Even though Hudson County is known for its incredible nightlife scene, sometimes a person needs to mix it up. With many people exploring the sober-curious lifestyle, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite alcohol-free activities to enjoy in Hoboken and Jersey City. From learning a new skill to trying out an adventurous hobby, there are plenty of choices for a fun way to spend the day or evening. Read on for some of the best alcohol-free activities in Hoboken and Jersey City, NJ.

Make Coffee an Event

Bwè kafe has coffee and so much more. The Hoboken Ukulele Appreciation Society meets every Thursday at 7:30 PM in the Bwe Kafe at Washington and 10th. With a donation of $20, beginners can borrow a ukulele and join in the circle. “Cheaper than therapy, more fun than going to the gym,” says Dave Lambert, who organizes these happy events. All kinds of pursuits — be they intellectual, athletic, or social — are way more satisfying when amped up on copious amounts of caffeine. Finding your fit for a coffee home is easy in a place where ambiance abounds. The signature sparkling espresso drinks at Sober Shot will definitely fire up neurons, motivate, and inspire.

Try an Only-Safe-When-Sober Skill

Some activities — such as rock climbing at Gravity Vault, go-kart racing at RPM Raceway, Jet-Skiing with New York Harbor Jet Ski, and archery at Aerow Archery are not advisable for the inebriated. Beginners and experienced rock climbers can stretch their limits at the Gravity Vault in Hoboken. At Jersey City’s RPM Raceway, thrill seekers can go fast and furious on 3,000 feet of lightning-fast straightaways and 90-degree hairpin and spiraling ramps. While jet skiing, you’ll cruise up and down the Hudson River, around Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, with the potential for a full loop around Manhattan. Aerow Archery delivers a unique and healthy way to move your body in an 8,000-square-foot open loft space that features 24 lanes of tournament-style targets ranging from 11 to 22 meters.

Read More: New Year, New Gyms: 10 New Fitness Studios In Hoboken + Jersey City

Do Something New

Patrons can book a virtual cooking class with a chef at Tony Baloney’s or an in-person cooking class at Hudson Table. Or, learn to box for fun and fitness. Budding artists can take a painting class at Urban Arts at Monroe Center. Collect some friends for an open studio sewing session at Galastella Studio in Hoboken, or if you’re into fashion, visit Youssoufiani in Hoboken — a leather craftsmanship studio that lets you create your own designer bag.

Workshops at Blue Sky Pottery are ninety minutes of stress-free, messy fun with a take-home prize to be proud of. And despite the name, Tipsy Tie Dye doesn’t serve alcohol and is BYOB for those who want to participate tipsy. The ticketed events — private party sessions are available — include tie-dying sweatshirts, sweatpants, t-shirts, hoodies, towels, baby onesies, dog outfits, you name it. Painting does not require sipping at Art Mango in Jersey City.

Learn All About the Area

The constant calendar of events at the Hoboken Historical Museum runs a vast gamut between regionally reflective artists, film showings, lecture series, and exhibitions that tell stories of the Mile Square City in more ways than there are residents. The Jersey City Free Public Library’s New Jersey Room holds a trove of documents, artifacts, and new and old tomes telling tales of regional history for the history-curious. A search for information about the former homeowners of a property can become a romantic mystery for current-day residents, wondering what those walls have seen.

A Hoboken Food Crawl

With all of the tasty treats in Hoboken, one could easily organize a different food tour each weekend. Salty, sweet, or savory could each be the theme. Maybe the crew missed the summertime MutzFest — just pick a handful of Hoboken’s fantastic delis and compare the mutz. Perhaps mortadella or meatballs is more your speed. There are easily a dozen spots in Hoboken and Jersey City to do an ‘around the world’ style taste test. Or organize your own pizza tour, comparing slices from all around town.

The sweet tooths of the group aren’t left out of the fun. Hoboken is home to New Jersey’s top-rated chocolate chip cookie at Baking Mama. Pick up competitors from other local bakeries like Chip City or Dolce + Salato to see how they stack up. And if you’re one of the people who thinks ice cream is a year-round treat (let’s be honest, it is), Hoboken and Jersey City are lucky enough to have several top-tier ice cream shops. From il Laboratorio del Gelato and Morelia Ice Cream Paletas in Hoboken to the classic Jersey City shop Torico, the choices are anything but bland.

Photo Credit: Morelia Gourmet Paletas

Why not roll from one easily walkable great food location to another with a taste-testing mission? Fresh mozzarella aficionados will attest to the superiority of one mild velvety ball over another. What could be more delightful than a great sober date themed around a tour di mutz stopping at Fiore’s, Vito’s, Biancamano’s, Lisa’s, and Luca Brasi’s? Try one shared plate from each to tally which is creamy but firm, milky sweet, and most irresistible. Or compare sizes — the bocconcini are slightly smaller egg-sized balls, versus ciliegine, slightly smaller cherry-sized bites. If that’s too much dairy, you and yours might center an eating outing on shared cupcakes. Pit delicious bites of moist vanilla bean lusciousness at Baking Mama and Carlo’s Bakery against one another. Everyone wins.

There are actually professional foodies ready to take the crowd on a walking tour showcasing four or five of the best and most unique restaurants in town. Beyond the Plate seats walking tour groups around a table, to chat with chefs and owners, and hear delicious stories about the local food scene.

