Rip off, went there for the first time last Saturday night after hearing so many great things. Typical old school ownership mentality, places run like this are slowly dying. Went there after a wedding with a large majority of guests(who happened to be the only ones in there over 21). On line checking i.d.s and was told there would be a $5 coverage charge cash only??!?!!?! No cash, no problem, there is an over priced fee ATM waiting for you to dip your debit card in. Bar is cash only as well. Last time i had to pay to get in a bar i was probably 17 in college. Not surprising that 95% of the clientele that night was college age and below. Anyways, businesses like this need to shapen up. A well established pace does not charge to enter the door, nor do they not accept cash. If a similar place offering the same exact thing were to open up down the block and accept c.c. and not have a coverage charge, they would be out of business. Also why not let the wedding party in for free? read more

Heard this place just reopened about a month ago since Hurricane Sandy destroyed their business three years ago. Definitely a hidden gem! Surprisingly not crowded either for Labor Day weekend. Parking is a mess, they have a very small lot in the front which has maybe 20/25 spots I would say? The lot next to it is only 15 minute parking and handicap spots. One block away is the free municipal lot which is also where the public beach is. Got there early enough and couldn't find parking, so we spent about 45 minutes driving around to find a spot. Got in and didn't have a pay a cover! That was pretty cool. They have a cute little tiki bar in the middle of the sand and a section closed off from the regular beach where you can relax with friends and share a drink. They have an area where you can swim too, you just can't bring your drinks with you and they do have lifeguards which gives anyone a sense of safety. They did eventually put the two double red flags out at some point meaning no swimming allowed. I felt like the place was appropriate for the younger crowd as well as the older crowd. Younger crowd seemed to have left around 6 and the older crowd came in the night. Saw some little toddlers here, I'm not sure if I would say this was a child friendly environment but it is better than bringing a child to Martell's Tiki Bar. At the bar they had drink specials on watermelon drinks. I'm not really sure what the obsession was with watermelon but luckily they do offer other drinks! They had a separate bar area for frozen drinks and I got a strawberry margarita and a Miami vice. One thing I really did like was that they had a big water dispenser near the bar for the public that they kept refilling throughout the day. Definitely a good thing to have when you're not only in the sun all day, but when you're having drinks too. They had a DJ who played on the stage in the back. He had a good selection of music and we were glad that it wasn't EDM/fist pumping tunes. The one thing that kinda sucked, was that they don't serve food and you have to order from a restaurant nearby that delivers it to the beach. They served salads, sandwiches and breakfast. I saw the staff drinking throughout the day so I'm not sure how I feel about that and some of the staff seemed overly friendly with some patrons. The bathroom situation wasn't too bad either, they had a trailer which was much better than going in a portapotty, but I hope one day down the road they can make the bathrooms a bit nicer. I would also say that the crowd seemed respectful of one another, no fights or rude, overly intoxicated patrons either. It was truly a nice place to relax. Prices weren't bad! They're also cash only (somewhat inconvenient), but they have an ATM in the front. Very clean place, not buggy and no seagulls! I will definitely be back next summer, I hear they are building a more permanent structure in the off season for next summer. read more

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Awesome place, awesome atmosphere, cool people...but! They must be breeding demonic flies because the second you step foot on the beach 10 of them will immediately attack you, they practice satanic rituals on your legs, all I wanted was a drink mr.demon fly :( anyways overall cool place read more

Went to see the new remodel - well done. Standing room only with a live reggae band, which was expected. What wasn't expected is that the entire place is cash only. No debit or credit cards taken. There is an on-site ATM, but come on, get with the times!! read more

Was there late Sept. Wednesday afternoon. Was not crowded. I ask the bartender what local beer they have (after all there are over 85 breweries in NJ!) and she rudely tells me they do not have any. I ask why not? She rudely tells me that they are limited and the beers on tap is what pays the bills. Fair enough. Grab a beer on tap. Place is on the beach but is nothing fancy. Feels like you are in someones garage. Few beers later I notice a can in the fridge behind the bar and ask for one of those. It is a local beer and on the can it says that some of the proceeds are donated to the preservation of the Jersey shore. So, not only was to bartender rude, she did not even recommend the local beer that donates proceeds back to the very place that supports this bar! The location will is great, bartender not so much! read more

