You’re driving down Route 35, just before the bridge hits Belmar, and there’s this massive, unassuming fence. If you aren't looking for it, you might miss one of the most storied spots on the Jersey Shore. Kelly's Tavern Neptune NJ isn't just a bar; it's a multi-generational survival story served with a side of Russian dressing.
Honestly, most people think they know Kelly's because they’ve seen the "World Famous Reuben" signs. But there is a specific kind of magic here that has nothing to do with marketing and everything to do with a ceiling painted like an ancestral map of Ireland.
The Reuben Myth and the Giant Sandwich Reality
Let's address the elephant in the room. Or rather, the mountain of corned beef on the table. People talk about the Reuben at Kelly's Tavern Neptune NJ like it’s a religious experience. It kinda is.
But here’s what most people get wrong: they order the "Large" on their first visit.
Big mistake.
The full-sized Reuben at Kelly's is less of a sandwich and more of a structural engineering project. It can easily feed two grown adults, and maybe a small child. The "Mini Reuben" is what a normal human being considers a large meal. The corned beef is sliced thin, piled impossibly high, and steamed until it basically melts. It’s messy. You’ll need approximately forty napkins.
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The locals know the real trick, though. They don't just go for dinner.
There's a weirdly dedicated subculture of people who swear by a Reuben for breakfast. Since Kelly’s opens at 7 AM (yeah, you read that right), you’ll see folks coming off night shifts or just starting a long Shore day with a Guinness and a plate of corned beef. It’s a Jersey thing. You wouldn't understand until you've done it.
Four Generations of Keeping the Doors Open
Kelly’s isn't some corporate franchise that popped up during the 90s pub craze. It dates back to 1949. Ed and Mabel Kelly started with a place called Rudy’s Twin Boro Tavern across the street before moving to the current spot in 1959.
Think about that for a second.
This place has survived the construction of the Garden State Parkway, the rise and fall of the 80s hair metal scene in Asbury Park, and more hurricanes than any building should have to endure. It’s currently run by the fourth generation of the Kelly family. That kind of longevity is rare in the restaurant business, especially at the Shore where "here today, gone tomorrow" is the standard.
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Inside, the vibe is unapologetically old-school.
- The Ceiling: Look up. There’s a hand-painted map of Ireland, tracing the family roots back to County Monaghan and the town of Clones.
- The Wood: It’s dark, heavy, and smells like decades of stories.
- The Crowd: On any given Tuesday, you’ll see a 21-year-old celebrating their first legal drink sitting next to a guy who’s been occupying the same barstool since 1974.
Beyond the Bread: The Secrets of the Menu
If you think it's just sandwiches, you're missing out. Most "outsiders" ignore the Lobster Shack or the sushi bar.
Wait, sushi in an Irish pub?
Yeah. It sounds like a disaster, but it works. During the summer months, the outdoor patio—which is tucked away behind that big fence—becomes a different world. There’s a Japanese garden with a waterfall. You can get fresh steamed lobster or oyster shooters while sitting under an umbrella.
If you’re sticking to the Irish fare, the Guinness Beef Stew is the sleeper hit. It’s thick, dark, and tastes like someone’s grandmother has been stirring it for twelve hours.
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What to actually order:
- The Mini Reuben: Trust me. Just start here.
- Potato Leek Soup: It’s a classic for a reason.
- Blackened Tuna Bites: For when you want to pretend you're being healthy at a bar.
- Mini-Mini Reubens: These are on the catering and appetizer menus. They’re basically Reuben sliders and they are dangerous because you can eat ten of them without realizing it.
The St. Patrick’s Day Madness
You cannot talk about Kelly's Tavern Neptune NJ without mentioning March 17th.
It is, quite literally, the center of the universe for Monmouth County that day. Radio stations like 94.3 The Point have been broadcasting live from there for years. The line usually starts forming before the sun comes up.
If you don't like crowds, stay far away. But if you want to see what "Jersey Strong" Irish heritage looks like when it's fueled by Jameson and bagpipes, there is nowhere else on earth quite like it. They serve literal tons of corned beef during that week.
Why It Actually Matters
In a world where every town is starting to look like a generic outdoor mall, Kelly’s feels like a holdout. It’s a place where the bartenders remember your name—or at least what you drink.
There are no "mixologists" here. You won't find a drink with elderflower foam or activated charcoal. You’ll get a cold beer, a stiff pour, and a sandwich that requires a fork and knife to navigate.
It’s authentic. And in 2026, authenticity is the most expensive thing on any menu, even if the Reuben only costs you twenty bucks.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit:
- Parking Strategy: The lot fills up fast. If it’s a weekend, don't even try to squeeze into the front. Head to the back or look for street parking on Sylvania Ave, but watch the signs.
- The "Half-and-Half" Rule: If you're with a partner, order one Reuben and one salad. You’ll both leave full and you won't feel like you need a nap in the middle of Route 35.
- Off-Peak Magic: Go on a Wednesday night for Bingo or a random Tuesday afternoon. That’s when you get to talk to the staff and actually see the coats of arms imported from Dublin without a wall of people in the way.
- Takeout Tip: If the wait for a table is an hour (common in summer), hit the takeout counter. The Reubens travel surprisingly well, though the rye bread might get a little soggy if you live more than 20 minutes away.