Went because a favorite band was playing there. Â Huge mistake. Â Got a patdown from the door staff worthy of a DUI stop. Â Decided they wanted me to dump out my pockets. Â They confiscated several items, and refused to call the manager when I asked why, instead threatening to call the local cops. (guess who they would have sided with?) To add insult to injury, bouncers did the staredown the whole night. Â Wrote to the managers and Live Nation to complain. silence. Can't believe I spent over $100 to take crap from some gorillas on 'roids half my age. Â Save yourself some headaches and go someplace else to see some live music.
Review Source:If it's the only place to see a band come through I will. I'm not gona lie ....it's a $h!thole. They used to have metal festivals between here and the bar across the street but alot of the metal shows calmed down after a bunch of tough guy D-bag scenesters killed some dude jumping him. I think that was the night after I saw A Life Once Lost (ironic) and Napalm Death with Dead to Fall....yeah that was a long time ago. This is another venue that has basement type poles that hold up the place in the middle of where the pit usually is. The place is small so it can get loud. No matter where you are in the venue you should be able to see whatever act is on stage. Â
After reading some of the other reviews I can honestly say I had no clue they serve food. I would never think of putting anything that come from the Pony in my mouth.
My first time at this famous venue at Asbury Park.
Saw Jason Newsted's return with his own band "Newsted". Sound quality was like a 3.5/5.
It is a pretty small venue, smaller than Nokia Theater in the city for sure. Really just kind of a really large bar. But it made for the ability to get up close and personal with the band.
I'd definitely return as there seems to be a good amount of pretty famous acts playing.
*Also -- beers are pretty cheap - $6 for a Sam Adam's seasonal definitely not bad.
Growing up about 4 miles away, you would always hear about the "Pony." How Bruce got his first gigs there, playing with little Steven and Southside. How its an awesome place to see a show.
It is. When you walk in it smells like sweat, puke, and rock and roll.
Go early on a Saturday, hear an amateur band play, sit at the bar and just admire the history.
THIS is thy CBGB's should still be open.
It's been several years since I was last here but this is a great venue. Right on the beach for one, which will always earn points in my book.
Some of musics legends have either played or started here. I was at the beach the weekend after Clarence Clemmons died and it was amazing to see all the mementos and tributes that people were leaving.
It's a little difficult rating The Stone Pony, mostly because the only thing I experienced was the outside summer stage for "The Outlaw Roadshow." But, that was plenty good enough for me. The concert, featuring The Counting Crows with Filligar, Foreign Fields and Good Old War, was exceptional (5 Stars for it, exclusively). Â We showed up shortly after the gates opened at 5:00 and reserved our "standing room only" spot a few rows back from the stage, dead center. From beginning to end we stood for 5.5 hours, but the eventual leg cramps were definitely worth it.
Great sound, beautiful evening, large audience space, plenty of porta pots and various food/merchandise vendors all made this a very enjoyable concert experience.
Came out here to see my favorite local Brooklyn band: Sons of Jove
Venue was large, had a great sound system and had cheap drinks, and nice staff
I am the biggest hater on New Jersey, but there was something nice about being on a clean Jersey shore
after watching the show, you can go stroll on the boardwalk and have a bite to eat
I would gladly come back here again
I've been going to the Pony for close to 23 years now. Â I never liked it, and I still don't. Â It's a petri dish, the stage is in a terrible location, the drinks are small and weak, and if it's at all busy, you have to be formally trained in hand-to-hand combat to get from the bar to the rest rooms. Â Now, not only does it still suck in those same ways it always has, but it doesn't seem to be drawing the same caliber of acts it once did, and I invariably feel like the oldest guy in the room, which I probably am sometimes. Â They're also off their rocker when it comes to what they charge for admission to some of their shows.
I give them one star for history, and another for managing to stay in business through all of the turmoil in Asbury Park over the years.
Showed up here late in the day , only the ticket booth was open, and we couldn't  stay for a show. The girl behind the ticket counter was very friendly, came out from behind the ticket booth, so we could get t-shirts.,  We walked around the inside for awhile, looked around at all the cool memorabilia.. this bar has an amazing history...sorry I couldn't of seen a show there .
Review Source:Super psyched I finally made it here! Â You have to go just for the history of the place. Â It felt so cool to be standing in the place where Springsteen and others have entertained crowds.
The cover charges can get pretty steep at $23.00, but it is fun and the Springsteen cover bands always do a great job. Â The front bar does not accept credit cards- cash only. Â So if you want to use your card, go to the back bar which is usually crowded due to the myriad of TV's. Â Still can't understand why you come here to watch sports, but to each his own. Â Might I suggest you stick to beer since the mixed drinks are weak to say the least. Â I'm also surprised they sell bottles instead of plastic or cans as I did see several people drop their bottled on the concrete floor. Â
I recommend this place for a fun night out.
