These winter months have been cold, to say the least. Of course, when it’s cold outside, Hudson County residents are always looking for a warm, cozy place to kick back, relax, and enjoy the company of our loved ones. Cozy means something different to us all, but the way we looked at it was through the lens of food, atmosphere, and decór — but for sure a damn good meal. Check out our roundup {and taste-test approved} of some of the best local cozy spots in Hoboken + Jersey City to dine, no matter the season.
Hoboken
Carpe Diem {1405 Grand Street}
Nothing says cozy quite like a crackling fire and dinner at Carpe Diem, and whether you’re with your S.O or on a first date, this uptown nook is known for its laidback vibe and personality. Tables are close but intimate, and nights here always lead to a few too many drinks, awesome conversation, and a guaranteed great time. With a menu filled with dishes like lobster mac + cheese, chicken wings {and might we add it was voted Hoboken’s Best Wings four years and counting}, Carpe is a go-to comfort food spot.
Bin 14 {1314 Washington Street}
This Hoboken wine bar favorite is known for its chic space + tapas. The exposed brick walls share space with wine racks filled with only the best grapes. At Bin 14, In Vino Veritas {in wine there is truth} is the motto, and with more than 75 wines by the glass, you are sure to find something that jives with your palate. As far as food goes, everything on the menu has the option to be gluten-free, if not already {including bruschetta — made out of chicpea flour!}. The warm mozzarella topped in EVOO, fleur de sel, + cracked pepper is one of our all-time favorites. If you’re looking for something to light the soul on fire, the meatball is TDF. The space is small and close, but private which makes the ultimate cozy locale. When it’s warm, the back patio is fun to hang {and they even heat it in the winter}.
See More: 5 Cozy Hoboken Bars to Sip Seasonal Cocktails This Winter
Dozzino {534 Adams Street}
This is the kind of place where you can become a regular quite easily. The restaurant has a front and back room plus an outside patio area, complete with bocce + string lights — perfect for when the weather eventually warms up. The menu is small, but filled with epic + fresh pizza combinations that will keep you coming back for more. Bring a favorite bottle of Chianti {it’s BYOB} and kick back with some friends — enjoying the artisanal pizza creations from their wood fire oven with homemade fior di latte {mozzarella}.
Dino + Harry’s {163 14th Street}
Taking it to another level by including this Hoboken steakhouse on our cozy list. Dining at Dino + Harry’s is unforgettable, at the very least, with stunning 19th-century décor with bookshelves and exposed brick lining the walls. Each candlelit table feels like it is in its own little world, serenaded by the piano player in the middle of the floor. The menu is filled with comfort foods — with a top contender being the porterhouse {for two}, which is more than enough to share with someone else. It’s hard not to feel cozy here, which is why so many local celebs can often be spotted here for dinner on any given day of the week.
Grand Vin {500 Grand Street}
We’d be remiss not to mention Grand Vin in our roundup of the coziest spots in the area. This little midtown treasure is the ultimate place to dine + drink —whether for brunch or dinner. Grand Vin’s menu features Italian-American cuisine and boasts a wine list that is out of this world. The vibe of the restaurant is warm, inviting, and styled to perfection, which is organic to the core. This is one of our favorite “girls night out” and date-night spots because of the ambiance.
Amanda’s {908 Washington Street}
The Hoboken list would not be complete without mentioning Amanda’s, a sophisticated, upscale restaurant on the main drag of the city. This elegantly restored brownstone is the perfect place for a special occasion or even a swanky night out {hint hint: to our Hoboken guys or girls looking to impress their date}. The menu is filled with French and American dishes that always leave you feeling satisfied and content. The decór is impressive and the vibe has an old-school feel with a touch of class.
Augustino’s {1104 Washington Street}
If you’re lucky enough to get a reservation at this coveted Italian restaurant, the cozy factor is next level. Tucked away on Washington Street {sounds like an oxymoron, but it’s true}, this Southern-Italian boasts big portions and a small menu — and a lot of character. Tip: Call the day-of to see if they’ve had any cancellations, you may just be in luck.
