By Danielle Davies
With summer on the horizon, many of us have visions of beach bars and tiki lounges. And while we are pumped for all the seasonal nightlife additions that have us channeling visions of island paradise, we still love ourselves a nice, well-done drink to kick off an epic evening. While happy hours tend to disappear from summers at the shore, there’s no reason not to enjoy your own (sans the discounted prices, of course). Here, five places to spend your happy — even, dare we say, happiest? — hours in Somers Point.
Queen Jayne’s Lounge & Royal Drinkery Queen Jayne’s might be new to the area, but the man behind it — Michael Bray — is hardly a stranger. The owner of PassionVines certainly knows spirits and at Queen Jayne’s, Bray’s expertise is showcased with items like Somers Comin’, made with Hendrick’s Gin, Chareau Aloe Liqueur, lime, cucumber, mint and eucalyptus and Queen Jayne’s Cosmo, made with Albany Vodka, Cointreau, hibiscus and lime. Enjoy a seasonal charcuterie board or some smoked salmon while over cocktails — you’ll never want to leave this hip and intimate gem. Located at 264 New Road, Somers Point. QueenJaynes.com
The Doc’s Place Known for their 7.5 oz. martinis poured to a meniscus, The Doc’s Place is a spectacular spot for your happiest hours. With an enormous wine list and plenty of delicious appetizers, there’s no place happier than a bar stool at The Doc’s Place. Try the Vanilla Pineapple Martini, made with Stoli Vanil Vodka, St. Germain, pineapple juice and fresh squeezed lemon juice with a sugar rim, or a glass of Spellbound Cabernet with some grilled brie or sashimi tuna. You really can’t go wrong. Located at 646 Bay Ave., Somers Point. TheDocsPlace.com
The Crab Trap While boaters flock to Crabby Jack’s Bayside Bar, serious diners head inside to the iconic Crab Trap for seafood specialties galore. Those of us at Shore Local find ourselves quite happy at the Crab Trap bar, regardless of the hour. We recommend trying the Oysters on the Half Shell and pairing them with an icy cold, totally classic Vodka Tonic. Voila – you’ll be happy indeed. Located at 2 Broadway, Somers Point. TheCrabTrap.com
Caroline’s by the Bay Caroline’s isn’t fine dining, but it’s absolutely fun dining, especially with a lively bar and near-daily live music. Get there this week for Jump the Line Band on Friday, Twisted Living Band and Bar None Band on Saturday and Brandon Ireland Band on Sunday as well as icy cold drafts of Evil Genius #Adulting PIA and Mango Kart — there’s nothing happier than good times with good friends. Located at 450 Bay Ave., Somers Point. CarolinesNJ.com
Charlie’s Bar and Restaurant Known as the best place — hands down — to get the most mouth-watering chicken wings and tenders, Charlie’s is simply legendary. And their Orange Crush, made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, fresh squeezed orange juice, triple sec and a splash of club, is no less extraordinary. Pair that specialty up with the Crabby Mac and you’re all set for a long and happy night ahead of you. Located at 800 Shore Rd., Somers Point. CharliesBar.com
Danielle’s been a writer and storyteller for the past fifteen years—her work has appeared everywhere from Philadelphia Style Magazine and The Press of Atlantic City to Cape May Magazine and The WC Press in West Chester. Nationally, her short stories have been published in Typehouse Magazine and Scary Mommy. She lives in South Jersey with her husband and two children.
