As 2025 quickly comes to a close, it’s time to celebrate both the end of one year and the start of another, and South Jersey’s dining and nightlife scene is ready to welcome guests for one of its most exciting nights of the year. New Year’s Eve brings out the best in our local restaurants and bars, with special menus, live entertainment, and midnight celebrations designed to ring in a fresh start the right way. Whether your ideal night includes a formal dinner or a high-energy party, these spots offer memorable ways to welcome the New Year. So, pick one spot or head to them all, just whatever you decide, make sure to stay safe and party hard. Cheers to the start of 2026!
The Roost Pub and Grill – Egg Harbor Township
Settle in for a night of fun, dancing, and partying like it’s 1980. Guests can enjoy food, drinks, and all the ’80s hits, bouncing between classic rock and pop for a little something everyone can boogie to. Live music by Peabody’s Wayback Machine kicks off at 8:30 p.m., with the party lasting well into the night. Ring in the New Year while celebrating the glory days in true retro style.
Tomatoes – Margate
For those in the college-age or 20-something crowd looking for New Year’s Eve plans, Tomatoes in Margate is a classic choice. Known for its always-busy atmosphere, friendly staff, and good vibes, the bar typically features a DJ or music to keep the energy high all night long. Located on Amherst Avenue, Tomatoes is within walking distance of other Margate hotspots, making it a great place to start, or end, the night as you ring in 2026 with friends.
Charlie’s – Somers Point
The neighborhood bar everyone knows and loves is, of course, a staple for New Year’s Eve. Ring in 2026 with a cold beer, great food, and all your friends at one of Somers Point’s most beloved spots. Charlie’s is hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration to welcome in the new year, offering comfort, friendly vibes, and a packed house ready to celebrate all together, the Charlie’s way.
Byrdcage – Atlantic City
If you haven’t checked out one of Atlantic City’s newest and brightest spots yet, New Year’s Eve is the perfect time. Head to Byrdcage for a glittering prix-fixe dinner followed by a midnight celebration. Guests can enjoy a classic three-course meal, flowing champagne, high energy, and a lively dance floor as the bottles pop and the New Year is rung in style.
Sunrise Tequila Bar – Margate
A favorite among locals, Sunrise Tequila Bar will be celebrating its first New Year’s Eve opening, and all eyes are on them to make it a night to remember. Known for its festive décor, refreshing drinks, and laid-back vibe, Sunrise will offer a special prix-fixe menu in addition to its full regular menu, creating the perfect atmosphere to toast to the year ahead with friends by your side.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, ringing in the New Year at the shore offers something for everyone, from lively dance floors and live music to elevated dinners and cozy neighborhood bars. As midnight approaches and glasses are raised, these local spots provide the perfect backdrop to say goodbye to 2025 and welcome 2026 with good company, great food, and even better memories.
