The Hoboken Historical Museum is always bustling with new exhibits and projects highly coveted by local neighbors and visitors of the Mile Square City – it stands out as the strongest center of local history in the state of New Jersey. Museum director, Bob Foster and his wife Holly Metz partner together on an ongoing project: Oral History Chapbooks. A chapbook is defined as a small book or pamphlet containing poems, ballads and stories. Essentially, small pamphlets that contain stories of people who seem larger than life.
The project, which began 18 years ago, is the “most personal and special commitment to Hoboken,” Holly explained with pride. After moving to Hoboken in 1979, she fell in love with the city, and once given this opportunity, knew she wanted to find a way to tell the stories of the people of Hoboken. It was important to her and Bob to tell the stories of the people who aren’t typically in the spotlight {hence, no politicians or public figures}, but capture the people who are the soul of the city. From the everyday neighbors who have gravitated from countries around the world to those who have lived in Hoboken their entire lives. Read on to discover all about the Chapbooks: Recollections of the People of Hoboken.
The People of Hoboken
Since the year 2000, the museum has published 34 chapbooks. That’s about twice a year, which is pretty amazing considering the time it takes to execute. They span across a wide array of personal collections from Hoboken residents. No two stores will be alike, yet they all share the common thread of having a profound story to tell. There have been sibling and couples featured, but for the most part, the chapbook will share the personal story from an individual to capture a single perspective. Although many people have stories to tell, there is a well-intended selection process behind whose story is told.
See More: Then and Now: Hoboken’s History Through Post Cards
Let’s Chap
Once you’ve had the honor of being selected {and it truly is a badge of honor, if you ask any participant}, Holly and Bob will sit down in a comfortable and intimate setting to record the story on tape. It’s intentional that the conversation is on an audio recording, so it’s as if you’re having a private conversation with a friend and not fidgeting in front of a camera on an “interview.” Once the audio recording is completed, it’s then directly transcribed without any grammatical editing.
“It’s important to capture the essence of the person, exactly as they have told their story,” explained Holly. Together over the recording, they often forget the tape is recording as they share many laughs, and often tears as the stories unfold. The title of the chapbook will often be a direct quote captured from the recording, so the person is fully captured from cover to cover.
The Last Chap[ter]
One of the beautiful parts of the process is that each Chapbook concludes with an event at the Museum to celebrate the honoree among their friends, family, and neighbors.
“It’s a rare chance to celebrate a person while they’re still living to just celebrate who they are [and] share their story with the community,” added Bob. The events are free of charge and every attendee receives a copy of the book.
Highlights of the 34 Chapbooks
Next time you’re in the museum, check out the chapbooks in the gift shop for yourself. Some of the stories to look forward to reading more about are:
“Today We Are Blessed So Why Not Be Happy,” recollections of Peter Volaric
Peter worked six days a week painting both exteriors and interiors of Hoboken homes. He and his wife Antonia separately immigrated to America from Croatia to eventually meet in Hoboken where their lives together began.
“Club Zanzibar,” recollections of Dorothy McNeil
Dorothy grew up in Hoboken and worked as a bartender at Club Zanzibar, an African American nightclub located at 601 First Street, which was open for twenty years and featured big ticket artists who would perform second acts each night after their earlier shows at the Apollo.
“The Simple Dialogue of My People,” recollections of Hoboken-born and Tony-nominated playwright, Louis LaRusso II
As the author of more than 70 plays, he explains in his evolution of writing, that similarly once he “started to write about my family and Hoboken, and things that meant something to me, I came to life. I came to life in this simple dialogue of my people.”
Read More: A Hoboken Walking Tour: A {Literal} Step Into The Past
Holly and Bob’s Story
To jumpstart such a personal commitment to Hoboken, it’s clear that Holly and Bob share a connection with the city and a passion to share the stories of those who live here. Although only used to telling the stories of others, we asked that Holly and Bob take their turn in order to share their stories about how they came to fall in love with Hoboken.
“It was the slippers,” laughed Holly. She explained that after she first moved to Hoboken, she remembered seeing women on Washington Street out and about in their house slippers, which prompted an unexplainable sense of comfort in Holly as she thought to herself, “if people are capable of being just as comfortable in the street as they do in their home, this is a community to be a part of.”
For Bob the year was 1981. After graduating from college and seeking apartments to move from Williamsburg to Hoboken, he stumbled upon the city he would eventually put so much of his heart into. While exploring Hoboken for the first time {it’s a bit of a quirky story}, he popped into a bar on 14th street to buy a local paper. He saw a motley crew, distinctively remembering a bartender with one arm and patrons who seemed like regulars. He just knew this was a community where everyone was accepted for who they are.
