North Wildwood is basically a land of sensory overload. You've got the neon lights of the boardwalk, the smell of Curley’s Fries, and that constant, low-grade hum of a million people on vacation. But if you keep driving north—past the Ferris wheels and the crowded piers—you hit 106 West Spruce Avenue. This is where Flip Flopz Bar and Grill Wildwood NJ sits, and honestly, it’s a different vibe entirely.
It’s right near the Hereford Inlet, where the breeze feels a little sharper and the crowds feel a little more like "people who live here" than "tourists lost in the shuffle."
Since it opened its doors back in September 2007 (right in the middle of the Irish Fall Festival, which was a bold move), Flip Flopz has become a weirdly essential part of the North Wildwood ecosystem. It isn't just a restaurant. It’s a bar, a nightclub, a pool party spot, and a place where you can actually get a decent piece of Mahi Mahi without having to wear a suit.
The Dual Personality of Flip Flopz Bar and Grill Wildwood NJ
Most people think of Flip Flopz as one big building, but it’s really two separate worlds stacked on top of each other.
Downstairs is the main restaurant and grill. It’s got that classic Jersey Shore sports bar energy—high-definition TVs everywhere, a massive dance floor, and a sound system that can probably be heard in Cape May if they turn it up high enough. It’s comfortable. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a booth with the kids at 5:00 PM and not feel like you’re in the way.
Then there’s the upstairs.
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Tiki Topz is the rooftop bar, and this is where the "tropical paradise" marketing actually starts to make sense. You’ve got a pool, a covered bar, and views of the Hereford Inlet that are, frankly, hard to beat. If you’re there on a Saturday afternoon, it’s a full-blown pool party with a DJ. If you’re there on a Tuesday evening, it’s just a great spot to catch the sunset with a Rum Runner.
One thing you should know: the rules for the rooftop change depending on the day. During the week (Monday through Friday), kids are usually allowed up there. But come Saturday and Sunday? It’s 21+ only. They usually charge a $10 cover on the weekends too. It’s worth it for the breeze alone, but don’t show up with a stroller on a Saturday and expect to get a poolside seat.
What’s Actually on the Menu?
Let’s talk food. Shore food is often a gamble. You’re usually choosing between "overpriced frozen nuggets" and "seafood that’s been sitting in a truck for three days." Flip Flopz tries to do things a bit differently. They pride themselves on a "homemade" approach, and while that’s a buzzword every restaurant uses, you can actually taste it in some of the specifics.
- The Chicken Parm: People in Wildwood are weirdly obsessed with the Chicken Parm here. It’s panko-coated, topped with fresh mozzarella, and served over linguine. It’s a heavy meal for a beach day, but it’s a local favorite for a reason.
- The "Signature" King Crab Chowder: This isn't just a bowl of cream. It’s loaded with jumbo lump crab meat. If it’s on the menu when you visit, get it.
- Tuna Nachos: This is more of a Tiki Topz staple. Sashimi-grade tuna, wontons instead of chips, pico de gallo, and a spicy aioli. It’s light, which is what you want when you’re sitting by a pool.
The price range is pretty standard for the area. You can get a burger for around $16, while the bigger seafood entrees like the Broiled Combo (shrimp, scallops, Mahi, and a crab cake) will run you closer to $32.
Weekly Specials to Keep in Mind
If you're trying to save a few bucks—because let's face it, Wildwood is expensive—they have a pretty solid rotation of deals.
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- Mac & Cheese Mondays: You can basically build your own bowl.
- Tijuana Tuesdays: Tequila specials and "Musical Bingo."
- Wing Wednesdays: This is usually the busiest night for the bar crowd. $1 wings and cheap drinks.
- The $29 Menu: They often run an "Everyday $29" menu that includes an entree and a side, which is a steal in 2026 prices.
The Nightlife Factor
When the sun goes down, Flip Flopz Bar and Grill Wildwood NJ transforms. If you aren't into loud music and crowded dance floors, you probably want to be out of there by 9:00 PM.
They bring in some of the best DJs in South Jersey. The lighting rig is professional grade, and the dance floor gets packed. It’s one of the few places in North Wildwood where the "nightclub" tag actually fits. It’s high energy. It’s loud. It’s a lot of fun if you’re in the mood for it, but it’s definitely not a quiet spot for a late-night conversation.
The ownership, led by Joseph Mahoney Jr., has worked hard to keep this as a premier entertainment destination. They’ve had some bumps along the way—like everyone else in the hospitality industry—but the staff generally treats the place like a family business. That matters. It’s the difference between a bar that feels like a corporate chain and a place that feels like it belongs to the neighborhood.
Practical Logistics for Your Visit
- Location: 106 West Spruce Ave, North Wildwood, NJ 08260.
- Parking: It’s North Wildwood. Parking is a nightmare. There is some street parking, but during the peak of summer, you’re better off taking a rideshare or the tram car if you’re coming from the boardwalk.
- Hours: They generally open at 11:00 AM for lunch. During the summer, the bar stays open until 3:00 AM.
- Dress Code: Casual during the day (you are at the beach, after all). But if you’re heading to the rooftop pool or the dance floor at night, maybe swap the literal flip flops for something a little nicer.
Surprising Nuance: The Breakfast
Not many people realize that Flip Flopz does breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings starting at 8:00 AM. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in the area. While everyone else is waiting in a two-hour line at the diners down the street, you can usually grab a table here and get some solid eggs and bacon with an ocean view.
How to Make the Most of Your Trip
If you want the "true" Flip Flopz experience, don't just show up on a random Friday night. Plan it out.
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Start with a late breakfast on a Saturday morning. Take a walk over to the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse nearby—it’s only a few blocks away and it’s beautiful. Then, head back to Flip Flopz around 2:00 PM when the Tiki Topz pool party starts. Grab a spot at the bar, order the Rum Runner (Matt the bartender’s signature recommendation), and just watch the inlet.
Once the sun starts to set, head downstairs for the Chicken Parm or the Crab Leg dinner. If you still have energy by 10:00 PM, hit the dance floor.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Weather: The rooftop Tiki Topz is obviously weather-dependent. If it’s a rainy day, the rooftop will be closed, and the downstairs will be much more crowded.
- Follow Socials: They post their band and DJ lineups weekly on their website and Instagram. Check who is playing before you go, as the vibe changes drastically between a live acoustic set and a house DJ.
- Call Ahead for Large Groups: If you’re bringing a party of 10 or more, don't just walk in. This place gets slammed, especially during Wing Wednesday or holiday weekends.
Flip Flopz isn't trying to be a five-star Michelin restaurant. It’s a beach bar. It’s loud, it’s fun, and it’s got one of the best views in New Jersey. Whether you're there for the pool, the wings, or the 3:00 AM dance floor, it’s a piece of Wildwood history that’s still going strong.