Brothers Daley — Restaurant in Sea Bright

I’m Irish and my last name is Daly (without an E), but I’ll be honest, an Irish Pub isn’t what I would typically gravitate toward for crafted cocktails and elevated cuisine. But let me assure you, Brothers Daley has pleasantly changed the Irish Pub game!

A friend and I went for an early dinner on Friday night and were seated inside. The bar is stunning. Atmosphere inside is elevated but approachable and not a design detail left untouched - down to the charming plates and flatware.

The servers and staff greeted us warmly and were pleasant, attentive, and genuinely wanted to make sure our experience was great.

But let’s get down to business. The food. This wasn’t your typical shepherd’s pie and Irish stew menu. This elevated menu had something for everyone with a nod to Irish classics that was evident but not gimmicky. We started with the deviled eggs, mixed greens and the ricotta toast special that night, followed by the English pea agnolotti, burger and finished it off with the pistachio ice cream and grandma’s cheesecake. Everything was a 10/10 - expertly prepared with quality ingredients and tons of flavor. It’s the little things with each dish that set Brothers Daley apart. The salad greens weren’t just roughly chopped and thrown in a bowl - the veggies were thinly shaved and perfectly dressed. The deviled eggs were cold, not slimy, and toppings not overdone. The burger was cooked perfectly and I really appreciated the thinly shaved lettuce and the perfect amount of tavern sauce. The agnolotti - I mean really - homemade pasta, need I say more. It was so bright and springy and light, but comforting as well. And for the sweet tooth lover in me - the pistachio ice cream - soft serve style, I could eat it every night!

A friend once asked if you had to sacrifice ambience, service, or food quality when dining out, what would you pick. Call it the luck of the Irish, but Brothers Daley delivered on all 3 so I didn’t have to...

Brothers Daley is certainly a Next Level establishment that will cement itself in the heart of the Jersey Shore as the top, authentic, Irish Pub. Hands down, one of the finest selection of liquors I've seen in the area; I can't think of a place that comes close. The space is absolutely beautiful. Although it just opened, the place looks like its been there forever. The library style wall of liquor complete with a sliding ladder is pretty cool!. The bartenders are super friendly and the craft cocktails are mouth watering. Started out with the BD Old Fashioned and 3 each of the oysters. Both were presented perfectly and delicious (had to back up that BD Old Fashioned with another it was so good, LOL!!). The house made Mignonette was crazy good. The over night lamb shoulder is a must. Uber tender and crazy good; not much more to say other than just order it and you'll see! I did get the jumbo asparagus as its something that I like, when cooked the proper way; It was PERFECT. Cooked, but retaining its color and firmness. The lemon on it was actually a great idea and I actually might use that at home too. for dessert, I went with their homemade pistachio and Bailey's soft serve ice cream and washed it down with the best Irish coffee I've ever had hands down. Looking forward to coming back for sure!

UPDATE 3/1/25: Stopped in again for lunch after they recently reopened after a quick renovation and some maintenance. We immediately noticed the menu changes and they were certainly welcomed! Great lunch menu with burgers, a smash burger, duck wings, sliced steak sandwich, and tons of other lunch options! BRAVO!!!!! The duck wings are delicious!!! Love the outdoor wood fired oven and can’t wait to come...

Last week, I took the ferry from the South Street Seaport in lower manhattan to Sea Bright for a relaxing beach day and to check out the recently open Brothers Daley. The commute was easy and within an hour or so of leaving the city we were stepping through the vestibule of my new favorite bar. Beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe this soon to be institution.

Entering feels like arriving to Narnia through the coat closet and you are immediately made at home by the charming staff and the eye catching details from the magnificent back bar to the books, luggage, paintings, and plants that sit perfectly on the walls and tables as if they haven’t moved in 100 years. All restaurants are built around a vision, but it is rare to find one that is executed with such precision and style. Brothers Daley is a story that is just beginning.

With that out of the way, it is worth saying that the food and drinks are utterly fantastic. If you’re fatigued by the summer heat, get the Garden Sour. If you’re feeling great, get the Garden Sour. From there, I’d recommend the Fine Time and maybe a couple Guinesses out of respect for the bar’s heritage.

The food soars and there is something for everyone and every occasion. Personally, I loved the fluke crudo, the halibut, and the burger, but you truly cannot go wrong. I will be back for the overnight lamb in a matter of days.

I had such a good time here and can’t wait for future trips as I know they’re just...