Some might say that Hoboken is like the sixth borough that New York City never had, and I'm inclined to agree, obviously, because I'm from New Jersey.
Hoboken is great because it's super easy to get to from the city, it's so close, and it's just an overall feel-good town.
It's like the city that isn't quite New York City, you know?
But there's still awesome things to do, great bars to get your drink on, and delicious foods to eat. So here's an absolutely delicious guide to stuffin' your face and drinkin' like a fish the next time you're in Hoboken.
Never been to Hoboken? Make a move... because it's just across the river, you know?
1. Elysian Cafe (1001 Washington Avenue)
clauderella I had been craving mussels and french onion soup for a bit now and #elysiancafe was the place to satisfy that #craving
This charming French corner bistro is like something out of a dream set in nineteenth century France. It's the absolute perfect place to kick off your morning, as they serve a brunch that is out of this world.
Start off with coffee and fresh squeezed orange juice before you devour a croque madame with a side of pommes frites. The rest of your day will be happy, promise.
2. Amanda's (908 Washington Street)
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If you can't get enough of Elysian Cafe, then don't worry, because Amanda's is its sister restaurant and it's only a few blocks away!
At Amanda's, you can expect American food that's not too traditional and will definitely keep your taste buds on their toes.
Whether you come for brunch or dinner, you can expect great things, like french toast topped with fresh fruit compote in the morning or steak and pasta dishes in the evening.
3. Turning Point (1420 Sinatra Drive North)
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Keeping up with Hoboken's best brunch, Turning Point is no exception.
On nice days, you can eat outside on Sinatra Drive and enjoy your brunch-facing views of the majestic Manhattan skyline.
A bunch of Benedicts and fresh egg skillets make this an egg-scellent spot for brunch, and waffles and pancakes with luxurious fresh fruits and toppings are on board for those sweet brunchers out there as well.
4. La Isla (104 Washington Street)

If you didn't think the tristate area could do Cuban food, think again. And then come to La Isla and try to prove the same point. It just won't be doable.
Ever had dreams about Cuban brunch? That dream becomes a reality at La Isla.
Check out Omar's Stuffed French toast.
Filled with strawberry and guava cream cheese and coated in corn flakes and almonds, this cinnamon battered french toast is a crunchy and sweet dream that was worthy of being on Throwdown with Bobby Flay.
5. Fiore's (414 Adams Street)
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At Fiore's, Italian sandwiches are a specialty and a true art form.
Bring the fine men of Fiore's your bread, and they'll make it magical with freshly sliced cold cuts, homemade mozzarella, and whatever your favorite taste in Italian delicacies is.
Make sure you pay Fiore's a visit on a Thursday or Saturday for their famous special: roast beef and fresh mozzarella loaded with savory brown gravy.
6. Zack's Oak Bar (232 Willow Street)
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Looking for a good burger and fries? Zack's Oak Bar has that on lockdown.
Its interior is cozy and welcoming. It's just as good for food as it is for a weekend drink, as it does have a quality selection of drafts.
If you're in need of a munch, the brisket blend burger is it.
Topped with pastrami bacon, a blend of cheeses, roasted tomatoes, pickled onions, and cornichon aioli, this burger is one beautiful broad, and those herbed fries with fried parsley really complete the look in the most delicious fashion.
7. Tony Boloney's (263 1st Street)
tonyboloneys $5 Ole steak subs ALL DAY! Today is #cincodemayo in Tony Boloney Land and that means OLE! Ohh, and we are renaming our fries today. Pueblan Fries. Sorry France, ya lost. Today is not your day... EAT-IN ONLY!
What would a trip to Jersey be without pizza? Even with boring pizza, it would be a total bust, am I right? You have to try Tony Boloney's.
Tony Boloney's does wonders with a pizza pie, like the pigface killer-- which dons applewood smoked barbecue pulled pork.
Or the Pancho Franco, with grilled chicken, avocado, cilantro, jalapeño crema, oaxaca cheese, and crushed potato chips. It's like all of your dream food combinations came true on a slice of pizza.
8. Taco Truck (62 Newark Street)
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Authentic Mexican flavors are to be found here at Taco Truck's very first storefront location.
If you're looking for cheap eats, this is the spot where you can fill up on tacos without breaking the bank.
The carnitas tacos, with tender, juicy Mexican pulled pork are amongst the best out there, and the al pastor (roasted pork with diced pineapples) is also a savory stand-out.
9. The Shannon (106 1st Street)
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Oh, Shannon. A true young person's bar, and young it is, teeming with fresh-faced locals looking to get down on a weekend night.
