Hudson County is a phenomenal place for anyone who appreciates a good drink. Not only do we have a rich history of alcohol production and a great selection of breweries and distilleries, but we’re also bursting with unique speakeasies and cocktail bars. Whether you’re looking for a creative cocktail or a delightful draft beer, here are some of our favorite speakeasies and cocktail bars.
HOBOKEN
Backstage Lounge
1039 Washington St Side Entrance on, 11th St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Backstage is a combination of upscale lounge meets speakeasy, with a friendly vibe, creative cocktails, and fun themes like Tiki Sundays. Pair your custom-curated cocktail or glass of champagne with one of their elevated bites like oysters, clams, truffle potato croquettes, or king crab legs. Backstage has tasting events, live music, and even cocktail-making classes so you can learn to craft your own drinks at home. There is no way you want to sit home and miss the vibe at Backstage!
Stingray Lounge
1210 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
What do you get when you combine innovative, with oysters and a rich raw food bar? You get Hoboken’s very own Stingray Lounge. Not only is the ambiance relaxed and inviting, but the prices are reasonable. They even have one of the most generous happy hours in the area. Get 50% off oysters and sparkling wine from 1-3pm on Sundays and between 4-6pm Monday through Wednesday. You can also get half off beer from 4-6pm on Thursdays and $10 house cocktails from 4-6pm on Friday and 3-5pm on Saturday. Did you get all that? Stingray Lounge likes to keep things fresh and mix it up, so whenever you get there, you’re in for a treat.
Perico
36 Newark St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Located underneath Panela is the Agave speakeasy bar, Perico. When you enter through the bookshelf door, you’ll find yourself in a jungle in Latin America with tropical murals and neon highlights coving the walls. Grab a seat and choose from one of the 50+ cocktails with Agave Spirits and Casamingos. Indulge in some of their light bits or snack on the popcorn they bring over to the table! Don’t miss out on spending the night at Perico! They take reservations for parties 6 or less on their website.
JERSEY CITY
143 Social
143 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Jersey City’s newest speakeasy is the perfect mix of elegant drinks, relaxed ambiance, and great food. Situated in an unassuming space beneath a Bareburger, this dark and dreamy bar is a calm and sultry contrast to the bright and upbeat restaurant above it. Expect elevated drinks – from spirits and imported wines to beer and cocktails – that are numbered, not named, along with hand-painted wall murals, great music, and a unique food menu like the charred octopus and wagyu beef sliders! We recommend reserving a table in advance.
Nucky’s
8 Erie St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Located within the Hudson Hound restaurant, Nucky’s is a new speakeasy that’s named after the famous (or infamous) American Irishman, Nucky Thompson, known for being a corrupt political official and crime boss in Atlantic City. Nucky’s describes itself as a “prohibition distillery-style hideaway” that also doubles as the ultimate private party venue. Though you’ll find an impressive selection of wine, beer, spirits, cocktails, and mocktails, what really distinguishes Nucky’s from other speakeasies is the historical accuracy of its décor. You’re not just in somebody’s basement, here, you actually feel like you’re back in the 1920s.
Cellar 335
335 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Come for the food, stay for the drinks at Cellar 335, which is known for hand-crafted cocktails and “devilishly delicious” Asian and American fusion shared plates. This tiki bar meets funky basement hangout takes its drink menu to the next level, with an extensive list of fun, fruity, floral, and festive cocktails that are served in embellished glasses and mugs. However before you take a sip, consider snapping a picture for social media, as these lovely libations are probably some of the prettiest drinks you’ve ever seen.
Under the Boot
116 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Underneath the Boots & Bones restaurant is the appropriately named Under the Boot cocktail lounge and bar. The speakeasy-style bar is open Thursday to Sunday, and it’s known for its Southern hospitality and soulful vibe. Their craft cocktails are highly-Instagrammable and go well with their tasty bites. We recommend the smoked birria brisket tacos and fried shrimp skewers with pineapple-chili sauce.
The Archer
176 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302
If you’re looking for a rustic cocktail bar in some dark wood digs, then The Archer has your name all over it. The Archer is a cozy-chic bar and restaurant that serves fantastic cocktails. Have your pick from several cocktail menus or choose between punches, swizzles, beer, and wine. The drinks are reasonably priced, and they even have a great “Workman’s Comp Cocktail Hour” from 5-7pm, as well as live music after 7pm. You really can’t go wrong here.
PS Wine Bar
193 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Dubbing itself as a “neighborhood bar serving booze, food, and tunes,” Jersey City’s Pet Shop bar and restaurant is also affectionally referred to as the “PS Wine Bar.” Here, the atmosphere is warm and casual, the music is lively, and the food is just as good as the drinks. The beverage menu is rounded out by half a dozen draft beers, a dozen wines, and a handful of house classics. Try the applejack, banana, walnut and angostura “Last Harvest” or the sesame-washed elote mezcal, sake, grapefruit, and volcanic salt “Yuki Moon.” Yum. For eats, you can’t go wrong with the buffalo cauliflower wings and the loaded tater tots, though this all-vegan menu offers plenty of hearty plant-based fare, including unique items like butternut squash arancini, fried oyster mushroom po’ boys, and vegan Kentucky fried “chicken” sandwiches.
Dullboy Bar
364 Grove St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Brick-walled bar, heated back patio, creative cocktails, and scrumptious sandwiches and small plates. Need we say more? Jersey City’s Dullyboy bar is popular with good reason, as a unique collection of cocktails is accompanied by an interesting selection of food. Think seared octopus, baby lamb lettuce wraps, marinated hanger steak skewers, and truffle mac and cheese. For drinks, take your pick from dozens of options, including beer, bubbles, and bespoke cocktails. Consider the Calypso, made with gin, pisco, and passionfruit, or the Yoko, crafted with bourbon, cachaça, peach, and pineapple. Non-alcoholic drinks coconut and juice-based are available, and on Sundays, you may want to arrive with a group to finish off a large bowl of fruity punch made with gin and oolong tea. The great food and drinks here are not exactly a secret, so to avoid the crowds we recommend arriving early and making a reservation. Also, keep in mind that because this is a small place, seating times are limited to one and a half hours.