By Bobby Olivier | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

There is no nightlife scene, down at the Shore or anywhere else in New Jersey, quite like this bustling city by the sea.

For more than a decade Asbury Park has rebuilt itself as a white-hot destination for bar-goers, who now flock by the thousands to Cookman Avenue and the boardwalk every weekend for drinks, food, live music and more.

To give summer visitors a leg up on the crowds we ranked 39 Asbury bars last spring, but between a few bar closings, several exciting new openings — and our oversight on a few locales — we are back in 2017 with an updated list of every bar in the city we could possibly find in A.P.: 45 bars in all (since three bar locales on the list share management, menus and atmosphere, the ranking technically begins at 42).

Scroll through to see which trendy cocktail spot, dive bar, new brewery or breathtaking view best matches your nightlife needs, and see how a year has changed the awesome, ever-evolving shore town. (Photo by MaryAnn Spoto/NJ Advance Media)

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42. Kim Marie's Eat N Drink Away

1411 Kingsley St.

At Kim Marie's, opposite the historic Berkeley Hotel, it took forever to order food from an uncrowded bar, and its simple chicken fingers were brutally over-fried. The atmosphere -- some sort of cross between medieval Ireland and simulcast horse-racing on the television -- was confusing.

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41. The Saint

601 Main St.

The 20-year-old rock club is a fine place to see a local show, and offers live music most nights of the week -- usually rock, folk or punk -- but if you're not going for the tunes, don't go. The weathered rock ambience is cool, but the bar is cash-only with minimal selection -- and you'll likely pay a cover fee to get in. (Photo by Alex Remnick | NJ Advance Media)

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40. The Stone Pony

913 Ocean Ave.

Time to slaughter some sacred cows. The legendary rock club is, of course, a mythical place to see a concert, but to just go there for a beer or super-stiff drink? The Pony is great, but without a reason to go, it's pretty much a non-starter in terms of the city's bar scene. (Photo by Alex Remnick/NJ Advance Media)

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39. House of Independents

572 Cookman Ave.

House of Independents is a hip, brick-walled joint with a cool bar overlooking its concert stage below. The crowd varies greatly depending on the entertainment and some nights the show is sold out, but the bar itself offers lots of local suds. It's only open during shows, though -- leaving this place pretty useless unless there's a major show happening.

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38. Moonstruck

517 Lake Ave.

Inside the large restaurant Moonstruck feels very old-fashioned -- seemingly kept that way for the older, well-off clientele it tends to draw. A Singapore Sling at the small bar ($4.50 during happy hour) is well-made, but this really isn't a place to go wild. A lunch with mom -- if she's paying -- feels more appropriate. (Photo courtesy of Moonstruck)

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37. Lola's European Cafe

539 Cookman Ave.

Lola's may not be a full bar, but upon request, an employee will whip out a butane torch and take it to a piece of oak -- removed from a used bourbon barrel -- and smoke a snifter of bourbon. The rich flavor it adds to a glass of Maker's Mark ($14.25) or Angel's Envy ($12) is heavenly. Check out the dessert cocktails, too.

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36. Cascada

1114 Main St.

If a loud, Latin-infused night on the town is your cup of tequila, Cascada is a solid, multi-faceted locale on Main Street, doling quality Mexican and Spanish cuisines for dinner and at the bar before transforming into a dance-club most nights. The music pumps and folks file in for an affordable happy hour, but don't expect artisan cocktails here — our drinks were waaay too sweet. On bar nights there's often a cover charge after 10 p.m. (Photo by Bobby Olivier | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

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35. Paradise

101 Asbury Ave.

As Asbury Park is recognized as the Jersey Shore's LGBT haven, Paradise functions primarily as the city's lone gay dance-club -- though everyone can have fun, regardless of sexual orientation, as long as you're there to dance. Otherwise the sprawling place is a bit dated, the pool area is loaded with smokers and the staff ranges from very friendly to indifferent or even rude. (Photo by Aristide Economopoulos/NJ Advance Media)

