Lodaer Img

Get Better. Embrace Wellness.

Start Your Journey to a Pain Free Life

Request Appointment phone-number732-526-2497
banner-btm-img-ser
Acupuncturists Asbury Park, NJ

If you're new to holistic healing, acupuncture may seem intimidating. You might be wondering how needles pressed into your skin could possibly make you feel better. Wouldn't someone pushing a needle into your back be painful? As it turns out, acupuncture is far from painful and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after treatments for chronic pain and for regulating issues relating to:

  • Digestion
  • Hormones
  • Breathing
  • Muscles
  • Nerves & Brain
  • Sex & Libido
  • Body Circulation
  • Organs & Heart

In fact, acupuncture has been studied and practiced for over 2,500 years and, more recently, has been researched and supported by many scientific studies. While acupuncture may not be a "miracle" treatment for every type of pain or condition, it has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of issues, from depression and allergies to morning sickness and cramps.

Covering the Basics of Acupuncture in Asbury Park, NJ

Acupuncture is a therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that aims to balance the body's energy, called qi, which flows through pathways called meridians. This balance is crucial for overall wellness, as disruptions to qi can lead to health concerns. According to TCM, inserting small stainless-steel needles into specific points called acupoints along the meridians can help rebalance the flow of qi and restore overall health.

These acupoints are believed to release certain chemicals when stimulated, which can trigger an immune response and promote physiological homeostasis. Recent research suggests that this therapy may help alleviate symptoms of various health ailments.

In fact, the National Institute of Health conducted a survey on complementary health approaches, revealing that acupuncture usage in the United States has increased by 50 percent between 2002 and 2012. As of 2012, 6.4 percent of American adults have reported using acupuncture as a form of treatment.

Acupuncture Near Me Asbury Park, NJ

Is Acupuncture in Asbury Park, NJ Actually Legit?

One of the most common questions from new patients interested in acupuncture typically revolves around whether it really works or whether it's all "new age" malarky. We get it - for most folks, the thought of inserting stainless-steel needles into one's back, arms, or neck sounds loony. However, with the ever-increasing popularity of acupuncture in New Jersey and other locations, numerous studies centering on acupuncture's effectiveness have taken place.

Extensive research has been conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture for various conditions. A February 2022 analysis published in the BMJ, which evaluated over 2,000 scientific reviews of acupuncture therapies, revealed that acupuncture's efficacy is strongest for:

  • Neck Pain
  • Back Pain
  • Post-Stroke Aphasia
  • Muscle Pain
  • Lactation Issues
  • Lower Back Pain
  • Asthma
  • Allergies
  • Vascular Dementia
  • More

Additionally, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acupuncture is most effective for pain relief in cases of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and tension headaches. Additionally, a review of 11 clinical trials found that acupuncture may also alleviate symptoms associated with cancer treatment, as noted by the NIH.

What Happens During an Acupuncture Session at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness?

When meeting with your acupuncturist for the first time, they will discuss your condition with you before conducting a physical examination to identify areas of your body that might respond to acupuncture. The needles used in acupuncture are incredibly thin, sterile, and disposable, with your acupuncturist inserting them at different depths ranging from a fraction of an inch to several inches.

Acupuncture needles are less painful than medical needles used for vaccines or blood draws. This is because acupuncture needles are thinner and solid, not hollow. During the treatment, you may experience some muscle sensations like dull aches or tingling.

Your practitioner will ask you to report any deep heaviness or numbness, which are positive signs that the treatment is working. Depending on the condition you're treating and the supplemental treatments you're undergoing, like physical therapy, acupuncture needles will remain in place for several minutes or up to 30 minutes.

Once your first acupuncture treatment is finished, it's normal to feel extra relaxed and calm. For that reason, some patients like to arrange for a ride home after their first or second session. With that said, you shouldn't experience much pain at all, and it's quite possible for you to return to work after acupuncture.

How Many Treatments Until Acupuncture Works?

This is another common question that we get at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness. The simple answer is, "It depends." While we understand that that's not a satisfying answer for some, it's important to understand that every patient is different. Everyone has different bodies and, by proxy, different bodily conditions and issues that need to be addressed.

During your initial consultation at our office, your licensed acupuncturist will go over your needs and goals as it relates to acupuncture therapy. Once your therapist has a good sense of the scope of your needs, they can give you a loose idea of how many sessions you'll need.