The Stone Pony, one of my favorite spots in my universe!
I love this place, its atmosphere is laid back, good crowd, and I love asbury.
I've been a few times, plan on many more trips to this historic gem! Â I saw The Stone Temple Pilots this summer, that was sick! Most recently, I went to the Last Waltz 35th anniversary tribute... done by Outside the Box. Â That was an amazing show, the horn section made it even more spectacular. Â
I highly recommend the pony!
there is little to say that hasn't already been said. This place is legemdary, not just to NJ but to any music fan. I was really excited to finally get down to AP so see a show there. Now that I have I will be back, all the places like this is MA are gone.
The one thing I DID want to add that I didn't notice in other reviews was about how great the staff is here. From the door guy who actually takes the time to thank you by name after checking your ID to the bouncer who makes and effort not to stand in your way. The staff here is A+
It's hard for me to give the Pony a less than glowing review because I love Asbury Park and I realize that this place is very important to the town's history and its continued relevance. However, whenever I go there I can't help but feel like its "glory days" are behind it, and the Stone Pony that I know is little more than a nostalgia-infused tribute to what it used to be. There's a definite feeling that it's resting on its laurels. If not for the constant reminders from people of my parents' generation, I don't know that I'd recognize whats so great about it.
I've seen some great shows there as well as plenty of mediocre ones. While I'll admit there's nothing quite like seeing a great band at such an intimate, historical venue, there are a few negative points that detract from the Pony experience as a whole. First and foremost is the tendency to over sell tickets to popular shows. A few times now I've gone to the Pony on big nights, and the place fills up so completely beyond capacity that you literally can't move. It's impossible to enjoy any performance when you're being squished on all sides by complete strangers. The kicker is that they *keep selling tickets* even when it's already this full.
A minor complaint by comparison is the no re-entry policy. I never want to show up early because I know stepping inside means I can't go anywhere else unless I'm absolutely sure there's nothing else I want to see that night.
From what I hear, the Pony used to be a much better place to hang out back before Live Nation took over. Apparently it was Live Nation that enacted a lot of the dumber, newer policies, but they also fixed the dilapidated roof so I guess its a give and take.
Honestly what's there not to love about the Pony. A true Jersey musical landmark, it has served it's purpose since it's early days when it housed The Boss and Atlantic City Expressway (yep Bon Jovi was in a Springsteen cover band) and continues on as a great venue for shows. It's not fancy. It's crowded. It's old. However, all of these things add to the nostalgia of the SP. I hope the Pony will continue to live on and maybe one day just maybe I will be lucky enough to have a Bruce sighting.
Review Source:It's a musical shrine to NJ. The "Asbury Park Sound" was played regularily in the 70's and last nite was no exception with sseing Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. An E Streeter showed up last nite as well, Miami Steve Van Zandt. A beautiful evening outside with some of the finest musicians Jersey has ever produced. Oh, and the Windmill was making their classic Jersey burgers and dogs. And yes, Yeungling...It does not get any better than that. And what a great way to celebrate the 4th of July weekend but at the Stone Pony.
Review Source:This place is more well known than a lot of the bands that play here. Â It's always great to see a show here and the place has a lot of dive bar character/history.
The only thing I would say to knock the place is that great acts don't come here like they used to. Â Occasionally you will get someone to go see but I feel like it is slowly becoming more and more less relevant. Â Yea I said it more and more less relevant.
Before you bash me I gave this place 4 stars, that means Yay! I'm a fan.
I have seen As Tall As Lions, Mike Doughty, Josh Ritter and Pete Yorn play here. Â I also saw Bruce Springsteen here as well. Â
Jealous, well you shouldn't be he wasn't playing he was in the back watching Pete Yorn just like me. Â
This is a place that you have to go at least once. Â The shows are equally as good outside as inside with the inside being more intimate.
Lots of parking.
If you are unfamiliar with the Stone Pony, here's the basic rundown, as other reviewers have mentioned -- the place is a legendary music venue that gets packed, rowdy, grimy, but it's insanely fun. Â Mind you, my friends & I have frequented this joint for many years. Â Even though it's gotten a bit of a face-lift, the vibe is exactly the same.
Some of the best memories I've had in recent years have been tied to the Stone Pony. Â The outdoor stage is killer, literally....they pack you in like sardines when big acts come through (snoop dogg and slightly stooped come to mind). Â So try to get there a little early. Â You'll dance, you'll get pushed, your sense of sight and hearing will suffer afterward. Â The Pony definitely embraces its punk-roots... at a recent semi-electronic/trance show, the band's style was just enhanced by the venue's acoustics.
