When patrons think of a dive bar, they think of a friendly neighborhood watering hole with a no-frills drink menu and standard pub fare. Hoboken + Jersey City are home to a number of local-favorite dive bars where visitors can grab a cold beer, watch the game, or grab a quick bite. Keep reading to find out the best hidden-gem dive bars of Hoboken + Jersey City.
Hoboken
8th Street Tavern | 800 Washington Street
This corner bar on 8th and Washington has been a staple of the Mile Square since the 1940s. The 8th Street Tavern offers customers typical dive bar must-haves such as a selection of craft beers + whiskey, and comfort food like wings, burgers, and nachos. The bar also has a pool table, darts, and cornhole, along with Trivia nights and live music.
Louise + Jerry’s Tavern | 329 Washington Street
If customers are looking to take a break from the typical Washington Street bars, Louise + Jerry’s Tavern is the local hang-out to visit. Patrons can play darts, pool, or play their favorite tunes on their jukebox. The owners encourage patrons to BYOF (bring your own food) and BYOD (bring your own dog).
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Farside Tavern | 531 Washington Street
Some call the Farside Tavern “Hoboken’s best-kept secret.” Offering happy hour specials, beer on tape, 16 TVs, frozen drinks, food, an outdoor back patio, a fireplace, open bar packages, and more, just adds to the list of reasons to visit this local hangout. The Tavern also has weekly open mic night and live music.
Cork City | 239 Bloomfield Street
Cork City is known as Hoboken’s Craft Beer speakeasy. The bar has a rotating tap and bottle list, with over 51 beers on tap, and the beer menu changes daily. This is the local hangout to grab a unique brew, throw some darts, or relax by the fireplace. @corkcitypub
Maggie’s Place | 87 Jefferson Street
Formerly El Quatro Bar, off the beaten path on Jefferson Street, Maggie’s Place has been open for a long time – and for good reason. Patrons can always count on a chill vibe with a good beer selection.
Willie McBrides | 616 Grand Street
One of the most popular bars on this list – Willie McBrides is everything you could want in a low-key night in town. Good bar food, good drink selection, good music, and spacious (towards the back and upstairs at least). It also has a cool design inside, from antique-style pub mirrors to a life-size mannequin dressed as a cop hanging over the bar – it has an eccentric vibe that separates it from the rest. There are also tons of TVs if you’re looking for a spot to catch a game.
Wilton House | 58 Newark Street
The Wilton is one of Hoboken’s original watering holes in the heart of downtown. This dive was originally owned by the third mayor of Hoboken, George W. Morton, when it was a cigar store, and has been a staple in town for over 100 years. This cash-only dive offers the basics: beers on tap, shots, cheap prices, and a jukebox.
Finnegan’s Pub | 734 Willow Avenue
When visitors are in the mood for a low-key atmosphere and live music, Finnegan’s Pub is the go-to choice in Hoboken. The Pub has live music on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. When someone isn’t performing, customers can grab some good food and drink and play a game of darts, pool, or skee ball.
Jersey City
Abbey’s Pub + Grill | 409 Monmouth Street
This quiet bar is a prime spot to relax with some friends, sip on a cheap cocktail, and have a hookah delivered right to your table. The menu consists of BBQ, steak, and burgers, and outdoor heaters offer options for indoor and outdoor seating all year. Patrons can also shoot a game of pool in this laid-back dive.
Astor Bar + Grill | 725 Montgomery Street
This old-fashioned neighborhood mainstay has been around since 1956. Astor Bar + Grill is known for pairing homemade food + platters with cold beers and cheap cocktails. This local neighborhood favorite also has home-cooked daily lunch specials and is a go-to for Sunday Football. @astorbar
Barge Inn Saloon | 410 Monmouth Street
Barge Inn Saloon is Jersey City’s longest-running bar downtown and has been around since the 1960s. With a menu consisting of dive staples such as pizza, wings, mozzarella sticks, deep-fried hot dogs, pretzels, and more, this is the go-to spot for a cheap beer and a chill atmosphere. Customers can also catch a game of pool and enjoy drink specials.
Corkscrew Bar | 61 Congress Street
The Corkscrew is known as the home away from home. This staple in the Heights is known for its amazing @patlafrieda burgers, offering weekly specials like the “Pep Me Up Burger” made with @palafrieda short rib burger patty, arugula, pepper-jack cheese, pepper relish, and sweet chili candied bacon. Customers can also grab a drink and stop in for weekly trivia nights. @thecorkscrewbar
Healy’s Tavern | 374 Newark Avenue
Healy’s is a family-owned establishment in Downtown Jersey City that revives the notion of a relaxed, neighborhood tavern whose tagline boasts “good food, good drinks, and good people.” The Tavern has weekly drink specials, such as “Margarita Mondays” and “Tiki Tuesdays.” No Irish tavern is complete without bar fare such as chili hot dogs, corned beef sandwiches, and a variety of daily specials.
Lucky 7 Tavern | 322 2nd Street
Lucky 7’s has been a fixture in downtown Jersey City for years. The bar has an extensive whiskey menu, a sea of craft beers, and offers bar food such as authentic Southern BBQ. Patrons can also catch Sunday Football on one of the seven flat-screen TVs while enjoying happy hour + drink specials.
McGinley Square Pub | 755 Montgomery Street
McGinley Square Pub is the spot to get late-night eats, sing karaoke, or grab a cold craft beer. The Pub has a daily special of a burger, shot, and beer for $10, and the kitchen is open until the last call. The Pub hosts monthly comedy shows that include a two-hour open bar for only $25 and all-you-can-drink craft drafts and well drinks.
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New Park Tavern | 575 W Side Avenue
When neighbors are looking for a no-frills spot to grab a cold beer and a burger, Park Tavern is the spot. Park Tavern is known for its classic burgers, crispy fries, and tasty sandwiches. The charming backyard is a perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer on draft.
O’Leary’s Publik House | 788 Garfield Avenue
O’Leary’s is the quintessential Jersey dive, with its warm and friendly staff, delicious bar food, refreshing beers, and strong drinks. This hangout is also a favorite for local cops and firefighters. The bar has weekly Sunday Football specials, such as the cheesesteak eggrolls, $3 domestic drafts, and $4 White Claws.
The Keyhole Bar | 242 Bay Street
The Keyhole Bar, formerly known as Rolon’s Bar, is a historical neighborhood watering hole in Downtown Jersey City. It offers cheap drinks and bar snacks like signature hot dogs, grilled cheese, and bar snacks. Keyhole Bar is also the spot to check out during football season, offering wings, hot dogs, beer packages, as well as prize drawings, fantasy leagues, and football giveaways.