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34. Georgie's

810 Fifth Ave.

The self-proclaimed "gay 'Cheers'" works as a cash-only neighborhood dive with a few extras. The pool table is a hot draw -- not many Asbury bars house the staple game -- and weekly karaoke makes for great people-watching. (Another form of people watching -- the "go-go boys" that turn up on Tuesday night -- is also an option.) (Photo by Aristide Economopoulos/NJ Advance Media)

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33. Asbury Oyster Bar

1300 Ocean Ave.

The small, fashionable Oyster Bar touts a handful of oyster offerings each day -- the batch from Tisbury, Mass. (a steep $4 each) was especially good. But keep in mind the only beer on tap is local brewer Kane (Ocean Twp.) in five styles.

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32. Asbury Park Distilling

527 Lake Ave.

Don't let this low ranking fool you: this brand-new distillery downtown just opened in early June and has already defined itself as one of the best cocktail spots in the city. Unfortunately the place is only slinging its gin and vodka products right now, but the inventive drinks are dynamite, like the Night Moves, with gin, watermelon and grapefruit ($11). Take a tour of the new place, learn how the stuff is made, and sit down with some skilled bartenders. Once whiskey comes to town (in a few months, owners hope) AP Distilling should be unstoppable.

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31. Asbury Park Brewery

810 Sewell Ave.

Where competitor Dark City Brewing is bright and modern, the new competitor Asbury Park Brewery — located just a few blocks away at a dead-end on Sewell Avenue — is more industrial and, well, darker. The low-lit tasting room opened last fall has a wider range of beer styles than Dark City, from the smooth Blonde to coffee-noted Black; try four in a flight for $10. Candles light the large room's tables and board games are available for some extra fun (though many are missing pieces!) While Dark City fits the "bar" category better, you may feel more comfortable lounging a while at Asbury Park Brewery. (Photo by Bobby Olivier | NJ Advance Media)

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30. Bond Street's Basement Bar

639 Cookman Ave.

Beneath the Italian-focused Capitoline and original dive Bond Street Bar is the basement bar, a large underground playground with darts, ping pong, shuffleboard and foosball. It’s a fun spot if you’re competitive or wish to mingle with a younger crowd, which tends to mirror Johnny Mac’s clientele. In other words, this isn’t a place for a quiet drink or conversation. This is a loud, rowdy spot.

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29. Capitoline

639 Cookman Ave.

Part of the new Bond Street “Complex” of bars, Capitoline is great for cheap italian eats (go for the very good $9 meatball sandwich or the tasty square-slice pizza) and a full bar that mostly mimics original Bond’s commitment to cheap beer. But if you’re hungry, get to Capitoline early on weekends — the entire Complex has seemed to become a must on every bar-goers nightly list.

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28. The Anchor's Bend

1300 Ocean Ave.

Inside Asbury's old Grand Arcade, next to the seriously worn Convention Hall, lies Anchor's Bend, a nautical gem on the north end of the boardwalk. A mixed crowd enjoys tavern fare that's perhaps tastier than the casual atmosphere might suggest. Outdoor, beachfront seating is cool, too. (File photo)

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27. Robinson Ale House

1200 Ocean Ave.

Remember McLoone's Asbury Grille on the north end of the boardwalk? Well, that's Robinson Ale House now, a new upscale tavern near Convention Hall still technically under the McLoone's banner, with some 20 beers on tap, a very pretty marble bar with an unbeatable view — plus a less stodgy vibe than its predecessor — and a killer burger menu (I've eaten the Buc Burger, $14 with chili and cheddar, too many times already). Outdoor beachfront seating is available for dinner, too.

