You know that feeling when you walk into a place and it just feels right? That’s Nardi’s for you. If you’ve never been to this Long Beach Island gem, you’re seriously missing out. And if you’re one of those regulars who’s been coming for years – well, you already know what I’m talking about.
How It All Started
Back in the ’70s, Nardi’s was once known as Caster’s. Then Bob Nardi bought it and, naturally, changed the name to Nardi’s. Fast forward to 2006, when John Brennan, who lived right down the street on Sunset Terrace and came in every Sunday night, took over.
His daughter Megan, who is now the General Manager, says it best: “My dad was in the bar one day talking to Bob, and Bob was saying how he was considering selling it to a builder. And my dad’s like, well, I’d rather keep it a bar.”
Can you imagine if this place had become just another row of houses? Thank God John stepped in. He worked seven days a week running his company on the island, but Sunday nights at Nardi’s? That was his thing. That was where he could just be himself, hang with friends, and be part of something special.
Two Places in One
Here’s what’s wild about Nardi’s: it’s like two different places depending on when you show up. During the day? Super chill. Families eating breakfast, people grabbing dinner, and maybe a solo acoustic guy playing in the corner. Nice and relaxed.
When 9 o’clock hits, it’s party time. Live bands, people dancing, and drink specials flowing. Megan puts it perfectly: “We always say when the lights go off at 9:00, it gets dark and we go into party mode.”
Best Bar Food in LBI?
Walking into into Nardi’s you might think, “It’s a bar, how good can the food really be?” Wrong. So wrong. This place will make you eat those words, literally.
Everyone raves about their Reuben, and yeah, it’s been a staple forever for a reason, but they’ve got so much more going on. Fresh fish every day, crab tostadas that are incredible, and this new Philly roast pork sandwich that’s just… chef’s kiss. Their chef is constantly switching things up and trying something new.
“We’re not just burgers, pizza, and cheesesteaks,” Megan says, “even though the cheesesteaks are really good.” See what I mean? They could coast on the basics, but they don’t.
Drinks That Actually Matter
Kelly, the other GM, is basically a drink wizard. Every season she comes up with a whole new list of cocktails. This Summer, everyone was obsessed with the watermelon mint martini and this tequila mojito that’s dangerously good.
But the real stars? The Pink Bus and LBI Pink Lemonade. Those are the drinks that make you go, “Okay, I get why people keep talking about this place.”
Every day there’s a new special going on. You’ll often find deals like $5 Nutrls and the Nutrl bike giveaway. Wednesdays are Miller Lite nights. After 9 PM? $3 green teas and white teas. There’s always something.
Live Music Every Night (Seriously)
Summer at Nardi’s is insane, they have live music seven days a week. At times they even double up and have two different acts in one night. During the off-season, the music keeps on going every weekend with legacy bands and exciting classics. The Dave Christopher Band has been playing there every Sunday for 25 years. Twenty-five years! This year they’re celebrating with giveaways and specials.
The party continues throughout the week. Karaoke on Mondays and Wednesdays gets crazy competitive. Thursday trivia nights? Good luck finding a seat if you don’t get there early.
That Pink Bus Everyone Talks About
You’ve probably seen it driving around; that bright pink bus that screams “Nardi’s.” Bob Nardi came up with the idea back in the day (though nobody knows why he picked pink, which honestly makes it even better).
The Nardi’s bus will pick you up anywhere from Holgate to Division Street in Ship Bottom, bring you to Nardi’s, let you have the best time ever, then drive you home. For free.
“We just try to make sure everyone gets home safe,” Megan says, and you can tell she means it. She’s literally walking around at night asking people, “You getting on the bus? You getting on the bus?” Because that’s what you do when you actually care about your community.
It’s All About the LBI Love
Here’s what really gets me about Nardi’s, it’s not just a business, it’s the heart of the community. Everyone who works there, everyone who hangs out there, they all genuinely love this island.
“Everyone that’s here has a love for LBI,” Megan explains. “It’s a small island and a lot of people know each other. And we all make sure that everyone is thriving.”
The Rotary Club meets there every Thursday, and they’re constantly working on programs to help the community. Local businesses support each other. People actually look out for one another. It sounds cheesy, but when you’re there, you feel it.
Tourists vs. Locals (But Make It Friendly)
Summer brings the tourist crowds, which is great; more people discovering what locals have known forever. But the off-season? That’s when you see the real Nardi’s. That’s when it’s mostly the year-round folks, the people who chose to make LBI their home, gathering at their favorite spot.
And honestly, both crowds are welcome. That’s the beauty of the place.
Big Things Coming in 2026
Nardi’s is turning 50 in 2026! Megan’s already working on what sounds like is going to be an epic celebration. She’s trying to get Bob’s wife Bev involved (who sounds absolutely lovely), bringing back old bands, and celebrating current favorites.
“I’ve started planning,” she says, and you can hear the excitement. “Watch out for new information on our website and social media.”
Why You Need to Go
Here’s the bottom line: whether you want a great meal with your family, a fun night out with friends, live music, or just a place where people actually care about each other, Nardi’s has you covered.
Megan sums it up best: “There’s always something here for everybody.”
And really, what more could you want?
Nardi’s is on Long Beach Island and they’re open year-round. Just look for the pink bus – you can’t miss it.
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