Rating LBI Bars
The controversial blogs keep coming as we get into an OFFICIAL rating of LBI bars Everything that I say and write is bible so if you have a problem with it or don’t agree… go scratch. Now, I haven’t been to every bar on LBI because getting an uber up and down the island in the late hours of the evening is nearly impossible.
Bird & Betty’s - 8.6/10
We have to start with what has become the most popular bar on the Island, Bird & Betty’s. Birds is everything you expect and more from a jersey shore bar, a sprawling deck with couches, fire pits, and a stunning view of the barnegat bay. If you haven’t been here at sunset, you most definitely live under a rock as it’s sure to make you feel some type of way. Once 12 AM hits you must head inside to the two floor dance floor/concert venue room that is electric. Birds always has a stellar band and a great energy in this room that’s guaranteed to deliver. My only problem with Birds is the line is always insurmountable. Especially on holiday weekends if you don’t arrive to this bar before 8 PM you have a better chance of summiting Mt. Everest. So, for that reason I need to take some points off once you’re in it’s the best bar on the island.
The Marlin - 6.8/10
When I was a younger adult The Marlin used to be my favorite bar on the Island. I fell in love in that bar pretty much every time I went. Regardless of my love life there’s really only one reason to go to and that’s if you’re a child. They bring a great crowd of 20-24 so if that’s your demo you’re going to have a great time.
The Shell - 7.4/10
Thunder Thursday is iconic but almost too iconic. $1 Green Tea Shots and $1 Coors Lights is a dangerous deal that needs to be talked about because there’s pros and cons that people need to be aware of. Pros: You can get extremely fucked up for $7 and that’s not something you see these days. In this economy??? Credit to The Shell for staying true to this deal and giving the people what they want. Cons: it’s almost impossible to get to the bar. There will almost always be a huddle three people deep around both the tiki bar and the beach bar and it’s just not an enjoyable experience. My favorite time to come here is around 3-5 PM and get a little buzzed before dinner. Great vibes.
Hudson House - 8.2/10
The quintessential dive bar: low lighting, pool table, darts, PUNCHING BAG GAME, and it’s cash only. This timeless classic is amongst the oldest buildings still standing on LBI and it most definitely isn’t going anywhere. In recent years, this quiet speakeasy has become very popular amongst vacationers which is disappointing as I know there are many regular local patrons that want to keep this unsuspecting bar on 18th street a hidden gem.
Joe Pops - 8.6/10
I might catch some flack for this rating being too low but trust me when I say this, I love Joe Pops. Going to this bar to see The Benjamins or The Nerds is a guaranteed good time with a large dance floor that has plenty of space for your hardcore dancers and the men who just stand there idle with no interest in moving their body whatsoever. I’ve always been able to get a drink no problem and the bathrooms are big enough to churn out inebriated individual after inebriated individual with ease. Impossible to get in here on holiday weekends.
The Porthole Cafe - 1.2/10
Carpet floors.
The Gateway - 5.1/10
If bedazzled jeans are your thing, this is the bar for you. Inside the Gateway is kinda sad. I feel like it’s a breeding ground for recently divorced men and women who smoke cigs and are currently unemployed. The bar itself is a huge space and there’s a liquor store inside which I have frequented many times, they have a ton of variety.
Surf City Hotel
I’ve never been but I’ve heard that it’s very fun. This would be a great option for people on the north end that can’t find an uber to ship bottom or beach haven but still want to have a fun night.
Is Chegg Overrated?
We’re starting this blog off with a bang… I’ve never been to blogging school but it doesn’t take an editor in chief at Condé Nast to understand that controversial topics get the people going. The age old question on the beautiful Island of LBI is: is the Chegg overrated? Now, before people jump down my throat with hate and unrelenting comments were going to cover both sides of the argument here. First, let’s take a look at what Chegg does well and then we’ll get into areas they can improve.
Pros:
It’s always open. Where else on LBI can you get a Taylor ham egg and cheese with a side of table pancakes at 3 AM? Everyone has done it and it ALWAYS hits the spot.
Variety. I just counted 141 different menu items you can order at anytime of day. There are some people that will argue that too many options make them flustered, I say grow up. If you told me I could show up to a restaurant in the middle of the night and and have anything from a NY strip to disco fries… I’m in diabetic heaven.
Organization. Chegg always has a line no matter what time you want to eat there. So the fact that they have that restaurant running like an airfare base in the middle of WWII makes the eating exeperience that much better. I have never waited more than 30 minutes to be seated at Chegg and for that I am grateful they have their shit together.
Cons:
Wings. This is where the controversial takes really get going. For as much hype and coverage these wings get… I think they’re just OK. The sauces are always great, however, the quality of the wing lacks and I almost always find that the breaded wings are too soggy.
Give me real boneless wings. Spare me for saying this but I’m a sucker for the crunchy texture of a traditional boneless wing. I am so sick and tired of this “buffalo tender”and it’s underwhelming appeal. For a popular menu item the people deserve better in the boneless wing category.
Bathrooms. People are going to say i’m nitpicking here but I cannot finish this blog without mentioning the bathrooms. One toilet for men, one toilet for women, ummm what are we doing? More often than not you’re walking into Chegg after having 8 beers at Birds and pissing at a rate of 1 piss for every 13 minutes passed. Give me community bathrooms with more than 1 stall so we can get these bathroom lines moving! And for god sakes lets make sure we have paper towels available, its the worst feeling to wash your hands and realize the paper towel is now just a roll of cardboard.
All in all, I like Chegg. The menu variety, the nostalgia, decor, and ambiance make me want to come back time and time again. BUT, I think there’s room for improvement and that’s ok. There’s an age old saying that goes, if you’re not innovating you’re dying and that applies in this restaurant. Your move Chegg.
-Staying South