“Growing up in the suburbs you need to search for a sense of community, whereas in Hoboken, you can’t hide from it. It’s everywhere you go and it’s in the people you meet. I love that.”
The Next Chap[ter], #35
Hot off the press, the 35th chapbook was published just last month. “The Basic Goodness of People” is based on the recollections of long-time Hoboken resident, Rose Orozco. Rose is a former ER nurse who will share her stories centered around helping others in the community through Superstorm Sandy, 9/11, and her commitment to community projects all year round.
Have you read one of these amazing chapbooks? Let us know in the comments!
A Guide to Mocktails in Hoboken + Jersey City
Whether you’re observing Dry January or just want to try something different, mocktails have come a long way from the sugary-sweet Shirley Temples of the past. Mocktails are a great refreshment to enjoy when looking for a non-alcoholic beverage. They're fun to enjoy while socializing, having a nice meal, or sipping after a long day. You can find these drinks at an increasing number of bars and restaurants and we have made a list for you in Hoboken and Jersey City. Read on for a comprehensive list of where to find mocktails in Hoboken + Jersey City.
Hoboken
The Ainsworth | 310 Sinatra Drive
Patrons can still enjoy the buzzing energy of the Ainsworth while sipping a non-alcoholic beverage. On the menu is Lagunitas non-alcoholic Hoppy seltzer and a variety of non-alcoholic beers.
Antique Bar + Bakery | 122 Willow Avenue
For the last 30 years, Antique Bakery has been serving Hoboken residents, even Frank Sinatra, fresh baked goods. For the last five years, the bakery has been turned into a bar serving a full menu of artisanal cocktails in addition to specialty bread and baked goods. Guests can also enjoy specialty mocktails including the Mr. Freedom, which is made with fresh watermelon, mint, and fresh-squeezed lime.
Another mocktail is the Johnny Friendly, made with fresh zesty ginger, sage, freshly squeezed lemon, and a touch of agave. The final mocktail on the menu is the All the Way, which is made with charred blackberries that are made right in the famous coal-fired oven, freshly squeezed lemon juice, topped with sparkling water for some extra bubbles.
Read More: Things to Do in Jersey City Besides Drinking
Belo Bar | 104 Hudson Street
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Belo Bar is a piano bar with live music and a whole lot of jazz and good vibes. There is friendly service, cocktails, and a large variety of wines from all over the world. The menu has small plates from all different cuisines and in addition, the bar serves up mocktails. Upon request, the bartender can make any drink into a mocktail.
Byrd | 800 Jackson Street
Byrd is one of Hoboken’s newest restaurants that entered the scene back in 2024. This spot has menu items like the Non #1 with raspberry, chamomile, and Murray River salt, the Non #2 with caramelized pear and ginger, or a Notch non-alcoholic pilsner.
Chango Kitchen | 301 Willow Avenue
Chango Kitchen is a delicious Latin kitchen. On the menu, locals can find Cuban mojitos, piña coladas, margaritas, and daiquiris that come non-alcoholic with the option to BYOB and add-in. The Chango Kitchen website states “We are happy to mix your favorite drinks. You bring the liquor and we’ll do the blending.”
Dear Maud | 205 1st Street
Cocktails are Dear Maud’s specialty and mocktails are no exception. With three tasty zero-proof creations, locals can try the Sunrise to Sunset with cucumber, pineapple, lemon, agave, sunrise tropical, and orchid, the Sesame Milk Tea with toasted sesame, oat milk, earl grey tea and agave, or the Virgin Buck with ginger tea, honey, lemon and rosemary. Non-alcoholic beer is also available.
Halifax | W Hotel, 225 River Street
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Located on the waterfront in Hoboken, Halifax is in the W hotel and serves mocktails that embrace all the flavors of a cocktail, without the hangover, of course. The bartender uses basic juices including orange and pineapple with simple syrup, grenadine, lemon, and lime juice. Maraschino cherries, basil, herbs, and elaborate garnishes are used to spice up the drinks.
The Hoboken Biergarten | 1422 Grand Street
Beer lovers looking for a non-alcoholic fix can choose from a list of five non-alcoholic beers and seltzers at The Hoboken Biergarten. The menu includes Clausthaler Grapefruit Shandy, Guinness Draught, Lagunitas Hoppy Seltzer, Clausthaler Lager, and Sam Adams Just The Haze.
Hudson Golf | 16 Hudson Place
This indoor golf simulator also serves up food and drinks — including mocktails. The Golf Lessons cocktail can also be made as a mocktail, and includes grapefruit, coconut water, lemon, and a splash of ginger beer.
Little Bar | 1401 Hudson Street
Founded by the same team behind Halifax, Little Bar opened its doors in November 2023. It has a variety of drink choices and seafood selections. For those looking for non-alcoholic options, mocktails are available upon request.
