A few locations for adult beverages or a Friday concert on the beach
SOMERS POINT – As the days and nights get hotter it’s time to take advantage of the nice weather.
Living at the shore makes beach days a breeze and there are places to go back to – or try for the first time – during the summer for those who would like an adult beverage to go with their meal.
Smitty’s Clam Bar
The Clam Bar located at 910 Bay Ave. in Somers Point comes alive in the summertime. This restaurant is open from Mother’s Day weekend until Labor Day and is always jam packed with people and good vibes.
BYOB and a hearty appetite for a dinner night out from 4:30 to 9 p.m. The Clam Bar also serves lunch starting at 11:30 a.m.
With new specials on the board every day there is always something to try. Or stick with the old reliable and order any of their fried seafood, including the clams, that have been featured for years.
Each day a few special fried and baked fish dishes are offered as well as a soup and other dining options. While the restaurant doesn’t have a serving liquor license, complement the meal with any alcoholic beverages that you can carry in.
It truly becomes summertime when Smitty’s opens and the sounds of laughter and smells of seafood goodness wafts through Bay Avenue.
The Clam Bar is reasonably priced and home to some of the best seafood dishes in the area. Located right on the bay, everything is fresh and made to order.
Don’t let summer go by before getting some seafood and bay breezes from The Clam Bar.
The Point
In need of a fun outdoor beach bar? The Point Tiki Bar and Restaurant is the place to be every weekend night.
The Point is at 998 Bay Ave., Somers Point. This bayfront beach bar has live music every Friday and Saturday in the summer.
Hours vary depending on the days. From Monday to Thursday the bar is open from 3 p.m. to midnight. On Friday, party until 2 a.m.
For lunches, the hours on Saturday and Sunday are noon to 2 p.m. There is a $5 cover charge every weekend night starting at 5 p.m. and all minors must exit by 9 p.m.
Being the only tiki bar in town, The Point had to go all out to draw in the crowds. With three full bars, the open outdoor space can easily accommodate the large masses that flock to the gates each weekend night.
While the drinks keep flowing, the dance floor is always packed as the DJs or live bands play. With the bay breeze, some good frozen drinks in hand and a dance floor it’s a perfect way to enjoy a summer night.
Crabby Jacks
Any local knows and loves one of the most popular restaurants around, The Crab Trap. While The Crab Trap is always a great meal and the time for outdoor dining is now. Luckily the owners get that and give the people exactly what they want, an outdoor bar and restaurant right on the water.
Crabby Jacks is located behind The Crab Trap at 2 Broadway, Somers Point. All summer long the spot is serving up delicious seafood, dishes from the raw bar and multiple cocktails including their well-known crushes.
One large bar with many seats is the focus but there is plenty of dining tables lining the outside to accommodate diners and drinkers. With the views of Ocean City and the water, Crabby Jacks has one of the best locations in town.
Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., enjoy lunch or dinner every day. The spot is said to serve a lighter fare from the original Crab Trap menu and offers live music seven days a week.
With the music strumming, the cocktails pouring and the bay breezing, Crabby Jacks will provide a nice summer feeling.
Beach Concerts
Not ready to go out to eat or drink? Head straight to the William Morrow Beach on Bay Avenue in Somers Point and listen to a free band concert.
The Somers Point Beach Concert Series is a must hit every Friday night through the summer months. The William Morrow Beach is packed as different artist hit the stage on the sand.
Concerts began on June 9 and will run all summer long until Sept. 8.
2023 is the 30th year of the concerts and the lineup in ready to please.
Dates and bands include:
July 7 – Mardis Gras in July starring James Andrews
July 14 – The Weeklings
July 21: The Dane Anthony Band
July 28: Gary U.S. Bonds and the Roadhouse Rockers
Aug. 4: Stanley Jordan “Stanley Plays Jimi”
Aug. 11: Terrance Simien and The Zydeco Experience
Aug. 18: Tommy Castro and The Pain Killers
Aug. 25: Tom Hambridge and The Rattle Snakes
Sept. 1: Red
Sept. 8: Cyril Neville with Omari Neville & The Fuel:
There is really nothing else like heading to a concert on the beach with friends and family. To make these concerts even more great, each one is free. Pack a cooler, bring a beach chair or blanket and head to the beach and catch the next act. The shows start at 7 p.m.
By DELANEY CRAWFORD/For the Sentinel
