Bright, colorful lights and an array of sound effects greet players as they walk into The Pixel Lab in Jersey City. The new arcade opened its doors at 381 1st Street at the end of August and the owners are excited to make it the go-to neighborhood arcade. It has a little bit of everything for all types of gamers with the tagline, “Old Games, New Games, Good Games.” Read on to learn about The Pixel Lab, a new inclusive gaming space in Jersey City.
About The Space
The Pixel Lab is open to all ages and all fans of video games. Gamers can choose from vintage arcade games, new arcade cabinets, video game consoles, and PC games. Leave the quarters at home because the space has “all-in” pricing. Players of all ages can choose to buy an unlimited day pass for $25 or pay $14.50 per hour spent in the neighborhood arcade. The unlimited day pass includes all-you-can-drink soda and seltzer from the eight-tap soda fountain to keep gamers fueled throughout their electronic adventures.
The arcade also sells interesting retail snacks at the front desk — including New Jersey-made popcorn + kettle chips, as well as chips and candy imported from Japan. Guests can bring food and cake for parties, and The Pixel Lab has a serving area with tables and chairs.
Owners Joe and Dieandra told The Hoboken Girl that their love for arcades inspired the decision to open their own. “We’ve watched our kids develop a similar interest; we love sharing these experiences with them, but we were disappointed with the lack of opportunity to do so.”
Read More: A Trip to Victory Point, Jersey City’s Newest Game Shop
As for the gaming catalog, The Pixel Lab has a bit of everything. While most arcades seem to embrace the vintage and nostalgic vibe, Joe + Dieandra wanted to make the space the best of both old and new video games. The games available change every week, so guests won’t run out of games to get lost in.
The first thing that catches guests’ eyes in The Pixel Lab is a 32-foot-long LED light installation on the ceiling. Joe + Dieandra said there are over 9,200 hand-placed bulbs that can change throughout the day, flickering and blinking like pixels in a video game. The glass epoxy floor reflects those lights and further immerses guests in the video game atmosphere.
In the back of the arcade is a large projector screen that Joe + Dieandra say will be excellent for video game tournaments or large cooperative play.
The owners sought to make the place as comfortable and accessible as possible. They had custom seating built for the video game console collection as well as stools placed around the vintage arcade games so little gamers can reach the machines comfortably. Plus, the facility is ADA compliant, and Joe + Dieandra say every game in the collection is accessible to a 30-34” wheelchair height. “We want guests to be unafraid to make new discoveries and to associate The Pixel Lab with that corresponding feeling of excitement,” Joe told HG.
The Downtown Jersey City Hobby Neighborhood
Joe and Dieandra met a few years ago while working at a restaurant in Bergen-Lafayette together and have loved the Jersey City community. They are thrilled to open Pixel Labs near other hobby shops on this stretch of Brunswick Street in Jersey City. Joe says he’s happy to have Pixel Labs join the “nerd enclave” as he calls it, operating near Victory Point, Dungeon Books, and Iris Records.
“We’ve found “our people” and couldn’t be happier here,” Joe told HG.
Victory Point at 112 Brunswick Street sells a variety of board games and rents tabletop games for gaming enthusiasts. The store also holds different gaming tournaments throughout the year, bringing together some of the most competitive and enthusiastic gamers in the Jersey City area.
^ Victory Point
Fans of Dungeons + Dragons may frequent Dungeon Books at 115 Brunswick Street. The store sells a variety of different books and comics for fans of the role-playing game.
Iris Records calls 109 Brunswick Street home, but it doesn’t operate under traditional business hours. The shop is usually open on Monday afternoons, but the owner also holds regular pop-ups at their Brunswick Street home and at different markets around Jersey City. Music lovers can pick up contemporary records or spend some time sifting through the collection for some lesser-known vinyls.
See More: A List of Performing Arts Centers in Essex County
The Pixel Lab feels right at home along with these other shops. The arcade presses start Monday through Thursday from 3PM to 8PM. Friday and Saturday gamers can hang out until 11PM.
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A Guide to Mocktails in Hoboken + Jersey City
Whether you’re observing Dry January or just want to try something different, mocktails have come a long way from the sugary-sweet Shirley Temples of the past. Mocktails are a great refreshment to enjoy when looking for a non-alcoholic beverage. They're fun to enjoy while socializing, having a nice meal, or sipping after a long day. You can find these drinks at an increasing number of bars and restaurants and we have made a list for you in Hoboken and Jersey City. Read on for a comprehensive list of where to find mocktails in Hoboken + Jersey City.