Generally speaking, most patients have appointments once a week. Others may require more or less frequent sessions. It's important to note that the full benefits of acupuncture may not be immediately evident after the first or even the second session. It's common for normal patients to undergo up to five treatments to realize the full benefits of acupuncture.

What Conditions Are Treated with Acupuncture in Asbury Park, NJ?

There's no question that acupuncture is more popular than ever as a non-invasive, non-addictive way to reclaim balance and well-being. But what types of conditions can this traditional therapy help alleviate in the modern world? Advances in acupuncture techniques and applications have resulted in some very promising benefits.

Request Appointment phone-number732-526-2497

Relief from Chronic Pain

Did you know that regular acupuncture treatments can help reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis? In May 2017, a meta-analysis was published, which studied approximately 18,000 patients with chronic pain, such as low back, neck, and shoulder pain, knee OA, and headache or migraine. The analysis found that the benefits of acupuncture therapy in reducing pain lasted for more than 12 months.

That's wonderful news for athletes and other people who push their bodies daily to accomplish goals or bring home money for rent and bills. In fact, many medical experts consider acupuncture as a viable option for managing chronic pain in conjunction with traditional methods like physical therapy and chiropractic care. The idea behind this approach is that acupuncture may trigger the body's natural healing response to alleviate pain.

When a licensed acupuncturist in New Jersey inserts an acupuncture needle, it penetrates your fascia, a connective tissue that wraps around your organs and muscles. Like a slight tickle on your arm, your body realizes that something is happening and responds by delivering lymph fluid, blood, and other important nutrients to speed up healing in affected areas like your knees, back, neck, joints, and more.

Fertility Acupuncture Asbury Park, NJ
Best Acupuncture Asbury Park, NJ

Migraine Headache Relief

If you're like other people who suffer from migraines, you know that once one of them hits, it can be next to impossible to function properly throughout the day. Fortunately, acupuncture in Asbury Park, NJ may be a viable solution if you have to endure migraines often.

A study conducted in 2009 by the Center for Complementary Medicine at the University of Munich analyzed 11 studies involving 2,137 patients who received acupuncture treatment for chronic tension-type headaches. The researchers concluded that acupuncture could be an effective non-pharmacological solution for frequent headaches.

The study compared the effects of acupuncture sessions with sham acupuncture and no treatment at all. Both groups that received acupuncture treatment, whether needles were placed randomly or strategically, reported a reduction in headache symptoms, while the control group reported no change. The group that received real acupuncture treatment also reported a decrease in the number of headache days and intensity of pain in a follow-up survey.

Improved Sleep

For individuals who struggle with insomnia and other sleep disturbances, acupuncture is a promising therapy. Although sedatives are commonly prescribed for insomnia, long-term use can lead to negative side effects such as dependence and excessive drowsiness.

A study conducted on 72 participants and published in Sleep Medicine in 2017 found that individuals who received acupuncture three times a week for four weeks experienced significant improvements in sleep quality and anxiety compared to those who received sham acupuncture.

Similarly, a review of 30 randomized, controlled trials found that acupuncture was more effective in improving sleep quality and daytime functioning than sham acupuncture.

Acupuncture Clinic Asbury Park, NJ
Facial Acupuncture Asbury Park, NJ

Better Recovery from Surgery

While many patients choose acupuncture as a way to avoid surgery altogether, those who need surgery also use it for improved recovery. Because, at the end of the day, recovering from surgery is no easy feat. Patients may experience various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain around the incision, restlessness, sleep troubles, constipation, and sore throat.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, healthcare providers may use acupuncture as a way to alleviate some of these symptoms and help with healing. A study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies in January 2017 involving 172 participants found that patients who received acupuncture after surgery reported significant improvements in sleep, anxiety, pain, fatigue, nausea, and drowsiness.

Acupuncture Treatment Asbury Park, NJ

The Surprising Benefits of Supplementing Physical Therapy with Acupuncture

Did you know that supplementing physical therapy with acupuncture and vice versa can have profoundly beneficial effects for patients in New Jersey and across the country? If you're like most, chances are you didn't.

The truth is that acupuncture and physical therapy have both been proven effective in reducing pain and inflammation. While many people view them as separate methods, combining the two modalities can produce a synergistic effect that enhances pain relief and delivers long-lasting benefits to patients.

Physical therapists work with patients of all ages and abilities, from children to elderly adults, to help them overcome physical limitations and improve their quality of life. At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, our physical therapists help treat a wide range of conditions, from neck pain and spinal cord injuries to back pain and arthritis.

