Ah, the dive bar — a friendly neighborhood watering hole that’s perfect for a casual happy hour or a weekly outing with friends, where the drinks are always cheap and the free peanuts run aplenty. A simple, no-frills drink menu is a good start to creating the perfect dive bar (we’re talking Corona, Miller High Life, PBR plz + thank you), as well as an uncomplicated food menu (if there is one at all) consisting of standard pub fare. Hoboken + JC is home to a number of dive bars that make for the ideal casual drinks outing, with no frills (but just as much fun). Keep reading to find out the best pseudo-hidden-gem dive bars of Hoboken + Jersey City.
Hoboken
8th Street Tavern | 800 Washington Street
It’s easy to miss this corner bar on Washington in between the many surrounding restaurants, but this establishment has actually been part of the Mile Square since the 1940s. 8th Street Tavern offers all of the standard bar features like pool, darts, corn hole and plenty of trivia nights as well as burgers, nachos, and lots of beers to choose from.
Farside Tavern | 531 Washington Street
(Photo credit: @farsidetavern)
This almost didn’t make the list, but with a yummy bar menu that caters to just about any late-night food craving (check out the Mack Daddy Nachos), this is a superb place to watch a game, get your karaoke on, or hang on the enclosed back porch with a refreshing beverage.
See More: Departed Soles Brewery: Jersey City’s Trendy Brewhouse
Louise + Jerry’s | 329 Washington Street
(Photo credit: Google Maps)
This quiet little bar is a prime place to relax with some friends and sip on a classic cocktail. Don’t forget to bring your furry friend along – pups are always welcome and encouraged.
Read More: Hoboken Bars That Allow Dogs
Wilton House | 58 Newark Street
Take a break from the trendy Hoboken spots and step into this casual cash-only hangout that offers just the basics – a couple of beers on tap, cheap prices, shots, and of course, a jukebox (also a short walk away from Carlo’s Bakery if you want to pop in for a treat post-drinking).
Jersey City
Abbey’s Pub + Grill | 409 Monmouth Street
(Photo credit: @_abbeyspub)
With a menu consisting of yummy BBQ, steak and burgers, this bar is big enough for a large group of friends and even delivers hookahs to your table, so enjoy something a little different on your next night out with a relaxed scene.
Read More: A Visit to White Star Bar in Jersey City
Lucky 7 Tavern | 322 2nd Street
(Photo credit: @lucky7tavernjc)
It’s nice to know that in a sea of craft beer bars, there is still a place where a can of PBR can be purchased for $2.50. This is just one of the reasons to visit Lucky 7 Tavern, in addition to its extensive whiskey menu and a bar menu that’s hard to resist and includes “totchos” aka tater tot nachos (we’ll drink to that).
The Keyhole Bar | 242 Bay Street
(Photo credit: @keyholebarjc)
Formerly known as Rolon’s Bar and re-opened under its new name in 2018, the Keyhole Bar is a historical neighborhood establishment with cheap brews and $1 bar snacks (cash only) that are perfect for an impromptu night out.
Have you been to one of these hidden gem bars? Let us know in the comments!