Jersey City Art Crawl

Jersey City has a serious art scene. What could be more uplifting than gathering a group of besties to discover contemporary art by regional artists? The best-laid plan for art enthusiasts is to jump on any JC Friday or attend the popular JCAST, Jersey City Artist + Studio Tour, when nearly 150 art spaces provide a weekend of performances, installations, studio tours, and art exhibitions.

Catch a Show

Jersey City Theater Center boasts two adjacent professional theatrical venues that host an impressive lineup of local and regional artists and performers for a fun ticketed night out. Snagging a seat at a local production set in the black box theater of Mile Square Theatre is not particularly difficult, but very rewarding. The global music, vibrant regional theater productions, and raw and innovative dance acts at Nimbus Arts Center are way more memorable than barstool antics. Shows are typically similar in cost to a movie.

Pursue a Challenge

Free pickleball or very affordable ice skating at Newport Skates in the winter is a great reason to hang out in Jersey City’s Newport area near the Hudson River waterfront. Push your limits by joining a local run club and elevate your fitness routine.

Play Well with Others

From billiards to board games, Play! Hoboken is a great place to have fun with friends. Symposia Bookstore has so much going on that a general theme is impossible to pin down. Open mic nights, trivia, philosophy discussions, book groups, craft-making events, and you name it — Symposia will host it.

Treat Yourself

We all need a little help taking care of ourselves. Everybody loves a luxury treatment experience, and a spa day with friends is a terrific treat for celebrating healthy living. Facial treatments, massages, and sand and pumice stone full-body exfoliation are the rewards we all deserve. Some spas to check out are Mia Spa 11, Evolve, Attain, Aspen Prime, Hello Hydration, and more. We also have a list of spas in Northern New Jersey here.

Explore Your Home Sweet Home

A group photo walk may be just the thing for exploring our picturesque city streets. Capture the beauty of cozy corner cafes and stately architecture, and document the fact that Hoboken and Jersey City are home to stunning landscapes and vibrant cityscapes. Bowling in the basement of the Barrow Mansion or a trip to historic Harsimus Cemetery are very cool ways to experience local splendor. Planning for a picnic party in a stunning setting is always a great activity, too.

Take a Nature Bath

Hoboken and Jersey City hold many unique park corners and green nooks to restore and refresh among the trees. There are also a few excellent locations for full nature immersion. For tips on how to get the most eco-explorative experience of Liberty State Park, it’s best to start at the Nature Center at Liberty State Park. The year-round center features exhibits focusing on the natural history and ecology of the Hudson River Estuary and has all kinds of cool programs for exploring and learning. Lincoln Park West is home to a wonderful preserved natural habitat for birds. Jersey City Reservoir No. 3, a decommissioned reservoir atop Bergen Hill in the Heights of Jersey City just south of Pershing Field, is another great place for finding the peace that only comes in nature.

See More: Date Ideas for Dry January in Northern New Jersey

Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.

Lifestyle

The post Alcohol-Free Activities in Hoboken + Jersey City appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

The 502 Washington Street storefront in Hoboken has seen several spots come and go over the years, and now the next chapter is officially here. International chicken wing chain Wingstop has opened its newest Hudson County location in the space most recently occupied by Kong Dog. Read on for more about Wingstop’s arrival at 502 Washington Street in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Wingstop’s Arrival in Hoboken

Wingstop’s Hoboken location is now open at 502 Washington Street. Per Jersey Digs, construction permits were placed in the windows, and interior demolition work began as of Thursday, June 5th, ahead of the restaurant’s opening in January 2026. 

Read More: Exclusive: NYC-Based Sandwich Shop, Lenwich, Opening Hoboken Location

About Wingstop

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Wingstop is known internationally for its chicken wings, tenders, sandwiches, and more. Sauce flavors include everything from unique flavors like spicy Korean BBQ, Hawaiian, and the limited-time Mexican Street Spice to classics like garlic parm, original hot, and mango habanero.

The restaurant has over 2,000 locations worldwide, including in 47 states in the United States. The Hoboken location will mark its 51st in New Jersey, with 3 other Hudson County locations in Bayonne, North Bergen, and Jersey City.

What Was There Before?

The downtown Hoboken space where Wingstop has opened has seen several restaurants come and go in the past few years. Most recently, it was home to Kong Dog — a Korean-style corn dog joint. After opening in early 2024, rumors were swirling in fall 2024 that Kong Dog had potentially closed its Hoboken outpost, but nothing had been confirmed. The news of Wingstop’s arrival now confirmed the closure of Kong Dog.

Before Kong Dog, BYOB Italian cafe Zero Otto Uno occupied the space for several years. After a five-year run in the Mile Square, the restaurant closed in August 2023. Prior to Zero Otto Uno, Mamoun’s Falafel resided in the 502 Washington Street space before moving to 300 Washington.

See More: ‘The Saint Clair’ to Open in Former Scala del Nonna Space in Montclair

To stay in the know with all of the Hoboken + Jersey City news, follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok, sign up for our weekly newsletter here, and check out our events calendar.

The post Wingstop Opens in Former Kong Dog Space on Washington Street in Hoboken appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

Have guests coming to visit your beloved Hoboken, yet stumped on exactly where to take them? Have no fear — we’ve rounded up some of the best places to take your guests based on where to eat, where to drink, and what to do. Keep on reading to learn how to show the out-of-towners what the ‘Boken is really about:

Breakfast/Brunch

Elysian Cafe | 1001 Washington Street

Between the European-inspired menu and the charming outdoor patio, diners at this Hoboken staple will feel like they’ve been transported to a neighborhood cafe in Paris. We love Elysian Cafe for brunch because it really is the best of both worlds: mimosas, bellinis, and of course, truffle parmesan fries.