To effectively reduce pain and treat tissue injury, a combination of acupuncture and physical therapy can be very helpful. Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation and release muscle tightness and trigger points, allowing the patient to better receive manual therapy or exercise-based physical therapy techniques. In doing so, acupuncture can actually create a window of time that allows your body to respond better to other treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care.

There are many benefits of combining physical therapy with acupuncture in Asbury Park, NJ, including the following:

  • Increased Range of Motion
  • More Effective Long-Term Pain Relief
  • Enhanced Tissue Repair & Healing
  • Better Response to Physical Therapy Due to Pain Reduction
  • Less of a Need for Pain Medications
  • Boosted Mood & Energy
  • Better Quality of Life Overall

You may be wondering, "Are there any studies showing these benefits?" As it turns out, there are many. One such study, published on the NIH's website, was conducted on patients suffering from frozen shoulder.

Acupuncture Therapy Asbury Park, NJ

Patients who received acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in pain, while those who underwent physical therapy saw an improvement in range of motion. However, the best outcome was observed in patients who received a combination of both treatments, with reduced pain, increased their range of motion, and improved quality of life. This study highlights the potential benefits of using acupuncture and physical therapy as complementary treatments for frozen shoulder.

It makes sense, then, that people from all walks of life are combining acupuncture with chiropractic treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, including:

  • Professional Athletes
  • Football Players
  • Soccer Players
  • Baseball Players
  • Construction Workers
  • Landscapers
  • Accountants and People Working Office Jobs
  • Public Officials
  • Police Officers
  • More
Request Appointment phone-number732-526-2497

Combining Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care for Pain Relief and Wellness

head-btm

At New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, our doctors, practitioners, occupational therapists, and physical therapist specialize in a range of therapies and treatments. Much like physical therapy and acupuncture, combining chiropractic care with acupuncture therapy gives patients a new way to reclaim their mobility, reduce chronic pain, and maintain a healthy quality of life.

Chiropractic care and acupuncture in Asbury Park, NJ are natural healing practices that don't rely on drugs to improve the body's health. They focus on correcting imbalances in the body's structural and supportive systems, promoting natural healing, and ultimately leading to better health. These practices have a proven track record of helping patients improve their quality of life and overcome physical difficulties.

Request Appointment
Medical Acupuncture Asbury Park, NJ

What are the Benefits of Using Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care?

Integrating chiropractic and acupuncture as a dual-modality treatment offers the most efficient solution for removing blockages from the body, promoting balance, and accelerating healing. Rather than using these treatments sequentially, a combined approach allows for maximum benefits at one time.

Chiropractic targets subluxations in the nervous system through manual adjustments, facilitating the central nervous system to promote healing, while acupuncture removes blockages that may hinder the body's internal balance. Together, these treatments work synergistically to optimize energy flow and restore harmony in the body.

Cosmetic Acupuncture Asbury Park, NJ
Cosmetic Acupuncture Asbury Park, NJ

What Conditions Can Be Treated with Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care?

When our physical well-being becomes imbalanced, and our innate healing mechanisms are compromised, illnesses can manifest. The integration of acupuncture and chiropractic practices can effectively address a wide range of health conditions that they individually target, such as:

  • Sports Injuries
  • Headaches
  • Sciatica
  • Lower Back Pain
  • Neck Pain
  • Insomnia
  • Chronic Conditions Like Diabetes
  • More

Curious if combining chiropractic care or physical therapy with acupuncture is right for your body? The best way to find out is to make an appointment at our sports rehab clinic in New Jersey. Once our team of medical professionals has a chance to evaluate your conditions, we can explore the best options to provide the most relief in the shortest amount of time possible.

The Premier Choice for Professional Acupuncture in Asbury Park, NJ

New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness consists of a team of athletic trainers, chiropractors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other professionals. We're very proud and passionate about caring for our patients, many of whom are suffering from debilitating conditions like back and neck pain, plantar fasciitis, sports-related injuries, and more. If you're trying to get on the road to pain relief and recovery, acupuncture may be the non-surgical solution you need to reclaim your life. Contact our office today to learn whether this exciting treatment is right for you.

phone-number732-526-2497

Latest News in Asbury Park, NJ

Popular N.J. Music Club Has Closed It's Doors For Good In Asbury Park

I remember going to the House of Independents to see Colin Hay (Men at Work) who was doing a Q&A and showing segments of an upcoming documentary that he had been working on. In addition, he did perform several songs and it was a very enjoyable program. That's what made this particular music club unique, they had the ability to host a sit-down program, concert, film, dance, etc.The House of Independents on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park was referred to as "one of the state’s premier clubs for punk and alternative musi...