Martha's | 25 12th Street
Photo Credit: Martha's
Martha's in Hoboken is known for its upscale American-style comfort food and stand-out cocktails. Now on the menu are creative hot and cold mocktails like homemade hot apple cider, adults only Ghirardelli hot cocoa, and the Flores Para Siempre, which has fresh and floral notes of hibiscus, ginger and vanilla.
Olivia's | 1038 Garden Street
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This Mediterranean spot has a variety of dedicated mocktails on the menu including the Mare Nostrum, the Aguamala, and the El Shirley Temple. Some ingredients that are used include pineapple, lime juice, wild berries, and elderflowers.
Orale Mexican Kitchen | 1426 Willow Avenue, Hoboken + 341 Grove Street, Jersey City
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When Mexican food is calling, always answer! If a boozy margarita isn’t in the future but you still want to enjoy the flavors, try enjoying a margarita mocktail. The virgin piña colada combines pineapple, coconut, and lime to create a sweet, tasty dinnertime treat.
Panela | 36-42 Newark Street
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Latin American restaurant Panela has a lineup of mocktails to pair with its dishes. One mocktail option is the Panela Punch, made with guava, pineapple, passionfruit, orange, orgeat, and lime. If looking for a non-alcoholic version of a Piña Colada, Panela has its own twist on the drink. The Chincha Colada is made with chicha morada, coconut cream, pineapple, orange, and lime.
Saku | 936 Park Avenue
Saku, an innovative and eclectic sushi spot in Hoboken is a local go-to with an extensive menu. Some non-alcoholic highlights include the Yuzu Lemonade Mocktail and Orange + Lychee Mocktail.
Sirenetta | 1039 Washington Street
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Right across the street from Sorellina’s Wine Bar lies Sirenetta Oyster Bar, its sister restaurant. The bar has a mocktail menu, organized by flavor profile: refreshing, spicy, or sweet. The idea is for servers to ask what style of mocktail guests would like, and then the bar makes them a drink based on their preference.
Sorellina | 1036 Washington Street
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Sorellina is an Italian kitchen and wine bar located on Washington Street. With a selection of over 100 wines, the restaurant also serves up mocktails. One of the most popular mocktails is the Basilica, which is served with white grapefruit, honey, basil, and club soda.
Jersey City
The Alps | 351 Palisade Avenue
The Alps in Jersey City Heights is rolling out some tasty non-alcoholic options this January. In addition to the usual cocktails and bar menu The Alps will be serving Phony Negronis, St. Argetis Amaro Falso, Casamara Club Como Alpine Soda and more. Owner, Chris even took to Instagram to share a PSA to kick off Dry January.
Ani Ramen House | 218 Newark Avenue
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Located in downtown Jersey City on Newark Avenue, Ani Ramen House has a large selection of mocktails for any taste. Customers can choose from the Kobe Refresher, Kyoto Grapefruit Fizz, or the Strawberry Sendai. The Kobe Refresher is a fan favorite and is made with oolong, lychee, ginger, and lemon for a refreshing, sweet taste.
The Archer | 176 Newark Avenue
The Archer’s innovative cocktails and mocktails are always a stand-out in Jersey City. This season, mocktail menu items include a Salted Pretzel Horchata, the Blackberry Jab, the Maiden Mother, and the Snake Oil which is a coffee-inspired treat. Non-alcoholic beers and Best Day Kolsch Style are also available in cans.
Barcade | 163 Newark Avenue
Arcade games and cocktails (or mocktails) go hand-in-hand. This year, Barcade is serving up two delicious mocktails including the Pseudo Fruito and the Rainy Day Real Estate made with pineapple, fresh lime, and ginger beer.
Batello | 502 Washington Boulevard
Batello in Jersey City is the ultimate date night destination. Aside from an extensive list of cocktails and dinner items, the restaurant is also serving a seasonal cocktail called Red Moon Rising that features blood orange, lime, yuzu, pink peppercorn syrup, and club soda.
Better Days | 143 Newark Avenue
Better Days has become a brunch hot spot in Downtown Jersey City with dozens of cocktails, wines, and spirits. The restaurant also has a list of mocktails including the False Gimlet, Hibiscus Paloma, Passion Virgin Colada, and the Better Days Garden Cup which has Seedlip Garden 108, rosemary, fresh lemon, blackberries, and cucumber.
