In the heart of downtown Asbury Park, New Jersey, stands a bar unlike any other. Johnny Mac House of Spirits, or JMacs to those who frequent it, is only a short drive away from Monmouth, although it is far from your typical college bar. Frequented by the newly 21 and the young at heart, JMacs is definitely in a league of its own.
When patrons step inside, they are greeted with a somewhat unique style of decoration. The walls, and even the front façade of the bar, are covered with some zany decorations. From inspirational quotes, to multiple choice questions, to random paraphernalia, this bar definitely has a unique atmosphere.
Equipped with two inside bars AND two outside bars, plus very attentive bartenders, there’s generally never too long of a wait for a drink. Whether it’s a Friday night when Monmouth is in session or a Monday night in the summer, there always seems to be a decent amount of people here.
When one wanders outside, they are confronted with a surprisingly spacious beer garden, and again some interesting decorations. Complete with three ping pong tables (where rumor has it you can play beer pong), a basketball arcade game, and even corn hole and ladder ball, the outside area ensures that guests are never bored.
Personally, I can go without the $9 price tag on a traditional cranberry vodka, but you can’t beat $3 Bud Light, Yuengling or Miller Lite pints, especially when all drinks come with a free pizza. If one chooses to venture here on a Sunday morning, they can grab themselves a free omelet, a kin to Carlo’s amazing omelets, with every drink -- again, an amazing deal.
Overall, Johnny Mac’s is definitely worth visiting. Whether it's for a night out with friends, or simply to catch whatever game is on that day, it’s a great experience.