Oh, and the FOOD! It's actually pretty good! Â The cheese steak is cheesy, meaty, and the size of your head. Â The mozzarella sticks are surprisingly not the standard sticks you can get at any dive...these are actually unique and tasty. Â We also got cheesy fries with bacon, yum, I mean seriously...it's a stoner's wet dream. Â Deliciously heart-attack inducing.
Tail gating is a BIG no-no. Â Asbury isn't one of the swankiest shore spots, and the fuzz is pretty hard on the pony crowd. Â Get your pre-game on at a bar...the wonder bar comes to mind...or inside the venue. Â Drinks are totally inexpensive and the bartenders are chill, though mixed drinks seem a bit watered down and/or weak, so stick to beer and shots. Â And if you're planning on driving home? Either watch the sauce or do NOT drive. Unless if you have a place close by, I would opt for a hotel if you plan on getting shitty in Asbury.. The Berkelee and The Empress, semi-sleezy but no one will bother you.
I grew up in the Stone Pony. Our crew always made it one of our weekly summer spots back in the day where we'd meet at an inland, local bar and then form a caravan to Seaside, Manasquan, or Asbury. I've had countless good times here and the place never changes. Well that's not entirely true as they added the outdoor "summer stage" several years ago now and that's a great place to see a show as well.
Last night I went with mi compadres Toot and Chap to see Dashboard Confessional. I'm heavily into music and am familiar with the band's tunes, while Toot and Chap are not. I did burn a CD for Toot to act as sort of a "primer" a few weeks ago when we were talking about going. I had seen them once before at Madison Square Garden in NYC and they surprised me with how rocking the show was because their CDs can be pretty mellow.
But the Pony is a great, intimate venue to see any band so it seemed cool that Dashboard was performing there. Much to our surprise though it turned out to be a solo acoustic show with just Dashboard's leader, Chris Carabba.
The crowd at The Pony ranges from old veteran Asbury rockers to young teenyboppers. You get a bracelet at the door to drink on nights like last night where it's an "all ages" show. We got extremely lucky as three spots opened up at the bar just as we arrived. This was key as the place was packed and movement from here to there was difficult.
The place's decor is basically "paint it black". The walls and ceiling are flat black. But the walls are lined with guitars autographed by many a rock legend, or at least Jersey Shore rock legends.
The crowds are usually fine and last night was no exception. Once Carabba took the stage it became one long singalong. This was a crowd well versed in every song Carabba played and I mean they sang with EVERY one. At times he just strolled the stage bashing out chords while the crowd did the singing. But Chris has one of the better voices out there today and is an exceptional lyricist as well. His lyrics are quite poetic actually.
The barkeeps were busy but stayed friendly and attentive despite the SRO crowd.
The Pony is right across the street, ("the circuit" that Springsteen sings about) from the Boardwalk in an area of Asbury (Springsteen wrote a song about Asbury on the Rising CD called "My City Of Ruins) that is trying real hard to "come back". The surrounding area is not that bad, but stray a block or two inland and you are not in a good place.
Still, if you love rock n' roll, you almost HAVE to visit The Stone Pony, an American musical shrine in my opinion. I wonder if a maybe a YELP event there would be possible?
To any NJ native, The Stone Pony is only the most legendary rock venue in existence. The countless acts that have come through this stage and made it big (or not!) are a testament to it's longevity and it's ability to help launch a band onto bigger things.
Over the years, I've seen a few shows here and have come to appreciate the slightly skeevy digs, the fairly available parking, the cheap cheap drinks and the blaringly bright stage lights they keep the entire venue aglow in pinks, reds, blues and stark whites.
The sound system is killer, the tickets are well within reason and, with a standing-room only, general admission policy, there's always the option of getting there super early to snag the supreme spots.
So I saw The Gaslight Anthem, outside on the "Summerstage". Â Not sure of the capacity, but I'd have to guess 2,000? Â Maybe? Â The setup is great, no complaints. Â Plenty of bars, plenty of bathrooms. Â What else do you need? Â The sound was great. Â We were pretty close to the stage, at the right corner (looking at stage). Â
Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR) @ $4 isn't bad considering the venue. Â It's not GOOD to pay $4 for a single beer that a six-pack would cost just a buck.50 more. Â But it beats the heck outta spending $11 at the PNC Arts Center. Â So thumbs up on that!
Didn't have any food.. I was at a concert...who gives a crap about food?
Security/staff was very friendly. Â I guess that could change depending on the crowd.
There's a bunch of metered parking around. And a lot that costs $10 for the night. Â Didn't look like it was a problem to park as long as you're early enough.