Hoboken
The Ainsworth | 310 Sinatra Drive
Patrons can still enjoy the buzzing energy of the Ainsworth while sipping a non-alcoholic beverage. On the menu is Lagunitas non-alcoholic Hoppy seltzer and a variety of non-alcoholic beers.
Antique Bar + Bakery | 122 Willow Avenue
For the last 30 years, Antique Bakery has been serving Hoboken residents, even Frank Sinatra, fresh baked goods. For the last five years, the bakery has been turned into a bar serving a full menu of artisanal cocktails in addition to specialty bread and baked goods. Guests can also enjoy specialty mocktails including the Mr. Freedom, which is made with fresh watermelon, mint, and fresh-squeezed lime.
Another mocktail is the Johnny Friendly, made with fresh zesty ginger, sage, freshly squeezed lemon, and a touch of agave. The final mocktail on the menu is the All the Way, which is made with charred blackberries that are made right in the famous coal-fired oven, freshly squeezed lemon juice, topped with sparkling water for some extra bubbles.
Read More: Things to Do in Jersey City Besides Drinking
Belo Bar | 104 Hudson Street
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Belo Bar is a piano bar with live music and a whole lot of jazz and good vibes. There is friendly service, cocktails, and a large variety of wines from all over the world. The menu has small plates from all different cuisines and in addition, the bar serves up mocktails. Upon request, the bartender can make any drink into a mocktail.
Byrd | 800 Jackson Street
Byrd is one of Hoboken’s newest restaurants that entered the scene back in 2024. This spot has menu items like the Non #1 with raspberry, chamomile, and Murray River salt, the Non #2 with caramelized pear and ginger, or a Notch non-alcoholic pilsner.
Chango Kitchen | 301 Willow Avenue
Chango Kitchen is a delicious Latin kitchen. On the menu, locals can find Cuban mojitos, piña coladas, margaritas, and daiquiris that come non-alcoholic with the option to BYOB and add-in. The Chango Kitchen website states “We are happy to mix your favorite drinks. You bring the liquor and we’ll do the blending.”
Dear Maud | 205 1st Street
Cocktails are Dear Maud’s specialty and mocktails are no exception. With three tasty zero-proof creations, locals can try the Sunrise to Sunset with cucumber, pineapple, lemon, agave, sunrise tropical, and orchid, the Sesame Milk Tea with toasted sesame, oat milk, earl grey tea and agave, or the Virgin Buck with ginger tea, honey, lemon and rosemary. Non-alcoholic beer is also available.
Halifax | W Hotel, 225 River Street
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Located on the waterfront in Hoboken, Halifax is in the W hotel and serves mocktails that embrace all the flavors of a cocktail, without the hangover, of course. The bartender uses basic juices including orange and pineapple with simple syrup, grenadine, lemon, and lime juice. Maraschino cherries, basil, herbs, and elaborate garnishes are used to spice up the drinks.
The Hoboken Biergarten | 1422 Grand Street
Beer lovers looking for a non-alcoholic fix can choose from a list of five non-alcoholic beers and seltzers at The Hoboken Biergarten. The menu includes Clausthaler Grapefruit Shandy, Guinness Draught, Lagunitas Hoppy Seltzer, Clausthaler Lager, and Sam Adams Just The Haze.
Hudson Golf | 16 Hudson Place
This indoor golf simulator also serves up food and drinks — including mocktails. The Golf Lessons cocktail can also be made as a mocktail, and includes grapefruit, coconut water, lemon, and a splash of ginger beer.
Little Bar | 1401 Hudson Street
Founded by the same team behind Halifax, Little Bar opened its doors in November 2023. It has a variety of drink choices and seafood selections. For those looking for non-alcoholic options, mocktails are available upon request.
Martha's | 25 12th Street
Photo Credit: Martha's
Martha's in Hoboken is known for its upscale American-style comfort food and stand-out cocktails. Now on the menu are creative hot and cold mocktails like homemade hot apple cider, adults only Ghirardelli hot cocoa, and the Flores Para Siempre, which has fresh and floral notes of hibiscus, ginger and vanilla.
Olivia's | 1038 Garden Street
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This Mediterranean spot has a variety of dedicated mocktails on the menu including the Mare Nostrum, the Aguamala, and the El Shirley Temple. Some ingredients that are used include pineapple, lime juice, wild berries, and elderflowers.
