Asbury Park bar named one of the best bars in US. Experience the unique rock 'n' roll vibe

There are rock 'n' roll stars on stage, and dogs in the yard for Yappy Hour, but manager Debbie DeLisa says it's the community that makes the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park so special.

DeLisa and partner Lance Larson came on board at the Wonder Bar in 2002 when the city's waterfront was all but abandoned due to a decades-long economic decline. The area — and the Wonder Bar — is now a bustling hub in the summer, and for that it's been named one of USA Today's Bars of the Year.

“We're very honored and surprised and excited because the Wonder Bar and Yappy Hour are a a passion,” DeLisa said. “We feel so good because we feel we've brought so much happiness to people not only through the music but through the camaraderie, through the Asbury Park locals mixed with people coming in from overseas to anyone who comes in.”

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One of the locals is Bruce Springsteen. No, he did not, as lore would suggest, first play with Clarence Clemons at the Wonder Bar. That happened down the street at the Student Prince, now Porta. But the Boss is a fan of Lance and Debbie's Wonder Bar, and posted a congratulatory video when the bar celebrated its 20th anniversary at the helm in 2022.

“We need you, we love you — have another great 20,” Springsteen said.

What makes the Wonder Bar stand out

The bar is across the street from the Paramount Theatre and Convention Hall, and the beach, too. Lots of beachgoers stop in during summer days. The circular bar, the Yappy Hour scene outside and the dance floor inside provide lots of potential to make new friends.

“It seems like everybody is brought together and nobody feels alone,” DeLisa said. “A lot of people come by themselves.”

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The bar has raised funds for veteran’s causes, school kids and animal rescues over the years. Vincent Pastore, aka Big Pussy on “The Sopranos,” annually plays a benefit for the Asbury Park Boardwalk Cats group.

A popular drink is the Debbie D., named after DeLisa. It has Ketel One Botanicals Cucumber and Mint with club soda and fresh muddled mint.

“It's really refreshing in the summer,” DeLisa said.

As they say, greetings from Asbury Park.

Details: Wonder Bar, 1213 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park; wonderbarasburypark.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Wonder Bar Asbury Park NJ named one of USA TODAY's best bars of 2024