Cannabis dispensaries in New Jersey have been at the forefront of discussions since the legalization of marijuana in 2022. Many eager entrepreneurs are looking to get involved in the ever-growing cannabis industry — and among them is a New Jersey-based celebrity who just opened a dispensary here in Hudson County. Rapper and actor Ice-T has teamed up with The Medicine Woman co-owner, Charis Burrett, to open a cannabis dispensary in Jersey City in March 2025.  As of January 6th, 2025, the dispensary has closed. Read on for what we know about Ice-T’s Jersey City-based dispensary, The Medicine Woman.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by The Medicine Woman New Jersey (@themedwomannj)

About The Medicine Woman

The Medicine Woman was founded by Charis Burrett and her husband, Luke Burrett, back in 2019. It initially began as a California-based non-profit, where it delivered over 300 products to its patients, according to the website.

“Our mission at The Medicine Woman is to provide a full-spectrum of global plant medicines to benefit the health and wellness of our local communities,” the website reads. “We have now expanded to offer more than 1,000 products, have launched our own multi-collection private label product line, and are currently in the development phase of launching our 2nd brick and mortar location.” The second brick-and-mortar location is the recently opened Jersey City spot — and the first is located in Bellflower, California.

Read More: Hoboken Dispensary The Station Adds Recreational Sales

The Jersey City Dispensary

Ice-T, also known as Tracy Lauren Marrow, has been in the public eye for decades now. He is known for being a rapper and, more recently, an actor, portraying Fin on Law & Order: SVU. Ice-T and Charis have been close friends for a long time, per Forbes. The collaboration makes a lot of sense; Charis is an expert in cannabis, while Ice-T is deeply familiar with the cannabis industry’s historically disproportionate impact on minority populations. Plus, Ice-T is also well-acquainted with New Jersey. He was born in Newark, grew up in Summit, and currently lives in Edgewater, New Jersey.

“I’ve dedicated my life and career to giving back and paving the way for minorities,” Ice-T previously said in a statement. “As a New Jersey native, I’m excited for the opportunity legalization offers our community, and I look forward to ushering in a new era for cannabis in the state.”

On July 25th, 2022, Jersey City’s Cannabis Control Board approved four Class 5 cannabis applicants — including The Medicine Woman. The other applicants were MedUSA NJ, LLC; Oceanfront Holdings LLC; and The Other Side Dispensary LLC, per TapInto. The Jersey City Cannabis Control Board is in charge of creating and enforcing all things cannabis. All local dispensaries must receive its approval.

The Medicine Woman, which was hoping for a fall 2022 opening, is said to have 5,000-square-feet of retail space, and sells merchandise as well as New Jersey cannabis brands. According to TapInto in 2022, The Medicine Woman had already partnered with some local non-profits, including The Last Prisoner Project, Jersey City Employment and Training Program, Jersey City Mural and Arts Program, and Hudson County Community College.

Updates as of January 2024

In January 2024, The Medicine Woman was “approved by the state Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) Wednesday,” January 17th, to sell recreational marijuana, per NJ.com.  In a statement to NJ.com following the approval, Ice-T’s partner Charis said, “We could not be more ecstatic… We are so thankful to Jersey City and everyone involved that has helped us to get to this point.”

At the time, the duo planned to open The Medicine Woman at 660-684 Tonnelle Avenue in the spring or summer of 2024.

See More: New Cannabis Dispensary Nightjar is Open in Bloomfield

Updates as of March 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by The Medicine Woman New Jersey (@themedwomannj)

The Medicine Woman is now in its soft opening stages in Jersey City as of Thursday, March 27th, 2025, per an Instagram post from the team. The grand opening celebration will be held on the weekend of April 19th and 20th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by The Medicine Woman New Jersey (@themedwomannj)

January 2026 Closure

An HG reader flagged that the dispensary may have closed over the New Year. As of January 6th, 2026, the Jersey City location of the Medicine Woman has disappeared from the company’s website. The Google listing for the business shows it as ‘permanently closed.’ The Hoboken Girl has reached out to the business for more information and will update this piece when we hear back. 

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 Ice-T’s Dispensary ‘The Medicine Woman’ Closes in Jersey City appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

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.

Hoboken and Jersey City have lots of possibilities when it comes to learning a new skill or creating a masterpiece of your own. DIY classes can be fun as a solo day, a date night or a group activity. Locally, there are several classes and events that will get the creative juices flowing and improve various skills. Read on to learn more about DIY classes and events in Hoboken and Jersey City, New Jersey.

