Ringside Pub   

Ever wonder where the bands who rock the Jersey Shore all summer hibernate for the winter? Well, you could start by looking at the Ringside Pub in Caldwell. Thanks to a steady stream of '80s cover bands, modern rockers, and open mic nights, Ringside has become a must-stop on the overcrowded North Jersey band circuit. The sizeable, saloon-type bar mostly draws a loyal following from Caldwell College and Montclair State University, which are just minutes away. But the type of band playing usually dictates the crowd. If the band and beer isn't enough to keep you occupied, you can jump in on a heated game of darts or sit back and catch up on sports by watching one of the many TVs perpetually tuned to ESPN. With a roomy dance floor and spacious bar area, drinkers don't have to worry about elbowroom, but can still feel like they're among a crowd.