The New Jersey Shore is not just famous for its sandy beaches, boardwalks, and lively summer atmosphere—it’s also home to an impressive craft beer scene. From beachside brews to rustic taprooms, here are the top 10 breweries along the Jersey Shore that every beer enthusiast should visit.
Kane Brewing, a staple of the New Jersey craft beer scene since 2011, is renowned for its expertly crafted pale ales, IPAs, and imperial stouts. With a popular hexagon logo, Kane’s beers, such as Head High and Sneakbox, dominate local retailers. Located just 10 minutes from Asbury Park beach, Kane Brewing’s Tasting Room has evolved from a small converted conference room to a custom-designed space created in March 2023 to enhance the guest experience. Now featuring 16 draft beers, including small batches, limited releases, and barrel-aged specialties, the Tasting Room blends old and new with upcycled oak bar tables and unique barrel high-tops. Guests can enjoy a variety of beers, including fresh IPAs and award-winning stouts, while exploring the brewery or grabbing something to go.
Co-owned by award-winning homebrewer Michael Kane, the brewery has earned a reputation for quality and consistency. Fans flock to periodic releases like Sea Summit and Fresh Hot Coat, and Kane’s popularity has only grown over the past decade. For anyone visiting New Jersey, a stop at Kane Brewing is a must, as it helped shape the state’s craft beer culture.
Address: 1750 Bloomsbury Ave, Ocean Township, NJ 07712
The Seed, a unique brewery in Atlantic City founded by Sean Towers and Amanda Cardinali, offers a refreshing departure from the city’s usual nightlife and casinos. Focused on “living beers,” The Seed specializes in saisons and mixed-fermentation ales, using wild yeast, local grains, and foraged ingredients to create dynamic, seasonal brews. Notable offerings include As Simple As Beginnings? pale lager, As Simple As Renewal? kellerpils, and Wheat Fields and Swallows, their house saison.
The brewery prides itself on its connection to the environment, emphasizing the natural variations in ingredients from local agriculture. The Seed’s approach is one of mindful experimentation, letting nature’s unpredictability shape their beers. With its commitment to rustic, earthy flavors and ever-changing recipes, The Seed is a must-visit, even for those just passing through Atlantic City.
Address: 807 Baltic Ave Unit 4, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Icarus Brewing, founded in 2017 by Jason Goldstein, has quickly become a standout in New Jersey’s craft beer scene, particularly for its New England-style IPAs. Known for brews like Making Whoopie: Oat Fluffed, Yacht Juice IPA, and DDH Yacht Juice, Drinking Crayons and Private Beach, Icarus has earned a reputation among hop enthusiasts. The brewery, now based in Brick, is a key player in the retail market, with cans and kegs available throughout the state, and is a member of Brew Jersey and the Brewers Guild of New Jersey.
Icarus values quality, innovation, and community, releasing 3-5 new beers weekly and the Taproom boasts an ever-evolving tap list of 30 brews on draft. Visitors can take a brief, behind-the-scenes tour of the production facility to understand an overview of the brewing process and walkthrough the brewhouse. Icarus Brewing’s inviting Taproom, is where you can enjoy your favorite brews and exclusive variants while soaking in the cozy atmosphere and friendly service. The spacious Taproom offers ample seating, a Barrel Room for a more intimate experience, and an outdoor Beer Garden complete with firepits, heaters, and occasional live music. Guests are welcome to bring their own food or order from local restaurants, including the option to have Burger25 delivered right to your table via QR code.
Address: 2045 New Jersey 88, Brick Township, NJ 08724
Carton Brewing, founded in 2011 by cousins Augie and Chris Carton, has become a New Jersey craft beer icon. Known for its flagship Boat Beer, a 3.5% ABV hazy session ale, Carton’s beers are refreshing, drinkable, and perfect for a day on the Jersey coast. Made with Kölsch yeast, German malts, and American hops, Boat Beer is a crisp and easy-drinking favorite.
Though Boat Beer is a standout, Carton offers a wide range of other brews, including the Citra and Galaxy-hopped The Hook pale ale and the bold Explosive Explosions Exploding Explosively triple IPA. Their cult favorites like 077XX and Regular Coffee have earned a loyal following, and the taproom in Monmouth County is a must-visit for craft beer lovers. Carton’s bold flavors, clever names like Clam Jam and East of Eden Mama, and innovative spirit make it one of New Jersey’s most adventurous breweries.
The Carton taproom is open five days a week, with an outdoor Beer Garage offering a unique tasting experience. Be sure to check their Instagram for up-to-date hours.
Address: 6 E Washington Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716 (parking on 1st Avenue)
Behr Brewing, a family-owned brewery in Cape May, New Jersey, started from humble homebrewing beginnings and has grown into one of South Jersey’s most adventurous breweries. The brewery’s cozy, homey atmosphere and tight-knit staff make it a welcoming spot for all. Behr’s current tap list includes a variety of small-batch, handcrafted beers like the tropical sour Hawaiian Eyes, and the American light lager Behr Pong, crisp and refreshing perfect for football Sundays.
From a double IPA (Two Two) to a coffee stout (Poke the Behr), Behr’s diverse beer menu has something for every palate. Guests can enjoy indoor seating or the pet-friendly outdoor beer garden, and they’re welcome to bring their own food. Located just minutes from Cape May and Wildwood’s beaches, Behr Brewing offers a laid-back experience perfect for relaxing with friends or family. The brewery is also conveniently located off the Cape May County Bike Path.
