Asbury ale house to open new restaurant in howell township, here's where
#post_seo_title

Asbury Ale House to Open New Restaurant in Howell Township, Here’s Where

by
August 7, 2025
···

Howell, NJ – It happened quietly in April when Arooga’s Grille House & Sports Bar closed its doors on Route 9 after four years in business — now, Asbury Ale House is stepping in to take over the vacant space.

The new location, set to open in late fall at 5169 Route 9, will be the second outpost for the Asbury Ale House brand, which first launched in 2015 inside the historic Steinbach building in Asbury Park. The announcement was made this week through social media, where the bar and restaurant said it looks forward to serving Monmouth County with what it calls a local spot “to become family in.”

The Howell space had previously been Arooga’s only location in Monmouth County. Its closure was not publicly announced, but the restaurant was removed from Arooga’s official website earlier this year. Arooga’s continues to operate in East Brunswick, about 30 miles north on Route 18.

Asbury ale house to open new restaurant in howell township, here's where
#post_seo_title

Asbury Ale House has built a following for its expansive menu, energetic sports bar vibe, and central location in Asbury Park’s downtown. The Howell expansion aims to bring that same experience further inland with the same branding, menu, and event offerings.

Construction and renovation are underway at the Route 9 site, and the opening is projected for late fall, though no specific date has been confirmed.

—

Key Points

  • Asbury Ale House is opening a second location in Howell at the former Arooga’s site on Route 9
  • Arooga’s closed in April and was removed from the company’s website
  • The new bar and restaurant is expected to open in late fall

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

Stilton is committed to factual reporting, source verification, transparency, and providing readers with accessible, accurate information that helps them better understand the issues shaping their communities. Through Shore News Network, he continues to focus on delivering trusted news coverage and original reporting to audiences across New Jersey and beyond.

For story tips, corrections, or media inquiries, readers can contact Shore News Network through its official website and social media channels.