The beginning of fall is the unofficial month of clambakes, lobster fests, and enjoying the very best that the rolling seas have to offer. Salty, fresh shellfish, flaky, light fishes, and cool shrimp cocktail fill the menus of so many restaurants in Hoboken and Jersey City. And while we might not be on the Chesapeake, these local digs have the best of the best, freshest catches on the menu.
On our minds and {hopefully in our bellies soon} are the highly-coveted dishes of the season and we have been taking advantage of the gorgeous weather, outdoor dining spots, and this seductive menu item that always leaves us wanting more. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course, crab cakes are a great end of summer, early fall dish that will always be on our list of favorites. Check out some of these local spots that do crabcakes the right way.
Hoboken
10th and Willow | 935 Willow Avenue
If you’re looking for crab cakes uptown, 10th and Willow has a delicious jumbo lump crab cake drizzled in lemon aioli. The gorgeous outdoor patio seating area, paired with the delicious menu, makes it a great spot for dining out.
Del Frisco’s Grille | 221 River Street
This upscale bar and grill which typically features a very hearty selection of meats also has seafood and does it well. The jumbo lump crabcake served with a Cajun lobster sauce. If that doesn’t leave you drooling, we aren’t sure what else will
Elysian Cafe | 1001 Washington Street
Noted as one of the oldest running bars in Hoboken, this uptown bistro has mastered the art of the crabcake. This over 125-year-old establishment offers a lump crab cake with sweet summer corn succotash, basil, and arugula pesto, and served with heirloom grape tomatoes and micro basil.
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Northern Soul | 700 1st Street
We see you NoSo, with your twist on the typical crab cake. In slider form, these jackfruit patties served with Old Bay mayo, pickled red onions, and microgreens is out of this world. Different from the norm, these “crab” cake sliders are a fun way to eat this highly-coveted dish.
O’Nieals | 343 Park Avenue
We love a good meal at O’Nieals, nestled right on the outskirts of Church Square Park. This local spot boasts a Maryland crab cake over fresh greens, Bermuda onions, tomatoes, and the chef’s remoulade — trust us, it’s out of this world.
Sting Ray Lounge | 1210 Washington Street
Easily missed if you’re not looking for it, this hidden gem on the busiest street in town is a local favorite, frequented by only who know of its existence. The restaurant is all about fresh seafood so it’s obvious the crab cake is superb. This Maryland crab cake is served with lemon aioli and celery root slaw is equal parts unique as it is delicious
Zack’s Oak Bar | 232 Willow Avenue
There’s a reason the crabcake is on the brunch, lunch, and dinner menu at Zack’s. Served for brunch on a potato roll topped with romaine, tomato, and lemon aioli. As a late lunch snack, the Maryland lump crab cake is served on its own with fresh herbs, mesclun, tomato, and lemon aioli. For dinner, both options are readily available.
Jersey City
Battello | 502 Washington Boulevard
This gorgeous waterside restaurant has wowed the community with their stunning views and even more incredible menu. The jumbo lump crab cake appetizer is served generously with cucumber slaw, radishes, green goddess dressing, and a crispy mint garnish. It’s a must-try.
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Emma’s | 4 Path Plaza
Emma’s is the self-proclaimed spunky little spawn. Featuring a Maine crab cake platter served with southern rice, grilled asparagus, and an avocado salsa verde that is ah-mazing.
Fire + Oak | 479 Washington Boulevard
There’s nothing like sitting at the restaurant and enjoying the highlights of this carefully crafted food and drink menu. This restaurant truly lives up to its name. The jumbo lump crab cake served with a baby green salad, crispy fries, and a Pommery mustard is a great dish to try
The Liberty House | 76 Audrey Zapp Drive
With panoramic views of Downtown New York City, The Liberty House is a favorite event space and restaurant for those who want to dine under the stars and the city that doesn’t sleep. This jumbo lump crab cake is served with a grilled fennel salad chervil, yellow tomato vinaigrette, and piquillo pepper coulis.
Lobster Garage | 98 Morris Street
Well-known Light Horse Tavern in Jersey City knew exactly how to transform its garage into a space that could survive the pandemic. This seafood joint has quite the spread but most notably, the crabcake. Served either as an entree or a sandwich, both options are on our list of must-try crab cakes.
Luna | 279 Grove Street
The outdoor space at this popular Grove Street location is always bubbling with great food, drinks, and people. The jumbo lump crab cake at Luna is served with sriracha aioli and made to order for the perfect taste of savory spice.
Salt + Seed | 210 Hudson Street
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This elevated vegan comfort food restaurant has a delicious hearts of palm “crab cake” with vegan scallion herb remoulade. More than that, the menu is filled with a variety of options that will delight all guests. Salt + Seed is a unique spot loved by all who dine there.
Skinner’s Loft | 146 Newark Avenue
Skinner’s Loft also has a vegan “crab cake” wrap made with hearts of palm, zucchini, avocado, shredded lettuce, tomato, vegan sriracha aioli, all wrapped in a flour tortilla. The restaurant even features a pan-seared vegan “crab cake,” made similarly with hearts of palm, zucchini, breadcrumbs, vegan mayonnaise, and Old Bay.
Edgewater
The Yacht Club | 541 River Road, Edgewater
The Yacht club is new to the scene with a huge indoor and outdoor space nestled along the Hudson River. The decor is modern and chic, perfect for any celebration. The restaurant serves up fresh seafood dishes like oysters, lobster rolls, and of course, crab cakes. They offer Maryland crab cake with remoulade sauce on the side as an appetizer.
