In recent years, Asbury Park has become a hub for foodies to relish in various food options in addition to its historic music scene and lively boardwalk. The Asbury Park downtown makes dining easily accessible as each restaurant is merely steps away from the next spot. Since many restaurants are BYOB, diners can curate their ideal pairings with a bottle from home or something new to try. Even better, some of these spots offer BYOB options for brunch, lunch, and dinner, so there’s always something to customize. We’ve compiled a list of places to BYOB in Asbury Park. Keep reading to discover which Asbury Park restaurants allow customers to BYOB.
Ada’s Gojjo | 1301 Memorial Drive
Ada’s Gojjo is an authentic Dominican and Ethiopian restaurant with a variety of vegan meals and also delights meat lovers with various options. The Ethiopian portion of the menu has beef, chicken, lamb, and vegetarian selections served on homemade injera, and traditional Ethiopian bread, which can be shared amongst a group by selecting one of the sampler platters. As for the Dominican section of the menu, the restaurant serves mofongo with homemade sauce and varying protein options for those who love plantains. This spot is a BYOB option for lunch as it is open every day of the week (except Monday) by 12PM.
AG Insider BYOB Pick: Local retailers Main Liquors and Mak on Main Liquors are within walking distance; AG suggests grabbing a bold wine and pairing it with a beef empanada.
Cardinal Provisions | 513 Bangs Avenue
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Cardinal Provisions is a chic restaurant that has served creative breakfast and lunch plates since 2016. Sandwich lovers can go the brunch route with a breakfast burrito, or if craving lunch, try the chicken bacon ranch (fried chicken, house pickles, buttermilk ranch dressing, bacon, and bibb lettuce served on a brioche bun). There are plenty of vegan and gluten-free salads, and the weekend special provides a fun choice for the “benny of the day.” A stand-out feature of this inviting restaurant is its rotating seasonal refreshments, which makes the BYO experience even better.
AG Insider BYOB Pick: On a chilly day, bring a liquor of choice and mix it into the Campfire Coffee (house-made hot chocolate, Turnstile coffee, garnished with toasted marshmallows).
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Dolce Fantasia | 521 Cookman Avenue
Across the street from Flavia’s is another BYOB restaurant, Dolce Fantasia, which will satisfy all those cravings for authentic Italian food with French influences. The menu at this Northern Italian gastronomy has a variety of housemade pasta, seasonal meat and fish dishes, and baguette-style paninis. For those seeking an upgrade from a traditional pizza, try the Pinsa Romana, a traditional Roman-style pizza: this par-baked crust will feel light as air and promises to leave everyone wanting one more slice. Dolce Fantasia’s BYO experience starts early, as this restaurant also has a savory brunch from 9AM to 11:30AM daily. Customers can bring their prosecco and select from breakfast favorites, such as avocado and poached eggs on toast or various frittata options. For dinner, expect to feel wined and dined at this BYOB location — servers will shine the glasses, place the liquor of choice in a wine bucket, and continuously serve the drinks.
AG Insider BYOB Pick: For those who want to feel refreshed, try a crisp, white wine and the Insalata Fantasia or the Classic Caesar Salad.
Flavia’s Cucina Romana | 550 Cookman Avenue #101
Once downtown, arrive at Flavia’s Cucina Romana, located at 550 Cookman Avenue. Diners will feel transported to Rome at this gem of an Italian restaurant, which prides itself on its recipes that stay true to traditional form. The restaurant is known for its handmade gnocchi — visitors can select from various sauces, and even a gluten-free option is available. The menu also features all the favorite dishes an Italian grandmother would expect to make, such as a mixture of antipasti options and pan-seared or fried proteins. Flavia’s is the ideal spot to bring a favorite bottle of wine from home and feel the comfort of being surrounded by staff that authentically makes one feel like part of their Italian family.
AG Insider BYOB Pick: Lovesick, a local wine bar, is right next door, so ask for Andrew O’Reilly: he’ll suggest the best-fitting wine to bring to a dinner at Flavia’s.
Kimchi Mama | 504 Main Street
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Kimchi Mama, located directly on Main Street, is the BYO spot for anyone craving Korean food. Visitors can expect to find traditional Korean meals like the Bibimbap, a rice dish featuring seasonal Korean vegetables, a sunny-side-up egg, the protein of choice, and its signature red sauce served on the side. Other fun selections include Korean pancakes, burritos, and chicken wings, and the hot stone bowls are only available for those dining in. FYI: CupBops (a fun name for Korean BBQ in a cup) are topped off with a dumpling for only one dollar, and all plates are made to order based on the customer’s heat level preference (ask for it spicy or not spicy).
AG Insider BYOB Pick: Kimchi Mama’s bubble tea is asking to be spiked.
