Spending a night out has returned, and many of us are flocking to unique experiences and venues to celebrate a return to reality. Speakeasies, the secret, underground bars that existed during the Prohibition Era, have modern cousins in these current iterations. Today’s speakeasies are modeled after the historic pieces of America’s history and provide an intimate, experience-driven option for a night spent with friends or significant others. Modern twists on this historical watering hole have popped up around North Jersey, offering different specialties, vibes and experiences fit for a night to remember. Read on for a list of speakeasies in North Jersey.
143 Social | 143 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
Grove Street is home to many pizzerias, restaurants, and gastropubs. However, it happens to also be home to 143 Social Club, a speakeasy located right beneath Bareburger. 143 Social provides a quaint atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Jersey City. Spirits, imported wines, and beer is among the menu options for drinks. For food, top recommendations to try out is the Stracciatella made with chive oil and roasted mini san marzano tomatoes, served with grilled focaccia; Wagyu beef sliders with brie, black garlic aioli, + crispy onions; and the marinated charred octopus with truffled parmesan potatoes, avocado mousse, + red pepper coulis.
Classified | Terminal C, Newark Airport
This spot is one of the most unique speakeasies in the North Jersey area. Classified is a speakeasy found in Newark Airport — near gate 120 by Terminal C, to be exact. To get into Classified, diners need to go through the French restaurant Saison. Then, diners must make their way down a long hallway into a completely sectioned-off space. Classified seats 38 guests, with a mix of bar-side and table seating. There are also large glass windows that overlook the tarmac.
Nucky Thompson’s | 8 Erie Street, Jersey City
(Photo credit: @nuckys_jc)
Located within Hudson Hound, North Jersey’s newest speakeasy pays homage to the 1920s. The moonshine speakeasy has details reminiscent of America’s original speakeasies and is named after a successful bootlegger in Atlantic City. There are eight cocktails on rotation, but the decor, and the historical accuracy of it, are the bar’s biggest selling feature.
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The Junto: Attic Bar | 68 Mercer Street, Jersey City
This speakeasy is only open on Fridays and Saturdays from 6PM to whenever the team decides to close. The small, intimate space serves up out-of-this-era cocktails that are sure to impress, and a stained glass window glows from behind the bar. The creative menu combined with the intimate, rich ambiance makes for a hidden gem in the Grove Street neighborhood of Jersey City.
The Laundromat | 4 Dehart Street, Morristown
(Photo credit: @laundromatbar)
Disguised by a laundromat-style entrance (which explains the name), this speakeasy is Morristown’s only 23-and-over bar. It’s open Wednesday through Saturday from 5PM to 2AM, and offers up live music and other events as well as private parties and homemade, seasonal cocktails.
The Rabbit Hole | 285 Glenwood Avenue, Bloomfield
Inside Blue Steel Pizza Co., an Alice in Wonderland-themed adventure awaits. Designed, says owner Lou Narvaez, to help patrons “neglect the reality of life,” the space is designed with bright colors and filled with the sounds of house music. Open Thursdays through Saturdays from 8PM to 1AM, this speakeasy offers up both unique drinks and delicious light bites.
The Sinatra Room | 36 – 42 Newark Street, Hoboken
(Photo credit: @thesinatraroom)
Coupling the histories of the Hoboken Clam House with the storied, effervescent presence of Frank Sinatra, The Sinatra Room was born to pay homage to the history of the Mile Square. Frank Sinatra once graced the Hoboken Clam House with his presence, but he was far from the only celebrity. So, paying homage to the finer things that celebrities love, this speakeasy was born in the basement of Monroe’s. With an elevated menu and drink menu, dress as a celebrity would: obviously, to impress.
See More: The Best Meatball Spots in Hoboken + Jersey City
Thirty3 | 10 Whitehall Road, Towaco
(Photo credit: @railssteakhouse)
Just like Nucky Thompson’s, this speakeasy reminds patrons of the original Prohibition Era bars. Nestled within Rails Steakhouse, explorers are invited to check out the hidden passageways, try a house-spiked single barrel bourbon, opt for a single malt Scotch from the expansive selection, or sip on the house special – Smoked Old Fashioned. There’s live music on Fridays and Saturdays, but the bar is also open on Thursday nights.
Under the Boot | 116 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
Photo Credit: Zack Perl
Boots and Bones, which is an all-American eatery with a “Southern soul,” has a secret speakeasy located right inside its establishment. Called “Under the Boot,” guests of Boots and Bones are welcome to explore what this speakeasy has to present. It operates from Thursday to Sunday with variations of a 2AM or 3AM closure, depending on the day. Under the Boot has a range of craft beers, wines, and cocktails. To accompany the drinks, small bites like oysters, fried shrimp skewers, and avocado deviled eggs are available to try.