Every time I go back home to Jersey during the summer I always make sure to stop by Donovan's. The last time I visited was July 4th, and the crowd was just perfect. There weren't too many people and there was almost no wait at either of the two bars (inside bar/concession stand and outside tiki bar). Prices are reasonable for where you are, only $7 admission to the beach and around $6.50 for a good sized liquor drink "on the rocks". They even have a 4-6 shot rum concoction they call the "Rum Part Bucket" which is just what it sounds like, a small bucket full of rum with whatever mixer you find acceptable. A friend of ours ordered the mozzarella sticks along with a hamburger and both were very good, I'd say even above average for a regular restaurant, let alone a concession stand kitchen. The music can get a bit annoying at times, at the Tiki bar it fluctuates from pop music to 70's classic rock, but overall the ambiance of the entire place is really nice. Everyone is very relaxed, with a few frat boy exceptions, and it's very easy to lose track of time if you aren't careful. Make sure to get here early or else you'll be looking for parking blocks away and when you do finally find something it will more than likely be of the 2 hour variety which can get very annoying when you are trying to enjoy everything Donovan's has to offer (they do ticket frequently, so be aware of how much time has passed). Definitely my favorite stop on the "Jersey shore" and a welcome reminder of all the great times I had growing up in the area during high school, I highly recommend you stop in and experience it for yourself. read more

Our 1st visit here at lunch today on such a beautiful weather day! Staff member, Tom, was helpful, friendly and thoughtful which made our time with our yorkie and family a great memorable time at beach! He got our dog a fresh bowl of water and extra chairs to be more comfortable that meant so much! The little things really do mean alot to us! We can't wait to come back to try more food items and drinks! The rum bucket was very refreshing! read more

We had an awesome day here during the week post Labor day. It really felt like we were on vacation, yet only a few miles from home. Food was great (Fish tacos, Buffalo Chicken wrap, fries, coleslaw) and the beer was cold. Atmosphere was casual and music was fun. We saw the dolphins swimming by and the bartender said it's common to see whales from the beach too. We will definitely be back. read more

This place is never opening. It would have been smart if the owners reopened it and made a killing but decided to wait until they get reimbursed from Sandy and lose customers and a ton of profit. read more

Love this place but I feel the drinks are overpriced. Great view. Wonderful place in the summer.

Best Beach Bar In New Jersey. $10 Cover And You Are At The Beach. 3 Bars, Food, Shade, Bathrooms. Far Better Than Any Public Beach.

Decent music, lots of space to sprawl out so it's not over-crowded, both indoor and outdoor bars, and drink right on the beach with your toes in the sand. I'm sold. I didn't even think the drink prices were that bad, as stated by a previous reviewer. We paid approx $7/drink for middle-shelf, and while they weren't overly-strong they certainly didn't lack in alcohol. What do you expect to pay? read more

The bands are usually good, the price is just right, and it's right on the beach, can't beat it!

Old Jersey Standby! Come here during the day to drink giant cans of Fosters (that get warm so fast!) or arrive at night to listen to music and sip fruity cocktails with your friends. Don't mind paying to get on the beach because it's the only one you can drink on legally, plus they have a bunch of cute tiki bars, lounge chairs, and fun characters. read more