Mi Cabana | 1600 Asbury Avenue
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Another spot outside the downtown area is Mi Cabana, a casual restaurant with Mexican and Latin flavors. The menu is broken down first into the Mexican section, which features appetizers like beef tongue tacos, nachos, and protein plates like the Molcajete Volcanico (a fitting name for a dish made up of chicken, steak, shrimp, chorizo, pork. cactus, onions, avocado, cheese, rice, and beans). The Latin portion of the menu has empanadas and signature dishes like the Lechon Asado (slow-roasted pork, a blend of herbs + spices, served with rice and yuca frita — a must-have for those who love french fries). BYOB here and end the night with tres leches, a cake famous in Mexico and Latin America.
AG Insider BYOB Pick: The Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus tea) pairs well with vodka.
MOGO Korean Fusion Tacos | 632 Cookman Avenue
If looking for a more casual BYO experience, there is MOGO, a staple to Asbury Park’s downtown dining experience. This local eatery introduces Korean flavors into tacos that locals can feast on as a late-night treat (it is open until 3AM on Fridays and Saturdays). MOGO is the Korean translation of EAT, which is all customers will want to do, no matter the time of day, when they see the assortment of fish, meat, tofu, and salad options served on fresh flour tortillas. Customers love the specialty sandwiches, burritos, and bowls, which are dressed in Korean marinades. MOGO creates a relaxed atmosphere as guests can order at the counter, grab a booth, and take out a favorite drink from home. Diners can anticipate a lively environment of foodies wrapping up their meals with Korean donuts, which are sure not to disappoint.
AG Insider BYOB Pick: Lush Wines – Beers + Liquors is nearby, so grab one of its margarita cocktail can options and dive into MOGO’s shrimp burrito.
Mutiny BBQ Company | 808 Fifth Avenue
Nestled on Fifth Avenue right off of the main drag is Mutiny BBQ Company. This coastal craft smokehouse is a local favorite, known for its small-batch BBQ options that integrate seasonings from Texas, the Carolinas, Memphis, Kansas City, and Louisiana. On the menu are BBQ options such as smoked fried wings, St. Louis ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and smoked turkey breast. This BYO experience is topped off with an authentic BBQ aesthetic, as the backyard space has picnic tables stationed next to a smoker that exudes all the best flavors. On Thursdays, owner Tom Dunphy extends a deal for a rib meal for two that customers can take advantage of while dining with their favorite bottle from home. It doesn’t get better than BBQ, beer, and chill vibes, so visit Mutiny for the ultimate Southern experience.
AG Insider BYOB Pick: The pulled pork with collard greens and vinegar coleslaw is a classic go-to, especially when polished off with a craft beer from Wild Air Beerworks, located right on Second Avenue.
The Chat + Nibble | 932 Asbury Avenue
A hidden gem just outside of the downtown area is Chat + Nibble, which has been serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch to Asbury Park since 1984. This charming spot will transform guests back to their childhoods with breakfast menu items like buttermilk pancakes, fish and grits, or the collection of omelets (protein lovers: The Hearth Attack is composed of bacon, sausage, ham, and American cheese). The lunch menu has all the traditional meals one craves midday: sandwiches, burgers, wraps, salads, quesadillas, and paninis. On the weekends, diners can Chat + Nibble on French toast, gluten-free waffles, and benedict options. This BYO location is for those seeking a quaint spot to bring a drink and polish it off on traditional brunch items, all while surrounded by the cozy atmosphere.
AG Insider BYOB Pick: A mimosa and the Nutella French Toast sounds like a destined combination.
See More: A List of BYOB Spots in Hoboken + Jersey City
The Galley | 1313 Memorial Drive
The Galley Pizza + Eatery is known for its fresh ingredients and eclectic menu, but this popular restaurant has much more than pizza. Diners can choose from different salads, Pat LaFrieda blend burgers, and savory pasta options. The pan pizzas are thick and airy, and customers can select an array of toppings ranging from pasta such as vegan-roni, sauces such as the house-made burger sauce, or a seafood dish like its infamous shrimp scampi. Galley enthusiasts love the shaved ribeye cheesesteak and the secret menu (but, we won’t say too much). This fun menu sets the tone for a BYOB night.
AG Insider BYOB Pick: A light beer or seltzer pairs well with its famous sandwiches, such as The Bomb! (chicken tenders, mozzarella, bacon, mac + cheese; this sandwich is mixed with Mike’s hot honey and supported by house-made garlic cheesy bread).
Toast | 516 Cookman Avenue
Another downtown breakfast, brunch, and lunch option is Toast, whose mantra is “Peace, Love, and Pancakes.” The slogan is fitting as the menu consists of plenty of pancake flavors like red velvet and carrot cake, or classic toppings of chocolate chips, strawberries, or blueberries. This chain restaurant is known for its diverse food; diners can build their burger, select a benny or handheld sandwich, or choose a classic egg plate. The beverage list is just as long, featuring a mixture of lattes (IYKYK: these beverages are more than just Instagramable). This homey spot is the selection for BYOB if the group chat is looking for a food or drink option that begs for a photograph.
AG Insider BYOB Pick: The Juice Flight consists of cranberry, OJ, and lavender lemonade options; any juice mixed with prosecco creates a twist on the traditional mimosa.
