PROS: This is my favorite bar ever. Drink and food have a huge variety, staff is nice, atmosphere is amazing, very spacious, they have a parking lot, good hours, and the beach water is actually more clear here than other places (even know they don't control that). CONS: They haven't updated their website since 2018, they don't show any menu online, they never answer the phone, food is overpriced, and they charge a $20 admission fee OVERALL: Great place to come to if you're in New Jersey. I wouldn't be surprised if you stayed the night in Sea Bright just for this place. I just wish their prices lowered and they would become more tech savvy read more

Donovan's Reef - 2024 menu - Dive Bars Near Me - Sea Bright, New Jersey

Fun spot for the young crowd. Servers move pretty quickly, the pours are fast, and it can be a bit of a meat market. Truly a scene on the weekends. read more

The Ambiance of this exquisite place to visit will satisfy everyone. This is handicapped accessible too! Places to hang out on the beach ( blue mats to help get strollers, wheelchairs down to the beach) multiple levels of service that will take care of what you could possible want to drink or eat! This place is clean , the staff is friendly, the food is delicious, security is there... just in case. There is no better place to eat, drink, enjoy the beach during the day, bands at night.. there is a vibe that says relax and enjoy this moment, cause you know it will never happen again. THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE in Sea bright, N.J. My compliments to the owners for creating an atmosphere that you feel welcome, relaxed and salty air, messy hair.. don't care! I CANT WAIT TO COME BACK! read more

Donovan's Reef - Outside bar, and partial of the huge inside facility. See how clean it is! - Dive Bars Near Me - Sea Bright, New Jersey

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Complete disrespect shown to the American Flag... -- I've been to Donovan's Reef twice. It's in a nice location, they have a parking lot (get there early), a private beach area and bar. It is cool being there at nighttime when they have good cover bands playing. It's a lot more classy than Point Pleasant's tiki bar. However, literally on Labor Day of 2025 my opinion on this place forever changed. At some point, they announced they would play the Star-Spangled Banner and ask for people to give a moment to salute the flag. They allowed some girl to walk up and down their main walkway area (wide open in view of everyone) holding a giant Trump painting with a flag background during the Star-Spangled Banner as if to pay your attention to her painting. That is blatantly disrespectful to the American flag. The Star-Spangled Banner is about the flag of America, it is not about Donald Trump. If a restaurant wants to declare themselves MAGA, thats fine with me. Just don't be surprised if you deter customers from ever wanting to come back. However, to allow a stunt like that while the Star-Spangled Banner was playing, was absolutely disgusting. Their menu food is overpriced ($17 chicken tenders and fries) just go to Tommy's Tavern down the street for better food and prices. Their drinks were also overpriced and very watered down. $19 rum bucket (of mostly ice). $14 Long Island iced tea (mostly ice) and $9 sunrises. read more

Yes, the $20 cover charge may seem steep, but honestly--where else can you get a straight up beach bar on the shore with ample space, multiple levels (covered for those want to seek shade and uncovered), chill staff, a sectioned off space for the beach, etc. The establishment is well run; bathrooms are always super clean, water is easily available throughout the space to keep people hydrated, stacks of stools are available for those who want to sit vs those who want to stand and dance/vibe to the DJ. It's a fun time. Definitely an under 40 crowd, but when I was there, there was quite the age range and everyone was vibing just the same. read more

I've been here before, but didn't know they sold food, which I believe is a little part of the problem. Unless someone is or has eaten, and they tell you where it is, there's no advertisement of it. The food pick up and order is on the side, with a little pick up window. Other than the main bar, and a couple of tables and seats there really isn't a lot of space to eat. However they are always playing live music, drinks are "relatively" priced, but beer is cheap. I had the California Chicken Wrap and fries, which was great, but some had the buffalo chicken wrap and said it was it was heavy on the sauce with dry chicken. The fries were on point, and the cheese was that classic nacho cheese, I had to get two sauces it was so good. If you don't make yourself available to order anything, they will never come to you. Other than that, great grab and go service and beers on tap. The view of the water and the live music is key. read more

Donovan's Reef - California Chicken Wrap w/ cheese fries - Dive Bars Near Me - Sea Bright, New Jersey