Hoboken

Atelier Sucre | 720 Monroe Street

Located in the Monroe Center, Atelier Sucré is a cooking studio where local bakers and home cooks can take group and private cooking classes and learn to make sweet French pastries like croissants, gluten-free macarons, and tarts + madeleines, as well as savory Northeast classics like New York-style bagels and homemade pasta and pizza.

ArteVino Studio | 720 Monroe Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Turning into a painter for a night is not as hard as it may seem with the guidance of the skilled instructors at ArteVino. Located in the Monroe Center, ArteVino regularly hosts paint classes where guests are guided through how to recreate an artistic masterpiece. Or, for those who are more advanced and want to try painting on their own, the studio has open-access options. To check out the full schedule and book a class, click here. 

Blue Skies Pottery | 720 Monroe Street #C414

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Blue Skies Pottery is one of the few one-time pottery locations in the area. It’s located inside the Monroe Center and allows guests to try their hand at a potters’ wheel during one-time classes or by signing up for a multi-week course. Individual events are also offered for various groups or to hone certain skills. Reservations are required and can be made on the site here.  

Read More: This Artist Creates Wearable Art With Nods to Hoboken + NYC

Hudson Table | 1403 Clinton Street

Hudson Table is one of Hudson County’s most popular DIY class locations. At Hudson Table, guests can expect a highly interactive cooking class with renowned chef instructors. The hands-on classes have themed menus that cover a wide range of cuisines including Italian Bistro, Spanish Tapas, Texan Steakhouse, and more. The classes sell out quickly, but booking alerts can be made on the Hudson Table website. To book a class, click here.

Ivy Mane Studio | 1012 Grand Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ivy Mane Studio promises a ‘more creative you’ through its DIY concrete-pouring workshops. This Hoboken art studio has a variety of classes where participants can make items such as vases, ashtrays, table games, and more. Workshop pricing ranges from $75 + up, or private events can be hosted to celebrate any occasion. To learn more about upcoming classes and to register, click here.

Sushi Making Class at Saku Hoboken | 936 Park Avenue

Saku Hoboken provides a lesson in the art of sushi making without an expensive plane ticket to Japan. Its “Rolling with the Homies” sushi class is great for an individual activity, a date night, or for a group of friends. Each guest will learn how to make rice wine vinegar and three sushi rolls. Tickets are $75 and classes are provided on Tuesdays from 6PM-8PM. To learn more, click here.

Tipsy Tie-Dye | 155 1st Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Partying with color is the vibe at Tipsy Tie-Dye. Guests can choose from any items for sale in the shop such as sweatshirts, pants, and t-shirts to dye or items can be brought in from home to dye. Tickets are open to guests of all ages until 5:30PM and then the venue turns to adults-only from 5:30PM-10:30PM. The classes are not formal, but Tipsy Tie-Dye team members are available to help guests with the process. To learn more about getting a reservation or booking a private event, click here.

Urban Arts | 720 Monroe Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Urban Arts is a children’s art studio located in the Monroe Center. In addition to the wide range of programs provided for children, Urban Arts can be booked for a DIY class private event for guests of any age. Instructors are ready to assist with art mediums like pastels, acrylic paints, watercolors, colored pencils, and more. To learn more and inquire about pricing, click here.

Jersey City

Academy Darkroom | 279 Pine Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Photography  is a true art form and Academy Darkroom in Jersey City is a great place to learn. Students can learn how to shoot on a film camera and how to develop film. Classes are provided by the semester and sign-ups are available throughout the year. To learn more and to sign up for a course, click here. 

Art Mango | 269 Varick Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

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After a session at Art Mango, you’ll be asking “Picasso who?” Art Mango is a paint and sip studio that hosts painting parties with small businesses in Jersey City. Instructors will guide students through re-creating a beautiful painting regardless of skill level. To check out which paintings are coming up next and to book a spot, click here.

Atacama Clay Studio | 273 New York Avenue, Studio #1

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Would-be artists can unleash their inner potter at Atacama Clay Studio in Jersey City. This pottery studio has a class type for everyone: those who are just looking to try their hand at the wheel in a one-time class or, those looking to master the art, there are semester-long classes and membership opportunities. Skilled instructors are available at each session to guide students through the art of pottery and answer questions. To learn more about the class types and to secure a spot, click here.