La Isla | 104 Washington Street

La Isla‘s plantain-filled omelets and warm Cuban bread sure will impress your guests and their stomachs too. The Cuban Lattes and Cubaccinos are a pick-me-up staple at this authentic spot.

O’Bagel | 600 Washington Street

Don’t be fooled, O’Bagel is not an average bagel shop. No visit to Hoboken would be complete without a bagel. Go traditional and get a bagel with one of their specialty cream cheeses, or go biiiig and try one of O’Bagel’s unique breakfast sandwiches.

Lunch

Read More: Hoboken (TBT): How Hoboken Got Its Name

Benny Tudino’s | 622 Washington Street

It’s a safe bet that your guests never had a slice of pizza the size of a baby. While strolling on Washington, step into Benny’s for a slice of the *huge* pizza and show your guests just how good the pizza is here in good ol’ Hoboken.

Mr. Wraps | 741 Garden Street

One of Hoboken’s off-the-beaten food gems, Mr. Wraps is so much more than that. With an insane selection of wraps as well as burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, salads, + more, this spot will be sure to satisfy any of your guests’ cravings.

Fiore’s Deli | 414 Adams Street

You can’t have a guest over and not take them to Fiore’s — a Hoboken staple with mozzarella so good that people have it shipped across the U.S. This old-school spot serves up classic Italian-deli favorites.

Dinner

Amanda’s | 908 Washington Street

If you’re looking for a bit of an “upscale” experience, head to Amanda’s for good wine and fine dining. We love the renovated brownstone and its elegant but accessible vibes.

Anthony David’s | 953 Bloomfield Street

Two words — Truffle. Risotto. The friendly atmosphere at Anthony Davids is enough to make your guests feel welcome in the Mile Square. Since this spot is a BYOB, the meal can be truly personalized.

East LA | 508 Washington Street

If you’re craving Mexican food and want to show your guests some authentic Mexican fare, East LA is a go-to choice. 

Grand Vin | 500 Grand Street

Grand Vin is a great spot to take guests who are partial to a glass of wine. Besides the drinks, the food is on point, too, and will be sure to impress your guests.

Leo’s Grandevous | 200 Grand Street

Leo’s is a Hoboken staple, and if you want to show your guests what the Mile Square is really about, a visit to this restaurant is how to do it. Dine on classic and delicious Italian fare while admiring walls covered in pictures of Frank Sinatra and put a dollar in the jukebox to play some tunes.

Drinks

City Bistro | 56 14th Street

City Bistro is a classic bar and restaurant that also has a rooftop bar for visitors to take in views. The spot has an extensive main menu and brunch menu, in addition to its cocktails. 

Pilsener Haus & Biergarten | 1422 Grand Street

This rain-or-shine Biergarten stays true to its roots by offering German beers AND delicious authentic eats: giant warm pretzels and bratwurst included.

Union Hall | 306 Sinatra Drive

For those looking for some dancing fun and yummy drinks, head to Union Hall after strolling along the water. The unique drink menu, weekend DJs, and ambiance is a great setup for a night out.

A few other note-worthy spots for drinks and a potential good time:

• Antique Bar & Bakery
• The Cuban
• Kolo Klub
• Stingray Lounge
• The Madison

See More: 10 Historical Facts About Hoboken {You Probably Didn’t Know}

Things to Do

Take a Riverfront Walk or Ride Along the Hudson River

What they say is true: you can’t see the New York City skyline from Manhattan. Take a stroll down the Hoboken Waterfront Walkway which continues into Weehawken to the north, and down into Newport/Jersey City past the Hoboken Terminal to the south. If pedaling the path is more your speed, pick up a Citibike at one of the many docks available. A day pass is $15 and gives the user as many 30 minute rides as they want in a 24-hour period, which is great for a guest.

Stevens Institute Lookout

Walk up to Castle Point and enjoy the beautiful lookout — views of NYC from all sides.

Indoor Rock Climbing at the Gravity Vault | 1423 Clinton Street

Gravity Vault is a definite people-pleaser no matter what level of athletic ability.

Ferry ride to NYC via NY Waterway

Impress your guests with a picturesque ride across the Hudson to NYC – the trip surely does have a “wow” factor for guests and residents alike.

Cooking Class at Hudson Table | 1403 Clinton Street

Pay for a BYOB cooking class at Hudson Table, and also feed your guests at the same time — it’s a no brainer. Classes fill up fast but check out the calendar for other special events like live music brunches and movies on the rooftop.

There are so many more spots to enjoy, but these are a few of our favorites.

Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.

The post Places to Bring Your Hoboken Visitors: Where to Eat, Drink + Go appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

Christmas is just weeks away, which means it’s time to start planning for the holidays. For those who prefer to dine in, there are plenty of Hoboken and Jersey City restaurants that will serve a holiday dinner on Christmas Eve or Day, so you don’t have to. Keep reading for a list of restaurants that will be open in Hoboken + Jersey City for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2025.

