Jersey City + Hoboken are packed with interesting eateries that can fill any foodie’s restaurant bucket list. Each neighborhood has its own unique offerings and the Jersey City Heights is no exception. With new spots popping up, plus plenty of stand-bys, there are tons of excellent restaurants to keep track of in the Heights. Don’t worry — we did the heavy lifting and created a round-up of some of the best restaurants in Jersey City Heights. Read on to discover where in the Heights to eat next.
Alessio’s | 99 Franklin Street
^ The Hoboken Girl Breakfast Sandwich — a must-try!
Alessio’s is an Italian-style cafe in Hoboken that opened a second location in The Heights during the summer of 2023. Breakfast is served until 3PM and the signature pasta menu includes highlights like penne alla vodka sauce and spaghetti al pomodoro. Fresh mozzarella is made in-house and other ingredients are sourced from a gourmet Italian food company.
Andrea Salumeria | 247 Central Avenue #A
This family-run deli has been serving the Heights since 1975. It’s known for serving some of the best hoagies around and has an excellent selection of gourmet Italian groceries. Patrons can pick up everything from fresh cannolis to Pecorino Romano grated off the wheel.
Read More: Where to Find the Best Chicken Parm Subs in Hoboken + Jersey City
Angry Archies | 565 Palisade Avenue
Angry Archies serve signature “angry” lobster rolls and crab cakes from food trucks across Hoboken + Jersey City. The brick-and-mortar location opened in the Heights last year and the menu includes all of the favorites from the food trucks.
Bread + Salt | 435 Palisade Avenue
Bread and Salt is a Roman-style pizzeria co-owned by James Beard-nominated chef Rick Easton. This spot specializes in airy, crispy crusts that are reminiscent of street food one would find in the Italian capital city. It’s only open Friday to Sunday from 10AM-4PM, so plan ahead if you want to snag a slice or a focaccia bread (pictured above)
Busy Bee Organics | 451 Palisade Avenue
Busy Bee Organics is a cafe and food delivery service that brings organic, gluten-free meals to Hoboken + Jersey City. The concept started at the Grove Street Farmers Market in 2014 and has won numerous Hoboken Girl reader awards over the years. The cafe features bowls, smoothies, salads, and weekly specials that are all allergy-friendly, plant-based organic, and gluten-free.
Central Bistro | 403 Central Avenue
Central Bistro serves lunch and dinner, but it’s a shining star in the Jersey City brunch scene. The menu includes Florentino eggs, crepes, and chilaquiles so there’s something for everyone. It’s also BYOB.
Choc o Pain | 330-332 Palisade Avenue
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This French bakery has multiple locations in Jersey City + Hoboken. It’s a go-to for breakfast pastries like croissants and the eponymous choc-o-pain and freshly baked baguettes. For something heartier, pick up a quiche or sandwich served on the ciabatta or focaccia bread.
The Cliff | 38 Congress Street
The Cliff is an Icelandic-inspired cafe serving “killer coffee” along with a mostly vegan and vegetarian brunch menu, which also includes Mexican fare. There are grab-and-go options or diners can find a table in the covered backyard for a leisurely meal.
Corkscrew Bar | 61 Congress Street
Corkscrew Bar opened in 1976 and is a staple of the Heights. The menu includes mouth-watering burgers made with Pat LaFrieda short-rib blend patties plus wings, pasta, and more. There’s a long beer and cocktail list plus it stays open late — till 3AM on Fridays and Saturdays and 2AM the rest of the week.
Corto | 507 Palisade Avenue
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Corto is a top date-night spot in the Heights. It’s BYOB and features a seasonal menu that always includes a selection of housemade pastas. The backyard is dreamy but inside guests can watch the action happening in the open kitchen.
Dark Side of the Moo | 52 Bowers Street
The Dark Side of the Moo is the place for adventurous eaters. In addition to classic Angus burgers, patrons can order smoked alligator sausage, wild boar tacos, camel burgers, and kangaroo burgers. For something lighter, there’s also a black bean burger and a few salads.
