Let's Get Tipsy in Jersey: Breweries, Wineries & Drinking Activities

With summer 2022 right around the corner, let’s talk about all the fun activities New Jersey provides. This guide will highlight the top places in New Jersey for drinking-related activities: good wineries, breweries, and fun activities. So if you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend and like a good drink, you found the perfect guide.

I hope you enjoy my New Jersey drinking guide. It’s a fun lens to see New Jersey through and I hope you get to check out some of the spots I mention below. Just as with anything, please drink responsibly. This guide is made for fun not to encourage any inappropriate debauchery behavior 🙂

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Best New Jersey Wineries

No this isn’t Napa Valley or Bordeaux, but Jersey wineries can be super fun and beautiful. And what better way to enjoy a warm summer day or an early fall grape harvest than to pack up a picnic and grab a local bottle of wine? Here is a list of my top spots in this state:

Working Dog Winery – Hightstown

What once was a small hidden gem in central Jersey is now a busy thriving winery. And don’t get me wrong, I’m happy their business is booming and no matter what, I will stay loyal to my Working Dog crew and Working Dog wine. They will always be my number one. However, I would be lying to you if I told you that it’s the same quiet experience that it once was. It’s become a local sensation.

This is not a reason not to visit. Their wines start at a little under $20 going up to $30+ but they’re super delicious. My forever pick is the Equinox Dry Rosè, the only rosè I will ever drink. They have patio seating but that gets quickly filled up on the weekends. There are also a lot of lawn chairs dispersed throughout the property. Pack up a picnic, get ready for some live music, and don’t forget to grab a snack from the local food truck either.

It’s located in Hightstown or near exit 8 off of the Turnpike.

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Beneduce Vineyards – Pittstown

Beneduce is a stunning winery that will make you feel like you’re in true wine country. The grounds are very nice but you can’t explore much of it. Their wines are pricey aside from the two house bottles. The others run closer to $30. They sell cheeseboards and you can also find a food truck there on the weekends. On the weekends, you can find a live band and some small outdoor activities like cornhole.

This place is one of the top New Jersey wineries for a reason. If you want to impress your guests, pack up a picnic, make sure to reserve a table, and head to Pittstown for this amazing gem.

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Valenzano Winery and Winefest – Shamong

This one is located all the way in South Jersey’s Shamong, which as a North Jerseyan I consider another planet. I love Valenzano wines but what I love more is the Valenzano Winefest which happens every year in September. It’s an event of all things Jersey wines, you can camp out with a picnic there all day. You’ll find multiple food trucks, craft vendors, tons and tons of wine, live music, and even beer. I would put it on my calendar today if I were you.

Outside of the festival, Valenzano offers a great selection of wines in a ton of local liquor stores at super cheap prices too. Onsite, they have a tasting room and a newly opened boujee pub too.

Unionville Vineyards – Ringoes

I like this spot because it’s always quiet and secluded. The Unionville tasting room is awesome and you can enjoy a peaceful lunch in the vineyard. I also attended a wedding there which was absolutely beautiful with that backdrop. Bottles range from $18 to $40 for higher-end products.

They get a bonus point because I recently attended a chocolate and wine tasting with them and the quality of their service, education, and wine was just amazing!

Old York Cellars – Ringoes

This place is located near Unionville Vineyards and it’s pretty. The grounds are nicely secluded in a small town and it doesn’t even feel like you’re in New Jersey. However, as nice as the place is, I was disappointed with them for their wine and chocolate tasting during Valentine’s Day. The prices for their tastings are absolutely not worth it, no one guides you through the tastings and their snacks are a total rip off too.

For our Galentine’s Day celebration, we booked the fire pit set up with a tasting, tapas, and bottles of wine. We left after 45 minutes, froze our asses off, got denied inside entry, and dropped $200+. Remember, pretty pictures are not always as they seem and my job is to give you nothing but a Perfect Day. This one does not get the vote, it gets a heads up for you.

Brook Hollow Winery – Columbia

An unexpected gem! I found Brook Hollow rather randomly, driving through the area on a Sunday afternoon. We stopped by for some wine but ended up staying for the live music, beautiful chill atmosphere, and tasty drinks. The space is large, you can bring your own picnic and either use their outdoor tables or your own blankies. There are quick table tastings available as well as some more comprehensive ones with someone explaining each wine to you.

Best New Jersey Breweries

There is more to beer than Heinkens and Coronas. Craft beer is awesome and it’s even better if it’s made in your neighborhood. When I go to breweries I don’t want to feel like I’m at another bar. Instead, I look for a couple of things to make it feel a little different: a laid-back atmosphere, a number of quality beers on tap, flight options, and customer service.