Betty’s Ceramic Club + Supply Co | 224 9th Street

Betty’s Ceramic Club is located on 9th Street in Jersey City. This pottery haven has opportunities for beginners and advanced potters alike through membership options, six-week sessions, four-week short classes and even one-time opportunities. Betty’s also invites those who want to share the art with family and friends to celebrate special occasions with the shop’s party and event packages. To learn more about offerings and to book a class, click here.

Mosaic Art Studio | 411 Monmouth Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Participants can learn the art of Turkish lamp-making right in Hoboken. Mosaic Art Studio, located inside the Mission 50 co-working space, provides both a history lesson and an opportunity to make a creative piece. Guests start with a briefing on the history of Turkish lamp-making before being guided through how to make their own. As the project dries, guests are treated to Turkish treats before getting a grout kit to complete the project at home. To pre-book tickets and to learn more, click here.

Youssoufiani | 33 Wayne Street

Youssoufiani was founded by Armenian-born Ani Youssoufian in 2024. The studio is focused on leather craftsmanship, highlighting handbags and other accessories as DIY projects. Ani welcomes students of all skill-levels, inviting them to customize their one-of-a-kind designs through techniques like embossing and monograms. To learn more about the studio and to reserve a spot, click here. 

See More: Hackensack’s Union Street Park: Part of an Expanding Art + Graffiti Scene

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 14 DIY Activities to Try in Hoboken + Jersey City appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

2026 has officially arrived and we’ve got you covered with everything to do locally over the next few days in Hoboken and Jersey City by sharing our full events calendar for easy browsing while we’re OOO until 1/5. Below is the link to our calendar with Hoboken + Jersey City events happening from December 26th through January 4th, 2026. Don’t forget — you can also submit your events to our community guide HERE (we approve pending events daily).

Disclaimer: This is a community resource. Submit events HERE and view the full calendar HERE.

The Hoboken Girl is not affiliated with hosting unless explicitly stated.

Usually, we put out a weekly events guide showcasing 200+(!!) events happening throughout the current week in Hoboken, Jersey City, Hudson County, and greater New Jersey. Since we’re away until 1/5, we’re changing things up a bit and linking our full events calendar so you can peruse all of the local events happening at your convenience.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR EVENTS CALENDAR

Don’t forget — you can submit your own event at any time to our calendar HERE.

See below for a few other fun things to keep you occupied while we’re away.

The post Things to Do Between Christmas and New Years 2026 in Hoboken + Jersey City appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

Hear ye, hear ye! We at HG have an announcement to make — we now have the winners for the Best of Hoboken 2025 Awards. After weeks of our readers voting and local businesses working hard for your support, we have finally closed the polls and have tallied the votes to see who has won the title — and of course the bragging rights — of being the “best” in town.

FYI – we do not pick winners or nominees, the winners are chosen by voting over the course of two weeks by our audience, and nominees are the same — nominated fully by our readers and audience. This list is entirely editorial and separate from our advertising partnerships. If you don’t see a category you think should be on here, please click here to fill out our form to suggest future categories. We cannot guarantee inclusion, but we truly appreciate your suggestions and our team will take them into consideration for 2026.

Winners – please note: an email will be going out with your virtual decal + link to use plus instructions on how to obtain your physical decal in the new year. Please email hello@hobokengirl.com so we have your most up-to-date mailing address.

Thank you and congratulations to all who were nominated.

Winners, feel free to save this decal to post on your social media (we’ll also be mailing them in the new year (1 decal per winner) – so reach out to hello@hobokengirl.com with a specific mailing address for us to send needed).

Best Accessories: Brooke & Bel

Best Acupuncture Practice: Classical Acupuncture with Belinda Brown

Best Art Gallery: Hoboken Historical Museum 

Best Bagel: O’Bagel

Best Bar: 8th Street Tavern

Best Barbershop: Dean Wes Barbershop

Best Beer Selection: Cork City Pub

Best Blow Out: Salon Gatto

Best Botox/Fillers: Fillir

Best Breakfast Sandwich: Alessio’s Cafe

Best Breakout Hoboken Business 2025: Shay Dough

Best Brunch: Anthony David’s

Best Burger: Onieal’s

Best BYOB Spot: Otto Strada

Best Cannabis Shop: Blue Violets

Best Chicken Parm: Augustino’s 

Best Chiropractor: Hudson Family Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, & Acupuncture