I have been going to Donovan's Reef for over 20 years now. Never had a problem until today. Today I went with my husband and 18 year old son. The security guard gave me and my husband wrist bands and drew a big black X on both my son's hands with a thick permanent sharpie marker. When my husband asked why did you do that? You don't have a stamp or a different color wrist band? The security guard said take it or leave it. My husband looked at me and my son and asked if we wanted to go in. Before we could answer. We were surrounded and berated by three security guards; 2 young and one older man. The younger one looked at by son and said, " If I catch you ordering a drink at the bar I will throw you and your parents out". When my husband said who do you think your talking to...lets get out of here. The older security guard maybe the owner not sure (he looked drunk) stuck out his chest and was yelling and spiting as he talked. I had to tell them several times to back off so we can leave. More then unprofessional its dangerous... Security is supposed to protect the owners business but also to make the customers feel safe. The older guy was ranting about all his lawsuits for underage drinking. Well that tells me you suck at your job! Hire professionals. I wish I would have read all the reviews before I went. I can't believe all the negative reviews Donovan' Reef has on the behavior of their staff. We don't even drink. We dropped in to have an early diner and listen to music. My 18 year old has a full scholarship for mathematics and he is also going for music plays piano, guitar. We thought it would be nice to show him a place on the beach that has a band. Instead we were treated like criminals. Those horrible men ruined our day! As I was waiting on line before this happened, 2 young ladies were showing their ID. Security held it really close to his face like he was inspect the ID. He then she to one of the girls this better be real. She gave him a weird look. So I don't think it was a joke. Will never go back! I will warn all my family and friends as well. read more

I use to love going to this place. They just "re-opened" and it's nothing like it use to be. They definitely should have waited until it was rebuilt to even open up because it's a disappointment. Especially with all the better options at the jersey shore to go to this place definitely fell off my radar. Go to Asbury read more

I was on the beach when I heard the live band at Donovan's. The staff let me in with no cover. There is only a tiki bar on the beach, no building so they have to close by midnight. It was a nice crowd, and after the band finished at about 6:00, there was a good DJ playing. I didn't have anything to drink, so I can't comment on that. read more

While having an enjoyable day here over the summer, an off-duty barmaid got feisty about my bottle of water (it was a 100-plus degree day and free bar water from tap is awful). After nearly a full day on the beach, she finally noticed it while puffing away on her cigarettes. I told her I'd take it to my car, but not good enough. She had to make a scene by reprimanding another employee right on the beach and informing me of the "no outside products" rule posted on sign. Funny about that -- I read the sign on my way out. It ALSO says NO DOGS and barmaid Susie had hers on the beach with her for at least an hour AND another patron was allowed to sit her dog next to her at the bar on a bar stool no less! Now I love dogs, but rules are rules Susie Q. Won't be going back to Donovan's anytime too soon. read more

Great place to hang out and relax. Everybody is so friendly!!!! I love Donovans Reef!!

Welcome back guys!! So funny hadn't been to Donovan's since 2 days before Sandy. It was like stepping into a time warp! Same bartenders I swear same guys sitting in the same seats, wearing the same shirts as the last time I was there. The thing that snapped me back to reality was seeing Teresa's little girl who now is as tall as I am!! Oh yea!! it's been almost 3 years !! Of course the place is s shell of its former self but heh it's still Donovan's, and I immediately got that peaceful, easy feeling that only sipping a drink in the sand brings. Bouncers were always kind of jerks there. I guess they get cynical dealing with so many drunken a-holes or people holding up the line saying "I know the owners I don't pay to get in" types. Well, we all know the owners! Just pay your 7$ and stop whining. read more

Beware of the rediculous security at front gate! I recently moved to NJ and my co worker recommended I go with my son who was visiting from CT. We got to there and had to get in security line. The man took my son's license and assumed it was a fake. He actually bent his license in half causing it to bubble in the middle. He then handed it to his chief security guy who said at that point he couldn't accept it because it was damaged. Are you kidding me???? I was with my son (I'm over age 55) and told them it was not a fake ID. They argued with us, ruined his license and turned us away. My son had to take a day off from work to get a new license and Donovans took no responsibility whatsoever. I will never ever go back and will tell everyone of our negative experience. read more

What a great vibe. So many bar options. The best bar is the one closest to the beach. The bar tenders cater to you and are very relaxed. My friends ordered drinks and then we asked them to hold our seats, and they did! No problem. We also had the burgers from the take out section and it was out of this world! Fun place to hang out :) read more

Nice atmosphere. Watered down drinks!!! not good at all. If you want to catch a buzz, drink wine or beer otherwise it's a rip off!