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Don't allow bikes to park! Yet it comes up as biker bar 's Staff great management.. Typical Jersey let's charge a cover at 2pm

Great beach club. Had DJ during day. Clean facility. Good food with great service. Parking is $15. Come early as fills up . read more

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This summer of 22' was my first time at Donovan's after a year of trying. Donovan's is a great place to go in the summer, Wether alone or with friends. They have great staff, and ambience; but is a no cooler/ food/drink etc. This was my 3rd time here this summer, and I'm never disappointed. Donovan's is CASH only, except for the food house where you can use card payment. They have 2 upper deck bars, a food house and then 1 tiki bar on the sand. Bartenders are friendly, personable & can offer a good mixed drink. Usually on the weekends they have a DJ present, and offer a great mixed crowd of people, where everyone is just having a good time! Only thing I would suggest is on a Fri./sat./ you try to arrive no later then 10am. The parking lot is pretty small and gets filled FAST! Other then that, come ready to have a great time at the beach. read more

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I joined a friend of mine at Donovan's this week to catch the Moroccan Sheepherders, $10 cover charge. Excellent crowd of younger and ahem over 40 crowd enjoying the band and libations to kick off Memorial Day Weekend. Talking to many guests this was the first time many ventured out to a club post COVID19 including myself. Donovan's is setup nicely with one huge indoor bar and several outdoor bars. Donovan's is one of the few bars in NJ located directly on the beach, you can purchase a beach pass for the season or a day pass to enjoy adult beverages while taking in the beach. I would recommend bringing a chair if that is the route you want to go. The band is setup on the outer deck and the crowd can enjoy the band from on of the many deck areas or the beach. Cocktails are reasonable for a club, $8 for a Jack Daniels. Food is available to order and looks to be a solid choice for a snack. I was impressed with the setup and will venture back a few more times this summer as there are a handful of bands I am interested in seeing. Pro-tip.....there are a few areas outside of the clubs jurisdiction on the beach if you where you can view the band and listen to the music. I saw a handful of folks enjoying their adult beverages discreetly outside of the fencing with beach chairs and coolers. Parking fills up quickly and street parking is tight. There is a large municipal lot 2 blocks away that charges $1 per hour. I am looking forward to my next visit. read more

Donovan's Reef - Dive Bars Near Me - Sea Bright, New Jersey

Donovan's is primarily a place to drink and hangout, including on their private beach, for the vast majority who partronize it. I'm mostly indifferent to the "scene" there or the live music: the main reason I like Donovan's is the food. The food is much better than one might expect at Donovan's. Burgers and even seafood are delicious there. They also have a two for $6 hotdog cart outside on the seawall that even walkups can buy from. I don't imagine most think of food first about Donovan's but we have been consistently pleased with lunches we have had from there over the years as take out food taken back onto the public beach. read more

Service a 2 (slowww) and food a 3, so a 2 1/2. Grilled Chicken (comes with fries) and a Burger that's a nice size also w fries. Skip the side of Onion Rings (horrid) and unnecessary. That's about it. Nothing special. Oh, sticky tables. Yuck. read more

Donovan's Reef - Dive Bars Near Me - Sea Bright, New Jersey

I have never gotten a chance to get in because the parking is atrocious. The lot is always full as well as all other surrounding lots. You basically have to be there before 8AM. Also, cash only is a negative. read more

$15 enterance fee very strict with no food or drinks while entering, you may bring towels, chairs, umbrellas. Nice spot $7 for hard seltzers and $10 for margaritas. Make sure to grab your lunch by noon the line picks up pretty dramatically. The chicken tenders and sweet potato fries are a must ! read more

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Really nice spot! Clean, good music, friendly staff, good food, nice views. I went on a random Thursday .. I can imagine it's live on the weekends! read more

Can't beat the location! Right on the beach. Friendly service and in the COVID world, they text you when your order is ready. We had hamburger fries, and chicken Caesar salad. All tasty and good. Bar does good pours and I enjoyed their friendly banter. Night time and daytime has the music ... PARTY!!! read more