Dulce de Leche Bakery | 376 Central Avenue
With locations in Hudson and Bergen County, Dulce de Leche is an Argentinian-style bakery that opened in the Heights in 2016. The team makes beautiful custom cakes for special occasions and in-cafe diners can order all kinds of breakfast + brunch options, empanadas, various juices from the juice bar, and more.
El Gordo | 291 Central Avenue
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El Gordo is a family-run Peruvian restaurant with three locations in New Jersey. The menu includes traditional dishes like Aji de Gallina, Cau-Cau, and Seco Norteño plus rotisserie chicken and various seafood options.
El Sabroso | 414 Central Avenue
This casual restaurant is a go-to for authentic Puerto Rican and Caribbean food. It can get busy on the weekends but the hearty dishes are always worth the wait. The alcapurria (meat fritters) are especially popular.
Fox + Crow | 594 Palisade Avenue
The exterior of Fox and Crow is painted with calming shades of blue and purple. The low-key pub has low-lit, cozy vibes while the backyard is open and airy. The menu has elevated bar food and craft cocktails plus Fox and Crow often showcases live jazz or bluegrass music.
Griot Cafe | 398 Central Avenue
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This Afro-Carribean restaurant named itself after the Haitian and West African meanings of the word “griot.” In Haiti, “griot” refers to one of the most beloved dishes in the Haitian culture. In West Africa, the word refers to a kind of profession. “A Griot could be a historian, storyteller, musician, teacher, warrior, interpreter, master of ceremonies, ambassador, etc.,” according to Griot Cafe. In addition to the profound symbolism behind its name, this restaurant serves Afro-Caribbean dishes like the “HoneySoy Chicken Wrap,” the “Jerk Chicken Sandwich,” and more.
Irma’s Cafe | 279 Central Avenue
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Irma’s Cafe is a Mexican eatery serving food such as tacos, pupusas, sopas, and more. In addition to its expansive food menu, Irma’s Cafe also serves smoothies in either fresca (strawberry), banana, mango, or chocomil (chocolate). This restaurant also does weekly specials depending on the day.
La Milpa Taqueria | 45 Franklin Street
Open 11AM to 12AM everyday except for Mondays, this Mexican restaurant is a JC Heights gem. La Milpa serves all kinds of Mexican fare, including tacos, flautas, huaraches, and quesadillas, and more. This restaurant also provides vegetable options for those who want to go meatless.
The Franklin | 159 New York Avenue
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Since opening in 2019, The Franklin has become a favorite BYOB brunch spot in the Heights. The menu has sweet and savory options so don’t be surprised when you struggle to decide between French toast or chorizo and guacamole eggs benedict. This restaurant also has a dinner menu with options such as short rib ravioli, seared scallops, and more.
Froth on Franklin | 85 Franklin Street
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Froth on Franklin is a cozy coffee and espresso bar that uses beans roasted locally in Jersey City. It’s open every day and the pastry case is filled with some tempting doughnuts, croissants, and muffins.
Gino’s Pizzeria | 380 Central Avenue
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Gino’s Pizzeria opened in 1976 and the family-owned eatery has served delicious Italian pies ever since. In addition to pizza, this Italian spot serves calzones, pasta, sandwiches, burgers, and more.
Green Pear Heights | 93 Franklin Street
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Green Pear Heights is a dinner-only version of the Hoboken cafe with the same name. The Heights outpost features a menu with Hungarian staples like chicken paprikash and beef goulash. For dessert, diners can indulge with an order of the Hazelnut Cake or Apple Pierogi.
Heights Deli + Grill | 557 Palisade Avenue
This casual spot in the Heights serves breakfast every day starting at 7AM. Grab-and-go options here include empanadas, croissants, and stuffed arepas. Smoothies, breakfast plates, and hot and cold-cut sandwiches are also available.
