We’ve done N.J.'s best showdowns for best bar, best burger, best Italian restaurant, best ice cream shop, best diner, best sub/hoagie shop, best pizzeria, best bakery and best hot dog joint.

Now we’re going to do the biggest, most epic showdown of all.

Bars.

Again.

Yes, we did a best bar showdown back in 2015, and it was a runaway success, with 170,000 people voting and the Corner Bar in Pilesgrove named the state’s best bar.

Four years later, it’s time to hold N.J.’s best bar, part 2. The first bar showdown was done in the dead of winter, which meant many Shore bars could not participate. They’ll all be open, though, by the time our semifinalist visits begin later this month. This time, every bar in the state will compete for the ultimate prize — being named the state’s best.

Right now we’re looking for nominations. Don’t just give us a name; tell us why your favorite bar is so great. What makes it special, why it stands out from every other bar. Tell us about it in the comments section.

From your submissions, we’ll create a poll next week where you can cast your vote for the best bars. The top vote getters, plus my own picks, will make up a list of 50 semifinalists. Starting May 28, I’ll visit three or four every day. Yeah, I know, tough life, someone has to live it.

I’ll be posting regular updates, and there will be loads of photos and videos so you can follow every step of my arduous journey (you think this is going to be easy?).

Along the way, there will be stories on best bartenders, great drinks, and so on.

The top 10 bars will be announced June 17, and I will visit those 10 finalists starting June 18.

The winner will be announced live the week of June 24.

But that’s a long way off. Right now, it’s time to get your nominations in. Again, don’t just give us a name; tell us why your favorite bar is different/unique/special. Our list of semifinalists depends on your detailed recommendations!

We’re looking for bars in six categories:

Neighborhood bars

Sports bars

Craft beer bars

Wine/whiskey/martini bars/lounges

Dive bars

Hotel or restaurant bars

If there’s another category you’d like to see, let us know. In the meantime, tell us about your favorite bar in the comments section.

No one’s attempted anything remotely like this. Well, actually someone did, but that was four years ago, and it’s time to do it again. What’s New Jersey’s best bar? The epic search begins now!