So my thoughts on this place are meh...I like the atmosphere,dj is good and nice touch on a Monday afternoon.What makes zero sense to me is they take your water bottles.An unopened water bottle.Why? And why take everyone's Stanley cups and line them up on a table in the blazing hot sun? Yes they have water coolers throughout the place with room temp water and plastic cups,but why not allow people to refill their refillable water bottles instead of using endless plastic cups and you are giving out paper straws?? On one hand you are saving the planet and on the other hand you are using 2000 plastic cups on water. I can understand they do not want you to bring in food because they want to make bank on the food that they sell there.So you can't bring in ANYTHING. No snacks ..Well that is all good and well,but then maybe have a menu that includes some kind of healthy snacks..fruit maybe? They food is terrible.We got 2 grilled chicken wraps and they were both horrible.People are going to spend money there on drinks!! That is basically why they are going there...So if I want to bring watermelon in a bag to snack on while sipping a 12.00 drink that I purchase,I don't see why that is frowned upon..If you are going to run a bar that you aren't allowing outside food , and are forcing ppl to buy in house,and it's not cheap,then it should be delicious...Especially when I basically am self serving myself. read more

Parking on premises makes it easier for people to enjoy as it's located steps away from their entrance. Lot parking is $10. Arrive early and find street meter parking for $1 per hour. Upon arrival you are given a bracelet, charged a cover fee and have bags checked. On a Monday we paid $10 each. Keep in mind this is more of a party scene on the beach; and one must pay to get onto the beach regardless so paying an extra dollar or two just to have the option of on-premise drinking and eating isn't a bad deal. The bartender was quicker then expected and super nice with offering us drinks that our taste buds were seeking since we were undecided on what to have. They do have a secluded beach area for those who enter and pay through the main entrance. So grab a drink and hang within their perimeter. You will see signs stating "no alcohol beyond this point". I found prices reasonable. We spend about $15 for two Truly drinks plus tip. The girl taking our food order was just as good as everyone else we encountered. Once your order is placed, your number is requested so they can send you a text to inform you your order is done. I got the chicken Cesar salad and my friend got a chicken wrap. Both meals were good. The best part about this place is that it's much closer to home then other spots. I would definitely be back. read more

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Nice view. DJ is so loud you can't talk to your friends. Find the DJ annoying. Would prefer piped in music that's not so loud. Cash bar only. Food is basically fast food, burgers, hot dogs, nachos, fried seafood plate, etc. it tastes good, but nothing fancy. Can use credit card for food. Just really annoying that you can't talk to your friends because the music is so loud. Talking to your friends is the whole point of going! read more

Well....they charge you $5 to be there for 45 minutes. They are supposed to close at 2 am but they close whenever they want. They let you get drinks and then close right away with no last call. They accosted us with their bright flash lights (I am epileptic) when we were just sitting there trying to drink our drinks we just purchased. Save yourself the time and worry of an all cash bar in 2024..... read more

SEA BRIGHT: We cannot get enough of Donovan's Reef! Such a fun place with good music, food, staff, and views! Dogs are allowed inside the building and outside on the deck (during the off-season)! Brie was spoiled with treats and attention and met new friends! *Dogs allowed October-April! read more

Came here on a party bus over the summer 2019 season, there was an entrance fee of $10 which includes beach access. The whole place is cash only with atms on site. The food was good but it was a 50 min wait for it, the drink come in a cute bucket but are over priced and super watered down. Might be better on the off season as a typical restaurant but I'm pretty sure I'll never be back on a summer weekend. read more

Donovan's Reef - Beach area - Dive Bars Near Me - Sea Bright, New Jersey

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I absolutely love the Shore. In some ways, I love the shore more than The Hamptons because the Jersey Shore was my first love. I was very excited to come to Donovan's for the first time hoping it was a DJais-esque day party for an older crowd or even just a band. While we were there, there wasn't so much as a Bluetooth speaker! No music at all! They confiscated our beach snacks and waters - so know before you go: absolutely no outside food or bev. Ordered some drinks - the rum buckets are novel, who doesn't want alcohol served in bucket form? I ordered a mixed drink to discover a fruit fly in it. I realized this is a beach bar, so I asked the kind bartender for a closed can of beer instead. Floating in the jars of juice/mixer on the bar was a swarm of drowned bees! Throw that sh!t out. Gross. I love the proximity to the bar while being on the beach. If I was to return, I wish there was som e music and I'm only ordering packaged bevs. read more

