After three years in business at the corner of Grand Street and Marin Boulevard, Jersey City bar The Golden Cicada has announced its closure. The Golden Cicada originally opened in the 1980s at 195 Grand Street, closed in 2019, and under new owners, enjoyed a second chapter that began in fall 2021. Now, The Hoboken Girl can exclusively share that the bar and lounge will permanently close in November 2024. Read on for exclusive information about the closure of the Golden Cicada in Jersey City.
About the Golden Cicada
Eva Johannesdottir and Gary Keating are the current owners of the Golden Cicada. They also own The Cliff in Jersey City Heights. In 2021, Eva and Gary told HG that their vision for the Golden Cicada space was to both honor its legendary history and have a new energy. “The original Golden Cicada was such a legendary landmark and a huge part of Jersey City. We want to be aware and respectful of the family that Terry created at the original Cicada. We want to pay homage to what Terry built here; it feels like such an honor to carry the baton of this place,” Eva said in 2021.
The Mexican-inspired menu plus its oversized outdoor patio, the Baja Beer Garden, made the Golden Cicada into a popular destination. The bar hosts weekly karaoke nights, stand-up comedians, musicians, DJs, and other entertainers. The pet- and stroller-friendly patio is a favorite neighborhood meetup spot.
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The Golden Cicada was founded by Chinese immigrant Terry Tan in the 1980s and named after his wife. The Jersey City dive has had its fair share of history, with a most notable chapter being an eminent domain battle with the city in an attempt to secure a portion of the bar’s property. Terry, with the help of the ACLU, took on the City in a David vs Goliath case and in the end won, keeping his land and his bar. Many Jersey City residents and visitors know the Golden Cicada from this ear for its rowdy karaoke nights and the necklaces that were handed out to participants.
About the Closure
According to information shared exclusively with HG, the last day for the Golden Cicada will be in November 2024. The land on which the bar sits will be redeveloped into two towers. The project includes 397 residential units, over 11,000 square feet of commercial spaces, and 7,500 square feet of educational facilities and will be done by local developer Silverman. Plans were approved by the zoning board in December 2023 but the official groundbreaking has yet to be announced.
“We are incredibly grateful to all of our loyal customers, dedicated staff, and the community for their support for these past 3 years. It’s been an honor to have had the opportunity to be part of such a legendary Jersey City establishment and to have met and worked with so many brilliant and unique people from near and far along the way. The time has come for the next chapter of this historic footprint,” shared Gary and Eva.
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The party will continue for the next four or so weeks with an already stacked calendar of events featuring Johnny C Karaoke on Thursdays, DJs Tom Gallo, Jen Jones, Libby, DJ TizzyTurnip, and more on the weekends to play the hits for you to shake it to. Halloween is slated for an epic bash as DJ Tom Gallo and Spooky crew host a New Wave Goth Halloween party to usher in The Golden Cicada into its final weekend. “Rumor has it that a stash of original Golden Cicada necklaces have been found. Stay tuned for how to get your hands on one in the final weeks,” the team shared. Halloween weekend is slated to be an epic goodbye party.
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Hoboken + Jersey City Businesses Hosting Los Angeles Fire Relief Efforts
Since January 7th, wildfires have burned across Los Angeles, destroying residential property and county structures, and affecting the lives of thousands. Cities from the West Coast to the East Coast have pitched in to aid where they can, including Hoboken and Jersey City. From donation drives to fundraisers, Hudson County stepped up, and there are multiple businesses and organizations in the area that continue to accept donations. Read on for where to donate in Hoboken + Jersey City to help those affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles, California.
Local Spots Accepting Donations
Another Man's Treasure | 195 Montgomery Street, Jersey City
Another Man’s Treasure has locations in Jersey City and Los Angeles. This vintage spot shared via Instagram that it is donating a portion of its proceeds from its JC location toward relief efforts in Los Angeles and Pasadena. In addition to operating as a donation drop-off center, a portion of AMT's LA location is functioning as a "free shop," where those affected by the fires can take what they need at no cost.
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Completely Booked | Based in Hoboken
Completely Booked, a book club run by Jordan Hernandez (an HG writer!), will host a book swap on January 30th from 7PM to 9PM at Mojo Coffee's Bloomfield Street location. A ticket to this event costs $15 and includes an entry to the swap, a hot drink bar provided by Mojo Coffee, desserts from Double Dough, and a donation to World Central Kitchen, an organization providing meals to first responders and families affected by the LA fires. See this link to purchase a ticket.
River Street Garage | 80 River Street, Hoboken
Do Good Donuts and Double Dough will join the Hoboken community in supporting relief efforts on January 19th. From 3PM to 6PM, locals should stop by River Street Garage for donuts made by Do Good Donuts and cookies from Double Dough. All proceeds made from this sale will be donated to World Central Kitchen.
Sirena | 581 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City
Sirena, a California-based women's clothing and accessory spot in Jersey City, will donate 100% of its proceeds from January 12th to January 15th to World Central Kitchen. Hudson County locals can shop for a cause daily from 10AM to 6PM.
St. Mary Advocates | 536 Garden Street, Hoboken
Locals can "Thrift for Relief" on January 15th and January 18th at St. Mary Advocates in Hoboken. All proceeds from those two days will be donated to the American Red Cross.
Rumble Boxing | 1202 Shipyard Lane, Hoboken
Rumble Boxing in Hoboken accepting donations of water, clothing, blankets, and non-perishable food items, like canned or boxed products. Locals can drop off their donations at Rumble Boxing's front desk at 1202 Shipyard Lane. This business will send all items directly to Los Angeles.
Past Events
These local spots held donation events over the weekend of January 11th. While these events have passed, The Hoboken Girl wants to applaud them for their good deeds.
Bake Sale at The Hive
The Hive, along with eight other bakeries in New York City + New Jersey, held a bake sale to raise funds for LA residents in need. On January 12th, Hoboken locals were able to buy all kinds of treats, and in doing so, helped raise money for those affected by the fires.
Donations at Washington General Store
Washington General Store in Hoboken accepted donations from locals over the past weekend. The store received tons of clothes, new underwear, socks, bath supplies, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and other essentials — so many items that it is holding donations until further notice.
Fundraiser Yoga Classes at Sol Spirit
This yoga studio held fundraiser classes at its Montclair and Jersey City locations on January 12th. All proceeds from its fundraiser classes went towards the American Red Cross's LA fire relief efforts. Sol Spirits was able to raise $468 from class attendees and matched the amount in full.
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Margs for California
Porta in Montclair and Jersey City hosted a fundraiser to support the victims of the fires in LA. From January 10th to January 12th, all proceeds from margarita pizzas were donated to World Central Kitchen.
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