Watermark

Tapas Small Plates · Cocktail Lounge · Asbury Park, NJ

3.9 (341 · Yelp ) ·$$ ·Tapas Small Plates ·Est. 2008 ·

About

Bar: Beer & wineBest nights: Thu, Fri, Sat

The Atlantic Ocean frames the view from this boardwalk cocktail lounge, where the waves compete with clinking glasses. Watermark opened in 2008 as a return to the classic cocktail lounge, designed to feel upscale but inclusive. Drinks are the draw: the menu was created by mixologist Philip Ward, and everything from the ginger beer to the spirit infusions happens in-house. Tapas-style small plates and seasonal finger foods accompany them.

Reviewers call the atmosphere beautiful and the staff accommodating. The outdoor section is especially nice in warm weather. It's open Thursday through Saturday evenings, with a diverse crowd that's mixed gay and straight. A wedding party celebrated here in 2014 and praised the proprietor as a class act.

Features

  • Ocean view from indoor and outdoor seating
  • House-infused spirits and fresh-squeezed juices
  • Small plates and seasonal finger foods
  • Good for groups and dancing
  • Open Thu–Sat evenings

Cuisine

Tapas Small Plates

Good for

Outdoor SeatingCasualGood For GroupsCocktail Lounge

Practical

Mixed LGBTQMixed Gay/StraightGood for DancingBike ParkingCredit Cards AcceptedStreet ParkingVegan FriendlyBeer & WineTrendyTable Service

Best nights: Thu, Fri, Sat

3.9

What people say

Rated from 341 reviews. 31 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp

From the community

“great wedding venue”

We had a fantastic evening celebrating our wedding at the Watermark in Asbury Park. The owner and his staff made everything flawless—top-shelf cocktails, craft beer, wine, plenty of delicious food, and a gorgeous upscale venue right on the boardwalk with ocean views. They were incredibly accommodating and listened to our ideas, calming our nerves and making our dream wedding happen. We can't recommend this place enough.

A visitor · Over a year ago

“Beautiful Place - Super Expensive for AP”

The place is gorgeous with an ocean view and sophisticated decor. I've visited a few times. On the downside, it's overpriced and the drinks are watered down—the waitress called them infused. A round of four drinks with tip cost $70, and they were all house vodka. I asked for Grey Goose but they only had infused house vodkas. Beautiful, but that's it.

A guest · Over a year ago

“Cocktails with a View”

Nice atmosphere, good drinks, good service, and a wonderful view—perfect for taking visitors out for cocktails. The crowd is diverse, though sometimes seems a bit light on queer folks. Drinks and food are quite nice. Staff is friendly and accommodating. The outdoor area is especially nice in warm weather. All that plus a sublime ocean view.

A recent visitor · Over a year ago

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Watermark have outdoor seating? +

Yes, confirmed outdoor seating is available and especially nice in warm weather.

Does Watermark serve food? +

Yes, they offer a selection of light, seasonal finger foods and tapas-style small plates.

What are the best nights to go? +

According to Yelp, the busiest nights are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Is Watermark LGBTQ+ friendly? +

Yes, it's described as having a diverse, mixed gay and straight crowd, and the owner emphasizes inclusivity.

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