Hoboken

Anthony David’s | 953 Bloomfield Street

Christmas Eve Hours: 8AM-4PM

Christmas Day: Closed

Read More: Hoboken + Jersey City New Years Eve 2026 Events and Parties

Barbés Restaurant | 1300 Park Avenue

Christmas Eve Hours: 4PM-10PM

Cafe Michelina | 423 Bloomfield Street 

Christmas Eve Hours: 4PM-8PM 

Chen Kitchen | 301 Jackson Street #2

Christmas Eve Hours: 11AM-9:30PM

Christmas Day Hours: 11AM-8:30PM

Dear Maud | 205 1st Street

Christmas Eve Hours: 12PM-10PM

Christmas Day Hours: 4PM-10PM

Del Frisco’s Grille | 221 River Street

Christmas Eve Hours: 12PM-9PM

Christmas Day Hours: 12PM-8PM

Special Menu: The holiday menu for both Christmas Eve + Day serves 3-4 people and features a rib roast for an entree, with sweet potato gratin, clam chowder, and buttered green beans as sides. The desserts include apple cranberry cobbler and red velvet cheesecake. See here for the details and to make a reservation.

Elysian Cafe | 1001 Washington Street

Christmas Eve Hours: 12PM-11PM

Halifax | 225 River Street

Christmas Eve Hours: 5P-9:30PM

Christmas Day Hours: 5PM-9:30PM

Special Menu: A seafood forward menu inspired by the Feast of the Seven Fishes. The three-course prix fixe includes a salt cod brandade, lobster bisque, peekytoe crab spaghetti, a a seafood stew. The menu will also include a dry-aged NY strip and desserts such as cannoli tiramisu and linzer torte. Make reservations here.

The post Hoboken + Jersey City Restaurants Open on Christmas Eve and Day for 2025 appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

Don Goyo Tacos Mexicanos, a new Mexican restaurant at 601 Palisade Avenue in Jersey City, hosted its grand opening on Saturday, December 20th. This soon-to-be foodie spot is the newest business venture from the team behind the JC taco stand, Taquitos Mexicanos. Read on for what to know about Don Goyo Tacos Mexicanos, coming to the Heights neighborhood in Jersey City, New Jersey.

The Details

On Saturday, July 12th, an HG reader spotted signage at 603 Palisade Avenue in Jersey City, next to Sun Gourmet Deli + Grocery in the former C + D Carpet Service space. The sign reads, “Coming Soon: Don Goyo Tacos Mexicanos,” indicating the impending arrival of a new Mexican restaurant. The team celebrated its grand opening on Saturday, December 20th. 

Photo Credit: @__jax_x

There was some speculation about whether this new eatery was affiliated with the Don Goyo franchise in NYC and California, or Taquitos Mexicanos, a Jersey City taco stand parked at 45 Congress Street, in the corner of New York Avenue and Congress. Operating as the brick-and-mortar locale for the Chilltown favorite, we now know that Don Goyo Tacos Mexicanos is the latest concept launched by the team behind Taquitos Mexicanos.

Read More: Stretch Med Opening on Washington Street in Hoboken

“Anyone who’s had the opportunity to eat and be served by the family who owns that truck knows how hard working that family is, including the teens who bust their butts right alongside their parents!!!” a Jersey City resident shared with HG. “So so happy for that family- they’re a staple in our community.”

Despite its name and taco stand counterpart, the new spot will serve more than just tacos. While specific menu details have yet to be announced, the Tacos Mexicanos team has confirmed that it will feature an array of authentic Mexican dishes.

An opening date hasn’t been set just yet, but upon opening, it will join a robust list of JC Mexican restaurants, including La Brujeria at 200 Summit Avenue, La Milpa Taqueria at 45 Franklin Street, Los Cuernos at 499 Washington Boulevard, Mezcal Kitchen at 665 Newark Avenue, and more. See our full list of Mexican restaurants in Hoboken + Jersey City here.

About Tacos Mexicanos

According to its website, “Taquitos Mexicanos is not just another taco stand; it is an experience.” The family-owned and operated restaurant on wheels has served a menu of authentic hand-rolled taquitos, featuring a variety of meat options, including birria, al pastor, chorizo, pollo, carne asada, and more, to Jersey City locals for years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Tacos Mexicanos, which operates on a cash-only system, is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 1PM and 10PM and on Mondays from 2PM to 10PM.

See More: Celebrity Chef Morimoto to Open New Montclair Restaurant on 7/31

Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.

The post Don Goyo Tacos Mexicanos Opens on Palisade Avenue appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

Last fall, Jersey City resident and talented Chef Bryan Girón opened Perquín, a Honduran restaurant that instantly impressed locals and became a go-to for Taco Tuesdays, flavorful cocktails, and some of the freshest seafood dishes around. After Perquín’s first fun-filled summer, the team got news that its building was going up for sale to make way for a new development, forcing the restaurant to close on short notice in September of 2025. Less than a month later, Perquín was able to reopen its doors at 84 ½ Morris Street in Jersey City, just across the street from its old location, with a new spin on the classics first introduced at  Perquín, now with a more convenient grab-and-go style for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Read on to learn more about Perquín’s story and everything its new space has to offer. 

Behind The Scenes

Chef Bryan Girón grew up in Bayonne surrounded by food that acted as a love language. He recalls the dishes and juices his grandmother made in Honduras, which he says “spoiled” him, but in ways that reflect proudly in his food today.  He studied Culinary Arts at Johnson + Wales University in both Miami and Providence, Rhode Island, and went on to work in several restaurants throughout his career, including popular New York City spots Stanton Social, Beauty & Essex, Barbuto, and Shukette. He even worked as a line cook at Jersey City’s own Bread + Salt.

