Whether you’re new to the city or a lifelong resident, sometimes a drink by yourself is on the menu. Post-work stress relief or meeting new people is really easy in the Hoboken and Jersey City area, where there is no shortage of bars. But a solo drink requires just the right atmosphere, which many watering holes in the area provide. Check out or list of where to get a drink by yourself in Hoboken and Jersey City below.
Hoboken
Bin 14 | 1314 Washington Street
Nestled away from all the hustle and bustle of downtown, Bin 14 is still on Washington Street, but in a way quieter part of the Mile Square. The upscale wine bar has an extensive menu of vintages, so connoisseurs can stop in and enjoy a solo sip of some of their favorite varietals. The Italian small plate menu is also worth salivating over.
The Brass Rail | 135 Washington Street
(Photo credit: @thebrassrailnj)
Frank Sinatra’s favorite Hoboken hangout is definitely worth a visit. It was originally built around the turn of the 20th century, and the interior still pays homage to its history. The long wooden bar and multi-level experience ensure a space to be away from it all, but the convivial atmosphere is a great place to make new friends.
Carpe Diem | 1405 Grand Street
The fireplace at this uptown bar is the perfect space to hang out alone. The convenient location and welcoming nature of the Irish pub, mixed with the relative quiet, create a comfort that’s sure to make even the shyest of introverts feel safe. The food menu and beer list are also great for a person who’s stopping in for a post-work meal.
Court Street | 61 6th Street
Continental eats are served at an expansive bar at this midtown restaurant. It’s one of Hoboken’s oldest restaurants, and the reasonable prices and good food have been drawing people in since the 1980s. The elegant yet casual atmosphere is perfect for a person looking to treat themselves.
Elysian Cafe | 1001 Washington Street
This space is a beautiful venue for enjoying a martini alone. Housed in a restored saloon from 1895, the modern French bistro has quality food and a bar that’s both quiet and friendly. The brunch menu is especially worth enjoying.
Farside Tavern | 531 Washington Street
(Photo credit: @farsidetavern)
The Farside Tavern is laid-back and a great local place to make friends over the dartboard or the sports playing on the multiple TVs. The midtown space is far enough away from the downtown core that a conversation can certainly be carried out at the bar. Traditional American food like burgers and fries are also on the menu.
Read More: Hoboken’s ‘Invite Only’ Restaurant Penthouse Tavern: Is It Real or Fake?
Grand Vin | 500 Grand Street
(Photo credit: @grandvinhoboken)
Just as the name suggests, this spot is an upscale wine bar with hearty Italian eats to match. The dimly-lit space boasts locally-sourced ingredients and carefully curated varietals on the menu. Chat with a bartender or enjoy a glass of pinot noir with a book at the corner of Grand Street and 5th Street.
Louise + Jerry’s | 329 Washington Street
Established in 1959, this bar has long been a gathering spot for solo billiards players looking for competition. It was originally a hotel in the 1880s but has been family-operated since it first became an eatery. There’s sports on the TVs and a ton of stories to tell inside Louise + Jerry’s.
McSwiggan’s Pub | 110 1st Street
(Photo credit: @mcswigganshoboken)
This Irish pub hosts trivia nights and other events, and has live sports on TV. But the casual, convivial nature of the space welcomes solo visitors. Opt for the drinks made with dry ice for a cool factor.
The Shepherd + the Knucklehead of Hoboken | 1313 Willow Street
Trivia nights and weekly specials are a mainstay at this uptown bar, where a photo of famous solo traveler Jack Kerouac hangs in the entrance. Massive TVs play sports games, and a huge selection of beers makes it the perfect place to check out a game alone. This spot is known for its craft beer selection which is frequently updated.
Stingray Lounge | 1210 Washington Street
This small space offers a raw bar and top-quality cocktails. Happy hour is every day, including from 4PM-6PM on weekdays. Classic and one-of-a-kind cocktails populate a drink menu designed to complement the fare. It’s all served in a stylish, intimate setting.
Zack’s | 232 Willow Avenue
A huge bar is at the center of Zack’s, known for having some of the best burgers in town. Since 1997, this restaurant has been beloved by Mile Square residents, who also come for the wine list and cocktail menu. When the weather is nice, grab a spot on the patio.
Jersey City
902 Brewing | 101 Pacific Avenue
(Photo credit: @902brewing)
There’s plenty to like about the expansive taproom. In addition to a rotating selection of drafts, there is frequently live music, trivia night, and other fun events on the calendar. The airy space has huge windows and doors to let in fresh air, which is perfect for the upcoming summer weather.
The Archer | 176 Newark Avenue
This rustic cocktail bar sticks true to its name. It offers a gamey small place in a wooden, dimly lit atmosphere, perfect for hanging out alone and enjoying a post-work drink. The quiet vibe and the good selection are ideal for starting an intimate conversation, too.
Departed Soles | 150 Bay Street #2a
Jersey City’s first modern microbrewery is a great place for people who love beer. The tasting room offers both gluten-free and gluten-full options, and is in a convenient location right off the path. The tasting room is pet-friendly too, so you and your pup can enjoy this spot.
Dullboy | 364 Grove Street
(Photo credit: @dullboybar)
The top-rated restaurant and cocktail bar in Jersey City has a lot to be proud of. The brick-walled space serves unique takes on American fare and cocktails. And the plant decor in the intimate space adds to the chill, welcoming atmosphere. The patio is open year-round, so there’s always a way to enjoy a drink al fresco.
Ed + Mary’s | 174 Coles Street
This space is a neighborhood bar in the truest sense of the word. The food is exactly what you’d expect from a pub — casual and comforting, including many grilled cheese options. The drink menu is sure to have one of your favorites. Check out a sports game or catch up with the bartender at this local hangout.
See More: Your Ultimate Guide to Brunch Spots in Jersey City
Harry’s Daughter | 4072 339 Communipaw Avenue
Caribbean eats populate this eatery’s menu, which also boasts a fashionable, photo-worthy decor. Palm leaves dot the wallpaper and the ceiling, and the smell of the home-cooked food wafts through the interior. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 12PM to 6PM.
The Hutton | 225 Hutton Street
(Photo credit: @thehuttonjc)
The heated patio at The Hutton means that drinks can be enjoyed outdoors for an extended period of time, and the neighborhood restaurant boasts tons of natural light. Enjoy a burger, fries, and a cold beer at this casual but fun bar and restaurant.
JSQ Lounge | 50 Journal Square Plaza
(Photo credit: @jsqlounge)
Weekly events dot the calendar at this hangout, where knowledgeable bartenders craft a mean cocktail. Many of them are $10, and the really long happy hour – from 3PM to 7PM – makes the spot perfect for a post-work solo drink. It’s also in a convenient location, right by the PATH.
Lokal | 2 2nd Street
Waterfront views are reason alone to check out this restaurant. But the locally-sourced menu and expansive cocktail list add to the charm. It’s relatively new, opening just before the pandemic, so it will attract many curious eaters and tapped-in locals.
McGinley Square Pub | 755 Montgomery Street
This craft beer bar exudes vintage vibes. Most of the brews on tap are $5, and happy hour deals and comfort foods are a reason to stay. The relaxing atmosphere and friendly staff are great for solo visitors.