Leo’s {200 Grand Street}
If it’s good enough for Frank Sinatra, it’s good enough for us. Leo’s is a shrine-de-Ol’ Blue Eyes, but it’s also one of the oldest restaurants in Hoboken, with tons of charm and homey vibes. Founded in 1939, Leo’s is known for its delicious Italian home-style cooking. The founder of the restaurant, Leo DiTerlizzi and his wife Tessie created recipes for the restaurant that were basically taken from her recipe book {and are still used!}. And if you’re wondering why there’s Frank decor everywhere: it’s a memorial created by Sinatra’s BFF Leo in the 1930s — when Sinatra was becoming a hit in the local clubs in the Mile Square and around North Jersey.
Side note: We could go on and on for cozy restaurants in Hoboken. There are a TON.
A few others that deserve a mention: Pannello, The Cuban, and Court Street…
Jersey City
Sátis Bistro {212 Washington Street}
This restaurant is what happens when a French bistro, a Spanish tapas bar, + an Italian salumeria meet and marry. The chic Euro restaurant is charming, romantic, and situated on the corner of a beautiful residential street in Paulus Hook. This hidden gem has floor to ceiling windows and greenery adorning the windowsills so perfectly. The menu is filled with highly coveted dishes like cacio e pepe and braised pork shank. The reclaimed wood tables and subway tiled walls set the scene for a romantic brunch or dinner during these cold winter months. When the weather warms up, outdoor seating is available, too.
Madame Claude Bis {390 4th Street}
It’s all about the ambiance at this adorable French restaurant. A speakeasy-like door welcomes its guests, and all are instantly transported into the most quaint French bistro. The wine + spirits selection is top of the line and features a number of must-try drinks. Whether you are here for brunch or dinner, the bistro is warm, welcoming, and blooming with unique dishes. The jarret d’angneau braisé au vin blanc {braised lamb shank in rosemary + white wine — served with petits pois + carrots} is a favorite to share, and there are many sweet + savory crêpes offered. If you’re making it a regular thing, there’s normally live music on Tuesdays and Thursdays from the owner’s Gypsy Jazz Band. The casual-yet-cozy nature of the place is what makes it a must-add to our list.
Read More: Romantic Restaurants in Downtown Jersey City
Laico’s {67 Terhune Avenue}
There is something to be said about a restaurant that has been long-standing since the ‘70s. It’s hard to spot if not looking for it, as the restaurant is quite literally inside of a Jersey City house on Terhune Avenue. The space is small and intimate, yet boasts family values and authenticity. When you are here, you feel like you are having dinner at your nonna’s house on a Sunday afternoon. It’s easy to understand why so many people have dubbed this place as a hidden gem. Bring your favorite people together to enjoy some “time-honored yet evolving recipes,” as the Laico family describes it. Trust us on this one, you will feel at home whenever you visit. See more about Laico’s from a recent visit here.
Razza {275 Grove Street}
Topping off this epic list of cozy spots in Hoboken + JC with a Grove Street favorite that is especially family-friendly. Named The Best Pizza in NYC {although actually in NJ — because, duh} by The New York Times, Razza is not-your-average pizza place. All of the ingredients used are sourced locally + are seasonal to ensure the best and freshest quality. A strong combination of cuisine + atmosphere put this Grove Street gem on our list of the coziest restaurants in the area, as the vibe is laidback and delectable down to the very last bite. Bring friends and family looking to eat some of the best pizza in the area {thank you very much, Pete Wells}.
Have you been to one of these cozy locales? Is there another spot that should be on our radar? Let us know in the comments!
Did you know: We started a podcast about all things news and lifestyle in Hoboken + Jersey City! Listen to the latest episode of Tea on the Hudson here and subscribe.
We release new episodes every Tuesday!