Read More: 20+ Places to Get a Hot Sub In Hoboken + Jersey City

Bryan credits his former boss and owner of Bread + Salt, Rick Easton, as part of his inspiration to open a restaurant of his own. Bryan told HG, “I always think of him when I’m cooking and know not to take any shortcuts,” as that is something Rick would be able to detect right away. Now, Bryan jokes that he always hears Rick’s voice in his head as he creates new dishes. Bryan shared that working for Rick at Bread + Salt was one of the proudest culinary experiences in his repertoire. 

Even though Chef Bryan was raised on Latin food, his experience cooking it himself only began about two years ago. (Although once you taste these flavors, that fact will surprise you.) Everything about Perquín comes from Chef Bryan’s heart and creative mind. The name itself, “Perquín,” means “road to the fire,” which originates from the Lenca people, an indigenous community in Honduras and El Salvador. Every inch of Perquín pays beautiful tribute to Chef Bryan’s roots. From the artwork and music to the flavors, colors, and energy, stepping into Perquín feels like an intimate introduction to not only Chef Bryan’s world but the traditions that inspired him. An experience at Perquín feels personal because it truly IS. 

The Menu

Perquín’s menu is rooted in Honduran flavors with many Latin American-inspired twists. Chef Bryan steers away from using the word “fusion” as Perquín is much more than that, going beyond simply mixing different styles of foods, but meticulously hand-picking and cross-utilizing some of the finest flavors into entirely new creations. He added, “Latin food is good enough and doesn’t need to be infused.”  

Perquín has mastered the art of taking the beauty of Honduran food and elevating it as it’s never been seen before. Chef Bryan shared that there are not a lot of Honduran restaurants in the area, and he wants to show locals the best of what it can be by putting extreme detail into each component. He treated HG to a generous spread, giving us the full-on Perquín experience, with tastes of some of his favorite items on the menu while he shared stories of his deep connections to the flavors and his roots.

We tried everything from breakfast and pastries to coffee drinks, mocktails, soups, salads, and even ceviche. Our lineup consisted of: fresh Pastelitos de membrillo, a Salvadoran Quesadilla (which is gluten-free and made with rice flour), Bolivian Salteñas, a super fresh Fall Market Salad, ice-cold Ceviche, potato and chorizo Flautas, Coconut Soup, Plato Tipico (which is Chef Bryan’s take on a typical Central American breakfast), and an out-of-this-world homemade yogurt parfait made completely in-house.

Chef Bryan and his team make everything from scratch with both local and international ingredients. The care in each bite can be tasted without a doubt. Chef Bryan is inherently savvy and aims to utilize each ingredient to the max. He shared that he even collects the whey protein from his homemade yogurt to later use in smoothies, which patrons can order for breakfast.

Aside from the food, beverages are actually a huge part of Perquín’s repertoire. We sampled fresh carrot ginger juice, pomegranate lemonade, a non-alcoholic guava mojito, passionfruit juice, mulled cider, a coquito latte, and an ultra-refreshing pineapple cucumber mint juice. Being a BYOB restaurant, Perquín understood the assignment when it came to creating the perfect mixer or mocktail base. (So be sure to add this to your list of mocktail stops during Dry January this year.)

So whether you’re stopping in for a quick coffee, juice, grab-and-go breakfast, or are looking to dine in and relax over a warm bowl of soup or a freshly prepared ceviche, Perquín’s cozy and colorful restaurant space is ideal to satiate just about any craving on your mind with impressive, bold flavors to match. 

Visiting Perquín

Perquín is located in the heart of the Paulus Hook neighborhood in Jersey City at 84 ½ Morris Street. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9:00 AM-8:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 9:00 AM-9:00 PM, and Sundays from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM.

Patrons can also order delivery via Toast, dine in, or take out any time. For more updates, events, and new menu items, be sure to follow along with Perquín and Chef Bryan on Instagram.

See More: Spanish Cuisine + Flamenco Dancing: MG’s Visit to Sayola in Montclair

Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.

Food + Drink

The post Jersey City Restaurant Perquín is Back and Better Than Ever appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

In May 2024, Northern Soul, a Hoboken restaurant and bar known for its expansive menu options, temporarily closed its doors at The Sky Club. In this residential building, located at 700 1st Street, Northern Soul occupied the ground-level commercial space for seven years (and another Hoboken space for eight years before that). The property underwent several months of construction, during which time the eatery hoped to reopen once the work was completed. As of July 2025, over a year after the business’s closing announcement, we now know that Northern Soul will not reopen at The Sky Club, as a new wine bar called With Love, Valentina, from the team behind Wise Vision, is set to take over the space. Read on for what to know about With Love, Valentina moving into The Sky Club in Hoboken, New Jersey.

What’s Happening at the Former Northern Soul Space?

The Hoboken Girl learned in summer 2025 that the space would now be a wine bar called With Love, Valentina. In December 2025, signage for the new business is up on the door.  The sign also shared the business’s Instagram account, which offered few clues about an opening date. The Hoboken Girl has reached out and will update this piece when we learn more. 

For many years, Northern Soul was seen as a staple of the Mile Square. It first entered Hoboken’s bar scene in 2008, with the opening of its storefront at 557 1st Street. In 2016, the restaurant relocated to The Sky Club, where it occupied the commercial space until its closure in May 2024.

