Red, White & Loud:
Fourth of July at Bar Anticipation
For our latest Culture Coverage feature, we pulled up to Bar Anticipation in Lake Como on the Fourth of July, and it was exactly what a Jersey Shore summer night should be: loud, packed, and full of energy. Known as one of the most iconic nightlife destinations on the coast, Bar A turned Independence Day into a full-scale celebration that blended music, food, and crowd energy into one unforgettable experience.
Located just steps from the water, Bar Anticipation isn’t just a bar, it’s a Shore institution. With space for nearly 3,000 people and an indoor-outdoor layout designed for nonstop movement, it’s a place where summer doesn’t slow down, it turns up.
A Venue Built for Big Moments
What makes Bar Anticipation stand out is its sheer scale and versatility. The venue features multiple bars, a massive main stage, and its signature outdoor section, Grotto Beach — complete with sand underfoot, cabanas, tiki bars, and a festival-like atmosphere that feels tailor-made for holidays like the Fourth.
On this night, every corner of the property was alive. Music spilled from stage to stage, crowds moved freely between indoor and outdoor spaces, and over 80 TVs kept the
energy high between performances. Whether guests came for live music, DJs, or simply the atmosphere, Bar A delivered on every front.
It’s the kind of place where no two nights look the same but big nights feel even bigger.
Soundtrack of the Summer
The Fourth of July lineup brought together a mix of nostalgia, pop culture, and Jersey Shore staples. Brian Kirk of Brian Kirk & the Jirks kept the crowd singing along with high-energy hits, while a Taylor Swift impersonator (@taylorswift.too) had fans fully locked in, turning the summer stage into a pop spectacle. Rounding out the night was Gotts from 95.9 The Rat, keeping the energy flowing and the crowd moving well into the evening.
The performances didn’t just entertain, they unified. People danced in the sand, sang along from cabanas, and packed shoulder to shoulder as fireworks energy lingered in the air. It felt communal in the best way — strangers bonded over music, drinks, and the shared feeling of being exactly where they were supposed to be.
More Than Nightlife
Beyond the music, Bar Anticipation’s food program played its part in the experience. Known for its New American menu, the kitchen serves everything from signature burgers and handhelds to smoked brisket and ribs — the kind of comfort food that fuels long summer nights. It’s a reminder that Bar A isn’t just about nightlife; it’s about creating a full-day, full-night destination.
Open year-round, Bar Anticipation thrives because it adapts. Day turns to night. Dinner turns to dancing. Holiday crowds turn into lasting memories. And on the Fourth of July, that adaptability shines brightest.
A Jersey Shore Classic
Bar Anticipation’s Fourth of July celebration captured exactly why it remains one of the Shore’s most beloved venues. It’s big, bold, and unapologetically fun. It embraces chaos in the best way, bringing together locals, visitors, performers, and partygoers under one roof. In a place where summer is a lifestyle, Bar A continues to set the tone.
Where to find Asbury Tattoo Fest:
📍 703 16th Ave, Lake Como, New Jersey 07719
🌐 Website: bar-a.com
📲 Instagram: @baranticipation