The Hidden Gem of the Jersey Shore: Bradley Beach

BY ERIN McFEETERS

In the heart of Monmouth County’s shores is the small seaside Borough of Bradley Beach, most known for its Main Street, sandy beaches, and sunny disposition.

According to the Bradley Beach Historical Society, the earliest accounts of Bradley Beach date back to 1679, when Scottish privateer William Kidd anchored off Duck Creek, now known as Sylvan Lake. Legend says Kidd buried his treasure between two pine trees near the now Brinley Avenue and never returned to retrieve it.

There are no historical accounts of anyone finding Kidd’s gems, but the true treasure is Bradley Beach’s surf and shoreline.

“Bradley Beach is a hidden gem, a culinary and beverage destination with a nostalgic charm and a progressive spirit,” said Co-founder and Co-owner of Bradley Brew Project Chelsey Ziolkowski.

Ziolkowski and her husband’s brewery, Bradley Brew Project, was a long-time shared dream. They envisioned a welcoming space centered around craft beer, embracing anyone who walked through the front door. “With my fond childhood memories of Bradley Beach, it was a natural choice,” said Ziolkowski. “When a storefront became available on Main Street, we saw an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the vibrant community that defines Bradley Beach.”

Their dream became reality a little more than six years ago, and they celebrated their anniversary in June with a party in the taproom. Today, the brewery features an array of ales, lagers, pilsners, and hoppy brews such as Mermaid Punch, a tart blueberry ale; Jersey, an easy-drinking lager with light citrus; and Sí Monster, a Mexican-style lager with its name voted on by the brewery’s social media followers.

“Operating a brewery in Bradley Beach offers the best of both worlds,” said Ziolkowski. “Located just five blocks from the beach yet nestled in the heart of Main Street, we have the privilege of engaging with both locals and visitors, particularly during the bustling summer months.”

Bradley Brew Project is just one of Main Street’s one-of-a-kind businesses. Grab a sundae or flying saucer at Beach Plum, listen to live music at the Elbow Room Bar and Kitchen, satisfy your sweet tooth with peach crumb pie from Del Ponte’s Bakery, enjoy an Italian meal from Marandola’s, or have an Instagram-worthy brunch from Hatch 44 Cafe.

“Bradley Beach is a community, not just a beach destination,” said the owner of Hatch 44 Cafe Andrea Perez. “The community is so welcoming and very eclectic. You will see a diversity of people here. The town has historic charm, amazing small businesses, and beautiful homes.”

Perez and her husband recently opened their second location of Hatch 44 Cafe in Bradley Beach in April after much success with their first location in Metuchen.

“We decided to open our second location in Bradley Beach because it is one of our favorite beaches in New Jersey,” said Perez. “We love to take our children here.”

Hatch 44 Cafe features recipes from Andrea’s grandmother and dishes named after their children. Liam’s Fav is fluffy Oreo pancakes with Nutella mousse and fresh fruit, and Birria Eggstra Bout It features a French-style omelet filled with birria beef and shaved onions. With Andrea’s background in fashion design, this Bradley Beach brunch spot boasts not only an award-winning menu but an ambient interior to boot.

More than 4,000 residents live in town year-round, but the warmer months bring Bradley Beach’s population up to 30,000. Like most of the Jersey Shore, according to the head chef and owner of Marandola’s Mark Marandola, since the COVID-19 pandemic, the summer season now extends through September. The winters can be quiet, but not as much as they used to be, according to Marandola.

“When September used to come, you’d look out and see tumbleweeds going down the street,” said Marandola. “Now, you look out in September, and you see traffic.”

According to Marandola, there are even more people living in Bradley Beach, and for the past several years, he’s witnessed the town’s expansion of townhomes, condos, and apartment buildings.

“It’s a great little community,” said Marandola. “There’s a lot of different walks of life: People that are older, retired people, there are younger people coming in, there are young people that are raising families there, and it’s very well balanced.”

New Jersey Realtors® April 2024 housing market data reports the median sales price in Bradley Beach for single family homes is $875,000 year-to-date while the townhousecondo median sales price is $750,000 year-to-date. The demand for townhouses and condos is high, receiving 105.3% of the listing price and staying on the market for 34 days.

Bradley Beach’s second-to-none access to the shoreline with its promenade along the beach entrances is a big draw for residents and visitors alike. You can walk along, hear the waves crashing, and reap the salt air benefits without stepping onto the beach.

Along the beach, you’ll also find Bradley Beach’s Julie Schreck Maritime Forest, named after the town’s former mayor. As part of a restoration project, volunteers worked to bring a parking lot back to its former glory as a maritime forest. It’s now a natural habitat for birds and wildlife, and each year, the town holds an educational session about the maritime forest and its creation.

No matter what stage of life you’re in, you’re bound to find something to enjoy down by the sea.

“Bradley Beach boasts a diverse community, with long-time residents deeply rooted in their love for the town alongside newer, younger families injecting a sense of renewal and vitality into its spirit,” said Ziolkowski. “While there’s room for improvement, we’re optimistic about the future. As Bradley Beach continues to evolve and grow, we look forward to witnessing the development of initiatives that bolster support for small businesses within our community.”