I thought everything was a little overpriced. My boyfriend and I ordered some Chicken Fingers ($6) and the Ahi Tuna Sandwich which came with lettuce, tomato onion, and Habanero Mango ($16). You can't really go wrong with chicken fingers, I'd probably end up ordering this again in the future being that the sandwich is $16. The sandwich was good, I would just knock the price down to $13.00. The staff was really nice and attentive and are enforcing social distancing. Parking can be tough. This beach in general can be tricky. Have to get there super early or mid-afternoon to find a solid parking spot. read more

I'm so disappointed by this place. I understand them removing drinks from your bag upon entry but I'm a diabetic and asked to keep my apple juice in case I have a low and was told no, I'd have to come back down to get my food for lows, but explained that if I'm low, I may not be able to make it that far and they said that that was it. If your chronic illness requires access to food/drink, Donovan's isn't the place for you. read more

Fun outdoor bar/restaurant right on the beach! I've been here twice for live music. Parking is a bear but the food is surprisingly good. You can see the sunset to the west and the ocean to the east while enjoying the music and some drinks! read more

Rude staff who aren't knowledgable about the basic needs of a diabetic. The manager is rude and no help as well. Spend your money elsewhere.

Soooo I came here on my birthday by accident & I had such an amazing time! My friend and I ended up staying for hours & missed my own dinner party! We're both industry as well and you guys have an amazing staff!! I'm not a big fan of beach bars & it was nice to see bartenders who aren't slurring and can hold a conversation so I really enjoyed myself! The food was good, simple drinks but that's all you need with a chill setting. Jack, Helen & Liam were cool as hell and made my day! We really hope to visit again before the design ends for the shore! You guys will always be a must visit from us! read more

Donovan's Reef - a sunset over the ocean - Dive Bars Near Me - Sea Bright, New Jersey

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This is a great summer spot. Imagine hanging out at a full bar with good service, good music and your toes in the sand. Here is a quick breakdown of what you really need to know: Draft beers are $2 inside. Cans of beer are $4 outside. Get your drink inside and just carry it outside to the beach area. :) Food is sold in a separate area from the bar. Food is OK. Not good, not bad, but OK. Think average tasting fries, burgers and chicken fingers. Parking can be tough but there is a big lot out front. People watching here is awesome- all ages. Be ready for mosquitoes after sunset! read more

Wonderful place to hang with friends. Staff is amazing and provides excellent service always with a cheerful smile. Drinks are great. Love hanging on the beach and by the bar. Brings back lots of great memories as Donovan's has always been part of growing up in the area. Family run and operated by responsive and caring owners. So glad Donovan's reopened after being destroyed by Sandy. Opened and better than ever. read more

Donovan's Reef - Favorite bartender! - Dive Bars Near Me - Sea Bright, New Jersey

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I revisited Donovan's Reef after a approximate two year hiatus and found that cover charges remained virtually the same as they were when reopening as covid restrictions were first eased. I was glad too see that prices and cover charges were relatively unchanged. The facility as a whole and as a great entertain location is top notch. I am providing an update based on my frequent visits this past summer. read more

It's nice on a weekday morning, but I only came for a work event to make an appearance for a couple hours. They took my water at entrance and I have autism so I only drink one kind of water. I also have a sun allergy and need that water for my electrolytes in case I got sick (I didn't!). I also don't drink sooo there's no reason to take my water since I wouldn't be buying anything anyway. I ended up getting a lemonade but it was gross so I threw it out. This seems like discrimination since they don't accommodate health issues (see diabetic comments in prior reviews) nor disabilities. The owners are supposedly extremely rude too but I've never met them so I can't say for sure...only from someone I know communicating with them. Sad because it's a nice place, again, on a weekday morning. Can't comment on the vibe at a peak hours. read more

