Opening soon, multilevel Beach Gallery in Keansburg is more than just a restaurant, bar
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If Claude Monet needed a place to sit and gain inspiration at the Jersey Shore, The Beach Gallery would be it.
At least that's how director of operations John Schulte hopes artists will feel at the multilevel grab-and-go market, brunch restaurant, art gallery and bar, which plans to open in early May.
One of Monet's works, "Path in the Wheat Fields at Pourville," is painted on the wall of the building's whimsical tea room. Schulte thought it might have been what the great artist saw if he ever visited Keansburg.
"We wanted to find a way to have a restaurant that gives back to the local arts community," said Schulte, a Union resident. "They might not get into some big galleries or have opportunities in NYC or Philadelphia, but right here in Keansburg we're going to build an art scene, showcase their work, and hopefully inspire younger artists."
Upon entering the massive building, you'll see a grab-and-go café with coffee, drinks, sandwiches and other light refreshments to enjoy while sitting at the outdoor tables or at the beach just across the street.
On the second floor, you'll find a tearoom reminiscent of Alice and Wonderland." It offers an array of teas, traditional tea towers with finger sandwiches, pastries and scones. The decor, featuring flowers hanging from the ceiling, is beautiful. One of the vintage teapots has a little frog perched on top, a nod to Keansburg Amusement Park's Frog-Hopper ride, which you can see from the patio.
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"The tea room will be very whimsical ..., We wanted to bring a proper tea service to Keansburg," Schulte said, adding that there will be tea-infused cocktails available.
Also on the second floor is the dining room and gallery. On the top floor is the bar, an outdoor party space with cabanas, and a cigar lounge.
"You could be inspired by just looking out the window and seeing the beautiful bay, [NYC] skyline, Sandy Hook, the amusement park ...," Schulte said. "There are so many things that if you wanted to come and sit, to sip a glass of wine, paint, draw or take pictures... you could."
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The bar drips in relaxing coastal chic, with teal and tan hues and white foliage. The bar counter is an art piece made of poured resin by artist Christopher Forcentino, who works for CF Woodworks in Marlboro. It looks like waves rushing toward the bar stools.
On one side of the bar is a rooftop party zone — complete with cabanas, seating and a stage for live music or DJs. There's also an outdoor cigar lounge.
While menus are still being finalized, some brunch options include sweet potato chicken and waffles with whiskey-aged maple syrup, mimosa flights and tableside Bloody Mary's. Tapas will be served in the bar, including baked oysters, pulled pork sliders and plenty of seafood. Cocktail options will include rum buckets, espresso martinis and lychee martinis.
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While the main gallery is in the dining room on the second floor, there will be smaller gallery sites throughout the building.
"We want people to discover something on every level," Schulte said. "There's always going to be something to discover ... "
The first artist to be showcased will be Tim Lucas, known for hosting art and live model drawing events throughout the Asbury Park area. His unconventional, bright yet darkly whimsical pieces depicting fairies, cryptids and nude drawings will be on display when the restaurant opens.
Visitors can purchase the artwork on display (there is an informational QR code on each piece).
"At the end of the collection, [visitors] can come and pick up their artwork, not only supporting local artists but taking home something great," Schulte said.
Keep up to date on social media for opening announcements, upcoming events and gallery information.
Go: 260 Beachway Ave., Keansburg; 732-778-4098, beachgallerykeansburg.com.
Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA Today Network New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to glaracca@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Keansburg: Beach Gallery multilevel space will open soon
