Firewaters   

Firewaters is a tale of two bars: the beer connoisseur's hangout, with its long bar, smattering of tables, flat-screen TVs and huge selection of domestics, imports and microbrews; and the bass-thumping party hall featuring Manhattan-priced martinis and an unrelenting vibe that used to only exist about 80 exits down the Garden State Parkway. For beer selection, it's hard to challenge Firewaters' obscene row of tap brews -- about 50 when all the tubes are flowing and pushing the century mark in bottles. The beverage menu helpfully categorizes the suds by origin (from German weissbiers to New Hampshire micros), type (India pale ales, porters) and alcohol content (up to 9 percent). On the other side of Firewaters, a vodka/martini bar abuts a small but popular dance floor and space for live music and a DJ. The usual libation lodge specials like ladies night and half-price pitchers keep a steady crowd pouring in throughout the week, and a small menu -- try the slider mini-burgers -- and deli provide a workable fodder base for those needing more than a liquid diet.