Haven't been to Donovan's in about 20 years. It has changed a lot since Sandy for the better. The drinks are smartly priced but when I ordered a seltzer handed the bartender 10 bucks and he puts the money in the register closes it and walks away without giving me my change? WTF? The rest of the night I was only charged 6 bucks. Bad tip night? This was my issue. The band was freaking awesome! read more

My friend was hit by an unsecure umbrella that flew off the lifeguard chair. It was pretty scary. While one of the female lifeguards was very attentive and the lifeguards from the Seabright township were attentive as well, the staff of Donovan's lacked any action. I found the staff, including the security just standing there watching, they never called the manager and were not helpful at all. When I spoke to the manager while my friend was in the EMT, there was just no urgency or real sympathy or caring of what just happened. He never even checked on her if she was ok. I just found the staff and manager to be so unsympathetic, uncaring and negligent. What a disappointment of the Business and from a basic human decency point of view. I'm just grateful that it could have been so much worse and it wasn't by pure luck. read more

So let me get this straight: You can sit at the bar with a ferret (yes, you read that right, a F E R R E T), but can't bring your own SEALED water bottles and/or snacks in?!? This established is a nice spot, providing you follow their rules and know what to expect: 1. Some of the staff are RUDE AF! I was told by a RUDE, POWER-TRIPPING bouncer, "Outside food and drinks are a health code violation". Is it a violation or an excuse to make extra money off your patrons? Truth be told, Donovan's! 2. No outside food or drinks. You're basically forced to drink tap water out of coolers, purchase $5 water bottles, and buy mediocre food. This holds true for children and babies too. There were children's items on the outside holding table. What a shame! Taking items from babies! 3. Coddling ferrets at the bar is OK. 4. The beach is clean and nice. 5. Drinks are good. 6. Your bags and items will get searched like you have deep, dark secrets to hide. Mine got searched 2x by said bouncer above. With that, enjoy your beach day! read more

Donovan's has a really great vibe to it considering its prime location and size of venue. Regardless of if your looking to lay out on the beach, grab a drink and food, or listen to some music, Donny's has it all. Being an all cash bar (with a typical $10 cover to include beach access), come prepared with cash to avoid the ATM fees. By far the most popular thing at Donovan's is the rum buckets. For $14 you get a large sized bucket which can be compared to a comfortably sized gold fish bowl. After finishing the bucket, you'll feel as happy as a gold fish as well. Overall great place to hangout with friends and catch some sun by the ocean. Conveniently located near the Sea Bright public volleyball courts, so bring a ball and get ready to have a ball! read more

Donovan's Reef - Shrimp quesadilla with guac tasted great, and large portion size. Goes well with a rum bucket! - Dive Bars Near Me - Sea Bright, New Jersey

Reading these reviews is hilarious. We were here dozens of times last summer (yes, during the pandemic) and enjoyed every time. NO ONE ever got Covid. NO ONE died. Donovan's is a fixture on the Jersey shore. It's an open air bar, which extends to more open air on the beach. It has a great shore vibe, good drinks, inexpensive food, music, and perfectly fine employees. And yes, people may be maskless because, well, you can't eat or drink with a mask. If that doesn't appeal to you, or seems unsafe, this isn't your scene. Please stay away. read more

I would give them a Zero if an option. The fact that they are not motorcycle friendly, to the point they won't even let them park in their lot. read more

New Jersey is on a roll today! all these resturaunts say they are open when In fact u just wasted gas and time to get there!!! read more

Donovan's Reef - the front of the building - Dive Bars Near Me - Sea Bright, New Jersey

Donovan's is really nice and the beach is nice. I've been here multiple times over the years. But after my last experience I'm never going back. The staff at the front gate are the worst people I've ever met in my life. We brought our 15 month old kid here and they were giving us a hard time of about bringing formula and cut up grapes through the front gate! I thought it was a joke. The guy said "do you usually bring food to a restaurant? We're trying the make money here". Well I'm glad you're trying to make money but I can't find formula or baby foods on the menu? By the way we ordered fries and a burger and it took 45 minutes to come out! So not only are they aggressively strict on what you can bring in, they also suck at making food if you need it. I understand if grown adults were trying to bring pizza and beers through the front gate, but baby formula!?! That's an absolute joke and I'll gladly take my business to another beach because of this. read more