Going with a large crew to LBI in May. Most of the guys (20+ guys, ages from 20's - 60's) are swill drinkers, so I need to begin my prep work. Suggestions of local places would really help : 1) Where to buy a craft keg on LBI? 2) Best store in Beach Haven to buy craft bottles / cans? 3) LBI bars / restaurants / clubs with good beer? Cheers!
Best place for craft beer isn't on the island but on 72 in Manahawkin, the Buy Rite Liquors. Unsure about bars as when I go, we don't go out too much, but that's the place to load up. For a keg, you can always stop off the GSP on your way down and go to Kane. They sell kegs to the public now.
The Arlington on LBI for a great tap list. However it's rather pricey. Agree about Spirits Manahawkin and its only 10 minutes off the island.
For retail, Shell Liquors in Shipbottom (as you come onto the island) has a decent selection. If you don't spend much time in the NY/NJ/PA area, you'll probably see plenty of beers that you don't get in Massachusetts.
Your best bet is just to stop in CT, NY or northern Jersey and pick up beer there. As @kjrod20 mentioned, stop off at Kane or Carton off of Garden State Pkwy.
Don't bother with buy rite, spirits has a better selection hands down. They also get carton regularly and have a growler station. Check their app to see what's on tap. They keep it up to date.
THIS X1Billion Buy Rite doesnt care at all about craft beer. They have some, and you can find regular stuff for a smidge cheaper than Spirits unlimited, but they have no special release or limited stuff, and the staff wont be able to help you at all. Spirits Unlimited on 72 (a mile west of the buy rite) has a much better selection. The staff is passionate about craft beer, and have most limited releases, seasonals, one offs, etc. GO TO SPIRITS In beach haven there is an oyster bar right next to The Marlin, who also have awesome beer on tap, and a quite good package selection. I recommend them As for bars, Daddy O's, the Arlington, Buckalews, Terrace Tavern all have good selections. The Dutchmans on the bridge leaving the island has a goo import selection. Weihenstephaner, warsteiner, paulaner, etc.
Buckalews prob your best choice as far as bars, also Arlington, Tuckers. A new sports bar you might want to check out is Northside Bar and Grille. They also have Anchor Liquor next door. Check out this website for all LBI restaurants, bars and more ShopLBInj.com. Maybe I need a new section on the website for craft beers
This isn't true at all dude. Buy rite gets special releases. They got BCBS, BCBW, they get KBS, Stone enjoy buys, etc.. Yes they have no idea what they're talking about beerwise but yes they get all the releases. Plus. Its not like spirits employees have a clue about beer either.
Im in both stores twice a week. Buy Rite got 1 case of bcbs this year simply because theyre the largest volume account in ocean county. And they put it on the shelf with no limit per customer. Everyone gets enjoy buys now. The december enjoy by is still on the shelf at buy rite. Walk into spirits and ask for Dan. He will take care of you.
I go to both stores twice a week too. So you're not special. They had Bourbon county behind the counter. You had to ask. They had 2 cases. They didn't have it on the shelves. Same with barleywine. You want to talk about old IPAs. Same with Buy Rite. Make sure you check dates on IPAs at spirits. The workers have no idea that freshness is key. Spirits keep cases of old IPAs on the floor. They also like to put singles of IPAs on the shelf in hopes they would develop a thick coating of dust. In all honestly, both stores are fine however both have workers who have no idea about craft nor understand freshness.
Gotta jump in here. Northlax is EXTREMELY special. He has more info than anyone I've met regarding Ocean County distribution. He's the man, thanks Northlax.
Flying into AC this Thursday morning, traveling to Beach Haven, NJ. I am renting a house with a bunch of swill drinkers, so looking for some proper-beer intel. I would appreciate any suggestions on: *Where to buy a craft keg on / near the AC to LBI route *Recommend places in / near Beach Haven that sell craft bottles / cans *Good bars / restaurants in Beach Haven that have decent craft offerings Cheers!
Buckalews is a fun place to take the swill drinkers, and they'll have some decent craft selections as well. And hey, who doesn't like pirates??
Murphys market in beach haven has craft like dogfish head, allagash etc.... The gateway and northside are good bars up in surf city. Used to work at the surf city hotel actually. They have a good tap list. The buy rite on rt 72 right before the causeway bridge is one of my favorite stores. Good prices. Huge selection of non local stuff too. Spirits on 72 right after the parkway exit for LBI does kegs and growler fills. And the spirits has a ton of bombers and a singles section for build your own pack.
I bring my own stash down or stop at spirits on 72. also for craft beer the best place on the island is Arlington ... but save up $$$$ Best bet fill some growlers up at spirits, once on the island crack it open take a seat out side and enjoy. eating out / buying beer on the island is way to expensive just my 2c
I actually saw that the Arlington is tapping a CBS keg next Friday the 29th. I always hit up the Arlington when down there come summer time but it is pretty expensive...their happy hour has some good bar food pricing and they usually do one draft special but it's nothing noteworthy. I like that place because you can easily take people who aren't into beer and they can be happy as well!
