Deciding what to do for a first date can be daunting, but Hoboken has so many options for this special occasion. Whether the date is happening during the day or in the evening there is always something to do. From a more traditional date (think dinner or drinks) to something outside of the box like rock climbing, the Mile Square has something for every taste. We rounded up some fun spots to check out together for the first time or to impress a date with a city classic. Check out the list below for first date ideas  in Hoboken, New Jersey — and then get to planning that first date.

Restaurants + Light Bites

Antique at 112 | 112 Willow Avenue

Photo Credit: Antique 112

For a food restriction-friendly date, look no further than Antique 112. Hoboken staple Antique Bar + Bakery has done it again with the Willow Avenue location with a menu chock-full of flavorful combinations. The team can make almost any dish gluten-free, dairy-free, and/or plant based while relishing in vintage-inspired decor.

Read More: Best Date Night Spots in Hoboken + Jersey City? HG Editors Share Their Faves

Apulia Hoboken | 1319 Washington Street

Take a pizza date to the next level at Apulia. Opt for a seat alongside each other at the perfectly-lit bar area with a nice glass of wine or cocktail or stay for dinner. Dates can choose between eating inside with views of the brick oven or outside with an ambiance that will feel like a patio in Italy. The decor keeps the date feeling sophisticated while the food keeps things casual.

Brass Rail | 135 Washington Street

No matter the season, Brass Rail provides a top-tier ambiance for date night. Guests can have a seat towards the front of the restaurant or outside during the warmer months to enjoy nice weather or cozy close together upstairs for a more intimate feel. Brass Rail has an extensive beverage menu with a range of wines, beers, liquors, and specialty cocktails as well as a detailed food menu.

Byrd | 800 Jackson Street

Byrd can be the scene for any type of dinner/drinks date, and it's super close to the 9th Street light rail. Hang out in the bar/lounge area, just have small plates, indulge in a full dinner or brunch, have some cocktails/mocktails, enjoy decadent desserts, or all of the above.

Grand Vin | 500 Grand Street

For a more upscale date night spot still right in town, Grand Vin is the place to go. Make a date impressed with the wine selection or carefully crafted list of beers alongside locally sourced food for dinner. Reservations can be made at this local eatery.

Halifax Hoboken | 225 River Street

Hoboken is known for incredible views of the NYC skyline and one restaurant that highlights this view is Halifax. Dates can pick bar seating if the occasion just calls for a drink or the option to sit in the main dining room for a full dinner. With a swankier feel, Halifax is a great spot to set the scene for date number 2.

La Casa | 54 Newark Street

For a BYOB date with a Latin flair, a visit to La Casa is in order. The restaurant may be small, but the music and energy are just the opposite. A quick bite such as an empanada or plantains are always at the ready while larger entrees can take this casual spot to a fine dining experience.

Orale Mexican Kitchen | 1426 Willow Avenue

Orale serves up authentic Mexican cuisine for dinner and brunch. Book a date for classic margs and appetizers or opt for a longer date with just as delicious mocktails and a full entree. The colorful aesthetic and variety of options will keep the feel of the date light and fun.

Drinks + Mocktails

Backstage at Sirenetta | 1039 Washington Street

A speakeasy vibe can set the mood for any date night. Backstage is known for its craft cocktails and dim lighting. Ask the server for custom cocktails for the date. Guests can share their preferred liquor (or request no alcohol) and preferred base flavor for the bartender to shake up something special off-menu.

Belo Bar + Kitchen | 104 Hudson Street

A convenient location for dates coming in from NYC is Belo Bar. Just a few blocks from the PATH, this downtown bar has a drink to please anyone. All signature cocktails are named after famous movies/shows such as The Lion King, Wicked, and Moulin Rouge, which can also double as conversation starters.

Bin 14 Trattoria Wine Bar | 1314 Washington Street

An easy way to start the conversation is over the wine list at Bin 14. Wines from different regions are available to order by the glass or the bottle. This coupled with the suave space provides a special feel for a first date.

City Bistro | 56 14th Street

When the indoor space is just as swanky as the outdoor space, it’s a great place for a date. City Bistro has multiple bars inside across three stories including a rooftop. Unique cocktails ranging from a Dirty Chai martini to frozen Moscow Mules keep the date lively.

Dear Maud | 205 1st Street

While the origin story of the name of this bar is quite the opposite of finding love, as it references the Irish author W.B. Yeats’ unrequited love story, Dear Maud is a go-to first date spot in town. The extensive craft cocktail and mocktail lists are curated using local, fresh, and seasonal ingredients. Plus the setting at the bar or high-top tables makes for an unforgettable first date.

The Hoboken Biergarten | 1422 Grand Street

The Hoboken Biergarten is just the spot for a beer-loving date. Guests can choose from dozens of beers, stouts, lagers, and IPAs or even go for a low or no-alcohol beer as the menu has it all. In the winter, book an igloo for a super special setting or enjoy the extensive outdoor seating in the spring/summer.

Il Tavolo di Palmisano | 700 Clinton Street

Photo Credit: Il Tavolo di Palmisano

With different happy hour options daily, Il Tavolo is a strong choice for a date. Happy hours include both drinks and bar bites to leave feeling fully satisfied. The exposed brick wall is a cozy backdrop for an intimate conversation.