For the full list of my favorite breweries in New Jersey, check out my breweries guide!

Here are my picks for the best choices:

ManaFirkin Brewing

A great place for a great brew! I found it rather randomly on my Central Jersey Anthony Bourdain trail exploration. Located right by LBI, it could be a little tough to find but once you do, you won’t be disappointed. ManaFirkin beers are super tasty and the selection is really rich. I love the ambiance there too. Bring snacks and get ready to relax for an afternoon. Flights are reasonably priced at $10 for 4 tastings.

In the winter, they were offering Igloos outside which is super awesome for a brewery. On some weekends you can find a live band or even mimosas!

Jersey Cyclone

Hidden near route 287 in Somerset, Jersey Cyclone is a nice addition to the area. I frequently grab a pizza and head there with my friends for a start on our night. They offer great beers, a chill atmosphere, and plenty of board games for your entertainment. Find a historical fire hydrant serving as a water fountain there too. Prices are decent, you can get a crowler for about $14.

Cypress Brewing

Hidden in the industrial park of Edison, Cypress Brewing legitimately has the best beers I have locally tried. They’re super tasty and the quality is just unbeatable. I got two flights and honestly loved every single sip. They have the main tasting room with a bar but due to COVID, only the back is open (as of January 2021). You’ll be sitting at a barrow table among large beer tanks truly feeling the vibe of a brewery. Don’t forget to bring snacks and friends. Oh, and the best part is that their flights are only $8! It’s a huge steal for the quality you’ll be enjoying.

Fun New Jersey Drinking Activities

Wine and Paint

If you haven’t done this activity yet, look at the nearest location and book a spot for the next weekend. I personally have a closet full of these paintings as I’m obsessed with this concept. It basically works like this, you bring your booze and snacks, and you get a canvas and paint along with an instructor that guides you step by step. It’s a super fun way to bond with your friends or family over a bottle of wine with some artistic adventures.

There are two known chains dominating this activity in New Jersey. The first is Pinot’s Pallete which offers multiple styles for every day of the week starting at $30 a seat. I like their option for a private party. If you have a decent size group, you can get the whole studio for yourself. It’s inexpensive and super fun. The second chain is ArteVino. I noticed that sometimes this one can be a little more expensive and their paintings are ever so slightly a little more advanced. In terms of the experience, I did not notice any significant difference.

Hatchet Throwing

I’ll put it like this. When it comes to wine and paint, I’ve been 10+ times and would still do it again. When it comes to hatchet throwing, I would do it once and be ok. It’s a lot of fun the first time, but not so exciting the next. The two companies that offer this activity are Bury the Hatchet and Stumpy’s Hatchet House. Stumpy’s charges $25 per person for 1 hour or $40 for 2 hours. I like them because the staff usually helps you make the games more interesting but keeping a tab and getting the game going for you. Bury the Hatchet is $30 per person for 1 hour or $40 for 2 hours.

Top Golf

If you don’t know what Top Golf is, it’s basically a huge mini-golf. Your group reserves a bay and you try to get the ball as far into the field as you can with different areas being worth more points than others. The place includes a bar and a restaurant too. It’s a fun way to day or night drink and have a little competition with your friends. If your group isn’t large, prices can be a little steep for what it is.

This used to be one of my favorite things to do in the area but with ‘rona, I would wait until things quiet down for a second. The reason is that you need to pay a reservation fee as high as $25 that doesn’t go toward anything. And maybe that would be fine but in my experience, you STILL have to wait close to an hour to get in. It’s basically a mob of angry people that they’ve been waiting forever being yelled at by the staff not to congregate in front of the building.

BUT, I did like it a lot before the pandemic and I hope to come back when things get a little more organized. At the moment, they have some work to do.

Boozy Bowling

Yes, Kasia, you can do all these activities mentioned sober like a normal person, but this is a drinking guide. So we shall include the drinking things. Boozy bowling is great especially at places like Bowlero. I like their vibe and it’s a cool place to have fun with your friends. Yes, prices can be a little high compared to a regular bowling alley but with discounted rates after hours, it’s not so bad.

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Tipsy Tie Dye

Not too long ago, a new concept opened up in Hoboken, Tipsy Tie Dye. It’s certainly not a cheap activity, at over $50 per person and BYOB. You get to pick a piece of clothing that you want to dye along with paint and some guidance along the way. I got convinced by one of my best friends to do this activity and we spent an afternoon making sweatshirts. To be honest, I wore my $50 sweatshirt maybe 4 times since I made it months ago. Was it fun? Certainly! Would I do it again? Probably not 🙂

Coolest New Jersey Drinking Towns

If you’re looking to visit a town with a high density of drinking establishments, New Jersey won’t disappoint. Whether it’s brunch time or a night out with your friends, being in a town with decent options and atmosphere is important for your experience.

