The Top Three Bars at the Jersey Shore

Yes, you go to the Jersey Shore for fun in the sun, but when that's over you want a place to let it all hang out. That's what bars are for, and the Jersey Shore has some great ones that offer various kinds of nightlife. There are also some not so great ones to, so do a little research before you find yourself shoehorned into a dark cavernous bar spending your week's paycheck - unless that's what you're looking for.

Best Place to Go After the Beach - Ocean Drive, 40^th and Landis Ave., Sea Isle City

The Ocean Drive, or OD to folks in the know, has been a Sea Isle tradition for many years. The location was built as a restaurant in the late 1880s. It's had several incarnations since then, but it came to be a bar with bands in the mid-1980s. They have the same groups come back every year, from Mr. Greengenes to Secret Service. It can get extremely packed on a weekend night and décor is old wooden paneling, but this only gives it that old beach-place charm.

Everyone knows that when you leave that hot beach in the early afternoon all you want is a nice cold beer to begin some serious partying. Drop in for OD's "No Shower Happy Hour" on Saturdays from 4 - 6 pm. Lots of fun and you can get a great sandwich from the kitchen.

Best Place to Hang With The Locals - Irish Pub, 164 St James Place, Atlantic City

Irish pubs are a dime a dozen at the Jersey Shore, but the Irish Pub in Atlantic City is the one that they all emulate to be. Wooden booths line the walls, which snake around the building. This is not a place to watch a game or bring a large crowd to, but if you want to get a great cheap meal and a Guinness this is where you want to be. It's dark and in a not so great neighborhood so watch your step but once there you can feel comfortable to chat with the locals or eavesdrop on some interesting conversations. Order the fish and ships and buy the leprechaun a beer, he'll run around the bar and give everyone a high-five! That's entertainment you won't find in any casino.

Best Classy Bar for the Over 25 Crowd - The Boiler Room, in Congress Hall, Cape May, NJ

OK, you've spent a misguided youth partying to 80s cover bands, but now you want to crank your nightlife life-style up a notch, while still having fun. The Boiler Room is a great place to party without feeling like you're trapped in a time warp. It is in the basement of the historic Congress Hall, at the end of the Washington Street Mall, a venue that once featured John Philip Sousa playing his patriotic tunes. But the Boiler Room doesn't come off as being prehistoric, just very classy, with beautiful brick walls and nice metal accents on the bar. It also has a modern feel, with televisions located throughout the room so everyone can see the entertainment. The music isn't blaring, so you and your group won't leave with sore throats from shouting at each other.