“We honestly do not know what’s going to happen,” the restaurant previously shared with HG, shortly after announcing its imminent closure. “We may end up selling it or moving to a different location. Hopefully we can find a way to reopen at The Sky Club, but it’s not looking great…”

Read More: A New Vintage Store is Opening in Hoboken: Meet Archives Vintage Boutique

As of July 2025, over a year after Northern Soul’s closing announcement, we now know that a new business has plans to move into the space, indicating that the restaurant will not reopen in its prior locale.

Taking Northern Soul’s place is With Love, Valentina, a cozy neighborhood wine and tapas lounge in honor of owners Eddie and Vanessa’s daughter, Valentina, who, they told HG, has always inspired them to “dream bigger.”

The spot will serve as a place “where [locals] can grab a glass or bottle of wine, have some great cocktails and small plates in an atmosphere that is approachable yet aesthetically pleasing,” Eddie and Vanessa said. “Think comfy seats/sofas and a place where everyone knows your name.”

The duo, who also own Wise Vision, a local optometry office located at 327 Washington Street, is aiming for a fall opening.

It is not yet known if Northern Soul has plans to reopen in a different location in the Hoboken area or remain closed indefinitely. The Hoboken Girl has reached out to Northern Soul and The Sky Club for further information and will update this post with any further information.

About Northern Soul

For 16 years, Northern Soul was a beloved restaurant + bar that served the Mile Square community with live music events, a fun atmosphere, and a menu featuring brunch, lunch, dinner, and an extensive array of drinks. The spot was known for its diet-friendly options, which included veggie burgers, gluten-free waffles, buffalo cauliflower bites, black bean quinoa chili, cauliflower steak, and more.

On May 10th, 2024, Northern Soul shared the following announcement via social media:

“You’d think we’d be used to these after the last 17 years, but here we go again … We have been told by our building MGMT that they need to do emergency repairs to the driveway, facade, and footpaths of the SkyClub. We have been instructed to remove our patio by June 1st, as of today there is no official plan in place to provide the restaurant with proper egress, essentially we will be forced to close our doors while the construction is completed.

We have been working diligently for the last few weeks with both the building and landlord to avoid closing, we tried every avenue we could think of but there doesn’t seem to be a way around this. We held off on this announcement for as long as possible to see if a solution would present itself, but with only 3 weeks left until the end of the month, we cannot morally continue ‘business as usual’ not knowing what the place will even look like next month…

The SkyClub has been a great location the past 7 years, our commitment to serving the 4th ward has never been stronger, we carved out our own little niche back here. Obviously a business closing and then trying to reopen costs a lot of money, we’re told the project should be completed in ‘around’ 4 months, as of right now our insurance company has denied our claim for business interruption.

This puts us in a very difficult position, the business cannot afford to take on anymore debt. We’ve fought through our fair share of battles over the years, hurricanes, unlawful evictions, pandemics, you name it, we’ve got the t-shirt!

It’s been a rollercoaster since we found out, nothing about any of this has been straightforward, one way or another, we hope to be back in business as soon as possible. In the meantime, we will do our best to update everyone. We still have at least 3 weeks left at 700 1st Street and a ton of alcohol to drink, so don’t be a stranger. We wanna thank everyone for the continued support, it’s sincerely appreciated!”

See More: Fort Lee-Based Coffee Shop ‘Roast’d Coffee’ is Expanding to Montclair

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The post Signage Up at Hoboken’s Incoming Wine Bar, With Love, Valentina, in Former Northern Soul Location appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

One of the most important questions when planning a night out is deciding what the vibe will be for you and your crew. Now, a Mediterranean restaurant in Jersey City is bringing interesting food and drinks and curating a vibey experience. IKOS at 190 Steuben Street is one of Downtown Jersey City’s newest restaurants that opened in December of 2025. Read on for more details on Jersey City’s Mediterranean restaurant and vibe dining spot, IKOS. 

The Space 

The Mediterranean restaurant’s name, IKOS, is rooted in the ancient Greek word οἶκος (oikos), which means “house” or “household”. It’s the energy the restaurant wants to create, welcoming guests to an elevated space that feels like the comfort of home. The restaurant has a touch of modern elegance, a warm spirit, and a vibrant late-night atmosphere. 

The team behind IKOS celebrated the opening of this location in Jersey City and plans to continue growing in the future. The team is already eyeing New York, Florida, and Texas as possible locations for more concepts rooted in connection, emotion, and hospitality. 

Read More: New Jersey Lawmakers Propose Tax Breaks to Save New Jersey Diners

The Menu

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The menu at IKOS is built around the idea of shared experiences. That means generous plates prepared with fresh ingredients for you and your party to split and enjoy. 

Some of the highlights of the menu include Octopus served on creamy fava with pomegranate seeds and Calamari Gemisto, where the calamari is stuffed with a rich cheese filling. Plus, the restaurant has a Petrossian Caviar service. There are plenty of grilled whole fish and prime beef cuts as well, giving guests a combination of rustic flavors with an elegant presentation. 

The cocktail menu brings the vibe together. The bar has a speakeasy mindset, blending unexpected ingredients with special techniques. Some of the highlights include “A Day in Palermo,” inspired by strawberry cheesecake, “Nicosia Whisper,” a reinvention of the Piña Colada, and “Rain Over Capri,” which blends Clase Azul Reposado with saffron, honey, and cinnamon. These cocktails are not only designed to pair well with the food menu but to enhance the dining experience.