The band was awesome, the weather was perfect, the beers were ice cold, the experience was awesome.
I've only been here 1x but it was fun. I saw Black Train Jack and the Bouncing Souls and it was crowded but not overcrowded. The sound was great, the bathrooms were clean and everyone was happy and nice to everyone. The bartenders didn't complain about me ordering waters. Also it's cool that it's a famous place A++
Review Source:You want  a great show?
Go see Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes at this place and you have seen the best it ever gets!
Being inside the Pony you can just feel the greatness and they have done a fantastic remodeling the last few years but it has kept its class and history intact.
The summer stage show is so much fun and its great to see Asbury as alive as it is when the Jukes are playing.
A great place and everyone there is glad to see you and leave your attitudes and insecurities at the door- just party and enjoy.
Ceasers makes the best cheese fries.. OMG I love them!!
The place is great for local/medium acts but when larger acts play it gets crowded.. like fire hazard crowded.
For a small place it has 3 inside bars and one big outside bar.. a little excessive i think.
The bartenders are friendly and the bouncers are creepy.
This would be a great place to go see a great band. The band playing when we went wasn't the greatest, but they made a solid effort. Part of me wished they would lower the volume. The speakers were ginormous. I liked the guitars all over the walls, and would love to see a big act perform here. preferaby, Bruce Springsteen.
Review Source:The staff are either cool or creepy. I always spot a familiar face whenever heading here. And I also got kicked out plenty of times for not having the 21&over wristband during festivals. Amazing memories and met some awesome people here.
I didn't even know they SERVED food, but they do serve yuengling. Happy.
This place is awesome. I was there a couple of weeks ago for the first time. The walls are decked out with guitars from people that have played there, mostly very well known musicians. Autographed photos also decorate the place.
If you go to the back, you can get food next to the bar. Try a burger. It was good. lol
It's definitely one of the most famous places in rock history. It's a small place, but very nostalgic. It's right across the street from the boardwalk, so check it out if you get the chance.
Tiny venue, big acts, what else do you need? 'big acts' meaning a ton of people will pay and travel to see them. Cheap beers too. Went here to see James and got to meet the band because the 'backstage' was pretty much non-existant. It was one of the greatest shows I've ever seen. Probably because of the band, but the size of the venue and the people there helped along too. Would return any time a band I like is playing there.
Review Source:Went here because the girls i were with wanted to go... we were saying it was amazing how it was renovated without changing one bit lol. It was awkward..... to say the least. It had a crowd ranging from young teens to older people (like "veterans"). I understand it's one of the most important places for rock, butttt.... if i had no clue about the place i would never go again. Nice for the nostalgia... ridiculous they charge a cover on a crappy night. Someone mentioned they don't have food... they still do hot dogs and stuff like that. Staff was VERY FRIENDLY! The one security guard escorted us to paradise.... very caring place, and take pride in what they do.... but that can't change the suckiness of the SATURDAY NIGHT there. They should have renovated a little more, changed some stuff, change is sometimes good.
Review Source:Often it's difficult for me to discern the line between the bands that I see in a venue and venue itself. That may be the case with the Stone Pony, but I don't think so.
I saw the band James here in late September, and remembered how fun it is to see music in a small, intimate venue. The place reeks of rock credibility--from the dimly lit vibe to the posters all over the walls. You can get VERY close to the stage, and you have the added bonus of a location right near the beach. (although it was too damn cold for that to matter the day I was there). I live in upstate NY, so I had a choice between driving 3 hours (probably 4 with traffic) to see James at Radio City Music Hall, or 3 1/2 hours to go see them at the Stone Pony. What an absolute no-brainer--I made the right choice!
I've seen a lot of great shows here and my band used to play here so I get nostalgic about the stone pony. People who work there are awesome and friendly. It's a great place to listen to some good music and hang out. There are 3 bars open in the summer, 2 in the winter. The venue expands outside for larger concerts.
Review Source:This is a great music venue. Â I've only been here to see They Might Be Giants, but its always a good show...course that could be the band, but no complaints here. Â Lots of fun! Â Come see a band you love and enjoy yourself!
Edited: Â OK, I'm knocking the rating down a little. Â I just went again on Friday night for an all ages They Might Be Giants show. Â I felt like I was being punished for being of age at a bar. Â My friend was holding her husband's beer while he went to the bathroom and a security guard came up and looked at her cross-eyed and looked for her bracelet. Â We said that she was holding her husband's beer while he was in the bathroom and she said, "This is an all ages show you know." Â Sorry, but I really don't want to go to a bar to hang out with a bunch of 14 year olds, I'm old enough to be their mother. Â I'd go back again, but not for an all ages show. Â This bar is not set up to be all ages friendly.
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