Popular closed Asbury Biergarten will open with new concept

Two years ago, a significant storm dumped over 7.5 inches of rain in Asbury Park and throughout Monmouth County. Those businesses on Lake Avenue in experienced more than 6 inches of flooding from the overflow of the nearby Wesley Lake.

The damage was significant, and after the rain subsided, the famed Asbury Park Festhalle and Biergarten was destroyed. The owners of the Festhalle fought with their insurance company to get relief for the tremendous number of repairs it would take to get the Biergarten back in business. The result was shutting their doors and six months later closing them for good.

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It was a shame. I enjoyed the experience of the Biergarten. They served light German fare and perfectly chilled German beer. It so reminded me of my trips to Germany. This was an entertainment destination that was operating at a great pace from 2015 to 2023.

The rooftop was an excellent place to enjoy great music and a place to enjoy the company of friends. I was hoping they would find a way to reopen.

New name, new concept, and new owners

The owner partnership group of the House of Independence, which operates the venue just blocks away from the Biergarten in Asbury Park, came in and announced a new name, “Asbury Social”.

While just bits of information are available about the new concept, Asbury Social will feature open space dining, converting the rooftop to seasonal dining and offering a wide appeal that will attract all visitors. With all the beer taps that were in the original Biergarten, there is talk about maintaining a wide selection of beer. There is no word on whether there will be music entertainment.

The owners of the House of Independence are music-savvy and have made that venue a true staple of great musical entertainment. I hope that will spill over to the new Asbury Social.

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No word on when the new space will open or what their menu might be, but construction has been underway and seems to be going strong.

While I will miss the Biergarten, I look forward to checking out Asbury Social. I am thrilled that the space will not continue to go vacant.

This has to be the best farmers market in New Jersey

If you’re looking for a great farmers market, you have to visit the Summit Farmers Market. This year they have over 50 vendors, offering a large selection of great produce from various local farmers, lots of specialty foods and more. There is also plenty of free parking. My dog and I went for a visit last week and took pictures of what they have to offer.

Vendors Not Pictured:

Adventure Kitchen
Angel Planet Foods
Anita's Baked Wonders
Bull 'N Bear Brewery
Fit Fed Puppy
Foraged Feast
Hummus Boss
Jana's Jammy
Java's Compost
Kariba Farms
Louis Organics
Luxx Chocolat
Made with Clay
Mangalitsa
Our Woods Maple Syrup
Roaming Acres Farm
Spice Sisters
Stefan's Polish Foods
Sustainable Haus
Valley Shepherd Creamery
WoodsEdge Farm

The Summit Farmers Market will be open every Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will last until November 20th. The market is located at Park & Shop Lot #1 on the corner of DeForest Avenue and Woodland Avenue.

Below are photos of some of the local vendors joining the farmers market this season:

Gallery Credit: Jordan Jansson

Allaire Community Farm in Wall Township, NJ

Allaire Community Farm introduces animals to families of special needs kids and veterans suffering from a variety of physical and mental disabilities.