Definitely the best bar in the shore area. It's unpretentious, but has two key things I love in a bar: craft brews and IPA on tap, and affordable food worth paying for!
Can't tell you how many bars I've found in NJ that have crap overpriced beer (Red Bank) on tap, or have drinks, but an ultra-expensive menu and no in-between. Here you can get Dogfish Head on tap and a $10 burger (well for me, a portobello mushroom sandwich - your choice of bread. And they have avocado as a topping, yesyes). Good fries. Good service. Good everything.
They have nicer entrees for a dine-out night. But it works as both, a restaurant and a great bar to hang out at with your friends. The actual bar is long and seats quite a number of people  - the dining area  has about 10 tables that sit between 2 to 4, and there's upstairs dining, as well. Noise level is surprisingly low-key which was pleasant. I saw they also make good looking cocktails, too. But the beer seems to be the emphasis, and star, here. I'd love to stop by for brunch one morning and probably will. I think I'll probably end here a lot more often for now on.
I've been here a couple of times as friends of mine live near by and the Taphouse doesn't not disappoint. From the friendly attentive staff, to the excellent beer selection and the really awesome food, you will not be disappointed.
Occasionally, there is some live music, but watching, baseball, football or hockey, you have four TVs tuned in so you never miss a moment.
I will never be able to say enough great things about the Tap House. From the owner, Mark, to the amazing waitstaff (looking at you Kate & Kevin!) to the most talented chef owning that kitchen- it's all top notch to me.
Sure it gets a hoppin' on Fridays and Saturdays but shouldn't every bar?
If you are a lover of burgers, GET ONE, don't question it, get your burger smothered in your favorite toppings, it will blow your mind- always side it off with tots ;)
Their Cobb Salad with grilled chicken is the BOMB. Fresh bacon, fresh off the grill sliced chicken, and all fresh spring mix in that puppy.
They have a "taco of the day" every day, I never ask what it is (though its always clearly written on the specials board) I just order and love it every time.
Also- GO TO SUNDAY BRUNCH. You will not be disappointed. His version of eggs benedict is outstanding and way outside the box. My fiancé gets the mocoloco which he is convinced is the cure all for a hangover. ;)
Not only does Mark do beer well, he makes the best damned bloody mary out there. Do it. Brunch and bloodies. Best Sunday morning ever.
I could go item by item on the menu and describe how delicious it is, but you just now need to try for yourself. (great now I'm starving)
To the girl not happy about the lack of beer menu- they don't have the same beers on tap regularly so this would be a waste of time and valuable money. If you can crane your neck over to the bar or up at the end over the door you'll see them written all out perfectly in nice handwriting.
Even his bottles change up from time to time, but that menu is up on a board at the bar. Mark will keep you on your beer loving toes with the rotation of great micro brews.
Need to have an event?? Baby shower, bridal shower, birthday party- call them up, upstairs is a gorgeous function style room with a fireplace to top off the ambiance. You will not be disappointed.
I will always have a special place in my heart for the Twin Lights Tap House, I even ended up getting engaged there. :)
Disclaimer:
No I don't work for the Tap House, I just practically live there. These guys make you feel like family right off the bat.
Great little place. They have a fantastic craft beer selection that rotates regularly. I went there with friend's a little while ago and was fairly impressed.
It was a little crowded and the fact that they didn't really have a host made standing in the doorway with a number of other people mildly annoying but once we got to our table things got better. The server knew his stuff and offered good suggestions for beers. Almost as a testament to their extensive selection and they're popularity, while we were there, they ran out of at least 2 beers but with the wide selection it wasn't a problem and the server suggested another beer similar to what I had been drinking that I actually liked better.
4 of us split a pair of macaroni and cheese as appetizers, one original one chili mac and cheese. Both were absolutely amazing. Then we each got a burger and their options were very good as were the burgers themselves.
For 4 people- 4 burgers, 2 appetizers and a number of high quality beers, I believe the bill was about $120, which considering that the bulk of the price was probably the beer isn't bad. I'll definitely be going back there.
Finding a place open on a Saturday afternoon on a Jersey beach town? Not easy. But once we walked into Twin Light Taphouse, we knew we were in for something good. From the laid back vibe, complete with excellent 70's tunes and a huge beer selection to the reasonably priced menu-good stuff!
The bf had Cobb salad which he said was excellent, esp w the Asian dressing. My "tuna tare tar" app was fresh and a nice sized portion w interesting addition of soy sauce jello cubes. Also had the sides of onion rings, bf said they were best he'd ever had. Tater tots are always Yum.
