What Red Bank, New Jersey lacks in museums or historic sites, it more than makes up for in pop culture. Declared one of the nation’s “Coolest Towns” by Smithsonian Magazine and just an hour from New York City at the confluence of the Shrewsbury and Navesink Rivers, this tiny town of 13,000 packs quite the cultural punch.
Belying its size, there are a surprising lot of fun things to do in Red Bank NJ.
Red Bank is home to two live theaters, two great hotels, and some of the top restaurants in the region. It’s got quirky stores – one owned by filmmaker Kevin Smith. And, oh, yea, hometown boy made good, Jon Bon Jovi, opened a different kind of eatery here. So, visit Red Bank for its quirks and heart. And then stay.
Where Is Red Bank NJ?
Red Bank, New Jersey, is a charming town located along the banks of the Navesink River in Monmouth County. Approximately 25 miles south of New York City and easily accessible via train, bus, or the Garden State Parkway, this vibrant arts scene is known for its thriving downtown area, scenic riverfront, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Its convenient location and small-town allure make it a popular destination for day-trippers and those looking for a more extended stay.
The Getaway Mavens included Red Bank on our “12 Romantic New Jersey Getaways” roundup here. Check it out for more lovey-dovey spots in the Garden State.
Fun Things To Do In Red Bank NJ
STROLL: BroadWalk Pedestrian Plaza
Strolling along Broad Street in Downtown Red Bank, you’ll quickly understand why this bustling thoroughfare is considered the heartbeat of the town. Lined with a diverse array of shops, from quirky boutiques to high-end fashion stores, as well as an eclectic mix of dining options that offer everything from artisanal coffee to international cuisines, Broad Street embodies the vibrant spirit of Red Bank. It’s the ideal place to indulge in some retail therapy, enjoy alfresco dining, or simply soak in the local culture and architecture, which is a delightful blend of historic charm and modern flair.
DO: Yestercades
Do you have a hankering to play Space Invaders, Centipede or Tron on original consoles? Yestercades Arcade will send you on a nostalgia trip like none of the fancy, realistic graphic stuff the kids play today ever could.
You’ll find original, oldest, and favorites. Donkey Kong, Mario Brothers, Frogger, Asteroids, etc. were the best of their kind back in the day for a reason. It’s the ultimate Boomer inner-child rainy day activity.
SHOP: Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash
Apparently, Kevin Smith fans from around the world know about this little comic book shop. Filmmaker Smith (Clerks, Chasing Amy) purchased his own source for comic books in Red Bank, NJ, Comicology, for its backstock and opened it up as the name of characters from Clerks.
This is one cool shop for indie film fans who’d like to possibly engage in a tête-à-tête with a favorite movie director, or at least with the business partner of the same.
DO: Ice Boating
The North Shrewsbury Ice-Boat Clubhouse is one of the oldest in the USA (est.1880) and the most active. So, if you can beg, borrow, or steal one of these sled-like crafts – head on the ice for an ultimate thrill.
SEE: Two River Theater
You never know what kind of world-class live performances or experimental production will end up here. It could be a rarely seen Wendy Wasserstein play or a professionally staged Moliere or Shakespeare comedy. Or even a musical destined for Broadway. (Be More Chill debuted here before moving to NYC). In 2019, the Two River Theater was voted one of the Top 10 Regional Theaters in the country by USA Today.
SEE: Count Basie Center for the Arts
If you prefer a relatively intimate concert setting (about 1500 seats) overcrowded stadiums, especially when it comes to big-name entertainers, check out the schedule at the Count Basie Theater at 99 Monmouth. Then, plan a whole weekend around it.
GO: Red Bank Brewing Company
For craft beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike, a visit to Red Tank Brewing Company on Monmouth Street is an essential stop in Red Bank. Nestled in a charming building, this family-owned brewery provides a laid-back atmosphere that invites you to slow down and savor the moment. With an ever-changing lineup of craft beers, including everything from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, there’s always something new to taste. The taproom itself is a welcoming space, often featuring live music or community events, making it not just a place to grab a pint, but a hub for local culture and camaraderie as well.