Vibe Dining 

Weekends are when the vibe shifts at IKOS. On Fridays and Saturdays after 10:00 PM, the lights drop, music starts going up, and the dinner restaurant transforms into more of a lounge club experience. Dancing is encouraged with live DJ sets that start at 8:00 PM and bounce through the space. Brunch events that are sure to be full of music and mimosas are coming soon to IKOS.

Executive Chef Davide Zucca brings his culinary talents to IKOS. The chef, born and raised in Italy, started his culinary journey in London, where he was introduced to the art of Greek cuisine. His career has brought him around the world, including Dubai, Athens, and New York. Now he’s arrived in Jersey City, ready to bring his passion and international expertise to IKOS. 

See More: Eating Around the World in North Jersey: 4 Essex County Restaurants Serving Global Cuisines

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Food + Drink

The post New Mediterranean Restaurant, IKOS, Opens in Downtown Jersey City appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

Hudson County has become known for excellent dining experiences at every budget. The area’s rich cultural diversity has resulted in a wide cross-section of cuisine that nails local restaurateurs’ traditional heritages and boldly invents fusion tastes to draw crowds and kudos. Read on for a highlights tour of some of the many restaurants, cafes, and food trucks that are giving Hudson County its foodie credentials. 

So Many Choices!

Options for dining out in Hudson County just keep multiplying. Jersey City alone has close to 1K restaurants to choose from, with new eateries popping up all over the place. Neighborhoods like Newport in Jersey City — that previously quieted down in the evening without restaurants for residents — have seen a sudden flurry in new hot dinner spots. Multiple years of Wine Spectator Awards and our own Local Girl write-ups have likely brought on the need for table reservations at the most popular places. It seems that it’s Hudson County’s culinary moment in the sun. 

Recognizing Old-School Icons 

From the relatively recently established iconic locals like Zeppelin Hall (est. 2009) to the long-lived Fiore’s of mozz fame and glory (est. 1913), Hudson County has been performing fabulous culinary feats to manifest all our food fantasies for ages. We respect our elder restaurants even when their fare has changed with the times and the arrival of new generations — like Liberty House’s Maddy Rose, where the view is historical and majestic but the menu is fresh and fabulous. 

Read More: We Tried Dozens of Pickles at Hoboken’s Pickle Joy: Here’s How it Went

Andrea Salumeria | 247 Central Avenue 

Augustino’s | 1104 Washington Street, Hoboken

Barge Inn | 324 Third Street, Jersey City

Benny Tudino’s | 622 Washington Street, Hoboken

Cafe Michelina | 423 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken

Carlo’s Bakery | 95 Washington Street, Hoboken

Fiore’s Deli | 414 Adams Street, Hoboken

Leo’s Grandevous | 200 Grand Street, Hoboken

Liberty Brand Pastries & Food | 2409 Central Avenue, Union City

Liberty House | 76 Audrey Zapp Drive, Liberty State Park, Jersey City

Neptune Bakery and Deli | 1612 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City

Piccolo’s | 92 Clinton Street, Hoboken

Zeppelin Hall | 88 Liberty View Drive, Jersey City  

Innovative + Trendy Hot Spots

Hudson County restaurants are not boring. The art on the walls, the many genres of live music, unique collabs, and uncommon creations — like Departed Souls’ amazing gluten-free beer or Dark Side of the Moo’s alligator sausage, wild boar tacos, kangaroo or yak burgers — provide adventuresome foodies with something new to discover just around the next corner. 

87 Sussex | 87 Sussex Street, Jersey City

Ani Ramen | 218 Newark Avenue, Jersey City

Busy Bee Organics | 451 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City

The Cliff | 38 Congress Street, Jersey City

Dark Side of the Moo | 52 Bowers Street, Jersey City

Dear Maud | 205 First Street, Hoboken

Departed Souls Brewing Company | 150 Bay Street, Jersey City

Drift | 1200 Harbor Boulevard, Weehawken

LoKal Eatery & Bar | 2 Second Street, Jersey City

Traditional & Fusion Heritage Homage

Like the massive portions of authentic Ecuadorian food at Bayonne’s Tagua and the glorious Peruvian sopas at Harrison’s B-52’s, these purveyors of spice done right bring rave reviews. Many of them are getting noticed, including Jersey City’s Korai Kitchen, which recently received a James Beard nomination. Here are but a tiny fraction of the abundance of restaurants bringing bountiful world flavors to our plates. 

B-52’s Lounge & Restaurant Ceviche Bar | 200 North Second Street, Harrison

El Aguila Dorada | 830 Broadway, Bayonne

El Artesano Restaurant | 4101 Bergenline Avenue, Union City

El Eslabon Restaurante | 6013 Park Avenue, West New York

Korai Kitchen | 576 Summit Avenue, Jersey City

Lotus Thai Cuisine | 7007 Park, Guttenberg

Masala Cafe Chettinad | 839 Newark Avenue, Jersey City

Q’Tal Bar + Grill | 3 Kearny Avenue, Kearny

Rumba Cubana | 6909 JFK Boulevard, Guttenberg | 1807 45th Street, North Bergen | 235 Pavonia Avenue, Jersey City

Tagua | 269 Broadway, Bayonne

Takorea BBQ | 805 Frank E Rogers Boulevard, Harrison

The Indian Tapas | 101 Greene Street, Jersey City

Photo-Friendly Brunch & Rooftop Culture 

Sweet and swanky restaurant spots bring cheer to a bad weather or bad mood day because fancy fabulousness is a fun solution to whatever’s got us down. Hudson County is loaded with gorgeous locations to meet up with friends over mimosas and toast togetherness in a place where the ambiance sparkles invitingly. 