I remember going to the House of Independents to see Colin Hay (Men at Work) who was doing a Q&A and showing segments of an upcoming documentary that he had been working on. In addition, he did perform several songs and it was a very enjoyable program. That's what made this particular music club unique, they had the ability to host a sit-down program, concert, film, dance, etc.

The House of Independents on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park was referred to as "one of the state’s premier clubs for punk and alternative music." Originally opening 8 years ago in 2015, announced it has hosted its last concert and has closed its doors for good in Monmouth County.

According to NJ.com, "House of Independents, the popular downtown club in Asbury Park, has been shuttered since Sept. 29, when drenching rains overflowed nearby Wesley Lake and flooded portions of the city, wreaking havoc on several businesses. The venue announced Thursday it will remain closed, citing the damage."

If you purchased tickets for an upcoming show at the House of Independents don't worry because according to NJ.com "Events left on the House of Independents calendar are actively being relocated to other venues, with purchased tickets being honored."

Sad to see this unique music venue close for good, but let's hope whoever buys this Asbury Park property will consider continuing it to be a concert venue. The owners of House of Independents thanked its supporters and fans for nearly a decade of fun and great music. They also highlighted the amazing staff they had working for them and thanked them as well.

LOOK: Controversial songs from the year you were born

Check Out the Best-Selling Album From the Year You Graduated High School

Do you remember the top album from the year you graduated high school? Stacker analyzed Billboard data to determine just that, looking at the best-selling album from every year going all the way back to 1956. Sales data is included only from 1992 onward when Nielsen's SoundScan began gathering computerized figures.

Going in chronological order from 1956 to 2020, we present the best-selling album from the year you graduated high school.

What's happening this week at Asbury Park Public Library

Photo Credit: Alissa Deleo By Alissa Deleo PublishedNovember 13, 2023 at 9:51 AMLast UpdatedNovember 13, 2023 at 9:51 AMASBURY PARK, NJ — The Asbury Park Public Library, located at 500 First Ave., has several events planned this week for children, teens and adults to participate in.Select events require registration by calling the library at 732 774 4221.Monday, November 13Sign Up for FREE Asbury...

Photo Credit: Alissa Deleo

By Alissa Deleo

PublishedNovember 13, 2023 at 9:51 AM

Last UpdatedNovember 13, 2023 at 9:51 AM

ASBURY PARK, NJ — The Asbury Park Public Library, located at 500 First Ave., has several events planned this week for children, teens and adults to participate in.

Select events require registration by calling the library at 732 774 4221.

Monday, November 13

Sign Up for FREE Asbury Park Newsletter

Get local news you can trust in your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The Mahjong Club continues to meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Bradley Room.

The library will host ASD Sensory Storytime from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. in the Bradley Room. Join Ms. Nina each Monday at 1:30 p.m. for a sensory storytime tailored to children on the ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) spectrum. This program is best for ages five and up. Please call the library with any questions.

Toddler Story Time will take place from 2:30 to 3 p.m. in the Jr. Room. Join the little ones in your life for stories and songs each Monday. This free event is geared toward children ages two to four, although all ages are welcome. Adult supervision is required. No registration is necessary.

The library continues to host a board game night each Monday from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. in the Jr. Room. Ages 10+ are welcome, and no registration is required.

Tuesday, November 14

Circling Eagle, a program for children ages five and up will take place in the Jr. Room from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The Youth Writing Club will hold its weekly meet-up at 5:30 p.m. in the Jr. Room. Those ages nine and up are welcome to join Ms. Nina in the Jr. Room for a creative writing session. This class is for writers of all levels. Come work on your favorite story or poem! Registration is required.

Tween Tuesdays will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Jr. Room. Join Ms. Nina in the Junior Library every Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for a fun activity ranging from pizza parties, movie night, author readings and crafts. Those ages 11 and up are welcome. Registration is required.

The No Pressure Book Club will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Bradley Room. Come enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and talk about what you’re currently reading. Adults and 18+ are welcome, and no registration is required.

