# Red Bank

Red Bank is a hip city in Monmouth County, New Jersey, in the United States of America. It is the Garden State's answer to Greenwich Village. Red Bank is famous for being the home of legendary big band leader Count Basie and the stomping grounds of celebrities Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, and raunchy filmmaker Kevin Smith. Several of Kevin Smith's movies are set or filmed in Red Bank, most notably Chasing Amy and the TV series Comic Book Men. In 2012, Smithsonian Magazine listed Red Bank as the 3rd best small town in America, citing its numerous theaters, galleries, and art festivals. It is home to about 13,000 people (2022).

## Get in

* By bus (New Jersey Transit$^{[deadlink]}$)
* Train (Red Bank Station on the New Jersey Transit Coast Line$^{[deadlink]}$)
* Taxi/Limo service (Red Bank Yellow Car Co. +1 732 747-0747, Rumson Yellow Cab +1 732 671-4600, Arrow Limousine Nationwide +1-800-882-776, Red Bank - Middletown Yellow Cab Red Bank area +1 732-671-4600
* Airports: Newark International Airport, Newark, NJ; La Guardia New York, New York; J.F. Kennedy Airport, Queens, NY

## Get around

Walking is also an option. The downtown section of Red Bank is perfect for walking.
There is a large municipal parking lot located in the block bounded by Monmouth Street, Broad Street, White Street and Maple Avenue, as well as at the Red Bank Train Station.
There are seven municipal lots in downtown Red Bank providing 4-hour metered parking Monday to Friday from 9AM to 6PM, and free parking is available on Sundays.
Central Parking System provide paid parking in their 330-space parking garage of the Red Bank Corporate Plaza, 2 blocks from the Count Basie Theatre at the intersection of West Front Street and Pearl Street (Route 35).
You may enter the garage after 5PM and exit before 1AM on Fridays and Saturdays, and midnight Sunday through Thursday. Garage parking is not available for matinee performances at this time.
There is permit parking spaces on Monday-Friday from 9AM-2PM on Gold St, Great Swamp, Mechanic St, Union St, Wallace St, White St. After 2PM these spaces become metered parking and after 6PM on weekdays and Sundays they are free parking.

## See

* Count Basie Theatre. Founded in 1926. It is named for the musician of the same name, who was a Red Bank native. It hosts plays, political commentators, and has hosted arena-scale concerts by world-famous musical acts. It attracts crowds primarily from the bohemian-like town of Red Bank and its neighboring communities, as well as from nearby New York City. The theatre is known for first class entertainment in an intimate setting, and is divided into four sections: the large orchestra, the small lodge, the large balcony, and the smaller upper balcony. (updated Jul 2023)
Also, if you're looking for a great park Count Basie Field $^{[deadlink]}$ is a large recreational park consisting of two basketball courts, a football field with running/walking track, baseball and soccer field, a playground, and a small pond with a picnic area. Also, Count Basie is home to the Bobcats pop warner football team and to other intramural sport teams. A lot of locals come to this part so visiting Count Basie is a great way to get a feel for the local population.
Also if you are looking to see a great attraction, check out Red Bank Catholic High School. This school is very old but still remains perfectly maintained to this day and holds a lot of tradition. It is now a private Catholic school.

## Do

* $^{[formerlydeadlink]}$ Two River Theater Company, 21 Bridge Ave, ☏ +1 732-345-1400. A professional not-for-profit regional theater company providing outstanding plays and educational programs for audiences of central New Jersey and beyond. Two River was founded in 1994 by Joan and Robert Rechnitz and over the past 16 seasons has grown into one of the most vital and dynamic arts organizations in the region.
* $^{[formerlydeadlink]}$ Clearview's Red Bank Theatre, 36 White St, ☏ +1 732 777-3456 x721. A small movie theater with only two screens showing both new releases and independent films. Call ahead or go online to see what's playing.
* Farmer's Market, Corner of Bridge Ave and West Front St. There is a farmer's market every Sunday from 9AM-2PM in the Galleria Parking lot that offers locally grown produce and unique crafts and eateries.
* Chris's River Marina, West Front St, ☏ +1 732-741-9676. You can experience some of the best crabbing on the Navesin near the Galleria under the bridge. Concrete landing, restrooms, and there is a fee to launch but you are almost sure to catch many crabs.
* Red Bank Marina, 261 West Front St, ☏ +1 732-741-3320. 7AM- 3:30PM. Rent a row boat rental for $50 for the day for crabbing along the Navesink River. Friendly owner and excellent crabbing. $5 for a 3-bunker at Red Bank Marina. They're cut into 3 pieces so you get 9 pieces of bait for $5.
* Red Bank Armory, 76 Chestnut St., ☏ +1 732-450-9001. A former armory for the National Guard turned indoor ice complex. Come see local teams play ice hockey on high school and amateur league levels. Open skating for the public offered several times a week (rental equipment available). Lessons and skate shop also available.
* Yestercades, 80 Broad St., ☏ +1 732-383-7873. A fully stocked arcade that includes a large variety of classic arcade and pinball games from the 1980 and 90s. Also most major console gaming systems and a large cache of video games. $8.75/hr or $25/day pass.
* Riverside Gardens Park, 54 W. Front St.. A small park overlooking the Navesink River. A great place to sit and relax on a warm day. Hosts a variety of small concerts in the summer time.
* Count Basie Theatre (The Carlton Theatre), 99 Monmouth st., ☏ +1 732-224-8778. This 1568-seat theater built in the 1920s is easily the biggest attraction in Red Bank. Named for famed Red Bank resident Count Basie, it is now used daily for a variety of live shows. Tony Bennett, George Carlin, The Doobie Brothers, Brian Wilson, Bruce Springsteen, Al Green, Kevin Smith, and countless more have played the venue. The Basie (as it is referred to locally) also host touring shows such as Cats and has its own production company that performs a major Broadway musical every 3-4 months. (updated Apr 2015)