Orale Mexican Kitchen | 1426 Willow Avenue, Hoboken + 341 Grove Street, Jersey City
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When Mexican food is calling, always answer! If a boozy margarita isn’t in the future but you still want to enjoy the flavors, try enjoying a margarita mocktail. The virgin piña colada combines pineapple, coconut, and lime to create a sweet, tasty dinnertime treat.
Panela | 36-42 Newark Street
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Latin American restaurant Panela has a lineup of mocktails to pair with its dishes. One mocktail option is the Panela Punch, made with guava, pineapple, passionfruit, orange, orgeat, and lime. If looking for a non-alcoholic version of a Piña Colada, Panela has its own twist on the drink. The Chincha Colada is made with chicha morada, coconut cream, pineapple, orange, and lime.
Saku | 936 Park Avenue
Saku, an innovative and eclectic sushi spot in Hoboken is a local go-to with an extensive menu. Some non-alcoholic highlights include the Yuzu Lemonade Mocktail and Orange + Lychee Mocktail.
Sirenetta | 1039 Washington Street
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Right across the street from Sorellina’s Wine Bar lies Sirenetta Oyster Bar, its sister restaurant. The bar has a mocktail menu, organized by flavor profile: refreshing, spicy, or sweet. The idea is for servers to ask what style of mocktail guests would like, and then the bar makes them a drink based on their preference.
Sorellina | 1036 Washington Street
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Sorellina is an Italian kitchen and wine bar located on Washington Street. With a selection of over 100 wines, the restaurant also serves up mocktails. One of the most popular mocktails is the Basilica, which is served with white grapefruit, honey, basil, and club soda.
Jersey City
The Alps | 351 Palisade Avenue
The Alps in Jersey City Heights is rolling out some tasty non-alcoholic options this January. In addition to the usual cocktails and bar menu The Alps will be serving Phony Negronis, St. Argetis Amaro Falso, Casamara Club Como Alpine Soda and more. Owner, Chris even took to Instagram to share a PSA to kick off Dry January.
Ani Ramen House | 218 Newark Avenue
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Located in downtown Jersey City on Newark Avenue, Ani Ramen House has a large selection of mocktails for any taste. Customers can choose from the Kobe Refresher, Kyoto Grapefruit Fizz, or the Strawberry Sendai. The Kobe Refresher is a fan favorite and is made with oolong, lychee, ginger, and lemon for a refreshing, sweet taste.
The Archer | 176 Newark Avenue
The Archer’s innovative cocktails and mocktails are always a stand-out in Jersey City. This season, mocktail menu items include a Salted Pretzel Horchata, the Blackberry Jab, the Maiden Mother, and the Snake Oil which is a coffee-inspired treat. Non-alcoholic beers and Best Day Kolsch Style are also available in cans.
Barcade | 163 Newark Avenue
Arcade games and cocktails (or mocktails) go hand-in-hand. This year, Barcade is serving up two delicious mocktails including the Pseudo Fruito and the Rainy Day Real Estate made with pineapple, fresh lime, and ginger beer.
Batello | 502 Washington Boulevard
Batello in Jersey City is the ultimate date night destination. Aside from an extensive list of cocktails and dinner items, the restaurant is also serving a seasonal cocktail called Red Moon Rising that features blood orange, lime, yuzu, pink peppercorn syrup, and club soda.
Better Days | 143 Newark Avenue
Better Days has become a brunch hot spot in Downtown Jersey City with dozens of cocktails, wines, and spirits. The restaurant also has a list of mocktails including the False Gimlet, Hibiscus Paloma, Passion Virgin Colada, and the Better Days Garden Cup which has Seedlip Garden 108, rosemary, fresh lemon, blackberries, and cucumber.
The Boil | 8 Erie Street
Popular Cajun seafood restaurant, The Boil is serving up an array of fruity mocktails. On the menu is the Guava Mule, the Big Easy Elixir which has lychee, lime, and ginger beer, and the Crescent City Cooler with fresh watermelon and lime juice.
dullboy | 364 Grove Street
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Located in downtown Jersey City, dullboy is known for its specialty cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. The Missy’s Horcha-ta-ta-ta is a twist on the Mexican horchata drink, made with toasted coconut, almond, rice milk, coconut water, and cinnamon. Another option is The Silvia, made with fresh pineapple, ginger, honey, and lemon. dullboy also makes a house rum blend — non-alcoholic, of course.