Great little bar that's easy to overlook as you drive through the Highlands. Thanks to Yelp, I knew I had to give it a try.
You'll find a great selection of good beer (what's on draft is rotated regularly), knowledgeable bartenders, and consistently tasty food. Their ribeye special is delicious, Sunday brunch was a hit, and even their taco of the day will surprise you with flavor combinations.
The guys running this place are obviously passionate about beer and food, and it really does show. I'd been tiring of Jamian's in Red Bank as I think their quality has gone downhill since their talented chef left, making Twin Light Taphouse my new favorite place in the area.
4.5 stars. I've been here a few times and it's always good. And it has great yelp reviews. So I wonder why it's never busy. Well I've never been there on a Friday or Saturday night, so maybe it does and I just don't know it. The beer selection is good, but I'm not a beer drinker. The food is always good and fresh tasting. And it's reasonably priced. I'm a fan.
Review Source:We've had dinner here twice and both times left feeling like we'd had the best night in a long time. Â The food is way better than you'd expect to get in a taphouse. Â They have a great specials board (last night we tried the jalepeno squash soup, and a sausage plate, both excellent). Â They have fresh tacos and amazing salads, and of course a stunning array of beers, some of them local and really good! Â The best part, though, without a doubt, is the wait staff. Â They are friendly, relaxed and helpful. Â Really fun to be around. Â The owner is friendly and behind the bar. Â For a real treat, plan your visit when the Barnacle Brothers are playing.
Review Source:Incredible beer selection - you'd think you'd walked into a Brooklyn bar save for the hospitality. I came in here last Tuesday & again tonight (Friday) & am thanking my lucky stars my mom lives down here so I have an excuse to be here all the time.
The food is amazing (try the spinach salad, but skip the onion rings, unless you like them beer battered and very crispy). Also, as stated in a previous review, be prepared to chat with townies - in my book, a definite plus! This place has all the benefits of an NYC bar without the headache.
Edit: I've already been back twice more and am heading back again. Perhaps I should also check into an AA meeting while I'm at it ;)
The best place to drink beer in Monmouth County. There are always new micro brews to try. The food is outstanding. Best burger in Highlands. The Mac & Cheese is amazing, and the tater tots are a must. The Sunday Brunch menu is fantastic, especially if you have a hangover.
Stop in for a beer and tell Mark I sent you.
Went Tues nite for Burger Nite special - Drunken Clams & Jalapeño Popper appys were great, Cheddar Burger thick, juicy with wonderful Sweet Potatoe Fries - a do not miss item. Accompanied by Flying Fish Hopfish, an Ommegang Witte, Victory Golden Monkey and for dessert an Ommegang Adoration.  They have a great tap list which keeps changing to bring in one great beer after another. Extensive Bottle List as well. A great addition to the local beer scene. Website lists current offerings. Recommended!
Review Source:GREAT GREAT GREAT bar - this review is solely on their drinks and hospitality and not on their food, as I haven't dined their yet. Mark the GM is a great guy and is so knowledgable about everything you're drinking, whether it's the fantastic beers on tap of the wines by the glass. Atmosphere is VERY low key, so don't expect to gel the hair and fist pump the night away (if that's your thing), but do expect to talk to a few local "townies" and enjoy some amazing drinks so some great conversation on the side.
Review Source:This is a great tap house in the low laying area of Highlands. They have a great staff and the restaurant is super cute but there's this ONE thing that makes me crazy!!!!
The "dear diary" beer story.
I've been drinking beer since I could open one, which is around the age of 4. I no longer think I can count how many bars, restaurants, lounges and clubs I've worked at between NY and NJ... Â I get the personal / verbal twist when asking whats available on tap/in a bottle... but PLEASE, just show me a menu of what you have available!!!! Something cute, maybe that gives a brief bio of what's new, what always in, notes, the who, what, when, where and why...in writting?? Its a proven fact that most people will choose the first item you mention because the brains attention span can't handle it. Just like salad dressings... And with all the people in the world that have ADD these days....
Sadly I'm not the only feels this way.
I don't know, even place mats w/ the beer options on them like Rattle & Hum + Ginger Man in NYC.
I will keep coming back for I see no other faults here. Maybe I'm just impatient...Who knows?Ok. .I need a beer after this review ;P
I'm off to the Tap House?