Best Clothing Boutique: Brooke + Bel

Best Cocktails: Grand Vin

Best Coffee Shop: Bwè

Best Community Event: Saint Ann’s Italian Festival

Best Cookie: Baking Mama

Best Date Night Spot: Antique Bar & Bakery

Best Daycare: Greatness Grows Early Learning Center

Best Deli: Fiore’s

Best Delivery Restaurant: Alfalfa

Best Dentist: Lucas Dental Associates

Best Dermatologist: Schweiger Dermatology

Best Dessert Shop: KikiLu Gelato

Best DIY Experience: Hudson Table

Best Dog Walker: Gianna’s Pups

Best Dog-Friendly Business: Cork City

Best Espresso Martini: Dear Maud

Best Eyebrow Spot: SKIN by EC

Best Facial: Glowasis

Best Fitness Studio: Prime Cycle + Body

Best Floral Design: Hudson Flowers

Best Food Truck: Amanda Bananas

Best Fries: Elysian Cafe

Best Gift Shop: Washington General Store

Best Gluten-Free Menu: The Brick

Best Gluten Free Sweet Treat: Alfalfa

Best Hair Salon: Salon Gatto

Best Hangover Food: O’Bagel

Best Healthy Food Spot: Alfalfa

Best Hidden Gem: somewear in between

Best Home Decor: Washington General Store

Best Home Organizer: Sorted by Snow

Best Jeweler: W. Kodak Jewelers

Best Kids’ Activity: The Bunny Hive

Best Kids’ Boutique: Hoboken Clique

Best Lashes:W Lash Hoboken

Best Liquor/Beer Store: Sparrow Wine & Liquor Co.

Best Local Maker/Artisan: Shay Dough

Best Local Performer: Mike Buscio

Best Mac n Cheese: Antique 112

Best Makeup: Graceful Skin & Body

Best Margarita: East LA

Best Massage: Moonlight Spa

Best Matcha: The Hive

Best Medspa: Fillir 

Best Mutz: Fiore’s House of Quality

Best Nail Spot: Nailed It

Best New Hoboken Business: The Little Glow Society

Best New Restaurant: Mile Square Cafe

Best Nutritionist: Diana Orchant Nutrition

Best Outdoor Dining Set-Up: Apulia

Best Pasta: Otto Strada

Best Personal Trainer: Hoboken Fit Lab

Best Pet Groomer: Erica Li – Furever Fresh

Best Pet Shop: Cornerstone Pets

Best Photographer: David White Photography

Best Physical Therapist: Hudson Family Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, & Acupuncture

Best Pilates Studio: Elevate Pilates

Best Pizza: Tenth Street Pasta & Pizza

Best Restaurant: Antique Bar & Bakery

Best Seafood: Angelo’s Seafood Market

Best Sports Bar: Finnegan’s

Best Spot for a Late Night Snack: Mamoun’s

Best Spot for Visitors: Antique Bar & Bakery

Best Spray Tan: BlushTan Hoboken

Best Steak: Dino + Harry’s Steakhouse

Best Sushi: Okinawa Sushi & Grill

Best Sustainable Business: Uptown Farmer’s Market

Best Taco: East LA

Best Therapist: Mindful Power

Best Vegan/Vegetarian Menu: Karma Kafe 

Best Wedding Business: Handwritten in Hudson

Best Wine Bar: Bin14

Best Wings: Carpe Diem

Best Woman-Owned Business: The Hive

Best Work From Home: Bwè Kafe North End

Best Yoga Studio: YogaRenew

Noteworthy Non-Profit: Hoboken Shelter

Congrats to all of the winners and to those who were nominated, and thank you to everyone who voted!

If your business is a winner or you love any of these businesses, make sure to share this article to spread the news. Our team will be in touch with the winners in the new year to send you your decal to display for all to see.

The post Best of Hoboken 2025: Winners ANNOUNCED! appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

The results are in! We at HG have an announcement to make — we now have the winners for the Best of Jersey City 2025 Awards. After weeks of our readers voting and local businesses working hard for your support, we have finally closed the polls and have tallied the votes to see who has won the title — and, of course, the bragging rights — of being the “best” in town.

FYI – we do not pick winners or nominees, the winners are chosen by voting over the course of two weeks by our audience, and nominees are the same — nominated fully by our readers and audience. This list is entirely editorial and separate from our advertising partnerships. If you don’t see a category you think should be on here, please click here to fill out our form to suggest future categories. We cannot guarantee inclusion, but we truly appreciate your suggestions, and our team will take them into consideration for 2026.

Winners – please note: an email will be going out with your virtual decal + link to use, plus instructions on how to obtain your physical decal in the new year. Please email hello@hobokengirl.com so we have your most up-to-date mailing address.

