Although we don’t usually review bars, Johnny Mac’s makes the cut because it offers food—specifically, free food with every drink. Founded in 2010 and named after beloved founder John McGillion, this bustling Irish pub is the sister (brother?) bar to similarly decorated beach pub Kim Marie’s, which we reviewed in an earlier post. But while Kim Marie’s has a huge menu of pub food, Johnny Mac offers only two food items: free pizza and free omelets.
From its prime location at the corner of Cookman Avenue and Main Street in Asbury Park, Johnny Mac’s always seems to be hopping. Even before you enter the establishment, you know what you’re in for thanks to the geegaws and drinking-based signs covering the shamrock-green exterior. They even have a big white tent called “The Pit” outside that is reportedly much beloved by the college kids.
The same vibe permeates the pub’s dark wood interior, with every available wall space adorned with bar signs and Irish ephemera. There is a large gathering area in front of the old wooden bar where beer on tap abounds. There are also many little elevated nooks throughout the bar, including a raised platform in the front window that screams ‘the book club meets here,’ plus two other elevated areas, a spot with a cozy couch, and even a tiny basement hideaway with awesome murals of ‘80s rock stars like Prince, and two crazy expensive Skee-Ball machines. The bathrooms are mostly clean and have a slide latch—ideal for settings with other drunks.
Johnny Mac offers drink specials every day of the week, including $4 Kona Big Wave drafts on Tuesday, $5 shots on Wednesday, and $5 White Tea shots on Thursday. Weekends feature DJs like DJ Rob Busch and DJ Kirk Lopez.
“And speed dating is on the second Wednesday of every month,” says bearded bartender Dylan, his eyes twinkling. “We really bring out the lonely hearts. There have been two weddings from it so far; they come back here to take wedding pictures.”
And then there are those pizzas. I don’t know if they just had an extra brick pizza oven on hand or what, but this marketing idea is brilliant! It can’t be that expensive to grill up tiny (but legit, 8-slice) personal pan pizzas with each drink. It keeps folks ordering drinks, and keeps them from getting too drunk and leaving, providing the necessary ballast to boot and rally.
Dylan shared a few other secrets with me. Did you know that for a $1 surcharge, you can get toppings on your free pizza pie? Also, there is a secret stash of free candy hidden in a little treasure chest box across from the bar. See if you can find it on your next visit—maybe after Asbury Park’s legendary St. Patrick’s Day parade, for which Johnny Mac’s is the premier sponsor and official after-party headquarters.
“St. Patrick’s Day It is huge here. I’ll be in the white tent,” said Dylan. And he did not overstate their popularity. Last weekend, we walked the parade in the key spot, right after the Grand Marshall, and Johnny Mac’s sprawling outside area was packed long before the parade even ended.
If there is any downside to drinking at here, it could be that they are a bit too good at keeping patrons hanging around. At a recent Kiwanis club mixer there, president emeritus Steve admitted as much.
“A few Sundays, I’ve come here for the omelet thing, only to see it warp into the pizza thing,” said Steve. “Eventually I stumble out like a mole into daylight and stagger home.” So enjoy, but be forewarned!
Johnny Mac’s
208 Main Street
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
732-776-6666
https://www.johnnymacbar.com/
Open Daily 11-2 a.m.
Save a Few Clams
Every drink is an opportunity for free clams! Well, your very own free personal pan pizza in the evenings, or a free omelet with your Sunday $3 Bloody Mary, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.! The bartender will give you a red ticket with your drink; redeem it at the back of the bar for your complimentary meal.
Shore Tastes Great 
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