Roar to the Shore

Biker Bars and Hangouts in the Wildwoods

Wildwood has had no rally bar scene since Roar to the Shore ended, but riders still stop in for a meal and a cold drink after a day on the road. Here is how the local bar map works, which towns are dry and how to keep a night out safe.

More for this rally:

Roar to the Shore biker bars in brief

Roar to the Shore biker bars are a memory now, but riders still roll into the Wildwoods in September. Below is how the bar scene is laid out, which towns are dry and how to be a good guest. For events in the Wildwoods that weekend, check the Wildwoods tourism website.

01

How the bar scene is laid out

Most of the island’s bars are in Wildwood and North Wildwood, close to the boardwalk. Wildwood allows alcohol sales, including at boardwalk bars, and North Wildwood has an entertainment district that gets busy on weekends. During the rally years, the walking poker run moved between establishments in this part of town, and Bolero Resort at Oak and Atlantic served as rally headquarters. The resort still operates and has a tiki bar and restaurant on site.

Red neon cocktail sign glowing in a bar window at night, a car passing on the street outside
Crowd watching a live band on an outdoor stage at night, a cowboy hat in the audience
02

Dry towns to know

Several nearby towns do not sell alcohol at all. Wildwood Crest, Cape May Point and Ocean City are all dry. If you stay in the Crest, plan to walk or take a cab into Wildwood for a drink, and settle how you will get back before you go out.

Chrome headlight nacelle, amber passing lamps and handlebars of a touring motorcycle in warm evening light
03

Ride first, then relax

Barrier island streets are full of crosswalks, cyclists and people walking back from the beach. Finish your riding for the day before the first round. Park the bike at your hotel, then walk, call a cab or use the boardwalk tram where it runs. The Wildwoods tourism site lists several local cab companies.

04

Respect the town

Roar to the Shore ended partly because city leaders decided it no longer fit the image they wanted for Wildwood. Riders who keep noise down on residential blocks, park legally and keep things friendly help show that motorcycles are still welcome here.

05

Help us build this list

Our Wildwood listings start with Dogtooth Bar & Grill, Old City Pub and Seaport Pier. Know another bar or restaurant that welcomes riders? Tell us through the Share a Tip form. If you own or know a rider-friendly spot in the Wildwoods, send it in. We check every listing before it goes live.

On this page

Roar to the Shore at a glance

Dates

Not held since 2019. No 2027 dates announced. It ran Thursday to Sunday on the weekend after Labor Day.

Where

Wildwood, Cape May County, NJ. Past vendor areas were the Wildwoods Convention Center lots and Oak and Atlantic Avenues.

Nearest airport

Atlantic City International (ACY), about 45 road miles

Helmet law

Required for all riders and passengers in NJ. Operators also need goggles or a face shield.

Directory

Bars and restaurants

Burger and fries served in a paper-lined basket on a wooden table
Bars & Restaurants
Wildwood,
NJ
Wildwood bar and grill open seven days, with a dog-friendly patio, Friday DJ nights and a free shuttle from Wildwoods hotels.
Whiskey glasses on the rail of a pool table while players in leather chalk their cues
Bars & Restaurants
Wildwood,
NJ
Atlantic Avenue pub in a 1913 bank building near the Bolero, with a from-scratch kitchen, happy hour and live music.
Waterfront deck with tables, string lights and patio heaters overlooking a marina at sunset
Bars & Restaurants
North Wildwood,
NJ
Beachfront bar complex on the North Wildwood boardwalk, with the Dive Bar, an outdoor Sand Bar and a live-music stage.

Free listings

Run a business near a rally?

Bars, hotels, campgrounds, dealers and shops get a free listing. Every listing is checked before it goes live.