I’ll list my favorite going-out towns below for this awesome New Jersey drinking guide. The pandemic complicated a lot of stuff but that shouldn’t completely stop you from enjoying the local places and supporting small businesses. Of course, make sure to practice your adventures safely though!

Jersey City

Undoubtedly one of the most desired “cool” places to live in now because of the newness of that area. This city is a huge example of gentrification in this state. Although Jersey City can be a little overhyped now, I still like the atmosphere it has. The pedestrian area of Newark Ave houses popular bars like Porta, The Ashford, or a cool LGBTQ Lounge Six26. For food and booze, I like Oralé for some good Mexican food, Würstbar for some delicious fancy hotdogs, and Liberty House for a fancy dinner and drinks.

If you’re a fan of beers like myself, Jersey City’s beer garden selection is pretty good too. Hudson Hall is great for an indoor beer garden atmosphere. The Lutze is an unbeatable low-key spot for waterfront views. Lastly, Zeppelin Hall has a huge outdoor beer garden with live music on the weekends. I like to go there to hang out with a larger group of people.

Hoboken

The grandfather of cool Jersey spots, the one, and only Hoboken, is a super awesome town to explore for your nightly adventures. Depending on where you go, you can find yourself among the fresher drinkers, so don’t be surprised if you walk into a bar and see all 21-year-olds. Hoboken can get a whole guide by itself because of the number of places it houses in its tiny perimeter. I will only mention a couple of the more known spots for this New Jersey drinking guide.

Prepare for a full night out, Hoboken is lively well into the night. Although bars are dispersed throughout the city, the waterfront ones cluster on Sinatra Drive near Pier A Park, like Wicked Wolf or the Ainsworth. The other end of Sinatra has the awesome Pier 13 too, a super cool outdoor drinking spot. A decent chunk is located on Washington Ave near Brass Rail, and Mills. On 1st Street you’ll find Mulligans or The Shannon.

In the places I mention above, you’re likely to find a younger crowd. If you want a little bit of an older vibe check out City Bistro which also has a cool rooftop lounge in the summer. The Madison is also a cool spot. If you prefer a little European atmosphere, my favorite spot is Pilsener Haus, a Biergarten hidden away inside the city. Gran Vin is an awesome wine bar with some upscale feels.

Hoboken is also a great city for brunch drinking too, make sure to make reservations wherever you go as these get filled quickly.

Asbury Park

Not only is it one of the coolest beach towns in New Jersey but also a super cool spot to go out in for the night. Walk into town, and find the famous Stone Pony with summer concerts. Get closer to the lake and find an awesome Biergarten that has Igloos in the winter for a warmer experience, Ale House for in-town vibes, Porta for great atmosphere, or the famous Johnny Mac’s that also gives you pizza with a drink purchase. Don’t forget the long-standing, dog-friendly Wonder Bar. For amazing sunset views and a more boujee feel, go to The Asbury Hotel rooftop bar.

Morristown

I used to love going out in Morristown right after I graduated college. That should tell you what kind of crowd you can expect there. Nonetheless, I still think it’s a cool place to go out in. Iron Bar is probably the most known spot in the area. You can also bar hop to South Street next door, The Laundromat, a little speakeasy in town, The Famished Frog, The Office, or Grasshopper.

If you’re looking for a good boozy brunch spot, Morristown is awesome for it. Make sure to make a reservation as the town fills up quickly on the weekends. My favorite throughout the years has been Town Bar, the food is delicious and the ambiance is great. End of Elm is Town’s neighbor and it also does not disappoint with the quality. South & Pine has delicious food and is also a BYOB spot for brunch!

New Brunswick

Let’s get one thing straight, there is the side of New Brunswick that’s full of college kids and there is another side that’s a little more do-able for an adult. The younger side is Easton Ave and the more fun one is George Street. I have a whole post on this town as it’s been my “home” for 10 years now but if you’re solely interested in the drinking aspects of it, here are my non-college cool spots in town.

Esquina Latina remains my top pick as you get amazing drinks, dancing on the weekends, and an unmatchable atmosphere. They opened a sister restaurant in town, The Fat Cactus. Harvest Moon, Hub City Brewhouse, and Tavern on the George offer the pub feels you’re looking for. Since George Street has been converted to a pedestrian-only zone, their spots have huge winter tents you can enjoy. For football games, this is a great spot with a cool energetic atmosphere. More classy options in town include Frog and the Peach, INC, or Clydz for the best cocktails. They’re all located on or off of George Street.