Restaurants in Red Bank NJ
EAT/SWEETS: Antoinette Boulangerie
Fans of this French bakery consider this the best pastry shop in all of New Jersey. Suffice it to say that Antoinette’s flaky croissants, macarons, and other treats rival those in other areas of the country as well. Patrons travel miles for these authentic morsels of goodness.
EAT: Birravino
Amiable Victor Rallo, Jr. spent his childhood “covered in flour” while growing up in his father’s Newark restaurant, Rallo’s Pizza.
Now, his homemade pasta, gnocchi, and prime-ingredient dishes, not to mention house-brewed beers, bring authentic Italian food lovers to this appealing trattoria. Try the richly flavored Bolognese or tangy sauced Scarpariello, then wash it all down with fresh house-brewed beer.
EAT: Undici’s
This is Vic Rallo’s second restaurant – an upscale wine Yin to Birravino’s casual beer Yang. Backed by the Diaco Family, Rallo, and Rome-born Chef Giovanni Atzori collaborate on the latest dishes that Rallo discovers in Italy.
The food served in what can pass for a Tuscan farmhouse focuses on “La Materia Prima” – the “raw ingredients” – which, Rallo insists, must be prime. Meats, produce, and wine are all of the highest quality.
You’ll find only Italian wine here. Rallo has personal relationships with Italian wine-makers and believes that most vintages “come into balance when paired with the correct regional food.”
To satisfy vegetarians, Atzori came up with Quinoa “Meat”balls – delicious and textured for a full meatball experience. Meat cuts, of course, are outstanding. A 21-Day Aged Sirloin with Braised Leeks, Red Belgium Endive, and Asparagus is the perfect dish for that vanishing breed of carnivores.
EAT: JBJ Soul Kitchen
Established by local native Jon Bon Jovi, Soul Kitchen is both a training ground and “upscale” dining for those who can’t generally afford to dine out. It is basically a very different (and dignified) kind of soup kitchen.
Food is local and organic. The ambiance lends itself to “meeting your neighbors.” Strangers sit together and are encouraged to interact. A minimal donation gets you a three-course meal, or, if you cannot afford that, you can opt to volunteer, clean, or bus tables.
EAT: Other Red Bank recommendations include B2 Bistro for wood-fired pizza, Bombay River for Indian, and Dublin House for a pint.
Red Bank NJ Hotels
STAY/TRADITIONAL: Molly Pitcher Inn
Established in 1928, this Federalist-style hotel was built strictly to attract the tourist trade. It went belly-up the following year when the market crashed. But that didn’t stop it from finding fame and fortune.
With recent renovations, the old gal is no longer a fading fuddy-duddy but quite attractive yet again, and perfect for travelers who like their hotel décor on the traditional side of inspired.
Ask for a large corner Deluxe King, and you’ll be privy to sweeping views of the pool, marina, and Nevaskink River. With polished wood floors and a palette of Chocolate Mint (deep browns and pastel greens) with polka dot chairs and antiques, it is classic with a side of whimsy.
STAY/MODERN: Oyster Point Hotel
Set within a box of a building on the Navesink River, Oyster Point Hotel was fading until a 2013 $3.8 million top-to-bottom makeover put it back into play. With a new vitality, its 58 rooms on five floors are state-of-the-art. And the contemporary lounge and deck areas now are deserving of the stunning views.
Textured charcoal-hued carpeting in the hallways extends into newly funky, urban rooms. Watch activity on the Navesink River from floor-to-ceiling windows. Take a drink out to the deck, lounge on all-weather cushion couches, and watch the yachts arrive at Oyster Point’s private dock.
Or, if the weather is inclement, relax in the hip earth-toned communal-seating Pearl Lounge in front of a striking contemporary “linear” fireplace.
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