## Buy

* $^{[deadlink]}$ Nirvana, 21 White St, ☏ +1 732 530-3334. Upscale and chic contemporary boutique. clothes are pricey and very trendy. Great shopping destination for younger people.
* Jack's Music Shoppe, 30 Broad St, ☏ +1 732 842-0731. A bigger and better than average place to shop for CDs, vinyl, sheet music, musical instruments, and more.
* Jay & Silent Bob's Secret Stash, 35 Broad St, ☏ +1 732 758-0508. M-Th Sa 11AM-6PM, F 11AM-7PM, Su noon-5PM. The famous director Kevin Smith (director of Clerks, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, and Jersey Girl) has a comic store here. It has a lot of collector's merchandise from the movies, and props from the movies. In addition, it carries a large number of comic books, graphic novels, action figures.
* Coco Pari. Women's clothing.
* Hobbymasters Inc, 62 White St., ☏ +1 732-842-6020. A large hobby store that specializes in card games, model sets, and any other craft. A big kid's toy store. It also has a large toy section. Great place to wonder around or if you are looking for a gift. You are sure to find something fun for any kid or any age. (updated Apr 2015)

## Eat

Red Bank has a lot of choice in restaurants.
* Saim Garden (Thai), 2 Bridge Ave, ☏ +1 732 224-1233. Good sate and original curries, but a little pricey.
* Basil T's Brewery and Italian Grill, 183 Riverside Ave, ☏ +1 732 842-5990. Lunch 11:30AM-4PM, dinner 4PM-11:30PM. A delicious Italian restaurant. Although a little pricey, everything is homemade and the fine dining atmosphere is more laid back than stuffy. It is a good place for a date or for a big group of friends. They have an enormous bar with homemade beers and an extensive wine list. Delicious food but be prepared to spend money!
* Juanito's, 186 Monmouth St, ☏ +1 732 747-9994. A block away from Count Basie Theater. Well-prepared Mexican food with good prices. You can sit down or take out. Really good chips and salsa, and the combo meals are a good deal. Lunch prices are a bargain. Dinner can be a little more but still affordable for all ages.
* Strollo's Lighthouse, 64 N Bridge Ave, ☏ +1 732 933-9803. Take your kids here on a summer night. Great Italian ice and soft ice cream, often considered best by locals. Open only during the summer season. Has several locations along the Jersey Shore.
* China Garden, 220 Shrewsbury Ave, ☏ +1 732 219-9732. More of a take-out restaurant but its one of the best Chinese spots in town. $5 lunch specials available from 11:30AM-3:30PM.
* Danny's Grill and Wine Bar, 11 Bridge Ave, ☏ +1 732 741-6900. Great menu: everything from steak to seafood to sushi. serves alcoholic drinks. Good wines and cocktails to complete the picture.
* Elsie's Sub Shop, 74 Monmouth St, ☏ +1 732 741-7682. Fresh bread, quality meats, to great service. Add a bag of chips or homemade potato salad to complete the entre.
* Blue Water Seafood, 9 Broad St, ☏ +1 732-530-1906.
* The Bistro, 14 Broad St. A wide selection of menu items from soups to salads to sushi and dessert.
* Pho Le Vietnamese, 90 Broad St, ☏ +1 732-530-1598. Authentic Vietnamese restaurant.
* Boon Docks Fishery and Grill, 1 Marine Park, ☏ +1 732-747-7177. Experience great views of the Navesink in this great seasonal restaurant. This is one of the only restaurants on the water. On Tuesdays they offer a deal: get 2 one-pound lobsters and sides for $24.95. This restaurant is also BYOB so you can keep the cost down on your liquor bill. The appetizer menu ranges from Cajun grilled tuna bites, blackened grouper fingers, 1½-lb steamers, garlic and peel your own shrimp. You have a choice between a selection of seafood which you can get in a sandwich or a platter. It's a must try.
* Boondocks Fishery and Grill, 1 Marine Park, ☏ +1 732-747-7177. If you like lobster, this is the place to be on Tuesdays. You get two one pound lobsters and sides for $24.95. You can get a selection of appetizers that range from Cajun grilled tuna bites, blackened grouper fingers, garlic and peel your own shrimp. They also have a selection of many different types of seafood which you may order in a sandwich or a platter. Plus, it is BYOB so it keeps the costs of drinking down.
* Sugarush, 37 E. Front St, ☏ +1 732-414-9044. Make your own cupcakes with their very own cupcake bar. Kids will enjoy this original experience of making their own cupcakes. From freshly baked cupcakes & cookies to custom cakes and customizable cupcakes to candy, cake pops and sodas, sugarush truly is a sweet experience.
* Carlos O'Connor (Mexican Restaurant).
* The WindMill, 22 Bridge Ave., ☏ +1 732-747-5958. Any visit to the Jersey Shore is incomplete without a stop at a Windmill. There are several locations along the Jersey Short, including this one in Red Bank. Famous for their foot-long hot dogs, burgers and fries are also served. Great for lunch or dinner, eat in or take out. (updated Apr 2015)