Frankie | 264 Grove Street
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The sunny and bright atmosphere at this downtown restaurant is a great fit for the flavorful, fresh, and seasonal menu, and the mocktails are no exception.
Franklin Social | 292 Barrow Street
Next time you’re dining at Franklin Social take a look at the “Free Spirited” section of the menu. This section encompasses a list of refreshing mocktails such as the Sunrise Brew, Creamsicle Cooler, Zested Ember, Tropic’s Breeze, and Hemingway’s Handshake which combines lemon, grapefruit, lemon-lime oleo, and saline. Non-alcoholic beer is also available. After dining at Franklin Social head upstairs to The Junto Attic Bar to create your very own customizable mocktail by ordering the Dealer's Choice.
Hudson Hound | 8 Erie Street
Hudson Hound knows how to serve a delicious mocktail. With menu items like the Madame Lavender, Sober Spritz, and Charlie Cherub, patrons have plenty of unique options to choose from.
The Hutton | 225 Hudson Street
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The Hutton in Jersey City Heights is taking a non-alcoholic twist on classic cocktails this season. With The Hutton Mock-A-Rita, and a Blood Orange Spritz, and Mock-Jitos with multiple puree options, patrons are in for a treat.
Jane Doe | 333 Newark Avenue
Plan a Dry January date night at Jane Doe in Jersey City to try one of the two unique mocktail creations. On the menu is The Silvia which is made from fresh pineapple, Thai tea, lemon, and sparkling water or The Ichigo which has non-alcoholic Amaro Lucano, cinnamon-miso, lemon, sparkling water, and mint.
The Kitchen Step | 500 Jersey Avenue
Mocktails are here to stay at The Kitchen Step in Downtown Jersey City. Aside from St Agrestis Phony Negroni, Tost Non-Alcoholic Rosé, and Bucha Bae Cold Brew Kombucha, the restaurant has also created the Hibiscus Kiss and the Big Apple Fizz for patrons looking for alcohol-free options.
Luna | 279 Grove Street
While Luna is known for its out-of-this-world espresso martinis, they are also experts in the mocktail game. With handcrafted non-alcoholic options like the Femina, Manjito, Green Day Teacher’s Pet, Spice Up Your Life, and You’ve Been Red there’s something for everyone’s favorite flavor profile.
Madame | 390 4th Street
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The vibes at Madame are like something out of a movie. The food and drink menu are also star-worthy. Madame has three memorable zero-proof cocktails to choose from including the George Sand, Camille Dugast, and a Phony Negroni.
Mathews Food + Drink | 351 Grove Street
Besides non-alcoholic beers, Mathews Food and Drink is featuring two tasty mocktail options. The Spirit Spritz is made from Lyre’s Italian Orange, orange bitters, and lemon while the Mango + Dreams also features Lyre’s Italian Orange, mango, grapefruit, lime, and simple syrup.
O’Hara’s Downtown | 172 1st Street
O’Hara’s Downtown is sharing two mocktail creations that sound like a 10/10. First, the Hibiscus Coconut with Caribbean hibiscus, fresh lemon justice, coconut milk, and cream, and second The Jungle Bird with Ritual Non-Alcoholic Tequila, DHOS Non-Alcoholic Aperitif, pineapple, coconut, lime, tiki bitters, and nutmeg.
See More: Where to Get Mocktails in Essex County
Rooftop at Exchange Place | 1 Exchange Place
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The Rooftop at Exchange Place — a rooftop bar that overlooks the Manhattan skyline in JC — serves up a variety of mocktails. For the winter, this spot has mocktail options like The Fruit of the Flower drink and a Pineapple Mint Breeze.
The Roxy | 66 Monitor Street
The Roxy was voted Jersey City’s Best New Dinner Spot by HG readers in 2024. As the restaurant continues to thrive, so does the stellar menu here. The Roxy is currently serving up two Low ABV housemade kombucha drinks for those looking for an alternative. One has flavors of orange and vanilla while the other has notes of apple and oak.
Under the Boot | 116 Newark Avenue
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Situated below Boots + Bones, this speakeasy serves up colorful drinks with unique names. The Quiet Lady is a mocktail made with fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and club soda, and served with habanero cubes. For a sweeter mocktail choice, The Cheeky Boy is made with mango puree, and fresh lemon juice, and topped with ginger beer.
