Massive entertainment venue and restaurant to open at former Fort Monmouth Commissary

They've done it again.

Earlier this year, it was the takeover of the beloved Langosta Lounge, Asbury Park Yacht Club and Pop's Garage in Asbury Park. Then it was the opening of a "Bay Watch"-themed bar on the city's boardwalk.

Now, BarCo Brands is back with Baseline Social, a project that started in 2022 at the former Fort Monmouth Commissary in Oceanport. It opens Thursday, Sept. 28.

But hold the cocktail umbrella and pick up a golf club because this time, it's a 17,300-square-foot entertainment venue with three bars (one indoor/outdoor), chef-driven cuisine, a 640-square-foot screen for sports-viewing, and five personal golf bays with 13 other sports you can play.

The minds of BarCo Brands are "taking over the world one restaurant and bar at a time," said Middletown resident and co-partner Tim McMahon.

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McMahon and co-partners Phil Villapiano of Oceanport, Andrea Pappas of Tinton Falls, and Greg Bartz of Red Bank also own Deal Lake Bar + Co. in Loch Arbour. They plan to take Baseline Social’s model nationally.

“We did things out of order — Baseline Social was supposed to be our next location (after Deal Lake Bar + Co.), but we were very fortunate Asbury Park fell into the schedule,” McMahon said. “We’re really excited to be refocusing our energy on this project … (because) this really is our model for expansion.”

“There isn’t a major city or suburb that Baseline Social wouldn’t work in," he said. "This is our prototype, and we’ve spared no expense.”

The high-tech golf bays have a standard rental rate of $70 per hour. There are about 50 virtual golf courses available. Other sports you can play include football, bocce and Zombie dodge ball. Optional monthly memberships for the golf bays start at $100 per month.

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The mezzanine fits about 120 people and can be rented privately for events, McMahon said. There is a smaller raised dining area called the VIP mezzanine, which can also be rented out.

There are bars in the main dining area below the LED screens and in an area adjacent to the main bar, which has a counter facing inside. There's also one facing the outdoor turf area where people can hang out with drinks, plus a bar in the mezzanine.

Expect ambient lighting and DJ-spun tunes or live music any night, especially for football Sundays.

More than entertainment

What makes Baseline Social different? Chef-inspired cuisine, and a mood set specifically for adults.

Chef Marco Delgado, who has Peruvian roots, offers dishes likes vegetable fried rice (sauteed white rice, carrots, zucchini, green onions, bean sprouts, egg, soy sauce and sesame, with optional chicken, shrimp or steak), or stir-fry steak (sauteed beef tenderloin tips, red onions, tomatoes, chilies and white rice).

You also can try the fried seafood and Uchucuta sauce (shrimp, octopus, calamari, roasted corn, chile and herb dipping sauce).

"People are going to be surprised with how much culinary (expertise) is going into this," McMahon added.

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Cocktails

Baseline Social has 12 beer taps, dozens of international and local cans and bottles, and a loaded cocktail list.

"It's a well-balanced mix of craft cocktails ... and staples you'll find at a golf course or stadium, like a John Daly or Ketel Transfusion," Bartz said. "We have something for everyone."

A classic Daly is vodka, lemonade and iced tea; a Transfusion has Ketel One vodka, grape juice and ginger ale. There are also elevated sips like the Mojo Dojo Casa House (inspired by the "Barbie" movie) with Casamigos Blanco tequila, mezcal, aperol, lime juice, agave and Hellfire bitters.

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Someone with a lighter palate might try the "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee," with Conniption Butterfly Pea Flower gin, lemon juice and hot honey syrup.

And for beer lovers, expect plenty of local Birdsmouth Brewery beers as the brewery is located in the Commissary.

“We’ve been working closely with Birdsmouth Brewery and highlighting them. They’re even the beer in our beer cheese,” Villapiano said. “We know them well and want to work together with them."

Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Baseline Social entertainment venue to open in Oceanport