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26. Cubacan + Rum, Tequila and Ceviche Bar

800 Ocean Ave.

For slightly upscale latin experience, Cubacan and its newer Rum and Ceviche Bar present a lively atmosphere and terrific drinks on the boardwalk's southern end. The margaritas and mojitos are well-balanced, but you'll pay for the quality ($10-12). If you need to soak up the spirits, try the chorizo empanadas. (Photo by David Gard/For NJ.com)

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25. Stella Marina

800 Ocean Ave.

Given how many Italian restaurants pepper the Shore, it's odd that Asbury Park doesn't feature a ton of pasta-focused joints. The pricey, two-story locale Stella Marina is a worthy spot, for a family dinner or swanky cocktail at the oceanfront bar. Try the Italian manhattan ($12). (NJ.com file photo)

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24. Barrio Costero

610 Bangs Ave.

This establishment on Bangs Avenue is a keeper -- inventive coastal Mexican food, with a full bar slinging bright tequila cocktails in an urban space. The Jalisco Is Burning ($10) with blanco tequila and chipotle is a spicy change-up, and the fish tacos ($12) are wonderfully fresh.

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23. Cross and Orange

508 Cookman Ave.

An older, usually well-to-do group frequents Cross and Orange. The long bar raised above a large dining room is best accessed during happy hour (4 to 6 p.m.) for more digestible prices. For cocktails, try the Corpse Reviver ($10), with gin, Cointreau and an absinthe rinse.

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22. The Hotel Tides

408 Seventh Ave.

Nestled on a residential block in from the beach on Asbury Park's northern end, chances are you'd never find the Tides on your own. But once you check out this vintage hotel and its small yet solid bar you'll be glad you stopped by. The Tides slings great cocktails you can sip on the bar or on the porch of the large vintage home (we go just for a good Manhattan) and the food is terrific: try the short rib nachos ($14) or stay for a three-course meal. (Photo by Bobby Olivier | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

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21. Brando's Citi Cucina

162 Main St.

For how expensive a dinner at the upscale Italian restaurant Brando's may be, the bar's happy hour (Tuesday to Friday, 4 to 6:30 p.m.) is actually very reasonable. $5 cocktails -- most anything but top-shelf liquor is fair game -- and a $5 menu with flavorful neapolitan pizza and hanger steak sliders are all great bargains.

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20. The Beach Bar

1300 Ocean Ave.

When you imagine an oceanfront bar, the outdoor Beach Bar alongside Convention Hall, is likely what you see. Tables are covered by the Grand Arcade's facade, but the pathway is open-air and leads down onto the beach, for toes-in-the-sand boozing. The rum buckets here ($16) are beloved. (File photo)

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19. La Tapatia

707 Main St.

Arguably the best authentic Mexican cuisine in Asbury Park comes from the classic joint La Tapatia on Main Street. But at the small bar in the restaurant's rear, sit down for a well-mixed margarita or the calling card "Margarona," a margarita with two small Corona bottles flipped into it ($15). The full menu is available at the bar (we LOVED the chorizo nachos, the daily specials are typically excellent, too) and Margarita Mondays and Sangria Wednesdays will save you some coin. (Photo by Bobby Olivier | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

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18. Asbury Park Yacht Club + Pop's Garage

1000 Ocean Ave.

A "yacht club" in the traditional sense this pipsqueak boardwalk bar is not. But it's a fun place known best as willing rock and punk club for blooming acts. APYC is a go-to for the bright, head-banging alternative community. Outdoor seating and food availability from adjacent Pop's Garage (mexican), which also sells booze, are pluses. (NJ.com file photo)

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17. Dark City Brewing Company

1001 Main St.

The first brewery in Asbury Park opened in 2016 and has since been a popular spot for beer diehards, who love Dark City's ever-rotating list of IPAs, porters and ales. You may not spot the dark-windowed locale on Main Street but once you enter the sleek modern space you'll endure a quick tour of the facilities and then it's off to the suds. We recommend a four-beer flight ($10-$12) and from the current list of 10 beers on tap, we say try the smooth Bond Street Brownie brown ale (named for a local bartender) and super-crisp City Limits american pale ale. Three TVs line the bar's back wall — stay for a game. (Photo by Bobby Olivier | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

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16. Pascal and Sabine

601 Bangs Ave.

This incredibly popular french, brasserie-style restaurant is not for penny pinchers, but if you can get a spot at the small circular bar near the nightly piano player, it's an engaging, upscale experience. The daily selection of farmhouse cheeses is incredibly good, and the Ward Eight bourbon-based cocktail ($11) is dynamite.

