9 Best Things to Do in Red Bank, NJ

By VI Staff on July 13, 2020 - Updated

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Sometimes referred to as the “Greenwich Village of the Garden State,” Red Bank in the state of New Jersey is full of eclectic cuisine, a vibrant arts scene, trendy stores, bistros, restaurants, and more. Situated only five miles aways from the ocean along the Navesink River, the town is an ideal stop on the way to the beach. The arts and music scene is one of the main draws of Red Bank, home to the Two River Theater and the Count Basie Theater. The town also has its own resident brewery in the Red Tank Brewing Company. CDC information for travelers. Hours/availability may have changed.

1.Count Basie Theatre

The Count Basie Theatre is located in downtown Red Bank’s Basie Center. This historic theater dates back to 1926 and presents more than two hundred shows every year, and is also home to the Count Basie Center Performing Arts Academy. In addition to Count Basie, the theater has hosted several legends like Tony Bennett and James Brown, as well as many other headline performers, such as Jon Stewart, Brian Willson, Jon Bon Jovi, Counting Crows, Bruce Springsteen, and George Carlin. Along with shows, the Count Basie Theatre also offers an array of professional training courses and workshops.

99 Monmouth St, Red Bank, NJ 07701, Phone: 732-842-9000

2.Two River Theater

The Two River Theater strives to stay true to its founding principles, bringing a fresh perspective to both world and American classics, along with producing a number of original projects, such as Hurricane Diane and Be More Chill. Every performance season, the Two River Theater hosts many artist residencies, readings, and workshops, as well as the annual Cabaret of New Songs for the Musical Theater, produced in partnership with the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing program of New York University. The theater, which was founded by Robert and Joan Rechnitz in 1994, is easily accessible with several hotels, shops, and restaurants nearby.

21 Bridge Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701

3.Red Tank Brewing

The Red Tank Brewing Company is a family-owned and operated craft brewery set on the banks of the Navesink River within the beautiful downtown district of Red Bank, New Jersey. Founded by Lovina and John Arcara, the brewery believes in making craft creations utilizing the highest quality local farm-to-table style ingredients available. Exotic elements and luxury European imports are used to design “masterpieces of aroma and flavor,” enhanced by an industrial, elegantly rustic glamor brought to the Tasting Room. The Red Tank Brewing Company is open to guests from noon until 6:00pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

77 Monmouth St, Red Bank, NJ 07701, Phone: 732-865-9500

4.Chetkin Gallery

Founded in 1987 by Carol Lynn and Don Chetkin, the Chetkin Gallery in Red Bank is a gallery for International Fine Art with a special focus on Contemporary European painters. Situated along Wharf Avenue, the art gallery is housed within a historic and charming building in the town’s marina district. The collection of paintings by internationally renowned artists has grown from a few French artists into more than forty artists from England, France, Poland, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Ukraine, Russia, North America, and China. The Chetkin Gallery is open to the general public from 10:00am until 5:00pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

9 Wharf Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701

5.AR Workshop

The AR Workshop provides a do-it-yourself, hands-on workshop experience in the town of Red Bank, New Jersey. Once owners of an Etsy shop, Adria Ruff and Maureen Anders have grown their business into a nationwide experience. The DIY workshop offers an array of different activities for people of all skill levels to participate in, whether they are a novice or experienced craftsman. The calendar of activities at the AR Workshop changes with each season, with creations available for guests to make including lazy susans, wood boxes, framed signs, wall hangings, canvas pillows, wood signs, and much more.

43A Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701

6.Via45

Via45 in Red Bank, New Jersey is a rustic Italian restaurant within a Tuscan countryside-inspired dining room. The inviting and warm dining room also features a European-style common table, providing a great place for people who want to gather with others. At Via45, the freshest ingredients from markets in the local area are used whenever possible and dishes are “made in the moment.” A suggested menu is written each evening, with guests able to recreate dishes to their dietary needs and personal preferences. The restaurant strives to accommodate all types of dietary restrictions and offers gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.

45 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701, Phone: 732-450-9945

7.Bistro In Red Bank

The Bistro in Red Bank is a Red Bank BYO that has been a significant part of the downtown restaurant scene since 1996, keeping techniques simple and highlighting the same passion for using market-fresh ingredients. The bistro features a sushi bar, an open kitchen, and an eclectic menu that offers something for nearly anyone. Options at the Bistro at Red Bank consists of an assortment of sushi, homemade pastas, both classic and artisan thin crust, brick-oven pizzas, and fresh salads. Popular Bistro classics include the Chicken Teriyaki, the Peking Duck Salad, and the Crackling Calamari Salad to name just a few.

14 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701, Phone: 732-530-5553

8.Danny's Steakhouse

Danny's Steakhouse offers a delicious meal in the heart of Red Bank, New Jersey and is a great stop before catching a show at the Count Basie Theater or the Two River Theater. The menu here includes appetizers such as Sweet Spicy Shrimp and Filet Spring Rolls, salads large enough to share like the Pear and Gorgonzola Salad, and a variety of entrees, including fresh seafood, ribs, chicken, burgers, grass-fed steaks, filet mignon, and even sushi. Gluten-free options are available as well, along with a Happy Hour from noon until 7:00pm Monday to Friday at the bar.

11 Bridge Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701, Phone: 732-741-6900

9.Monticello At Red Bank - Italian Restaurant

The Monticello at Red Bank is an Italian restaurant with a philosophy of “from the vine to the table.” The local eatery promotes clean eating and aims to provide guests tasty dishes made with the freshest and best ingredients possible. Since 2015, the Monticello has used ingredients from their on-site organic garden, available between June and October. Open six days a week, the restaurant specializes in non-processed, non-GMO food and all of the produce and meats used are premium quality, including all-natural pork, wild caught fresh seafood, free-range eggs, degreased and homemade all-natural stocks, and antibiotic-free, hormone-free chicken.

69 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701, Phone: 732-450-0255