## Drink
### Coffee

* There is a Starbucks on the corner of Broad Street and White Street. On the opposite side of Broad Street almost across the street is
* No Ordinary Joe's cafe. Its menu is smaller than Starbucks, but is an independent place. This is a good place for those sick of the taste of or disillusioned with Starbucks. Also serving good java is Zebu, on Broad Street. There is a Dunkin Donuts on Water Street by the river.

### Bars and nightlife

The Globe, 20 E. Front St, at the corner of Globe St. and West Front St., is an old, very popular bar. Drink prices are average.
The Fix, 26 W. Front St, was known as Chubby's up until 2009. It's more greasy than swanky, but still a cool place to go. A great place to meet young people.
Ashes, 33 Broad St., a cigar bar/restaurant on the lower level and a dance club on top. Look for the lower level to be populated with successful, middle-aged men while the upper level may have more young people. Not a place to go if you don't want to spend a lot of money.
The Downtown, at 8 W Front St., is a popular spot. It is swanky by nature of its nonchalant brick walls and black painting, and is small and noisy. If you enjoy a happening scene, go here. Drinks can be expensive.
The Dublin House, on 30 Monmouth St., is a popular place, especially in the summer. It has a large outdoor table area, which usually fills up quick on most summer weekends. Drinks here a reasonable, and expect the place to be crowded and full of good looking locals.

## Sleep

Red Bank banned hospitality exchanges in 2023.
* The Blue Bay Inn is a boutique hotel in Atlantic Highlands (a 10-minute drive). It is very upscale and is also close to the Sandy Hook beaches.
* Extended Stay America, 329 Newman Springs Rd, ☏ +1 732 450-8688. A good place to stay overnight. not as nice as the Molly Pitcher or Marriott but reasonable prices.
* Marriott Courtyard Lincroft Red Bank, 245 Half Mile Rd (off Garden State Parkway exit 109), ☏ +1 732-530-5552. Just like any other. Near the Parkway but not walking distance to the city center.
* Oysterpoint. Try to get a room overlooking the Naversink River for a beautiful sunrise in the morning which makes your day. If you're in a hurry skip breakfast (but don't forget the take away complimentary coffee and cakes).
* Molly Pitcher Inn. Has beautiful English-style entry and rooms. Watch out when a 'small' room is offered though. This hotel has views of the Navesink as well as an international bar, restaurant, pool which overlooks the Molly Pitcher Marina and the Navesink River, fitness rooms, and wireless internet. The beds are also very comfortable. Rooms run from $179 up to $279 for a junior suite. Prices are subject to change at any time.
* Couchsurfing. Red Bank has a small couch surfing community that extends to the surrounding towns. Despite popular myth, many New Jersey locals are quite friendly to visitors and willing to show off their vibrant community. Finding a couch for your stay in the Red Bank area shouldn't be hard for people familiar with the sight. Airbnb is also gaining popularity in the area. (updated Apr 2015)

## Stay safe

Red Bank is generally considered a safe town. Known for having an active police force accessible by dialing 911. Certain residential areas may seem unsafe, and locals will warn you of parts to avoid but most attractions are in the downtown area, well light and clean, there is no need to go to residential neighborhoods unless visiting people there. Even if you do wonder into questionable residential areas, nothing bad is likely to happen to you. Use caution as you would in any major city: stay in groups, stay in well lit areas, do not flash expensive accessories or cash, and ask for help from local business owners if you get lost or feel unsafe, they are mostly friendly and willing to help.
Downtown area has Riverview Hospital, a major medical center that serves much of northern Monmouth County. The Red Bank Police Station is across from the Count Basie Theatre.

## Go next

Red Bank is in central New Jersey, although it does not border the ocean, it is considered a popular point on the Jersey Shore and has several public beaches within a few minute's drive. Closest and most popular beaches are
* Sandy Hook: a barrier split part of Gateway National Recreational Area, great for views of New York City
* Seven Presidents Park: A park in nearby Long Branch named for being a popular resort spot for many US presidents in the late 19th century
* Sea Bright: a nearby town with numerous public beaches and private beach clubs.
Red Bank has its own historical sights on a local level, but nearby are more significant national historic sights.