Finally, we are in full-swing tee-shirt weather and nothing has New Jersey written all over it more than relaxing at an outdoor beach club.

Sipping a cold one with an ocean view is a favorite pastime we wait all winter (and dreary spring) to enjoy. Donovan’s Reef in Sea Bright is worth standing in line for, especially because of the buzz that says it may be demolished to build none other than more ridiculously overpriced condos! That’s Jersey for ya.

As noted from donovansreefseabright.com, the property was bought 31 years ago in the summer of ‘76. The name was inspired by a John Wayne comedy about a sailor who owned a bar called Donovan’s Reef on a South Pacific island.

Donovan’s features a two-story deck, tiki bars on the sand, and a heated tent to shelter from the east coast wind. Donovan’s is the only bar in Monmouth County that sits on a private lifeguarded beach. No swimming while intoxicated, folks!

Donovan’s Reef has to be the most casual venue I have ever been to. Board shorts, bathing suits and sarongs are the norm here. The atmosphere is so laid back you feel like you’re at your cousin’s barbecue. Their grill serves up California cheeseburgers, fried clam strips and calamari seven days a week. Monday – Friday, from 11am – 2pm, will get you $4 lunch specials. I’ve heard they welcome private parties if you want a seashore backdrop for that TGIF celebration you’re planning.

You have a good chance of striking up conversation or exchanging bad pick up lines with a friendly face here. Most of the mixed-age crowd has been there all day playing volleyball, surfing or working hard to even out their tan lines. I’ve yet to see their new changing rooms and showering facilities. Let’s face it: with music, food, booze, and a private beach they do not want you leave. Ever!

The unique thing to note about Donovan’s is that its hot night is Sunday, so expect them to be packed. All the last minute weekend raging takes place between 6 and 9pm with Brian Kirk and The Jirks, my favorite cover band (just in case you were wondering). If you’re lucky, Brian might pull you on stage to sing along to a Bruce or Bon Jovi song in exchange for an over-sized Coors Lite tee. I’ll never forget the night they busted out a thirty-minute encore rockin’ out on top of the roof! Only at Donovan’s!

Last weekend, I got a text from my friend shouting out: Sunday = Funday @ Donovans! Honestly, I could not have summed it up better myself. Thanks, Jess!

Donovan’s Reef
1171 Ocean Ave
Sea Bright
(732) 842-6789

— by Michele Santo
Michele, a NJ dweller for twenty-four years, takes exit 120 off the Garden State Parkway. She fears leaving the house without a pen and is known to put way too much ketchup on her food.

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