You unpacked the boxes — now here is where students at Monmouth University (West Long Branch, NJ) actually eat, shop, bank, and hang out. Bookmark this for your first month.
The WindMill Hot dogs & burgers
West End Long Branch landmark since the 1960s; classic late-night run, ~5 min away
Jack's Goal Line Stand Sports bar & grill
Longtime Hawks hangout on Rt 71, ~3 min from campus; wings, nuggets, game nights
Scala's Pizzeria Pizza & subs
Brighton Ave in West End; quick slices and hot subs near the beach, ~5 min
Bubbakoo's Burritos Mexican fast-casual
NJ-born burrito chain in Long Branch; big portions and student-friendly prices
Turning Point Breakfast & brunch
Pier Village brunch go-to on the oceanfront; pancakes and coffee after a beach walk
Strollo's Lighthouse Italian ice & ice cream
Long Branch institution since 1931; cheap summer treat near the oceanfront
ShopRite of West Long Branch Grocery
Nearest full supermarket, Rt 36 & 71 on Monmouth Rd, ~5 min from campus
CVS Pharmacy Pharmacy
Drugstore basics and prescriptions on Rt 71 in West Long Branch, minutes away
Walmart Supercenter Big-box
Nearest Walmart, Rt 66 in Neptune; dorm gear and groceries, ~15 min drive
Monmouth Mall Mall
Eatontown mall ~10 min away; Boscov's, AMC theater, mid-redevelopment
Pier Village Boutiques
Oceanfront shops and beach boutiques in Long Branch, ~5-8 min from campus
OceanFirst Bank NJ regional bank
Branch on Monmouth Rd steps from campus; also names Monmouth's arena
TD Bank National bank
West Long Branch branch on Monmouth Rd; long hours and area-wide ATMs
Chase National bank
Branches and ATMs in Long Branch and along Rt 35/36, ~5-10 min out
AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch Urgent care
Walk-in clinic on Rt 36 minutes from campus for sick visits and x-rays
West Long Branch Post Office USPS
Town post office (07764) for mailing and package pickup, ~5 min away
Monmouth County Library, West Long Branch Library
Quiet county branch in town; free off-campus study alternative to the HGGL
Barber Club Barbershop
Barbershop on Broadway in Long Branch, ~5 min; walk-in cuts near campus
Pier Village & Long Branch boardwalk
Oceanfront promenade, eats and events ~2 miles from campus; free to stroll
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park
Long Branch's big public beach for surf and summer hangs, ~10 min away
Hawks game day
Basketball at OceanFirst Bank Center and football at Kessler Stadium; free with student ID
Asbury Park & The Stone Pony
Boardwalk, murals and legendary live music ~10-15 min south
Monmouth Park Racetrack
Historic Oceanport track ~10 min away; cheap admission summer race days
Hand-checked August 2026. Hours and locations change — give places a quick look before you head out. Some links on this site earn us a commission at no cost to you.