Here at Team HG, we know it’s a massive privilege to write about local businesses for a living. So when we’re not at our computers sharing the latest Hoboken + Jersey City happenings, we take every opportunity to explore our little corner of the country. Sometimes, we discover new favorites; other times, we rediscover old familiars. Either way, there are certain spots we just can’t get enough of, and since we don’t gatekeep, we’re letting you in on just what those spots are. We’ve asked our team to share their current Hoboken + Jersey City obsessions: from local coffee shops to restaurants, and even recurring events. Keep reading to see the Hoboken + Jersey City locales Team HG is loving lately.
Alfalfa (Downtown) | 92 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken
“Downtown Alfalfa is an easy stop-in spot for lunch for me now, and I always have to order the orange creamsicle doughnut (which is gluten-free!) as my dessert — after I devour the Greek salad, of course.” — Jen Tripucka, Founder
Read More: Where to Get the Best Chicken Salad in Hoboken
Bread + Salt | 435 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City Heights
“I clear my calendar every Saturday to make sure I can stop at Bread + Salt in Jersey City Heights. For just $5, I get one slice of tomato focaccia that is equal in size to a slice of pizza, but even better in taste.” — Danielle Farina, Social Media Manager
Halifax | 225 River Street, Hoboken
“The bubbles brunch at Halifax is something that my sister and I do multiple times a year — you truly cannot beat a bottle of sparkling wine per person and unlimited small plates for $49. The challah french toast is on the top of our list, but the deviled eggs are a close second.” — Samantha Impaglia, Associate Editor
Shortbread Society | Jersey City
“I am absolutely obssesed with Shortbread Society. They have the most delicious shortbread I’ve ever had, rich and buttery with so many different flavors to choose from. Personal fave: Millionaires shortbread. Plus, the packaging is so pretty and makes the perfect gift.” — Devin Mahon, Director of Marketing
Elysian Cafe | 1001 Washington Street, Hoboken
“If you know me, you know I am a huge Elysian Cafe girly. From the ambiance to the history — it’s a go-to spot in Hoboken. The food and service are always top notch and they have great weekly deals. It’s also super kid-friendly and my 4-year-old’s favorite spot (“the green place” as he calls it).” — Amber Veltri, Social Media Manager
Mojo Coffee Company | 230 Willow Avenue + 801 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken
“Coconut anything? Always a yes for me, especially in the summer. There’s something about those warm days that makes Mojo’s coconut cold brew even more irresistible. Just a splash of almond milk, and it’s like sipping pure perfection.” — Carli Clesmere, Digital Assistant
Live Music in Sinatra Park | Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
“Since I discovered it I have been going every Thursday to the weekly live music in Sinatra Park. I have been very impressed by the variety and size of some of the bands that perform and how many people are there dancing and just having a good time.” — Liam Abbott, Digital Assistant
Smorgasbar | 3 2nd Street, Jersey City
“The summer in Hudson County means one thing for me — endless trips to Smorgasbar! I love the city views, the vibe, and their zero-proof mojitos.” — Joelle Hernandez, Volunteer Coordinator + Freelance Writer
Body Fit Training (BFT) | 770 Jackson Street, Hoboken
I love to switch up my workouts and I have been loving Body Fit Training (BFT) lately! The classes are challenging, but the staff is super helpful and all of the members have been incredibly welcoming! The location is relatively new on 7th and Jackson.” — Joelle Hernandez, Volunteer Coordinator + Freelance Writer
The Nuts Factory | 408 Washington Street, Hoboken
“I recently tried the viral Dubai chocolate from Nuts Factory in Hoboken and omg it’s so good! Totally worth the $18.99.” — Elena Gergis, Freelance Writer
Losurdo’s Italian Deli + Bread Bakery | 410 2nd Street, Hoboken
“We always end up at Losurdo’s and it never disappoints. My favorite is the prosciutto and mozzarella sandwich. Too good. I also stock up on Italian staples that I can’t normally find in the States.” — Danielle Lynch, Freelance Writer
Alessio’s | 539 Park Avenue + 1201 Madison Street, Hoboken + 99 Franklin Avenue, Jersey City Heights
“The rainbow cookies at Alessio’s. Simple, classic, crave-worthy.” — Stephanie Spear, Copy Editor
La Milpa Taqueria | 45 Franklin Street, Jersey City Heights
“La Milpa Taqueria in the Heights has been a go-to spot this summer. Not only is their outdoor space true perfection, but it’s also a BYO spot which I love.” — Heather Rafanello, Contributor
Read More: The ULTIMATE Montclair Bucket List
Impact Group Fitness | 160 1st Street, Jersey City
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“I have really enjoyed Impact Group Fitness in Jersey City. This workout studio is very welcoming to all fitness levels, and the instructors make a lot of effort to make modifications for any injuries or for people who are pregnant.” — Stephanie Brown, Freelance Writer
Sean Kingston Is Celebrating His Birthday With a Mini Concert in Hoboken
With the most bars per capita of any city in the United States, Hoboken plays host to a lot of birthday celebrations. Very rarely, however, are those birthday celebrations for one of the most prolific hitmakers of the late aughts — and even rarer still do those birthday celebrations include a performance from said hitmaker. If you're confused: Sean Kingston is coming to Hoboken to celebrate his 35th birthday at Madd Hatter. At the celebration, the 2000s icon will be performing his "top 6 songs," likely including "Beautiful Girls" and "Take You There." Doors open at 8PM on February 6th, 2025 at 221 Washington Street. Keep reading to learn more about Sean Kingston's Hoboken Birthday Bash, happening this February.
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The Details
On Thursday, February 6th, the fire will be burning on the Madd Hatter dance floor. Sean Kingston is celebrating his 35th birthday and he's chosen Hoboken as his celebration destination. Good choice if we say so.
Read More: Bayonne is Finally Getting a Record Store — 14a Records to Open 1/24
Kingston will be performing some of his greatest hits to a live audience in a mini concert. Doors open for the event at 8PM, and guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good spot in the crowd. Madd Hatter will also be serving up drink specials throughout the evening.
Tickets are available for purchase on EventBrite here. There are VIP admission and table options for anyone looking to make a night out of it.
At this point, you might be thinking: how, out of anywhere in the world, did Sean Kingston decide on Hoboken? The team at Madd Hatter shared with The Hoboken Girl that one of the bar owner's has a mutual friend with the singer — and with their birthdays just days apart, the duo decided to throw a joint birthday celebration. Everything came together from there: and the exclusive Sean Kingston performance is an added bonus.
More More More
Since we first covered this story on January 23rd, the event is reportedly in such high demand that Madd Hatter has added two additional Sean Kingston concerts: one the day before the Birthday Bash, on February 5th, and another 'Y2K' brunch on February 8th. The February 5th event is already sold out, but tickets are still available for brunch here.
See More: First-Ever Montclair Porchfest Happening in May 2025
As always, you can keep up with all the Hoboken + Jersey City happenings in our events calendar here (which is a free community resource, BTW). For the latest local news, be sure to follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.