A weekly Video Game night is planned from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Jr. Room. Those ages 11 and up are welcome to attend. Join Mr. Matt on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Jr. Room for Nintendo Switch Mario Kart, Mario Party and Mario Golf. This activity is free to cardholders. Those ages nine and up are welcome.

Thursday, November 15

The Warm Hugs Crochet Club will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Bradley Room. Attendees may bring their own projects and supplies or select from one of the library’s easy patterns. Basic patterns and supplies will be provided.

A Thanksgiving read-aloud and craft will take place in the Jr. Room from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Children ages five and up are welcome to attend.

Throughout November, the library will host a Gambia Scavenger Hunt.

Participants are welcome to learn about the current Gambia exhibit throughout the library by participating in a scavenger hunt to win prizes.

Friday, November 17

The library will host an afternoon movie in the Bradley Room. “Dog” (PG-13) will be shown from 2 to 4 p.m.

Beach path may let pedestrians bypass Asbury’s shuttered Casino breezeway

Bulldozers arrived on the beach in Asbury Park on Thursday, apparently to begin clearing a path around the Casino breezeway, which was shut down last week following an inspection that revealed structural deficiencies in the rickety old boardwalk icon.A crew began pushing sand on Thursday morning to flatten out a path that may allow boardwalk strollers to bypass the fenced-off Casino bre...

Bulldozers arrived on the beach in Asbury Park on Thursday, apparently to begin clearing a path around the Casino breezeway, which was shut down last week following an inspection that revealed structural deficiencies in the rickety old boardwalk icon.

A crew began pushing sand on Thursday morning to flatten out a path that may allow boardwalk strollers to bypass the fenced-off Casino breezeway. The shutdown effectively sealed off the southern end of the boardwalk, blocking the passthrough to Ocean Grove.

Tom De Seno, a local lawyer from Asbury Park, took pictures as the bulldozers and backhoes went to work just past the footprint of where the building that housed the Casino ice rink used to be. That building was demolished in 2006.

Madison Marquette, which owns all the buildings on the boardwalk, did not respond to repeated requests for comment on Thursday. But the Asbury Park City Manager Donna Viero said the city wants Madison Marquette to use the beach as a walk-around to keep the foot traffic moving.

“We have been talking to them about using the beach,” Viero said.

The company did not say what the structural deficiencies were, but did say the closure was “temporary” when it shut the building on May 8.

Right now, the nearest detour for people on the boardwalk are the the two footbridges over Wesley Lake. But Ocean Grove locks those footbridges between midnight and 5 a.m., and despite a recent letter from Asbury Park mayor John Moor to open them, the Neptune Township Commission, which oversees Ocean Grove, decided to keep them shut.

“Asbury Park did reach out to us by way of a letter from the mayor, which I gave to the township committee,” said Gina LaPlaca, the Neptune Township business administrator. “But at the moment there is no interest in changing the policy.”

With the Memorial Day weekend fast approaching, Asbury Park has been asking Madison Marquette to build a new boardwalk connection. Earlier this week, rumors began flying around online that Madison Marquette planned to knock down the decrepit Casino within a matter of days, but those rumors proved to be unfounded.

In order to knock down the Casino, Madison Marquette would need permission from the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection and the City of Asbury Park.

“No application for demolition has been filed,” Viero said. “The only thing we are talking about with Madison Marquette is how to get around the Casino breezeway.”

Built in 1929, what’s left of the Casino forms the southern bookend of the Asbury Park boardwalk, with Convention Hall at the other end. Earlier this year, the City of Asbury Park filed a notice of default against Madison Marquette for failing to maintain the Casino and Convention Hall.

According to a published report, the company has put together a $130 million boardwalk restoration plan that includes a 3,500-seat amphitheater on the beach at the Casino. But the company has yet to make a formal announcement of the plan.

NJ PBS Specials | Episode | Look Up with Darley: Asbury Park

Before you watch videos on this webpage, please take a moment to review and respond below:By clicking “Accept,” you agree that WNET and its affiliates (“The WNET Group”) can share your video viewing activity with third parties as set out in our Privacy Policy in order to facilitate use of our sites and enrich your online experience. Your consent to such sharing is valid for two years or until you withdraw your consent by...