The Boil | 8 Erie Street
Popular Cajun seafood restaurant, The Boil is serving up an array of fruity mocktails. On the menu is the Guava Mule, the Big Easy Elixir which has lychee, lime, and ginger beer, and the Crescent City Cooler with fresh watermelon and lime juice.
dullboy | 364 Grove Street
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Located in downtown Jersey City, dullboy is known for its specialty cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. The Missy’s Horcha-ta-ta-ta is a twist on the Mexican horchata drink, made with toasted coconut, almond, rice milk, coconut water, and cinnamon. Another option is The Silvia, made with fresh pineapple, ginger, honey, and lemon. dullboy also makes a house rum blend — non-alcoholic, of course.
Frankie | 264 Grove Street
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The sunny and bright atmosphere at this downtown restaurant is a great fit for the flavorful, fresh, and seasonal menu, and the mocktails are no exception.
Franklin Social | 292 Barrow Street
Next time you’re dining at Franklin Social take a look at the “Free Spirited” section of the menu. This section encompasses a list of refreshing mocktails such as the Sunrise Brew, Creamsicle Cooler, Zested Ember, Tropic’s Breeze, and Hemingway’s Handshake which combines lemon, grapefruit, lemon-lime oleo, and saline. Non-alcoholic beer is also available. After dining at Franklin Social head upstairs to The Junto Attic Bar to create your very own customizable mocktail by ordering the Dealer's Choice.
Hudson Hound | 8 Erie Street
Hudson Hound knows how to serve a delicious mocktail. With menu items like the Madame Lavender, Sober Spritz, and Charlie Cherub, patrons have plenty of unique options to choose from.
The Hutton | 225 Hudson Street
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The Hutton in Jersey City Heights is taking a non-alcoholic twist on classic cocktails this season. With The Hutton Mock-A-Rita, and a Blood Orange Spritz, and Mock-Jitos with multiple puree options, patrons are in for a treat.
Jane Doe | 333 Newark Avenue
Plan a Dry January date night at Jane Doe in Jersey City to try one of the two unique mocktail creations. On the menu is The Silvia which is made from fresh pineapple, Thai tea, lemon, and sparkling water or The Ichigo which has non-alcoholic Amaro Lucano, cinnamon-miso, lemon, sparkling water, and mint.
The Kitchen Step | 500 Jersey Avenue
Mocktails are here to stay at The Kitchen Step in Downtown Jersey City. Aside from St Agrestis Phony Negroni, Tost Non-Alcoholic Rosé, and Bucha Bae Cold Brew Kombucha, the restaurant has also created the Hibiscus Kiss and the Big Apple Fizz for patrons looking for alcohol-free options.
Luna | 279 Grove Street
While Luna is known for its out-of-this-world espresso martinis, they are also experts in the mocktail game. With handcrafted non-alcoholic options like the Femina, Manjito, Green Day Teacher’s Pet, Spice Up Your Life, and You’ve Been Red there’s something for everyone’s favorite flavor profile.
Madame | 390 4th Street
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The vibes at Madame are like something out of a movie. The food and drink menu are also star-worthy. Madame has three memorable zero-proof cocktails to choose from including the George Sand, Camille Dugast, and a Phony Negroni.
Mathews Food + Drink | 351 Grove Street
Besides non-alcoholic beers, Mathews Food and Drink is featuring two tasty mocktail options. The Spirit Spritz is made from Lyre’s Italian Orange, orange bitters, and lemon while the Mango + Dreams also features Lyre’s Italian Orange, mango, grapefruit, lime, and simple syrup.
O’Hara’s Downtown | 172 1st Street
O’Hara’s Downtown is sharing two mocktail creations that sound like a 10/10. First, the Hibiscus Coconut with Caribbean hibiscus, fresh lemon justice, coconut milk, and cream, and second The Jungle Bird with Ritual Non-Alcoholic Tequila, DHOS Non-Alcoholic Aperitif, pineapple, coconut, lime, tiki bitters, and nutmeg.
See More: Where to Get Mocktails in Essex County
Rooftop at Exchange Place | 1 Exchange Place
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The Rooftop at Exchange Place — a rooftop bar that overlooks the Manhattan skyline in JC — serves up a variety of mocktails. For the winter, this spot has mocktail options like The Fruit of the Flower drink and a Pineapple Mint Breeze.
The Roxy | 66 Monitor Street
The Roxy was voted Jersey City’s Best New Dinner Spot by HG readers in 2024. As the restaurant continues to thrive, so does the stellar menu here. The Roxy is currently serving up two Low ABV housemade kombucha drinks for those looking for an alternative. One has flavors of orange and vanilla while the other has notes of apple and oak.
Under the Boot | 116 Newark Avenue
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Situated below Boots + Bones, this speakeasy serves up colorful drinks with unique names. The Quiet Lady is a mocktail made with fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and club soda, and served with habanero cubes. For a sweeter mocktail choice, The Cheeky Boy is made with mango puree, and fresh lemon juice, and topped with ginger beer.
