Good Restaurants In Hoboken
Hoboken is just one square mile, but for it's size, it packs more than it's share of restaurants and bars. This is one of the main reasons why it's residents love living here, and why people love to visit.
I love that on any given night, I can decide if I want Indian, Sushi, Italian or Pizza.
Here are some of my personal picks for good restaurants you'll want to try.
In no particular order, I'll start with Indian because anytime I say Indian I want it.
Indian: Karma Kafe restaurant offers a really nice menu of traditional plates some made with little to no heat and others, like the delicious Lamb Vindaloo will make you sweat. Located on Washington St between 5th and 6th street on Washington.
Try the Shrimp Malabar, Lamb Vindaloo, Butter Chicken, Veggie Samosas - never had a bad meal here it's always great! Cute atmosphere, they also serve booze.
Italian: Surprisingly there aren't that many good Italian restaurants in town. Don't get me wrong, we have many where you can get a good dish of chicken parm but to me there is just one that is great.
Reserve in advance because you'll have a hard time getting into
Augustino's. Old school Italian restaurant, small and intimate, with a host that will pinch your cheeks and tell you where to go if you fuss to much ; )
Order the baby lamb chops, the stuffed artichokes, or pork chops! They have a small bar in the back that if you get there before 7pm you might be able to snag a seat and ea.
Augustino's is between 11th and 12th and Washington St.
Also worth mentioning in town is
Leo's Grandevous on Grand St and 2nd. Nice selection, try the mussels arrabiata!
Hoboken used to have a few other Italian restaurants that are no longer unfortunately. Hopefully someone in town will open one soon.
American/Continental: Try
Anthony David's on the corner of 10th and Bloomfield. Great brunch and seasonal dishes all made fresh. The restaurant has a cozy elegant dining room in the back, and a farmhouse style eating area in the front with cute tables and a nice selection of oils, preserves and cheese. Brunch is also offered although slightly pricey.
For a special occasion, or a really good meal you must try
Amanda's. On 10th and Washington, the restaurant is multi level, you feel like you're dining in someone's home. Very romantic and super cozy in the winter. The food here is really above par for Hoboken.
Right across the street there is
Elysian cafe, (French) a historic bar/restaurant with one of the most amazing ceilings you've ever seen. It doesn't stop with ambience and good drinks, this restaurant is a favorite spot for good eats, bar food and live music. Try the clams chorizo, the mussels and frites, the skate and the ham and cheese (all in french on the menu fyi)
Pizza: Love pizza? Then you live in the right place. So much good pizza to choose from you'll quickly become a snob. Here is a short list:
Grimaldi's - my personal number one. There is a location on Washington and 4th street and 2nd and Clinton. Brick oven style pizza, delicious. Bring a friend, there are no slices. Both Grimaldi's serve booze.
Benny Tudinos - home of the biggest slice, I love a Benny's slice. Best $3 you'll spend. Located on 6th and Washington St. Beer.
Fillipo's on First - nice NY style slice, the sauce is a little sweet, this place also has good food, cash only. First st between Park and Willow Ave's. No booze and really no where to sit. Stand and eat or grab and go.
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| Spicy Pizza at Dozzino |
Dozzino's - new on the front, they offer daily specials on their chalk board menu and a more Roman style pizza - delicious - BYOB and a back courtyard. Located on the corner of 6th and Adams St.
Johnny Pepperoni - just opened, beautiful little restaurant, BYOB, try the pepperoni and red onion pie. Located on the corner of 11th and Park Ave. You'll want to read your paper here it's hard to leave the space it's so nice.
Balbos - New comer - gourmet pizza. The dough is different, almost taste like Semolina - the meatball and ricotta was yummy. Located on Hudson St between Newark and Observer Highway (right next to Green Rock and Scotland Yard). No booze, limited seats.
Napolis - Personal pies, no slices, but you'll be happy you got your own. Try the whole wheat Margherita - yum.
Basiles - Always busy, they pump out $5 lunch specials, 2 slices with soda and open till the wee hours!
Latino: We are pretty lucky to have more than one good restaurant in town. Luckily we have a few.
Best:
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| Ox Tail Stew at La Isla |
La Isla - I should stop writing on this place because one day I won't be able to get in. Cuban food, no fuss, counter eating the way most Cuban restaurants are and restaurants in Latin America for that matter. Daily specials under $10 and you'll have the best Ox Tail Stew, or Ropa Vieja with rice and beans you ever tasted (unless you get out a lot). Awesome brunch served in the mornings and a special menu on Sunday - try the guava stuffed french toast and the huevos rancheros. They also have a nice dinner menu, I love the shrimp al ajillo, and their sandwiches are great too! La Isla is between 1st and 2nd and Washington, walk slow or you'll miss it. BYOB
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| Sandwich at Ultramarino's |
Zafra - delicious food with a little bit from here (Cuba,) and a little bit from there (Ecuador); make sure to try the ceviche. The owners also own the fancier more eclectic restaurant with it's open oven and excellent cocktails,
Cucharamama up the street, and they've recently opened the little cafe next door,
Ultramarinos, (that I've written about before) serving cafe bites and amazing little desserts, ah and frozen coffee! These guys know what they're doing because all three are fantastic! They are located on the corner of 3rd and Willow, Cucharamama is on the corner of 3rd and Clinton.
Last I have to mention
El Flamboyan, because I love Dominican food, and there aren't many 'cheap' dining options these days, yes this restaurant is more dive and no frills, but if you appreciate a good pollo fricase and a $5 tab then you gotta try it. Located on the corner of 11th and Willow, don't be intimated by the loud music or the locals that hang here, if you like their food, they like you :)
Sushi-Japanese: This list is getting so long!!
OK, my number one favorite is the
Sushi Lounge. Awesome atmosphere, great drinks and a nice sake menu plus throw in a DJ and a good looking crowd and you have yourself a date spot. But aside from all that, what really stands out is the fish. Must try, yellowtail yuzu appetizer, their super toro (like butter), The Optimistic Roll, Duck crepes, edamame risotto, the toro roll wrapped in cucumber, and any of their Sashimi or Sushi - this place pumps it out and the fish is fresh.
Happy Hour M-F starts at 4:30pm and has a nice selection at 50% off.
Robongi - ( Is it Robon-gee or Robon-G?) much more casual and BYOB, this place also has a nice crowd and following. Good rolls and sushi, and the restaurant is pretty cute. Great people watching with outdoor seating in summer. Located between 5th and 6th and Washington.
Illuzion - fun Japanese pop restaurant with a more limited sushi menu but still some good rolls and a nice selection of small plates, great for sharing. Try the miso Chilean sea bass small plate. BYOB. Located on the corner of 4th and Washington St.
Hope this is enough restaurants for you to try! I honestly could go on about 15 more places but this is good for now. What about you? What are your favorite places?
