Things To Do
Capitoline
For a nice casual Pre-Wedding Italian Pranzo (lunch) we recommend; Capitoline: Italian Comfort in Asbury Park Conveniently located in the heart of Asbury Park’s restaurant scene, Capitoline is a craft casual restaurant offering rustic Italian fare, new and inventive cocktails, and an approachable but varying beer and wine list in an industrial yet intimate setting.
Lola's European Cafe
For the perfect Pre-Reception Apertivo we recommend; Lola’s… Lola’s European Cafe is named for the owner’s Mother, Lola. A labor of love, Lola’s strives to bring you the best desserts and after dinner cocktails in the area. Our gelato is rooted in Italy and brought to America in an effort to share a piece of the Italian tradition. All the ingredients are sourced from the best Italian Gelateria’s and our staff is trained by dedicated craftsmen. Along with our fine gelato we serve a large selection of unique cheeses that you can enjoy in house or buy by the ounce to savor at home. Come in for our appetizers before a night on the town and enjoy one of our hand crafted cheese boards and a glass of wine.
Pascal & Sabine
Need a moment of moody magic before the madness? Pascal & Sabine is your velvet-lined escape hatch. Step inside and the outside world melts away—this spot channels the soul of a European brasserie with just the right amount of sultry drama. Think candlelight, cave-like banquettes, and cocktails that whisper sweet nothings to your serotonin. It’s the kind of place where you sip absinthe, flirt with existentialism, and pretend you’re in a French noir film—except the food is actually good and the staff won’t judge your outfit. The walls are graced with Paolo Ventura’s surreal artwork, and the vibe is equal parts elegance and eccentricity. Whether you’re grabbing a pre-wedding martini, indulging in steak frites, or just hiding from your group chat, Pascal & Sabine is the string that pulls you above the noise. Come for the ambiance, stay for the fantasy.
Porta Asbury Park
If you’re looking to pre-game the wedding with style, swagger, and a slice that could make you weep, Porta in Asbury Park is your move. Housed in the legendary former Student Prince—where Springsteen first locked eyes with Clarence Clemons (RIP to the Big Man)—Porta is now a full-blown vibe. Since bootstrapping its way into existence in 2011, it’s become a magnet for locals, NYC escapees, and anyone who knows that pizza should be treated like religion. Expect wood-fired pies that slap, cocktails that flirt, and a crowd that’s equal parts beachy glam and dance-floor chaos. Snap a selfie in front of the iconic doors, grab a Neapolitan slice that’ll ruin all other pizza for you, and if you time it right, you might catch a DJ spinning in the back while someone’s aunt is twerking near the bar. It’s not just a restaurant—it’s a block party with mozzarella. Perfect for a pre-wedding bite, a cheeky drink, or a warm-up lap before the main event.
Asbury Lanes
When the reception winds down but your party stamina is still peaking, Asbury Lanes is your neon-lit after-party playground. This isn’t your grandma’s bowling alley—it’s a retro fever dream with a rock ‘n’ roll soul. Picture this: you’re sipping cocktails, throwing strikes (or gutter balls, no judgment), and dancing between lanes while a DJ spins something filthy in the background. There’s an on-site diner slinging late-night bites that hit harder than your cousin’s failed karaoke attempt, plus a bar that keeps the good decisions blurry and the bad ones unforgettable. Bowling, booze, and booth banter—it’s the perfect place to keep the night alive long after the cake’s been cut and the shoes come off. If you’re not closing it down at Asbury Lanes, did you even wedding?