Red Bank

Red Bank is a cool area but note, that most places do close earlier than 2 am. I call Red Bank the Sunday night place because the town lets you enjoy the atmosphere but cuts you off before it gets too late. Early ‘rona converted Broad Street into a pedestrian-only zone which gave the town a little more character. As of 2022, I haven’t seen the pedestrian street yet but I’m hoping the town brings it back soon. There are a couple of cool places in town like Robinson Ale House, Red Rock Tap, Dublin House, or Triumph Brewing. I like to walk along the water in Riverside Park after spending a night there.

Somerville

Somerville is the newer guy in town and I go there whenever I don’t feel like driving far to have fun. Verve is an awesome cocktail bar that serves top-notch drinks. VintEdge is a boujee wine bar. Village Brewing is a cool brewery that hosts trivia nights and also live bands. Salted Lime is another funky and newer Mexican place. Lastly, The Club House is a dungy dive bar you didn’t think you needed to visit.

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Rahway

This is honestly a hidden gem. For most people, Rahway doesn’t even cross their minds when choosing a place to drink. Mark my words, this will soon be a cool little spot for New Jersey drinking. A lot of little train station towns in New Jersey get a glow-up when people realize their potential and want an easy commuting spot without the North Jersey price tag. This is exactly the transformation Rahway is going through which is recently reflected in their rent prices.

BUT you’re not here to find a place to live, you’re here to find a place to drink. So, stop at Cubanu for a Latin vibe, The Waiting Room for a tavern atmosphere, Wet Ticket Brewing for a small in-town brewery, or perhaps a cigar at Sticks Cigar Lounge?

Princeton

I don’t know if I would fully give Princeton a drinking town title but due to the fact that it’s filled with college students and young professionals, I’ll include it for a couple of spots I like there. Triumph Brewing has a good selection of beers. The Alchemist and The Dinky Bar are also cool bars too. Metro is a little more upscale bar but I like their drink selection.

Atlantic City

This one is self-explanatory and deserves a whole post to itself. However, to say this spot has been thriving wouldn’t be accurate. First, its location makes it a more difficult spot to reach for most residents. Second, the town keeps losing momentum year by year. However, if you’re in for a night full of gambling and degeneracy, head to the infamous AC.

Honorable Mentions

These towns won’t get a full acknowledgment in this New Jersey drinking guide but will be included because I do like some spots to drink there too.

Montclair has a couple of places worth visiting but probably for a boozy brunch. First, there is Alto, a rooftop lounge of the area. Find a classier vibe at Egan and Sons, an Irish dive-y vibe at Tierney’s Tavern, or fun cocktails at Pharmacie.

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Metuchen is another little town that deserves a mention. It’s a train station town with a cute little downtown area. There aren’t many bars there but it did get an atmosphere upgrade with ‘rona’s outdoor dining policies. Metuchen has a pretty nice restaurant scene though that is mostly BYOB. So I would check out their numerous spots for a brunch drinking date instead. For the couple bars in town, check out my favorite local Irish bar, Hailey’s. They have live music on the weekends and a more intimate sister restaurant in the back. The Brown Stone gets a mention for their happy hour and patio of course.

Food and Drink Festivals

New Jersey’s calendar might not be as full as New York’s, but we still have some cool things to do here. Here are some more known annual events to put on your calendar!

Jersey City Craft Beer Festival hosts many local Jersey breweries under one roof. It’s a good place to taste a bunch of beers.

March: Hoboken LepreCon is basically a SantaCon but with leprechauns. You couldn’t pay me enough to attend this but to each is own.

May: Jersey Shore Wine & Food Truck Festival includes booze, tasty bites and live entertainment.

June: Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival is a weekend-long event in town. Find other cool activities happening too. Make sure to get tickets ahead of time.

August: Brazilian Day in Newark is a celebration of Brasilians here in New Jersey that also includes a lot of drinking along the way. If you want some culture, a fun atmosphere, and a delicious caipirinha, check out this celebration.

August: Manahopkin or a local festival with craft beers and a music festival that supports the local PBA toy drive too!

September: Valenzano Winefest which I mentioned above, has a huge outdoor selection of wine, food and also local live music.

September: Cape May Harvest Brew Fest is another local craft event. Why not enjoy an early fall day enjoying this event in this perfect town!

December: Hoboken Santa Con is something you have to do at least once in your life. It was a little too much for me with the crowds and the lines but people go nuts for this day.

Please share your favorite New Jersey drinking story in the comments below 🙂 I’m looking forward to hearing how Jersey destroyed you.