Before you watch videos on this webpage, please take a moment to review and respond below:

By clicking “Accept,” you agree that WNET and its affiliates (“The WNET Group”) can share your video viewing activity with third parties as set out in our Privacy Policy in order to facilitate use of our sites and enrich your online experience. Your consent to such sharing is valid for two years or until you withdraw your consent by removing the associated browser cookie. To learn more about how we use cookies on our sites and how to revise your cookie settings, please visit the “Cookies” section of our Privacy Policy. If you click “Decline,” we will not share your individual viewing activity, but may still share aggregated and/or anonymized viewing activity in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

We're sorry, but there was an error playing this video. Please try again later.

Trace the ups and downs of the diverse beach community of Asbury Park through its musical history, architecture, restaurants, events and entrepreneurs. TV host Darley Newman meets locals at The Stone Pony, The Wooden Walls Project, The Turf Club, Frank’s Deli and along the boardwalk to share the intersection of our built environment with community and culture along the Jersey Shore.

Chef James Avery opens The Mainstay bar, lounge at the former Bonney Read in Asbury Park

3 minute read0:001:22ADThe Bonney Read may have set sail, but The Mainstay bar and lounge just docked in its place, holding its grand opening on Wednesday.Owner and chef James Avery made the space more casual, for an evolving dining scene. He removed Bonney Read's raw bar to create an open air, U-shaped bar, lightening up the color palette with tans and natural hues.He also added live plants like elephant palms, and cleared out the dining area to make way for cushiony conversational seating and coffee ta...

3 minute read

The Bonney Read may have set sail, but The Mainstay bar and lounge just docked in its place, holding its grand opening on Wednesday.

Owner and chef James Avery made the space more casual, for an evolving dining scene. He removed Bonney Read's raw bar to create an open air, U-shaped bar, lightening up the color palette with tans and natural hues.

He also added live plants like elephant palms, and cleared out the dining area to make way for cushiony conversational seating and coffee tables.

In the spring and summer, Avery will also be adding a "chill" hang out spot outside with patio furniture. "It's a place you can go cocktailing, and hang out in a bar scene," but with chef-inspired bites, he said.

"I don't want it to be this super stuffy mixology bar," he added. "I want it to be fun and youthful, but not a crazy nightclub. Just somewhere you can go to chill ... that's why I kept it very beachy."

The iconic Bonney Read, a seafood restaurant that dominated Cookman Avenue for nearly a decade, closed on Sept. 30. At the time, Avery ensured it wasn't goodbye, just a rebirth to something new — citing a need for less seasonality and more stable hours for his employees.

The Mainstay, by definition, is "the most important part of something, or providing support for everything else." It's also an important rope on a sailboat, paying nautical homage to the Bonney Read.

While the spirit of the former restaurant lives on, with slight nods to the nautical ambiance, there are new bites to try.

Thanksgiving pies:Jersey Shore bakeries give you lots of options

Best Thing We Ate:Mexican food at La Cabañita in Manahawkin

Offerings like edamame dumplings; Korean-style boa buns with bulgogi beef, kimchi and scallions; and jerked chicken quesadillas were top sellers on opening night.

Instagram influencer and mixologist Rachael Robbins (aka Chickologist on Instagram) consulted on the "fun and playful" cocktail menu, according to Avery.

There are returning favorites, like Bonney Read's famous frose (frozen rose), but also some new heavy-hitters like the Ye Olde Salty Dog (a play on a Salty Dog), with tequila, guava juice, pineapple and black lava salt.

Elevated cocktails:Led by globe-trotting bartender, La Otra cocktail lounge opens next to Lita in Aberdeen

The bar also serves up Root Beer Float Old Fashioned, which Avery said is "a boozy Manhattan or whiskey drink with flavors of vanilla and sarsaparilla."

"We're taking very pedestrian things and giving them a little inspiration from my travels to different coastal areas," Avery said. "I want people to feel like they're on vacation eating this food."

He plans to tweak the menu, as well as certain aspects of the lounge, in weeks to come, he said.

Celebration:Jersey Shore Indian restaurants to try for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights

While Avery has received "tons of positive feedback," the transition was intimidating.

"You take a risk, and step out of your comfort zone when [transforming] a restaurant like the Bonney, that was working for a decade," he said. "It was nerve-wracking, so it was very satisfying to see people utilize the space, and see it in a different light than people just sitting down to eat linguini and clams or lobster.

"Seeing people dance, seeing people laugh, seeing people wave to their friends across the bar ...," that's what the whole transition was for, he added.

Go: 525 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park; 732-455-3352, itsthemainstay.com.

Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to glaracca@gannett.com.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.
Contact Us