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15. Salvation at The Asbury Hotel

210 Fifth Ave.

The Hotel's swanky rooftop bar is open on both sides, providing a breathtaking, nearly 360-degree view of the city (if you want a killer photo for Instagram or Facebook, this is the spot). The drinks overlap some with The Soundbooth but up here try the Devious Gentleman ($12), essentially a negroni with a terrific bitter kick. The place packs Friday and Saturday nights now and because you need to be escorted up in an elevator, a line quickly backs up but moves along well. (Photo by Nikolas Koenig)

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14. Watermark

800 Ocean Ave.

Another stellar view comes from the outdoor balcony of Watermark, which overlooks the beach, boardwalk and Stone Pony Summer Stage (penny-saving fans can hear shows). Inside, the vibe is that of chic lounge -- it's very popular with the young "going out" crowd, who might stop for a cocktail on the couch before dancing at Porta. (Photo by Saed Hindash/NJ Advance Media)

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13. Johnny Mac's House of Spirits

208 Main St.

This sprawling indoor-outdoor Irish bar on Main Street is an Asbury Park institution. Who doesn't love a free bar pizza with purchase of a single beer? Though such a bargain lures enormous crowds on weekends -- this is not a "let's catch up" sort of bar. This is a "let's do shots" sort of spot (not always a bad thing). (Photo by Saed Hindash | For NJ.com)

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12. Porta

911 Kingsley St.

This industrial-chic pizza restaurant, bar and dance club is packed wall-to-wall Friday and Saturday nights -- often with a line down the block for its nightlife. During the week or at dinner time, go for The Henry ($12) -- a spruced-up Manhattan -- which is thoughtful and deserves a pizza pairing; any of the wood-fired pies ($10-17) are definite treats.

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11. Little Buddy Hideaway

550 Cookman Ave.

The stashed-away indoor tiki bar Little Buddy’s on Cookman is equal parts James Bond island scene and “Brady Bunch” Hawaii episode. Campy-cool tiki decor and low lighting abound and the drinks here are intense. The regular fruity cocktails are pricey and strong, but you can get multi-drinker novelties here, from fishbowls to the $100 Pack-a-Cooler rum monstrosity, made to be sipped by 5 or 6 people. The place has become very popular over the last year, but first you need to figure out how to enter the bar … there’s no front door to this hideaway.

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10. The Bonney Read

525 Cookman Ave.

Welcome to the Top 10! As you might imagine, oceanfront Asbury Park is stuffed with seafood eateries. Open about two years, The Bonney Read on Cookman Avenue -- named for the notorious female pirate -- offers a killer raw bar (the crab legs are a must), and a full wrap-around bar with a warm, lively atmosphere. Beer selection is solid, too.

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9. Taka

660 Cookman Ave.

Asbury Park's lone Japanese bar and restaurant is an exceptional spot for sushi, dumplings and Asian-inspired cocktails and beer. A fairly posh atmosphere surrounds the large, square bar. Sip a Gin-ja Ninja ($10), with sake and ginger, and chow down on fall-off-the-bone spare ribs and Red Dragon rolls ($15). A great choice for date night. (Photo by Bobby Olivier | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

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8. Asbury Ale House

531 Cookman Ave.

The city's wildly popular sports bar Asbury Ale House has plenty to offer -- it's huge, with three bars and dozens of televisions, and the main bar offers more than 50 craft beers on tap. Accordingly, the spot is overflowing with sports fans on game night and the youthful going-out deluge on weekends. But on slower nights, it's great for a dinner splurge with a fun-loving staff. The drunken chicken mac n' cheese ($13) is ultimate comfort food.