Little Bar | 1401 Hudson Street

Learning Hoboken history through cocktails is a unique start to a date and can be found at Little Bar, whose drink names reference the lore of this beloved city. If cocktails aren’t the vibe for the date, this uptown location has a robust champagne list complete with details on the origin of these bubbly beverages.

 

Coffee + Lunch

Alfalfa | 1110 Washington Street + 92 Bloomfield Street

Uptown or downtown, Alfalfa is a cute space for a first date. Diners can start off healthy with a salad or wrap and end with something sweet like a lavender thyme doughnut. For a date who needs gluten-free options, this is a delicious and friendly choice.

bwè kafe Uptown | 1401 Adams Street

Not only does bwè kafe's “north end” location have seasonal and traditional beverages, but it also has the ultimate date seating for a cozy coffee outing. Head upstairs for a loft feel or kick back on the couches downstairs. bwè also has a lunch menu if the date calls for a small meal.

Black Rail Coffee | 800 Jackson Street

While Black Rail is located towards the back of Hoboken, it’s actually an ideal spot for a date coming in from other areas of Hudson County such as Jersey City or Weehawken because of its proximity to the Light Rail. With way more to offer than just coffee, dates can have hot or iced beverages, sweets, brunch, or lunch.

Mojo Coffee | 801 Bloomfield Street + 230 Willow Avenue

A day date is a way to switch up the typical drinks/dinner date and Mojo Coffee has spacious seating to get to know someone. For meeting midtown the Willow Avenue location has a small back room with tables and downtown provides a nice view to get the conversation flowing.

Terrace by Alessio’s | 1201 Madison Street

Combine the dishes Hobokenites know and enjoy from Alessio’s midtown and a gorgeous outside space and Terrace by Alessio’s is the result. This is an oasis tucked away towards the back of Hoboken sure to please any date. Just a coffee, a full meal, or something sweet is all available.

Treats + Desserts

Boomerang Bites | 152 Newark Street

Flavor profiles open the door for interesting conversation and Boomerang Bites has just that. The little sweet squares range from choc-coconut to key lime pie and she-can pecan to pumpkin oat. Get to learn a date through their preferences. Indoor seating is available.

Kiki Lu Gelato | 900 Garden Street

For a sweet date, Kiki Lu Gelato has it covered. This authentic Italian gelato shop has something for the sophisticated sweet tooth. Kiki Lu has a gelato bar, espresso bar, and cannoli bar with customizable options for each. Additional traditional Italian desserts such as tiramisu and rainbow bars are on the menu as well. With limited indoor seating, these treats are great to go or to be enjoyed outdoors.

Activities + Interactive Experiences

There are so many activities and interactive experiences — these are honestly just a few of the many. Find a bigger list HERE.

Blue Skies Pottery | 720 Monroe Street Suite C414

Learning a new skill on a first date could open exciting conversations for date #2. Patrons can check out Blue Skies Pottery in the Monroe Center for a new experience. One-time drop-in style classes are available and both participants have the option of walking away with their new creations.

The Gravity Vault | 1423 Clinton Street

Start off a romance by climbing to new heights, literally. The Gravity Vault in Hoboken has private sessions for two climbers for one hour where participants can explore all the space has to offer with a dedicated instructor. Because this activity is open to all fitness levels, even the most inexperienced of dates can still have a great time.

Hoboken Historical Museum | 1301 Hudson Street

For a cost-effective yet interactive date, the Hoboken Historical Museum is an out-of-the-box and educational option. Entry for adults is just $5 and unlocks exhibits that share all about the past of Hoboken. Check the museum’s website for current exhibits and special events.

Hudson Golf | 16 Hudson Place

A little friendly competition on a first date can get the vibes flowing. Hudson Golf combines a golf simulator experience with top-notch food and drinks. Bays can be rented for one to four hours at either $70 or $85 per hour depending on the day of the week and time.

Ivy Mane Studio | 1012 Grand Street

Guests can show off a more creative side during a first date with a cement-making workshop at Ivy Mane. Workshops provide a diverse array of concrete handmade home decor pieces to make in a small group setting. Check the website for workshops that are available.

New Jersey Coffee School | 720 Monroe Street Suite C508

For a coffee-loving date, take a trip to New Jersey Coffee School and learn skills like a barista. Coffee lovers can take a beginner course designed specifically for those who are enthusiastic about this beverage. Take advantage of the course or check the website for upcoming events to attend.

Rumble Boxing | 1202 Shipyard Lane

A friendly sweat can jumpstart any date and Rumble Boxing will provide an energetic environment for that. Punch it out and lift it out alongside a date for a 45-minute class. With a dark, yet encouraging studio, Rumble is open to all fitness levels.

See More: Date Ideas for Dry January in Northern New Jersey

Sushi by Bou | 225 River Street

A dinner date, but make it interactive. Sushi By Bou is a unique omakase experience with a hip-hop flair. This 60-minute dining show gives the date an elevated feel inside an intimate space. Craft cocktails pair well with the chef’s choice of 12 courses.