Thank you and congratulations to all who were nominated.

Winners, feel free to save this decal to post on your social media (we’ll also be mailing them in the new year (1 decal per winner) – so reach out to hello@hobokengirl.com with a specific mailing address for us).

 
Best Accessories Boutique in Jersey City: Love Locked

Best Acupuncture Practice in Jersey City: Erin Kumpf Acupuncture & Herbs

Best Art Gallery in Jersey City: Deep Space Gallery

Best Bagel in Jersey City: B Bagels

Best Bar in Jersey City: Pet Shop Bar

Best Barbershop in Jersey City: Virile Barbershop

Best Beer Selection in Jersey City: Departed Soles Brewing Company

Best Blow Out in Jersey City: Love Lane Salon

Best Botox / Fillers in Jersey City: Evolve Med Spa

Best Breakfast Sandwich in Jersey City: B Bagels

Best Breakout Jersey City Business 2025: B Bagels

Best Brunch in Jersey City: Cafe Alyce

Best Burger in Jersey City: Wurstbar

Best BYOB Spot in Jersey City: Corto

Best Cannabis Shop in Jersey City: Lady L Cannabis

Best Chicken Parm in Jersey City: Venti Italian Specialties

Best Chiropractor in Jersey City: Dr. Brian P. Corrigan

Best Clothing Boutique in Jersey City: Cranky Angel

Best Cocktails in Jersey City: dullboy

Best Coffee Shop in Jersey City: Treehouse Coffee Shop

Best Community Event in Jersey City: All About Downtown Street Festival

Best Cookie in Jersey City: Bang Cookies

Best Date Night Spot in Jersey City: The Roxy

Best Daycare in Jersey City: The Brunswick School

Best Deli in Jersey City: Cangiano’s Marketplace

Best Delivery Restaurant: GTK Jersey City

Best Dentist in Jersey City: True Dental Care

Best Dessert Shop in Jersey City: Dulce De Leche Bakery

Best DIY Experience in Jersey City: Betty’s Ceramic Club

Best Dog Walker in Jersey City: Paw Mania

Best Espresso Martini in Jersey City: The Alps

Best Eyebrow Spot in Jersey City: Purdie Brows

Best Facial in Jersey City: Heyday

Best Farmers Market Vendor: Between Two Slices

Best Fitness Studio in Jersey City: Jane DO

Best Floral and Plant Studio in Jersey City: PLNTD

Best Food Truck in Jersey City: Wisp Express

Best Fries in Jersey City: White Star 

Best Gift Shop in Jersey City: Kanibal & Co.