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7. Talula's

550 Cookman Ave.

Open two-plus years, Talula's has been praised profusely for its gourmet pizzas and fresh product, and the drinks tend to match. The recipes forged by a wonderfully knowledgeable bar staff are delicious -- the Gin and Jam ($10) with homemade seasonal jam is a revelation -- and if you can get a seat at the urban-style restaurant's small bar, the Beekeeper's Lament pizza ($16), with fresh honey, is fantastic. (Photo by Russ DeSantis/For NJ.com)

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6. Langosta Lounge

1000 Ocean Ave.

Centered on coastal cuisine and sushi -- but with a large stage in its dining room -- Langosta Lounge on the boardwalk attracts a dinner crowd, plus its blend of trendy nightlife-seekers and locals, who may come for a cocktail, a tasty Spyder Roll ($14), or the list of folk bands regularly booked there. This is as well-rounded as the Asbury scene gets: very good food, no-complaint cocktails, plenty of beer and a quality entertainment lineup, all on the boardwalk (outdoor seating available). (NJ.com File photo)

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5. The Soundbooth at The Asbury Hotel

210 Fifth Ave.

The chic Asbury Hotel, opened this time last year, has immediately become a popular destination not only for lodging but for nightlife, and The Soundbooth in the hotel's lobby is a great space. The bar itself, lined with walls of old cassettes and vinyl, has concocted a strong cocktail menu (the rum and coconut creme Asbury Painkiller, $12, is dangerously good) but folks come for the entertainment too; live music plays in the adjacent lobby space most nights of the week between miniature stadium seating, a pool table and a lounge area with board games and books. Locals, out-of-towners and the LGBT community alike love to hang here. (Photo by Nikolas Koenig)

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4. Brickwall Tavern + The Annex

522 Cookman Ave.

For a decade, beer braggarts have stormed Brickwall Tavern, a spot best known for its rotating craft brews. Two-dozen domestics and imports are always on tap, and local breweries including Kane (Ocean Township) and Asbury Park Brewery are regulars. To boot, the Burger Burger ($13) is among the best sandwiches in the city.

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3. Wonder Bar

Fifth and Ocean Avenues

Now we're getting to the really good stuff. One of Asbury Park's longest-operating locales, the Tilly-branded Wonder Bar embodies the city's classic mix of live music and nightlife. The bar Springsteen rocked two summers ago serves up quality shore food -- the Wonder Burger is better than you'd expect from a dive -- cheap beer and plenty of specials. And then there's Wonder Bar's Yappy Hour, the adjacent dog-friendly outdoor bar, which is wildly popular for folks who dig a pet and a pint. (Photo by Bobby Olivier | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

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2. Bond Street Bar

208 Bond St.

The cash-only punky dive all the Asbury locales effing love. Bond Street Bar is revered for its inexpensive drinks -- $5 for a beer and shot of whiskey ain't bad -- shockingly good burgers and corn nuggets, and as an escape from the trendier spots. As the city's bar culture continues its split between night-trippers and folks who've lived there all along, Bond Street remains the latter group's shabby mecca — and they plan to keep it that way. (NJ.com file photo)

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1. Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten

527 Lake Ave.

Prost! In two years the Austro-Hungarian paradise Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten has become one of the city's most coveted watering holes, for its liter mugs of authentic European beer, delicious fare to match -- the massive Bavarian pretzel ($11) and bratwurst ($12) are favorites -- and atmosphere, with a large, indoor dining/drinking room and full, warm rooftop overlooking Wesley Lake. Folk, rock and polka bands are booked regularly downstairs, and a mixed crowd fills the place. For two years running, Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten is the best bar in Asbury Park! (Photo by MaryAnn Spoto/NJ Advance Media)