Anthony David’s | 953 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken

Barbès | 1300 Park Avenue, Hoboken 

Bin 14 | 1314 Washington Street, Hoboken

Elysian Cafe | 1001 Washington Street, Hoboken 

Fork Hill Kitchen | 201 Sixteenth Street, Union City

Halifax | 225 River Street, Hoboken

Hudson + Co | 3 Second Street, Jersey City

The Kitchen Step | 500 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City

The Lola | 102 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken

The Rooftop at Exchange Place | 1 Exchange Place, Jersey City

Metropolis | 96 Hudson Street, Hoboken

Vale’s Kafe + Kitchen | 825 Twenty Second Street, Union City

Neighborhood Fixes

There are so many beloved Hudson County mom-and-pop delis and bistros that keep us well-coffeed and fed. Those favorite tucked-away places and corners are hot spots for happiness. These neighborhood staples are the setting for making memories and slowing down time, nestled in comfort, away from the world’s chaos. 

15 Fox Place | 15 Fox Place, Jersey City

Cafe Dolma | 270 Grand Street, Jersey City

Cortaditos | 4501 Park Avenue, Union City

Garden Cafe + Bistro | 106 Country Road, Union City

Griot Cafe | 398 Central Avenue, Jersey City

Gussy’s Cafe | 292 Newark Avenue, Jersey City

Hamilton Inn | 708 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City

Harry’s Food & Drink | 8101 Bergenline Avenue, North Bergen

Roast & C.R.E.A.M. | 1620 Bergenline Avenue, Union City

Satis Bistro | 212 Washington Street, Jersey City 

Subia’s  | 506 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City

White Star | 179 Warren Street, Jersey City

New Rising Stars

New restaurants and cafes in our area have been stirring up quite a buzz. Mark Censits’ new farm-to-table restaurant, Maxwell Alley, and Korean and Japanese restaurant Yakitame Bento + Katsu  are shining star examples of what can happen when brilliant entrepreneurs with exceptional taste cater to the sophisticated tastes of our region. 

Apnaa Lahore | 557 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City

Blue Anchor | 166 River Drive, Jersey City  

Blue Angel Artisan Cafe + Bakery| 79 Hudson Street, Hoboken

The Colonial Grill Foodtruck | 1 Newark Street, Hoboken

Forum Coffee | 1400 Washington Street, Hoboken

Haraz Coffee House | 89 Hudson Street, Hoboken

Little Mingo | 305 1st Street, Hoboken

Mile Square Cafe | 746 Park Avenue, Hoboken

Bergen Hall | 58 Maple Street, Jersey City

BRBQ | 532 Summit Avenue, Jersey City

Incontro Caffè | 351 Summit Avenue, Jersey City

Maxwell Alley | 12 Coles Street, Jersey City

Yakitame Bento + Katsu | 501 Central Avenue, Jersey City

RUN/Café | 1000 Garfield Avenue, Jersey City

Panaderya Salvaje | 9 Erie Street, Jersey City

Recent Wine Spectator Award Winners

An excellent overall experience is the norm at these celebrated restaurants, and the word has been out for quite a while now. The annual Wine Spectator awards, which highlight our region’s outstanding food destinations, are no surprise. Local foodies didn’t need an outside authority to confer credibility to their date night destination, but the recognition does feel nice. 

Battello | 502 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City 

Blu on the Hudson | 1200 Harbor Boulevard, Weehawken

Brazeiro Churrascaria | 103 Sixtieth Street, West New York | 7420 Broadway, North Bergen

Court Street | 61 Sixth Street, Hoboken

Del Frisco’s Grille | 221 River Street, Hoboken

Felina Steak | 2 Chapel Avenue, Jersey City

Hailfax | 225 River Street, Hoboken

Maddy Rose at Liberty House, 76 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City

Molos | 1 Pershing Road, Weehawken

Sorellina Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, 1036 Washington Avenue, Hoboken

Son Cubano | 40 Riverwalk Place, West New York 

Perennial Local Girl Faves Not Listed Above

There are simply too many great Hudson County food options to name them all. There’s someplace for everyone and then another someplace for all the days of the month, yet the list of local “must-try”s just keeps growing. As long as they’re cooking, we will keep tasting and savoring what comes out of these kitchens. 

Antique Bar + Bakery | 122 Willow Avenue, Hoboken

Chart House | 1700 Harbor Boulevard, Weehawken

Corto | 507 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City

El Artesano | 4101 Bergenline Avenue, Union City

Faubourg | 544 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair + 1100 Avenue at Port Imperial, Weehawken

Flour | 500 Jefferson Street, Hoboken

Gaia + Loki | 346 Grove Street, Jersey City

Korai Kitchen | 576 Summit Avenue, Jersey City

La Isla | 104 Washington Street, Hoboken

Razza | 275 Grove Street, Jersey City

See More: A Millennial Girl’s Guide to the Jersey Shore

Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.

Food + Drink

The post 94 Spots That Prove Hudson County, NJ is a Foodie Destination appeared first on Hoboken Girl.