For more than 70 years, DiOrio’s Bar and Grill has been serving up classic bar food, cold drinks, and plenty of local personality in the heart of Somers Point.
There are some places at the Jersey Shore that feel like they have always been there: The kind of restaurants and bars where you walk in and immediately get the sense that somebody at the bar probably knows somebody behind the counter.
DiOrio’s Bar and Grill in Somers Point is one of those places.
For more than seven decades, the DiOrio family has been serving the community, dating back to 1951 when Joe and Shirley DiOrio first opened the doors. What began with a vision more than 70 years ago has grown into a longtime local favorite known for good food, sports, conversation, and a decidedly come-as-you-are atmosphere. And sometimes, that is exactly what you’re looking for.
After a late shift at work, I decided to stop at DiOrio’s for a little late-night snack. It was around 8:30 p.m. on a Wednesday, and I honestly didn’t expect the place to be quite as busy as it was.
The bar was full of conversation, the pool table was open, and the jukebox was playing an impressive lineup of rock hits. The whole place had that comfortable neighborhood-bar energy. It also seemed like quite a few people had already made DiOrio’s part of their Wednesday night plans.
As someone who loves a good mocktail, I asked if the bar could make me a Shirley Temple. I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived loaded with cherries. I always appreciate when a bar takes a simple nonalcoholic drink and makes it feel a little more special. Sure, it’s essentially soda and grenadine, but pile on enough cherries, and suddenly you have a fun little treat.
Since I was looking for a snack rather than a full dinner, I decided on the grilled chicken tenders with “Mickey’s Favorite” sauce, a combination of barbecue and Buffalo. And these were good.
I have to admit, I’m always happy to see grilled chicken tenders on a menu. Fried tenders certainly have their place, but there is something about a well-seasoned grilled tender that can be just as satisfying. The chicken was tender and flavorful, and the combination of barbecue and Buffalo gave it that sweet-and-spicy kick. Honestly, I’d take the grilled tenders over fried any day.
I also had to try the spinach artichoke cheese dip after hearing several customers at the bar rave about it. The dip arrived hot, gooey, and cheesy, accompanied by a generous plate of homemade tortilla chips.
And let’s talk about those chips for a minute. You could tell they were homemade, and I probably could have happily eaten an entire bowl of them without the dip. They were crisp, fresh, and the perfect vehicle for what came next.
The spinach artichoke dip was much heartier than some of the creamier, more sauce-heavy versions you might find at chain restaurants. This one had substantial chunks of artichoke and plenty of spinach throughout. Instead of simply coating the chip with a smooth cheese sauce, the ingredients piled right on top creating what I can only describe as a glorious, cheesy bite. It was filling, too.
After a plate of grilled tenders and a substantial serving of spinach artichoke dip, my plan for a “little snack” had officially turned into a full meal.
We’ve been to DiOrio’s before, and one of the things that keeps us coming back is the atmosphere.
There’s plenty to look at around the restaurant, from sports memorabilia to local touches and decorations that give the space its own personality. It has that classic neighborhood-dive-bar charm without trying too hard to manufacture it.
DiOrio’s also keeps things interesting with weekly specials, including Wing Wednesday, giving locals another reason to stop in during the week.
But perhaps the biggest draw is the people. After more than 70 years in Somers Point, DiOrio’s has built the kind of loyal customer base that can’t simply be created with a new sign or a trendy menu. It comes from decades of serving the community, knowing your customers, and giving people a place where they can relax and enjoy themselves.
Whether you’re looking for dinner, grabbing food after work, meeting friends for a drink, watching a game, or simply hunting for a late-night snack, DiOrio’s Bar and Grill fits the bill. For my fellow mocktail lovers, the nonalcoholic options may be limited, but a Shirley Temple loaded with cherries is certainly a fun way to end the night. And if you’re hungry? Those grilled tenders and spinach artichoke dip are definitely worth adding to the order.
After more than seven decades, DiOrio’s continues to do what neighborhood bars do best: serve good food, welcome the locals, and give people a place to come as they are.
Holly Martin has been immersed in the media world since 2012, building a dynamic and versatile career that spans nearly every corner of the industry. She has also hosted as a DJ and created the blog SNJ Sober Party Girl. She enjoys sharing stories that inspire connection and community.