Address: 513 Seashore Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204
Cape May Brewing Company (CMBC) started in 2011 with three guys brewing in a small 1,500 square-foot space and has since grown to over 23,000 square feet, offering over 100 beers, including flagship, seasonal, and small-batch options. Their original space is now dedicated to experimental brewing, while their industrial facility across the street handles larger batches. The sour brewery features an interactive self-guided tour with a Wildwood boardwalk-inspired design, and their tasting room boasts 23 taps, offering flights and beers to enjoy in the Beer Garden. Don’t miss the Brewtique for beer-to-go and merchandise.
Standout brews include the Crushin’ It (Orange Vanilla IPA), which leans refreshing with a slight sour kick, Oktoberfest, a smooth, rich Märzen lager, the comforting Honey Porter, perfect for cold days, the Cape May IPA (American IPA), loaded with floral and citrus notes but well-balanced and zesty, and the dangerously smooth Coastal Evacuation (Double IPA), a bold and drinkable brew. The brewery has a spacious taproom with both indoor and outdoor seating, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a cold beer. With regular events and food trucks, it’s a lively destination for both locals and visitors alike.
Address: 1250 Hornet Rd, Rio Grande, NJ 08242
Asbury Park Brewery (APB) has deep roots in both music and beer, with its founders sharing a passion for both. Bob McLynn, who first experienced the world of beer during a European tour in 1994, was inspired by the local breweries he encountered on the road. After years of working in the music industry and founding successful bars focused on beer and music, Bob started his brewing journey in 2011 with Capone Amber Ale in partnership with Half Acre Brewing. He later became involved in the creation of Saint Archer Brewery, which grew rapidly before being sold to Miller/Coors. After witnessing the brand’s decline, Bob returned to his roots in Asbury Park, teaming up with local musicians Chris Cornell and Mike Pimco to launch APB in 2016.
With a focus on traditional brews and subtle malts, their first IPA, Sea Dragon, became a hit and marked the beginning of a growing family of IPAs. Today, APB has expanded to a new space on Cookman Avenue, offering a variety of beers like Scarlet Ale and continuing to embrace the synergy between beer and music.
Address: 614 Cookman Ave. Suite 1, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
MudHen Brewing Company, founded in April 2018 by Brendan Sciarra, has quickly become a South Jersey destination in Wildwood. Housed in a former Harley Davidson dealership, this brewpub offers a full bar, restaurant menu, and 8 to 12 rotating craft beers brewed on-site. The spacious, light-filled dining area offers views of the brewery, while the upstairs lounge features comfortable seating and a fireplace. The casual garage area, with rollaway doors, opens to a large outdoor seating area with a bar, fire pits, and covered patios.
MudHen, named after the historic “MudHen” train, blends local heritage with modern brewing, making it a must-visit spot for beer enthusiasts. With live music, in-house events, and regular beer releases, there’s always something happening. What is the most popular beer at Mudhen? It’s like picking a favorite child! But their IPA has a fan following that is off the charts.
Address: 127 W. Rio Grande Ave., Wildwood, NJ 08260
Beach Haus Brewery, the “granddaddy” of Jersey Shore craft breweries, has been a game-changer since it introduced its American Classic Pilsner to a beer scene once dominated by mass-produced brands like Coors and Budweiser. Founded in Point Pleasant Beach, Beach Haus grew from a small operation to one of New Jersey’s largest independent breweries after acquiring and transforming the iconic Freedman’s Bakery Building in Belmar in 2014. Today, it boasts an impressive 11,000-square-foot, 30-barrel production facility and nearly 10,000 square feet of hospitality space. The brewery’s modern rustic design honors the building’s history while offering a welcoming destination with bars, restaurants, and outdoor spaces.
Just a block from Belmar Marina, Beach Haus has become a beloved community hub at the heart of the Jersey Shore, where you can enjoy a range of beach-born brews like the American Classic Pilsner, Cruiser IPA, Kick Back Ale, and Winter Rental. Visitors can enjoy self-guided or guided tours of the brewery before relaxing with a pint or flight in the taproom. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, a trip to Beach Haus is an essential part of summer at the shore.
Address: 801 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07791
Slack Tide Brewing Company, founded by brothers Jason and Tadhg Campbell in 2015, is a beloved craft brewery located in Cape May Court House, New Jersey, near the Jersey Shore. Inspired by the area’s natural beauty and relaxed vibe, Slack Tide offers a diverse range of beers made with locally sourced, all-natural ingredients. Their name, “slack tide,” reflects the calm and perfect moment for enjoying a cold beer. Over the years, the brewery has grown, upgrading its equipment and expanding its space. In 2023, Slack Tide opened a new, expansive 8,000 sq. ft. facility, complete with a spacious tasting room and outdoor seating area.
Known for its welcoming atmosphere, the brewery regularly features special events, seasonal releases, and collaborations with local organizations. Slack Tide Brewing has become a must-visit destination for craft beer lovers, offering a relaxing spot to enjoy award-winning beers like the Knockdown Black IPA, Angry Osprey IPA, and seasonal favorites.
Address: 1879 Route 9, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
While planning your Jersey Shore brewery tour, don’t forget to check out the latest fly report at Flies On The Beach. This helpful tool keeps you informed about pesky flies that could interfere with your brewery tour. By knowing when and where they’re active, you can fully enjoy the best craft beers the Jersey Shore has to offer without any unwelcome interruptions.
With so many great breweries to explore along the Jersey Shore, a little planning goes a long way. Check the latest fly report to avoid any unexpected nuisances, and map out your stops to make the most of your craft beer adventure. Whether you’re sipping a refreshing lager by the water or enjoying a bold IPA in a cozy taproom, you’re in for a memorable experience.
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