Kim Marie’s

On a frosty Friday in Asbury Park, we found the cutest little Irish pub just a block from the AP Convention Center, Kim Marie’s. It’s been here on Kingsley Avenue since 2013, but it looks like it’s been around since the 1900s. And although it was only 23° at the beach, every booth, bench, barstool, table and two-top was occupied—the sign of a great pub.

Walking through the arched front door, we’re immediately welcomed with all kinds of rustic Irish kitsch, framed posters, and assorted gewgaws. It’s a classic pub look with lots of dark wood and exposed brick. Towering about are ornate iron and wood chandeliers like out of ye olde Eire. It’s a little like partying at Busch Gardens. But Kim Marie’s is from the same restaurant family as the popular Johnny Mac’s on Main Street. It’s eclectic, for sure, but as one patron noted, you can get a Guinness for five bucks.

And when the waitress came by, that’s what three of our four-top did. I ordered Sam Adams Winter Ale because that Christmas tree in the entryway got me in the mood. In fact, we’d all just come from helping Santa Barry take photos with folks (and kids, and dogs) to benefit the Kiwanis Club toy drive.

The waitress dropped off lots of ancillary menus, including the list of specials. Perusing it, I noted the many soups, to which a dining companion chimed in, “Their butternut squash soup is really good.” We’ll put a pin in that for next time. I was intrigued by a special called Irish Spice Bag, a popular Dublin late night takeaway of fried chicken, fries, peppers, and onions with curry. “It should be called Winnie’s last meal,” says my wife, vetoing what is probably this Ireland version of chicken and waffles.

Onto the main menu, Kim Marie’s offers a nice soup and salad menu, plus great choices for quick bites like chili. Salads include Caesar, Greek Chicken, and The Big Salad, with romaine, chopped chicken fingers, cubes, bacon, tomatoes. There’s also lots of fried apps to keep you thirsty for the drinking. And lots of folks were engaged in tippling, many at the long rectangular bar, which was fully occupied with people watching sports on their many TVs. Despite the hubbub, the bar doesn’t dominate the whole restaurant. Thanks to discreet, clear lucite between the bar and booths, we were still able to talk. 

When the waitress came back, we both ordered from the Burgers n’ More menu, which offers lots of different sammies like corned beef Reuben, Nonna’s chicken sandwich, and the Betty, sliced petite tenderloin with caramelized onions. They also have a menu of loaded grilled cheese sammies, and an entrees section of large plates with pub grub like fish & chips, bangers and mash, kielbasa and pierogis and a Piggy Back Mac & cheese, loaded with pulled pork. 

I chose The Blue Cheese Bacon Burger, served with caramelized onions on a brioche bun. The burger was big and thick and cooked well, with a soft brioche bun the same size as the generous patty, plus bacon, lots of blue and onion jam. It came with a huge pile of hand-cut fries and big crispy pickle. 

The wife got the patty melt on rye with cheese and a thousand island special sauce. Like the burger, it was huge and greasy—perfect drinking food. As we ate, we enjoyed the pub’s very chill atmosphere. I could see myself spending waaaaayyyy too much time here. 

When the waitress Ashley brought our check, we tried to use our $75 get $10 off coupon from Kiwanis Coupon Book—but all those cheap beers didn’t get us there, even with a party of four. Before we left, I hit the restroom, which con, was directly across from bar but pro, had a slide latch so no one can barge in on your drunk ass. There was also a graffito that read, “It’s okay to punch Nazis.” Agreed. Also, there’s outdoor seating that’s dog friendly. Make a note for summertime.

As we dropped our cash tip on the table and prepared to leave, a random drunk lady stopped by on her way out to fist bump us for wearing all red. Now that’s a friendly place!

Kim Marie’s Eat n Drink Away
1411 Kingsley St.
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-774-6666
https://www.kimmarieseatndrinkaway.com
Open 11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily

Save a Few Clams

In addition to those $5 Guinness’s they’re famous for, Kim Marie’s Happy hour from 4-6 p.m. with deals on drinks and pub grub like $5 mozzarella sticks or jalapeño wontons, $6 French onion soup or Caesar salads, and $7 Smashburgers, pulled pork, or chipotle chicken tacos.