What a beautiful place, but ATTITUDE big time! All the staff act like they're doing you a favor. Their prices are very high, they should appreciate anyone's business. The bartenders/barmaids all think they're God, but the view and beach are beautiful. They sell season badges but beware, the badges are not always honored but they DO NOT tell you this up front (for example, they're not honored on holidays, or when Donovan's has fund raiser, or in the evening, or when they just don't feel like it, etc etc etc). They should at least tell you this when they willingly take the money for the season's badge. If you can get past the attitude, the place is beautiful with great bands on the weekends. Beware of crowds, and no parking though! read more

This place was downright gross..... I saw a giant bug right where I was about to put my drink on the bar!!! And the staff was rude and unhelpful about it. They may have rebuilt this place to be beautiful after Sandy, but they've certainly not kept it up to health code....wish I was back in NY where the places clearly state A, B, C health inspections. Sea bright has much better, more civilized bars to go to than this place. Also, cash only is absurd. read more

I don't often make it out to NJ, but when I do, I INSIST upon going to Donovan's. I'm a California girl, so this whole beach-drinking thing is waaay up my alley. A friend took me once and I was hooked! You can take your drink and actually walk down to the water. You can lounge, you can enjoy the (at least the times I was there) live music, you can enjoy your beer straight out the can! It really brings a vibe of hanging out at a friend's place. Like a house party. If your friend had a house directly on the beach. Which none of mine do... Donovan is my cool friend with the beach house. read more

so much fun! good drinks in an amazing setting. Love the beach bar concept and the rum bucket is amazing and cheaper than other places nearby! read more

The atmosphere was wonderful. The live band was very good. The size of the serving was surprising. My husband and I could have gotten away with sharing a plate. read more

Yesterday, I came to the jersey shore for the first time in my 30 years of life. I'm not gonna lie, I didn't expect it to be so nice. I love the surrounding area and the beach. So last night, me and the other 3 people I drove out here with were looking for some night life. I looked up local bars and clubs and came up with Donovan's Reef, their website said it was their Grand Opening since they were destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. This seemed like the perfect place to go support, since they were just reopening after 4 years. Once we arrived, you could hardly find their tiny and shoddy beach entrance point. At which, one the bouncers was giving everyone a hard time on their way in, seemingly not knowing what an actual ID looks like and threatening to lump people up and throw them in the sand. He was roughly 6', glasses, short shitty looking beard and greasy slicked hair, not to mention extremely out of shape. We finally got inside to what was a very lack-luster setting. Very basic island bar with a dj playing some weak tunes. Waited over 15 mins for a drink as they were calling last call at midnight. Finally got a bartender to come get us 4 drinks, I gave him a 50 and he gave 2 twenties a 5 and 5 ones. The best part about this bar was the bartender that didn't know how to count. We felt like we earned those free drinks due to the continued harassment by the fat sloppy bouncer. Who at this point after last call was announced was out on like beach like a sheep dog trying to round everyone up by shining a bright flashlight in everyones eyes and repeating "get out". Needless to say, not how you want a grand opening to go. I told them they should fire that guy because that's bad for business. read more

They charge a $10 cover to eat dinner with your family at 6:00. Total BS. Never have I seen that before!

a really nice establishment beer prices are fair for a bar on the beach.... spent all day sat sitting on the beach drinking cold beer i will def be goin back!!!! read more

Paid $9 for an extremely weak drink. Mentioned it to the bartender joking around and he got offended and was rude the entire night to my group. Parked a half mile away which wasn't fun walking back to the car after a long day in the sun. Not sure how long they will last with NY prices. read more

I love Donovans, cant wait for it to be rebuilt!!!!!!! Always a fun place!