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Borough in Monmouth County, New Jersey, US
Photo: Basiecenter, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Red Bank is a hip city in Monmouth County, New Jersey, in the United States. It is the Garden State's answer to Greenwich Village. Red Bank is famous for being the home of legendary big band leader Count Basie and the stomping grounds of celebrities Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, and raunchy filmmaker Kevin Smith. Several of Kevin Smith's movies are set or filmed in Red Bank, most notably Chasing Amy and the TV series Comic Book Men. In 2012, Smithsonian Magazine listed Red Bank as the 3rd best small town in America, citing its numerous theaters, galleries, and art festivals.
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Founded in 1926. It is named for the musician of the same name, who was a Red Bank native. It hosts plays, political commentators, and has hosted arena-scale concerts by world-famous musical acts. It attracts crowds primarily from the bohemian-like town of Red Bank and its neighboring communities, as well as from nearby New York City. The theatre is known for first class entertainment in an intimate setting, and is divided into four sections: the large orchestra, the small lodge, the large balcony, and the smaller upper balcony.
A professional not-for-profit regional theater company providing outstanding plays and educational programs for audiences of central New Jersey and beyond. Two River was founded in 1994 by Joan and Robert Rechnitz and over the past 16 seasons has grown into one of the most vital and dynamic arts organizations in the region.
A small movie theater with only two screens showing both new releases and independent films. Call ahead or go online to see what's playing.
There is a farmer's market every Sunday from 9AM-2PM in the Galleria Parking lot that offers locally grown produce and unique crafts and eateries.
You can experience some of the best crabbing on the Navesin near the Galleria under the bridge. Concrete landing, restrooms, and there is a fee to launch but you are almost sure to catch many crabs.
Rent a row boat rental for $50 for the day for crabbing along the Navesink River. Friendly owner and excellent crabbing. $5 for a 3-bunker at Red Bank Marina. They're cut into 3 pieces so you get 9 pieces of bait for $5.
A former armory for the National Guard turned indoor ice complex. Come see local teams play ice hockey on high school and amateur league levels. Open skating for the public offered several times a week (rental equipment available). Lessons and skate shop also available.
A fully stocked arcade that includes a large variety of classic arcade and pinball games from the 1980 and 90s. Also most major console gaming systems and a large cache of video games.
A small park overlooking the Navesink River. A great place to sit and relax on a warm day. Hosts a variety of small concerts in the summer time.
The Carlton Theatre
This 1568-seat theater built in the 1920s is easily the biggest attraction in Red Bank. Named for famed Red Bank resident Count Basie, it is now used daily for a variety of live shows. Tony Bennett, George Carlin, The Doobie Brothers, Brian Wilson, Bruce Springsteen, Al Green, Kevin Smith, and countless more have played the venue. The Basie (as it is referred to locally) also host touring shows such as Cats and has its own production company that performs a major Broadway musical every 3-4 months.
Thai
Good sate and original curries, but a little pricey.
A delicious Italian restaurant. Although a little pricey, everything is homemade and the fine dining atmosphere is more laid back than stuffy. It is a good place for a date or for a big group of friends. They have an enormous bar with homemade beers and an extensive wine list. Delicious food but be prepared to spend money!
A block away from Count Basie Theater. Well-prepared Mexican food with good prices. You can sit down or take out. Really good chips and salsa, and the combo meals are a good deal. Lunch prices are a bargain. Dinner can be a little more but still affordable for all ages.
Take your kids here on a summer night. Great Italian ice and soft ice cream, often considered best by locals. Open only during the summer season. Has several locations along the Jersey Shore.
More of a take-out restaurant but it's one of the best Chinese spots in town.
Great menu: everything from steak to seafood to sushi. serves alcoholic drinks. Good wines and cocktails to complete the picture.
Fresh bread, quality meats, to great service. Add a bag of chips or homemade potato salad to complete the entre.
A wide selection of menu items from soups to salads to sushi and dessert.
Authentic Vietnamese restaurant.
Experience great views of the Navesink in this great seasonal restaurant. This is one of the only restaurants on the water. On Tuesdays they offer a deal: get 2 one-pound lobsters and sides for $24.95. This restaurant is also BYOB so you can keep the cost down on your liquor bill. The appetizer menu ranges from Cajun grilled tuna bites, blackened grouper fingers, 1½-lb steamers, garlic and peel your own shrimp. You have a choice between a selection of seafood which you can get in a sandwich or a platter. It's a must try.
If you like lobster, this is the place to be on Tuesdays. You get two one pound lobsters and sides for $24.95. You can get a selection of appetizers that range from Cajun grilled tuna bites, blackened grouper fingers, garlic and peel your own shrimp. They also have a selection of many different types of seafood which you may order in a sandwich or a platter. Plus, it is BYOB so it keeps the costs of drinking down.
Make your own cupcakes with their very own cupcake bar. Kids will enjoy this original experience of making their own cupcakes. From freshly baked cupcakes & cookies to custom cakes and customizable cupcakes to candy, cake pops and sodas, sugarush truly is a sweet experience.
Mexican Restaurant
Any visit to the Jersey Shore is incomplete without a stop at a Windmill. There are several locations along the Jersey Short, including this one in Red Bank. Famous for their foot-long hot dogs, burgers and fries are also served. Great for lunch or dinner, eat in or take out.
A good place to stay overnight. not as nice as the Molly Pitcher or Marriott but reasonable prices.
Just like any other. Near the Parkway but not walking distance to the city center.
Try to get a room overlooking the Naversink River for a beautiful sunrise in the morning which makes your day. If you're in a hurry skip breakfast (but don't forget the take away complimentary coffee and cakes).
Has beautiful English-style entry and rooms. Watch out when a 'small' room is offered though. This hotel has views of the Navesink as well as an international bar, restaurant, pool which overlooks the Molly Pitcher Marina and the Navesink River, fitness rooms, and wireless internet. The beds are also very comfortable. Rooms run from $179 up to $279 for a junior suite. Prices are subject to change at any time.
Red Bank has a small couch surfing community that extends to the surrounding towns. Despite popular myth, many New Jersey locals are quite friendly to visitors and willing to show off their vibrant community. Finding a couch for your stay in the Red Bank area shouldn't be hard for people familiar with the sight. Airbnb is also gaining popularity in the area.
Upscale and chic contemporary boutique. clothes are pricey and very trendy. Great shopping destination for younger people.
A bigger and better than average place to shop for CDs, vinyl, sheet music, musical instruments, and more.
The famous director Kevin Smith (director of Clerks, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, and Jersey Girl) has a comic store here. It has a lot of collector's merchandise from the movies, and props from the movies. In addition, it carries a large number of comic books, graphic novels, action figures.
Women's clothing.
A large hobby store that specializes in card games, model sets, and any other craft. A big kid's toy store. It also has a large toy section. Great place to wonder around or if you are looking for a gift. You are sure to find something fun for any kid or any age.
Walking is also an option. The downtown section of Red Bank is perfect for walking.
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