We already know that Jersey City is home to dozens of incredible hidden gems, including the local favorite, Franklin Social. This neighborhood restaurant and tavern has a unique, seasonally-driven menu that showcases modern takes on classic American comfort food. With so much local love for Franklin Social, it’s no surprise that its culinary talents expanded beyond the plate and onto unbeatable cocktail mastery; all in the form of a nostalgic speakeasy. Over 100 years after the Prohibition Era, speakeasies have continued to experience a popular resurgence in cities all over the world, including Jersey City. The Junto Attic Bar is nestled above Franklin Social and tucked away up a staircase at 68 Mercer Street. These two local favorites were forced to temporarily close for repairs earlier this year due to a fire — but now Junto Attic Bar has officially reopened, with Franklin Social reopening next week. In light of the reopening, we’re revisiting our trip to Junto Attic Bar from last fall. Read on to learn more about the reopening and more about this classic speakeasy right in downtown Jersey City.
The Reopening of Franklin Social + Junto Attic Bar
On January 21st, 2024, Franklin Social experienced a large fire that forced both the restaurant and the upstairs speakeasy to temporarily close. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the building required repairs. Junto Attic Bar hosted a soft re-opening on Saturday, October 19th + Sunday, October 20th, and officially reopened on Monday, October 21st. Franklin Social will have a soft re-opening on Saturday, October 26th + Sunday, October 27th, and will officially reopen on Monday, October 28th. Customers will receive 50% off all tabs on these nights to celebrate the reopening.
Everything at these two spots is mainly the same, with a few new additions to each of the menus. Franklin Social will debut dishes like tuna tartare, creamy shrimp carbonara, pan-seared duck, and pork belly bao buns in addition to bringing back the Nerdy Bartender Things cocktail (Suntory Whisky Toki, St. George Spiced Pear, pear shrub, pineapple, almond, lemon, + Angostura Bitters). Junto introduced two new cocktails: the Shock To The System (Espolon Blanco, Ancho Reyes Verde, Vecchio Amaro Del Capo “red hot edition”, Triple C, HellFire bitters, ginger, + lime) and the Hey Sweetie (Asahi Mannen Boshi “Constellation” Barley Shochu, Giffard Vanille De Madagascar, Angostura bitters, sweet potato, charred marshmallow, allspice, + lemon).
The Menu
When the leather-bound menu arrives, the story begins to unfold while flipping through pages of curious cocktail combinations. One of the most enticing drinks has to be a customizable cocktail by the name of “Dealers Choice” — which is exactly what it sounds like. Guests can pick their favorite flavors and spirits into one perfect drink made exclusively for their tastebuds.
Read More: The Best Cocktail Bars in Hoboken for a Self-Guided Cocktail Crawl
There is also a variety of equally delicious mocktails to choose from. Everyone’s tastes can be catered to at The Junto. The bartenders here have striking attention to detail and precise skill that creates flavorful magic.
The Ambiance
The Junto was inspired by Ben Franklin’s social club of the same name. The attention to detail goes beyond just cocktails. The aesthetic interior design speaks for itself and certainly elevates the overall experience. Its dim lighting, cozy seating, and candlelit tables create an intimate and alluring energy that removes guests from the outside world. This space encapsulates the true meaning of a “speakeasy” and serves as a great date night spot.
See More: These Restaurants + Bars in Montclair Will Wow Your Visitors
Things To Note
The Junto operates on a first-come, first-served policy for groups of four or fewer only. Hours are subject to change due to private events so be sure to check thejuntojc.com before coming in once the spot reopens. Otherwise, it is typically open seven days a week from 6PM-1AM.
There’s a Chicken Wing Contest for Charity Coming to Hoboken on 2/1
After a five-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Hoboken's chicken wing contest is making a return in 2025. Hosted by St. Francis Church and benefitting Fr. Michael Food Pantry, 11 restaurants from around the Mile Square (and one in Jersey City) will compete for the title of "King of Wings." The event will take place on Saturday, February 1st from 6PM-10PM at the Hoboken Elks Club, located at 1005 Washington Street. Read on for more details about Hoboken's A Wing + A Prayer event happening this February.
Event Details
A Wing + A Prayer — a popular Hoboken event that was last held in February of 2020 — will make its return to the Mile Square on Saturday, February 1st, 2025, with proceeds benefiting the Fr. Michael Food Pantry at St. Francis Church. Per a press release, the event will be held from 6PM to 10PM at the Hoboken Elks Club, located at 1005 Washington Street.
Read More: New Bagel Shop, B Bagels, Soft Opens in Downtown Jersey City
So, how does the event work? Eleven restaurants from around Hoboken and Jersey City will be showcasing their chicken wings in a people's choice competition to crown the "best wings in Hoboken." The participating restaurants are as follows:
- Anthony David’s | 953 Bloomfield Street
- Bin 14 | 1314 Washington Street
- Carpe Diem | 1406 Grand Street
- Dark Side of the Moo | 52 Bowers Street, Jersey City
- Farside Tavern | 531 Washington Street
- Ferryman on First | 94 Bloomfield Street
- GTK | 1014 Washington Street
- Johnny Pepperoni | 219 11th Street
- Madd Hatter | 221 Washington Street
- Madison Bar + Grill | 1316 Washington Street
- Tony Boloney’s | 263 1st Street
Those in attendance will vote for their favorite wings, and the winning restaurant gets to take home the trophy to be held at their restaurant until the next event.
The organizers shared with The Hoboken Girl that the pantry provides monthly groceries to families in need, and that the proceeds from this event will help bring back the daily sandwich program.
Anyone with questions about the event can email [email protected] or call 201-970-8796.
See More: Where to Get the Best Wings in the Montclair Area
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