Best Gluten-Free Menu in Jersey City: Busy Bee Organics

Best Gluten Free Sweet Treat in Jersey City: Busy Bee Organics

Best Hair Salon in Jersey City: Love Lane Salon

Best Hangover Food in Jersey City: Wurstbar

Best Health Food Spot in Jersey City: Busy Bee Organics

Best Hidden Gem in Jersey City: Call Me Mia

Best Home Decor in Jersey City: Sure Things

Best Home Organizer in Jersey City: Space Composer 

Best Jeweler in Jersey City: LoveLocked

Best Kids’ Activity in Jersey City: The Little Gym of Jersey City

Best Lashes in Jersey City: JC Lash Bar

Best Liquor/Beer Store in Jersey City: Riverview Wines Jersey City

Best Local Maker/Artisan in Jersey City: DeCarlos

Best Local Performer in Jersey City: Mike Buscio

Best Mac n Cheese in Jersey City: White Star

Best Makeup Artist in Jersey City: Eden Fabbo

Best Margarita in Jersey City: Orale

Best Massage in Jersey City: META Bodywork

Best Matcha: Jane’s Matcha

Best Medspa: Evolve Medspa

Best Mutz in Jersey City: Cangiano’s Marketplace

Best Nail Spot in Jersey City: Sophie’s Nail Studio

Best New Business in Jersey City: B Bagels

Best New Dinner Spot in Jersey City: Maxwell Alley

Best New Food Spot in Jersey City: Perquin

Best Nutritionist: Ashley Beale Nutrition

Best Outdoor Dining Set-Up in Jersey City: Rooftop at Exchange Place

Best Pasta in Jersey City: Corto

Best Personal Fitness Trainer in Jersey City: MKT Ready

Best Pet Groomer in Jersey City: Grooms by Tash

Best Pet Shop in Jersey City: Hound About Town

Best Photographer in Jersey City: Krisp Visuals

Best Physical Therapist in Jersey City: Liberty Physical Therapy

Best Pilates Studio: MKT Ready

Best Pizza in Jersey City: Razza

Best Restaurant in Jersey City: Corto

Best Restaurant with a View in Jersey City: Battello

Best Seafood in Jersey City: Scale Fish Market

Best Second Hand Shop: Another Man’s Treasure 

Best Sports Bar in Jersey City: Hudson Hall

Best Spot for Late Night Snack in Jersey City: Basile’s Pizza

Best Spot for Visitors in Jersey City: The Alps

Best Spray Tan in Jersey City: Suite Tee Beauty Studio

Best Steak in Jersey City: Edward’s Steakhouse

Best Stroller Friendly Restaurant: Porta

Best Sushi in Jersey City: Domo Domo Sushi

Best Sustainable Business in Jersey City: Lucky Honeybee

Best Taco in Jersey City: Taqueria Downtown

Best Therapist in Jersey City: The Me Project

Best Vegan/Vegetarian Menu in Jersey City: Pet Shop JC

Best Wedding Business in Jersey City: Sainte Lüx

Best WFH Spot in Jersey City: &Co.

Best Wine Bar in Jersey City: The Alps

Best Wings in Jersey City: Wing Bar

Best Woman-Owned Business in Jersey City: The Lucky Honeybee

Best Yoga Studio in Jersey City: Sol Spirit Yoga & Wellness

Noteworthy Non-Profit in Jersey City: Welcome Home Jersey City

Congrats to all of the winners and to those who were nominated, and thank you to everyone who voted!

If your business is a winner or you love any of these businesses, make sure to share this article to spread the news. Our team will be in touch with the winners in the new year to send the decal to display for all to see.

A previous version of this article was published listing Busy Bee Organics as Best Woman Owned Business, it has now been updated to reflect the correct winner as The Lucky Honeybee. 

The post Best of Jersey City 2025: Winners ANNOUNCED! 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.

In this special edition of our weekly events guide, Christmas has arrived in Hoboken and Jersey City. While many businesses may not be open for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we have a list of events going on for delicious food, good company, and some last minute holiday shopping. We also have list of restaurants open here.  The long list of things to do on this weekend’s roster includes exciting events like affordable art shows, ice skating, and much more. Below is the list of Hoboken + Jersey City events happening this weekend, December 23rd through December 28th, 2025. Don’t forget — you can also submit your events to our community guide HERE.

Disclaimer: This is a community resource. Submit events HERE and view the full calendar HERE. The Hoboken Girl is not affiliated with hosting unless explicitly stated.

The Hoboken Girl’s Best of Winners Announced! 

The Hoboken Girl’s 2025 Holiday Shopping Deals Guide

Ongoing now through 12/25

We’ve put together a holiday shopping guide so our readers can support local businesses in Hoboken and Jersey City, ranging from food + drink to wellness, beauty, health, fitness, fashion, and so much more. Some of the businesses included in our downloadable guide even have an exclusive code, just for HG readers. In addition to the exclusive deals, our guide also includes a comprehensive list of local businesses, broken up by category for easy browsing. And if that’s not enough, we’ve also included some of our editorial articles to help you plan your holiday season — from pop-up markets to festive bars.

Property of The Week: 74 Thorne Street 2A, Jersey City

 This 4 bedroom 2.5 bath duplex in Jersey City features five-inch-wide walnut floors throughout, a private rooftop terrace with NYC skyline views, custom Shaker cabinets, and more. The property is also pet-friendly. 

View The Local Girl’s Real Estate Directory here — which has 70+ listings just this week.

This dog-friendly events section is brought to you by Doggie Road Trippin’. Follow on Instagram here.

The Hoboken Girl’s 2025 Holiday Shopping Deals Guide

Holiday Markets in Hoboken + Jersey City for the 2025 Season

Holiday Pet x Santa Photo Events in New Jersey for 2025

Part-Time Content + Partnerships Coordinator at The Montclair Girl

Various Jobs at Veris Residential

Check out more jobs on our parent site The Local Girl.

Have an event you’d like to include? Submit it to our events calendar here. You can also email advertising@hobokengirl.com for more info on featured events.

Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram and TikTok to stay in the know with all of the Hoboken and Jersey City happenings, and sign up for our newsletter that shares all of our top stories to your inbox here.

Have an amazing weekend! xo.

The post 175+ Events in Hoboken + Jersey City This Week | December 23, 2025-December 28, 2025 appeared first on Hoboken Girl.