The Best Restaurants & Bars in Hoboken, New Jersey

Hoboken, New Jersey is EASILY one of the COOLEST neighborhoods I have EVER been to. I loved spending a weekend here and finding as many of the best restaurants in bars in Hoboken, New Jersey as possible. Fun sports bars. Great food. NYC skyline views…

A fun Saturday night in Jersey City. it’s tough to beat.

This area is full of young people and a constant buzz. And there are so many good spots to choose from. Every square mile has a fun place to stop in, have a beer, order some food, and get to know people. Let’s get into the best restaurants and bars in Hoboken.

Party in Hoboken, New Jersey

To kick things off, we’ve got to talk about the best bars in Hoboken. I swear they are endless. But I spent one weekend here and tried to get to as many as possible. My visit was in September so many choices were based on sports bars with good TVs to watch the games.

If you’re looking for swanky, this probably isn’t the article for you (but there are some GREAT food recommendations down below…)

Wicked Wolf Tavern

If you are looking for a fun weekend sports bar (tons of TVs) with huge crowds of young people and loud music, stop in Wicked Wolf Tavern. It’s a great spot with outdoor seating on the Hudson River that includes New York City views across the way.

And it’s where all the cool kids are hanging out!

This is definitely one of the best places on the list. Order domestic and craft beers, plus pub food including delicious appetizers. Watch sports and sing along to great music (including bands and DJs sometimes) in a trendy spot. You’ll have a very memorable (or not so much…lol) time.

(I mean, look at these river bar views…)

McSwiggan’s Pub

Irish pubs more up your alley? Then you have got to try McSwiggan’s Pub. They offer affordable drinks (tough to come by around here!), friendly bartenders, TVs, and plenty of locals.

This corner bar is a chill atmosphere by day and can get crazy by night. Order quality pub food to go along with your Irish beer or whiskey, and there are also pool tables to keep you entertained. This is a great place that I would definitely visit again.

Wilton House

Dive bar, anyone!? Try out this hidden gem! Wilton House is the place to be for a good time and cheap drinks. It is a chill, no-frills environment where locals will far outnumber any tourists. Pick out a $3 beer on tap, play your favorite songs on the jukebox and enjoy the vibe! The owners and bartenders are beyond friendly so make sure to strike up a conversation.

A couple of things to note: This is a CASH-ONLY bar. And there is no food menu but you are encouraged to bring any food inside with you. I HIGHLY recommend grabbing a slice of pizza from Basile’s—more down below!

Black Bear Bar & Grill

Let’s get back to the trendy spots! Black Bear Bar & Grill, located right on Washington Street, is certainly one of them. It’s two levels with a full bar on both, plus plenty of TVs everywhere you look.

This premium sports bar is where you need to be if you have wings, beer, and sports on the brain!

Order a signature cocktail like the Razberry Lemonade, Spicy Jalapeno Margarita, or Kentucky Ice Tea. And don’t forget to add an order of their Famous Black Bear Wings along with your other favorite bar foods. Note that it is a bit pricer than others on the list! But the atmosphere is tough to beat.

Mills Tavern

If you need a spot for a wild Friday night, Saturday brunch, or Sunday football, this is your bar! Also located on Washington Street, and just a short walk from the above is Mills Tavern, a fun hangout with a large beer menu and plenty of TVs. If you’re doing a pub crawl around Washington St, add it to the list.

Madd Hatter

Love sports? This is where you need to be! One of the best party bars in all of Hoboken, The Madd Hatter always has a great crowd, plus tons of beer, craft cocktails, and food menu options including the best wings! There are massive TVs, as well as large booths, to enjoy sports from morning until night! You can also choose the long bar and outdoor space as well.

It’s loud and it’s lively, and you’re going to have fun!

Now let’s get into some of the good food you’re going to find in the area…

Eat Italian Food in Hoboken, New Jersey

We’ve talked a lot about great bars in Hoboken! But are you even IN New Jersey if you’re not diving into some Italian eats!?

Antique Bar & Bakery

This spot was recommended by a local and I am so glad that it was! A long-time Hoboken restaurant, Antique Bar & Bakery serves top-notch pasta and steaks in a cool atmosphere. (I recommend a seat at the bar if you can snag one.) And it’s not only good food, it’s GREAT food!

“30 ton, 400 square foot, 1000 degree coal oven cooking.”

Make sure you start with a cocktail—they are voted the best in Hoboken time and time again. Don’t forget some of their homemade bread. And while the steaks look phenomenal, I think you’ve got to go with pasta here! Both the rigatoni and the linguine were *chef’s kiss.*

Basile’s Pizza

If you’re looking for something quick vs. a sit-down meal, do not (I repeat DO NOT) miss a slice of pizza from Basile’s Pizza. I still think about my classic pepperoni from this spot. Basile’s was featured and rated by Dave Portnoy and scored over an 8, which if you follow him, you know is a great score!

This is a local hot spot and not one of the over-populated and rated pizza spots of Hoboken! It’s ALWAYS a great choice and in a perfect location in respect to most of the bars above! Eat here…you won’t be disappointed.

Artichoke Basille’s Pizza

Need a late-night slice? Artichoke Basille’s Pizza is the perfect place and is open late (3AM or 4AM) so you don’t need to worry about leaving the bar early for your delicious drunk food lol. The restaurant started in New York in 2008 and its success has allowed it to expand and receive tons of positive press.

It’s a tiny little place but produces some big pieces of pizza that pop with flavor! Go with something classic like meatball or pepperoni, or try something fun like artichoke, crab, or the Staten Island. (I went with classic—and you can tell by the picture that I had had a few drinks before… 🙂 )

Bonus: Coffee in Hoboken, New Jersey

A lot of beer. And a lot of pizza and pasta. You might be a little slow when you wake up the next day! So…where should you find that cup of joe…

bke kafe

An aesthetically-pleasing coffee shop with a beautiful, fun vibe. And, of course, a quality latte—or whatever you prefer! Stop in bke kafe for your coffee needs, a tasty pasty, and a couple of cute pictures complete with pretty lighting, plants, and the best neutral colors.