The Hutton | 225 Hutton Street
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The Hutton is a chic bar and restaurant with a cozy back patio where guests can dine under a 200-year-old oak tree. Brunch, lunch, and dinner are served here plus there’s a menu of craft cocktails, beer, and wine. Patrons can catch live Irish music here every Sunday night.
Irving Public | 1135 Summit Avenue
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Irving Public was opened in 2023 by the team behind Grace O’Malleys and The Keyhole. Irving Public has a pool table and TVs along with a good selection of brews, wine, and spirits.
L’il Dove | 589 Palisade Avenue
L’il Dove is a family-run cafe owned by the team behind Fox and Crow. The bright, colorful space has inside and outside seating and options like coffee, creative espresso drinks, breakfast sandwiches, brunch + lunch options, and Balthazar Bakery pastries. In addition to an expansive menu, this spot also sells retail items like bags, candles, beauty products, and more.
Los Tres Chilitos | 456 Central Avenue
This hidden gem in the Heights dishes up authentic Oaxacan food. Los Tres Chilitos started as a food truck serving Mexican specialties in downtown Jersey City. The restaurant opens at 8AM daily so diners can start the day with huevos con chorizo or a carne asada omelette.
Low Fidelity | 328 Palisade Avenue
Low Fidelity, or LoFi as it’s known by regulars, is a cool craft cocktail bar in the Heights. The inside has a retro-industrial feel but the spacious backyard is the place to relax on a nice afternoon. The food menu features some incredible Detroit-style pizzas with funky names like “Motor City” and “Eggplant 9 from Outer Space.”
Marty’s | 488 Central Avenue
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Marty’s is a Fort Lee-based burger spot that opened in the Heights in 2023. The menu features build-your-own burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, grilled cheese, and hot dogs. Patrons can enjoy six types of fries along with a strawberry, chocolate, vanilla, or cookies + cream milkshake.
Modcup Coffee | 479 Palisade Avenue
Travis Clifton began roasting coffee and selling it out of a hotdog cart in Hoboken back in 2013. It wasn’t long before this micro-roastery, Modcup Coffee, took off. The Heights storefront opened in 2014 and it’s still one of the best places in The Heights to grab some craft coffee with a view of the Manhattan skyline.
Noches de Colombia | 231-233 Central Avenue
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Noches de Colombia has a few locations throughout New Jersey and The Heights location is a favorite for locals craving some authentic Colombian food. The menu includes bakery items, salads, and seafood, chicken, and beef entrees. The pechuga empanizada (breaded chicken) is a must-try.
Paulie’s Brickhouse | 264 Central Avenue
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Paulie’s Brickhouse has a menu of brick-oven pizza with locally inspired names like Hamilton Park, Newport, and The Heights. This spot also serves sandwiches, brunch, and an expansive menu of beer.
Renato’s Pizza Masters | 278 Central Avenue
After serving the Heights for 60 years, Renato’s Pizza Masters is still at the top of its game and this spot won the Hoboken Girl readers award for “Best Delivery Restaurant in Jersey City” in 2020. The Grandma pies and vodka sauce are always popular here but when the mood strikes for something fancier, consider ordering from the fine dining menu.
Rumba’s Cafe | 513 Central Avenue
Rumba’s Cafe is a popular Cuban restaurant open from 6AM-9PM every day. Breakfast options include spreads with eggs, mashed green plantains, and Spanish coffee. There are entree specials every day of the week but patrons can always order a classic Cubano sandwich.
Saigon Bistro | 514 Central Avenue
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Saigon Bistro has a menu of Vietnamese classics and Asian fusion dishes like homemade pho, banh mi, and spring rolls. Patrons can dine in or order delicious dishes for take-out. Saigon Bistro is open every day except Mondays.
Torta Truck | 413 Central Avenue
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Torta Truck opened a brick-and-mortar location in July of 2022 after operating as a beloved food cart for a decade. The menu is inspired by family recipes from Atlixco, Puebla and the tortas (Mexican sandwiches) come filled with birria (braised beef), milanesa de pollo (breaded fried chicken), or homemade, chunky refried beans for a vegetarian option.
