Lite and Equality Federation to make bars safer for LGBTQ+ patrons. Read more

What People Are Saying

"Always a great time at Georgies! Fantastic staff all around, and a chill vibe!" (Google Review by Casey O'Shaughnessy)

"Came for Saturday night karaoke and found a supportive crowd and people having so much fun!" (Google Review by CL Woods)

Location
810 Fifth Avenue

Cowan's Public (Nutley)

Don't let the unassuming outside exterior fool you. This "celebration of community and libations" has an Art Deco bar, stained glass and relics from the Prohibition age in America.

While Cowan's set up shop in 2015, the actual building has been some form of a pub since the 1930s. Shortly after the end of Prohibition in 1933, the drinks began to flow. Now, a local craft beer tap list and expert mixologists are teamed up with trivia and other events on a regular basis.

USA Today recommends trying the Half Lotus with Japanese whiskey and black sesame cocktail, along with some tempura-fried chicken lollipops in hot honey. Swedish meatballs with blueberry jam or deviled eggs, they say, will also do the trick

What People Are Saying

"OMG!! We stopped by for beers after doing some shopping nearby. We were not planning on eating but Sundays are steak special night. This week was a cowboy steak. One of the best steaks we have ever had. Cook perfectly with sides of mashed potatoes and sauté mushrooms. So the cut of steak changes ever Sunday. We will definitely be back." (Google Review by Paola Lata)

"Sunday brunch was fantastic! Food was delicious; service was lovely and fast; atmosphere is super fun." (Google Review by Michele Rhee)

Location

229 Centre St.

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