We all hope to find a bar that feels like a friend’s living room, but with better food and way better beers. You know, the kind of place where you walk in and immediately feel like you’ve been there a hundred times, even if it’s your very first visit. The wood, the warmth, the people who somehow always seem to know someone you know.
The Future of The Celtic Cottage in Long Branch, NJ
That hometown bar for many at the Jersey Shore has been right on 2nd Avenue in Long Branch. I’m speaking of The Celtic Cottage. The Celtic Cottage Pub and Patio Bar is owned and operated by Kevin and Maureen Martin, who have long been true community leaders and advocates for the town of Long Branch. According to their website, Kevin has deep Irish roots. His father was originally from Tullamore, Ireland. So, when the opportunity to own an authentic Irish pub presented itself in 1995, he jumped at the offer.
Matt Ryan, Townsquare Media
Matt Ryan, Townsquare Media
The Happy Pickle transformed into The Celtic Cottage Pub and Patio Bar. The goal was to exude authenticity, and the new owners did just that with the black shutters and flags of all 32 counties of Ireland displayed inside. I’ve always enjoyed the whiskey decanters. Every trip to The Celtic Cottage has been a mini trip to the Emerald Isle for me. Many at the Shore have fond memories of post St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, but the Celtic Cottage has always been a great place to grab a drink and bite.
I was truly sad to see this post on Facebook.
Matt Ryan, Townsquare Media
Matt Ryan, Townsquare Media
According to the social media post, the Celtic Cottage will close on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. I’ve reached out to management for comment and details regarding the demolition of the iconic building and the future of that land. As I scrolled through the comments of the post, it was clear that today is a sad day in Long Branch.
A big thank you to the owners and staff of The Celtic Cottage for the decades of good times, great spirits, and fantastic memories.
The Celtic Cottage isn’t the only Jersey Shore pub getting attention these days.
Who Took Over The Ark in Pt. Pleasant Beach?
The real estate side of the deal was handled by Bielat Santore & Company, a name that frequently appears when Jersey bars and restaurants change hands. The new owner, Mort Nase, is not exactly a rookie either. He has more than 40 years of business experience and has worked at several well-known Shore restaurants. Before running his own places, he spent years as the general manager at Frankie’s in Point Pleasant. In 2012, he bought the Windward Tavern in Brick.
When word got out that he was opening another beloved local spot, people paid attention. They are also concerned that the appeal of “the dark Ark” will fade under new leadership. Do they dare get rid of the carved tables?
READ MORE: Popular Shore Restaurant Goes On The Market For $7 Million
What Happens When A Jersey Classic Gets A New Boss?
The Ark Pub and Eatery opened in 1976 and has been a familiar stop for burgers, seafood, cold drinks, and a cozy English pub vibe. It first changed owners in 2008 when brothers Tony and Dan Bartone took over. New owner Mort says he plans to take some time to see how things run, figure out what customers love the most, and only tweak stuff in ways that keep its personality intact.
The Ark is open seven days a week from late morning through to the early hours. And in case you are keeping track, this is not the company’s only major move this year. Bielat Santore & Company also completed the sale of Dempster’s Sports Pub in Mount Holly, another local favorite with a big sports crowd.
For fans of Shore institutions, it looks like The Ark is staying exactly what it has always been for now. One small request from the author: please keep the port wine burger.
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Gallery Credit: Nicole Murray