You know that at the Shannon, you could watch sports with your bros just as easily as you could roll up with your girls for ladies' night.
It's just that kind of place. A great kind of place.
,10. Charrito's (1024 Washington Street)
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At Charrito's, an extensive, unique menu will surely upstage all the Chipotles of the world.
The house guacamole is made to order table side just for you, and honestly, who wouldn't love to have their very own guac made for them right then and there?
Mexican classics-- tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and more!--are true culinary showstoppers.
BTW, Charrito's is BYOB, but if you show up with a bottle of wine or tequila, they'll make the sangria or margaritas for you.
11. Pilsener Haus and Biergarten (1422 Grand Street)
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Prost! Come check out this fantastic beer garden and make sure you don't miss it.
This is the perfect place for a low-key night out. Come feast on German specialties like bratwursts and fries, enjoy large mugs of fine imported European brews, and be merry.
This beer garden is as traditional as one would be back in the old country, complete with long picnic tables found both indoors and out for you to enjoy the company of your peeps and even a few new friends while you're at it.
12. Black Bear Bar and Grill (205 Washington Street)
cupcakelaundry Hoboken Burger @ Black Bear Bar & Grill - bomb onion rings, egg & bacon #hoboken #newjersey #hobokenburger #blackbearbarandgrill
When it comes to wings, Black Bear absolutely kills it. And if you're a wing woman (LOL!) like I am, you know this is where it's at.
Plus, wings goin' up on a Tuesday! Because Tuesdays are Black Bear's special day, a bucket of wings with fries and a pitcher of Yuengling is all for $20.
Pick a sauce and bring reinforcements (or don't) and be prepared to pick every last shred of meat off the bone.
13. Onieals (343 Park Avenue)
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Onieals is an adorable little restaurant with great pub food and outdoor seating, which makes it a great place to pace a summer evening with your crew or perhaps with a date.
But my favorite thing about Onieals would be their Wine Down Wednesday special. (I love witty food stuff, don't you?)
On Wednesdays, Onieals entire wine list is priced at $5 per glass, so you might want to clear your Wednesday schedule from like now until forever and bring friends to split apps and drink wine with. #bliss
14. Bin 14 (1314 Washington Street)
chefpino Enjoying Sunday afternoon #Adulttime #Antipasti #merenda #bin14 #friends #hartshornportraiture
Life's good at this polished Italian wine bar, where small plates are pretty and palatable.
The wines are plentiful, with eighty varieties offered by the glass, ninety by the bottle, and plenty more to be found on the reserved list and short list.
Also, they offer wine tastings on a monthly basis. So I'll see you there, yeah?
15. Dubliner (96 River Street)
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Is your wet dream ideal of a night out a cheap Irish pub with a rooftop bar?
If you can earnestly answer yes, then go to Dubliner. With three spacious floors, you can expect beer buckets and margaritas made on the rooftop tiki bar.
Plus, it's super close to the waterfront. And from their roof, you'll be taken away by breathtaking Manhattan views just across the river.
16. Biggie's Clam Bar (various NJ locations)
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A true Hoboken original, Biggie's is definitely a knock-out in the New Jersey food scene, with it also being a great place for a hangout or a drink.
Happy hour specials are seriously on point here, with a margarita, martini, or a glass of their sangria being $5 on any day of the week.
The food also seriously rocks. Seafood mixed with pub fare equals greatness, and every entree is served with their crisp waffle fries.
You could get a lobster roll or you could get a burger, and that's what's so great about it. Variety rules, and so does Biggie's.
17. The waterfront
reema.s Beautiful NYC skyline from Hoboken Waterfront. I love this sweet little place ❤️ and I am so glad I could share this spot with @moniascope today! #NewYorkCity #NewYork #Hoboken #jersey #HudsonRiver #WorldTradeCenter #Wtc #Manhattan #NYCSunset #BeautifulNY #ILoveNY #Love #Sunset #SunsetColors #Waterfront #HobokenWaterfront
In saving the best for last, Hoboken's waterfront is absolutely incredible. I used to see it from the other side when I worked down in Battery Park City, but the views of Manhattan from Hoboken are unbeatable.
Along the waterfront, there is a ton of green space where you can plop down and enjoy the sun or go for a walk or run while you bask in those spectacular city views.
During summer nights, the park shows movies under the stars, which is an amazing thing to do in such a pretty space.
It'll almost feel like Manhattan is an accessible panorama made up of just LEGOs.
Can't get enough of NJ? Read 8 Obvious Signs You’re Really from New Jersey but Living in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy: NewberyNYC.Tumblr.com]

