Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park was once a thriving shopping district featuring department stores Steinbach and J.C. Newberry's as anchors. There were also grand theatres, the Mayfair and St. James, and other fine stores.  

The Steinbach building sits on a triangular piece of property in the center of downtown. The center of downtown was known as Press Plaza for the Asbury Park Press. 

Cookman Avenue Today

After years of delay, The Steinbach has come back as a residential development of 63 apartments and 22,000 sq ft of ground floor retail featuring the restaurant Old Man Rafferty's.

New storefronts now grace most of Cookman Avenue. The old upper floors of these stores have been and  transformed into amazing loft-style homes. It is truly an amazing what has occurred.

A number of new and exciting restaurants have invigorated Cookman Ave along with specialty retailers.  Brightly lit and a good way to spend an afternoon strolling through some of the new Antique shops and to grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat.

THE FIRST SATURDAY NIGHT OF EVERY MONTH is a major event on Cookman Ave and in the City. 

In addition to the Cookman Avenue transformation - Main Street and the streets surrounding Cookman Ave are under going their own renaissance. Take a look for yourself.

See our Food & Dining Guide for Asbury Park

See our Shopping Guide for Cookman Ave and area