- Attraction: Johnny Mac House of Spirits
- Location: 208 Main St, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
- Industry: Bar
- Website: https://www.johnnymacbar.com/
Picture this:
A G-scale model train chugging along the ceiling, walls plastered with quirky beer quotes and historical trivia, free candy hidden in a black cauldron, and skee ball machines tucked in the basement.
That’s before we even get to the main draw—complimentary personal pizzas served with every single drink you order. Welcome to one of the Jersey Shore’s most wonderfully eccentric watering holes.
Johnny Mac House of Spirits opened its doors in 2010, the brainchild of the late John McGillion, an England-born entrepreneur with deep Irish roots who wanted to create something special in Asbury Park.
Situated directly across from the train station on Main Street, this sprawling establishment has become a cornerstone of the city’s resurgence and a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists exploring the vibrant downtown scene.
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Keep Exploring →The Famous Free Pizza Program
The Deal Everyone Talks About: Order any beverage—beer, cocktail, wine, you name it—and you’ll receive a ticket for a complimentary personal bar pie. Head to the pizza counter in the back, hand over your ticket, and within ten minutes you’ll have a piping hot individual pizza in your hands.
The crust delivers a satisfying crunch while the cheese stretches beautifully with each bite, and the tangy sauce brings everything together nicely.
Quality Beyond Expectations: Don’t let the word “free” fool you into thinking this is an afterthought. The pizzas are prepared fresh in a brick oven, and you’ll find that crispy exterior giving way to gooey goodness underneath.
For just a dollar extra, you can add your favorite topping to customize your pie. Many guests are genuinely surprised by how solid these bar pies taste—some even claim they’d happily pay full price for them.
Sunday Brunch Switch-Up: From 10 AM to 3 PM every Sunday, the bar swaps out pizza for free custom omelets with your drink purchase.
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Discover MorePair your omelet with $3 mimosas or Bloody Marys, and you’ve got yourself one of the best brunch deals anywhere on the Jersey Shore. It’s a different experience from the typical pizza-and-beer vibe, perfect for lazy weekend mornings.
The Irish Village Experience
Decor That Tells Stories: Every inch of Johnny Mac’s feels intentionally curated. You’ll spot witty sayings scrawled on walls, vintage signs celebrating beer and spirits, historical facts about everything from Ben Franklin to brewing traditions, and even the Ten Commandments given the Johnny Mac treatment.
The Irish theme runs deep, with memorabilia McGillion himself collected during trips to Ireland adorning the space.
The Model Train Marvel: Look up and you’ll catch sight of that G-scale steam locomotive making its rounds above the bar area. It’s a charming touch that adds to the tavern’s playful personality. If it’s not running when you visit, just ask—they’ll fire it up for you.
Multiple Spaces to Explore: The venue essentially takes up an entire city block with various rooms and areas to discover.
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Keep Exploring →There’s the main indoor bar with its dim lighting and rock music soundtrack, a spacious outdoor beer garden that’s heated during colder months, and even a basement level where the skee ball machines live.
Each space has its own character while maintaining that eccentric Johnny Mac’s vibe throughout.
Entertainment & Atmosphere
Skee Ball Central: Head downstairs and you’ll find multiple skee ball machines ready for action. It’s the kind of nostalgic arcade game that brings out everyone’s competitive side, and weekly tournaments keep the local crowd coming back regularly.
The basement walls feature murals celebrating iconic musicians, adding an artistic edge to your gaming experience.
The Music Scene: Expect a soundtrack heavy on 90s and early 2000s hits, alternative rock, and classic tunes that keep the energy upbeat without overwhelming conversation.
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Discover MoreLive bands perform during summer months, while DJs take over on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights throughout the year. Wednesday nights feature a shot wheel and speed dating events for those looking to mix things up.
The Outdoor Beer Garden: When weather permits, the outdoor area becomes the place to be. You’ll find plenty of seating, ping pong tables for casual games, and a lively atmosphere that captures that perfect summer bar vibe. It’s spacious enough to provide a bit of breathing room even when the indoor section gets packed.
What to Know Before You Go
Pricing That Won’t Break the Bank: Draft beers range from around $3 to $6 depending on your selection, with craft options on the higher end but still reasonable. The free pizza with each drink makes the value proposition almost unbeatable.
Even if you’re ordering cocktails or spirits, knowing you’re getting fed with each round makes Johnny Mac’s one of the most budget-friendly spots in downtown Asbury Park.
The Crowd & Vibe: You’ll find a diverse mix here—college students from nearby Monmouth University, professionals unwinding after work, tourists exploring Asbury Park, and regulars who’ve made Johnny Mac’s their neighborhood hangout.
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Keep Exploring →The atmosphere leans casual and welcoming rather than pretentious. It’s a place where you can dress down, relax with friends, and not worry about any stuffy formalities.
Parking Considerations: On-street parking is your best bet, which can get competitive during peak hours and weekend nights.
The bar’s location right across from the train station makes it incredibly convenient if you’re taking NJ Transit into town. Many visitors make Johnny Mac’s their first or last stop when combining a beach day with downtown exploration.
Age Requirements: This is a 21+ establishment, and they’re serious about checking IDs at the door. Even if you’re clearly over 30, come prepared to show your identification. The door staff maintains a safe environment, and while they’re strict about the rules, they keep things running smoothly.
Candy Surprise: Keep your eyes peeled for that hidden black cauldron filled with free candy somewhere near the middle bar. It’s one of those quirky touches that makes Johnny Mac’s feel less like just another drinking establishment and more like a place where someone genuinely wants you to have a good time.
Best Times to Visit: Afternoons and early evenings offer a more relaxed experience if you’re looking to grab a table, enjoy your pizza, and maybe play some skee ball without battling crowds.
Weekend nights transform the place into a bustling social scene—great if that’s your speed, but be prepared for wait times at the pizza counter and less elbow room at the bars.
Johnny Mac House of Spirits
📍 208 Main St, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