Veloce Specialty Sandwiches | 457 Baldwin Avenue
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Veloce Specialty Sandwiches is an authentic Italian sandwich shop that moved into this brick-and-mortar location in 2022. It’s known for its chicken parmesan sandwiches served on fresh, locally-made bread. In addition to the hot sandwiches, the menu includes 20 different cold sandwiches plus salads and sides.
White Mana Diner | 470 Tonnelle Avenue
Open from Monday to Sunday from 8AM to 11PM, this diner is one of JC Height’s finest. Serving traditional American cuisine, locals can find burgers, steak sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, and more. This restaurant also serves breakfast, including the classic bacon, egg, and cheese.
See More: These Restaurants + Bars in Montclair Will Wow Your Visitors
Vibez Juice + Vegan Cafe | 82 Hutton Street
Vibez Juice + Vegan Cafe is a family-run cafe that serves soulful, healthy, and innovative vegan cuisine. The menu includes fresh juices, smoothies, and a daily selection of plant-based dishes like lentil patties, vegan creole steak, and vegan BBQ drumsticks. The team behind Vibez believes that well-being is a lifestyle and the cafe often hosts live entertainment and kids activities. It’s even a favorite spot of Gabrielle Union.
Is Whole Foods Coming to Hoboken?
Downtown Hoboken could soon see a new grocery option. On Tuesday, December 17th, the Hoboken Planning Board unanimously approved a completeness review for a new Whole Foods in the former Walgreens at 101-105 Washington Street. The proposed project is a Whole Foods "Daily Market," a smaller offshoot of the grocery giant fit to the space and the city. It's worth noting that this is a first step towards Hoboken Whole Foods, not a confirmation: the project would still have to be approved at a full planning board meeting. Keep reading to learn more about the potential Whole Foods coming to Hoboken.
So, Is Hoboken Getting a Whole Foods?
On social media, local account Hoboken Gossip posted that Hoboken is getting a Whole Foods. Rumors had been swirling for weeks around the subject, but the project's plans came to fruition on December 17th at the Hoboken Planning Board meeting.
At said meeting, the Hoboken Planning Board performed a site plan review for the proposed Whole Foods, a process in which the board reviews an application to ensure all necessary documents, information, and any other required details are included. Once an application is rendered complete, it can move forward in the review process.
Read More: Looks Like Sweetgreen is Coming to Hoboken, New Jersey
Per the completeness review memo from yesterday, December 17th, the proposed Whole Foods would exist within the current building (the former Walgreens space), occupying the first floor. There would be food prep/cooking in the basement and a coffee window facing Washington Street. You can read the full memo here.
According to Hudson County View, the attorney for the property, Thomas Garlick, shared some details about the plans: “It’s not really a full-blown supermarket. It’s what Whole Foods is calling a ‘Daily Shop.'" He continued, “It’s a fit out of the interior of the store.”
What is a 'Daily Shop' Whole Foods?
Whole Foods opened its first "Daily Shop" in New York City earlier this year. Whole Foods' Executive Vice President Growth + Development, Christina Minardi, described the location as "specially tailored for the needs of an urban market like New York City," calling it "an entirely new shopping format to better serve New Yorkers."
Unanimous Approval on the Project
Despite some initial errors in the submitted paperwork, yesterday's meeting resulted in a unanimous approval from the Hoboken Planning Board, meaning Whole Foods can move on to a full planning board hearing. Per Hudson County View, "Board Secretary Patricia Carcone said they would have to deal with other matters, such as 914-930 Monroe Street before they could schedule a full planning board hearing for the Whole Foods project."
The Proof is the Produce
You can find all related documents to the Whole Foods project on the City of Hoboken website here. Of course, we'll update this piece with details as they unfold.
See More: A Guide to Essex County Outdoor Farmers Markets
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