New Jersey has plenty of places to grab a drink, but only three made the cut when food writers from across the country selected their favorite bars in America for 2026.
The national list recognizes 38 bars across the country, representing a wide range of drinking spots, from neighborhood favorites and historic taverns to beach bars and lively nightlife destinations.
New Jersey’s three selections are D’Jais in Belmar, Cloverleaf Tavern in Caldwell and The Riverside Inn in Cranford. Each offers a very different version of the state’s bar culture.
D’Jais in Belmar
D’Jais has been a fixture on the Jersey Shore since opening in 1959. Located on Ocean Avenue across from the beach, the Belmar destination continues to draw crowds for its combination of nightlife, dancing and oceanfront atmosphere.
The bar is particularly busy during the summer, with events and late-night weekends bringing in a mix of longtime regulars and younger visitors. Its outdoor areas also give customers views of the beach, adding to the Shore experience.
More than six decades after opening, D’Jais remains a recognizable part of Belmar’s nightlife.
Cloverleaf Tavern in Caldwell
Cloverleaf Tavern has been serving customers in Caldwell since 1933 and has built a reputation around craft beer, food and its long history in the community.
The tavern’s beer selection includes more than 100 rotating domestic and imported labels, while its menu features longtime favorites including burgers, fish and chips and ribs.
The business continues to operate from its location at 395 Bloomfield Avenue and remains closely associated with New Jersey’s craft-beer scene.
The Riverside Inn in Cranford
The Riverside Inn, often known locally as “The Dive,” brings a very different atmosphere to the list.
The Cranford bar has more than a century of history, with its roots connected to a Prohibition-era speakeasy. The building itself has also served other purposes over the years, including as a Model Ford showroom and a florist shop.
Today, the Riverside Inn is known for its casual setting, inexpensive food and strong connection to the local community.
Its history is a major part of the appeal, but the bar has continued to function as a neighborhood gathering place for generations of Cranford residents.
Three very different New Jersey bar experiences
The three selections highlight just how varied New Jersey’s bar scene can be.
D’Jais represents the energy of the Jersey Shore, Cloverleaf Tavern combines decades of history with a strong craft-beer focus, and the Riverside Inn offers the atmosphere and character of a traditional neighborhood dive.
Together, they give New Jersey three spots on a national list that includes 38 bars from across the country.
For anyone looking to explore some of the Garden State’s longtime drinking destinations, these three bars now have another distinction to add to their histories: they have been recognized among America’s best bars for 2026.
