In a lively year, Hoboken and Jersey City streets have seen a surge of new businesses, including eateries, boutiques, fitness studios, wellness spas, and more. The business landscape in Jersey City and Hoboken has something for everyone. We’ve rounded up a list of all the businesses that opened in Hoboken and Jersey City this year. Read on for a full list of businesses that opened in Hoboken + Jersey City in 2023.
Did we miss your new favorite business? Send us a note at hello@hobokengirl.com. Omissions are never intentional!
Hoboken
7th Street Burger | 410 Washington Street
This year, a popular NYC-based burger joint, 7th Street Burger, took over the former Happy Vegans space at 410 Washington Street. With a solid reputation as one of New York City’s best burgers, priced at $6.50, this popular joint landed in Hoboken. 7th Street Burger is described as a casual, grab-and-go spot; a quintessential take-out burger joint with a simple menu. There are four burger options: single cheeseburger, double cheeseburger, single vegan Impossible burger, and double vegan Impossible burger, and of course, fries to accompany the salty sensation.
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Antique at 112 | 112 Willow Avenue
The owners of Antique Bar + Bakery and Antique Loft have expanded their culinary journey to the former 112 space with a separate, all-day restaurant called ‘Antique at 112. This new BYOB spot recently opened and serves up comfort foods which include burgers, sandwiches, and hot dogs. The dishes incorporate modern twists and modifications to accommodate various allergies.
Avocado Sushi | 404 Washington Street
Hoboken’s newest sushi spot, Avocado Sushi, opened in May 2023 at 404 Washington Street. The restaurant took over the New Via Mode store. Originating in New York, the Hoboken spot marks the first New Jersey location for Avocado Sushi. The restaurant is characterized by its laid-back dining experience and well-appointed sushi bar. The menu serves a diverse selection of dishes including sushi, sashimi, nigirizushi, and cooked Asian-style cuisine, as well as an array of soups, salads, appetizers, poké bowls, signature drinks, and desserts.
Body Fit Training | 770 Jackson Street
A popular fitness chain Body Fit Training (BFT), is an instructor-led, small-group training studio opened at 770 Jackson Street, on the first floor of 7 Seventy House. Each workout is “custom-curated” to each member’s fitness goals, with an instructor leading 50-minute class programs, which vary between different fitness focuses such as cardio, strength, functional, and core stability. Per its website, BFT describes its studio as “personal training in a group setting.” The classes blend elements between a traditional gym and a class-based workout studio.
Aspen Prime Med Spa | 74 Hudson Street
Local entrepreneur Sandra Gail Frayna, PT founded Aspen Prime Medspa when she saw the need for an elevated beauty concierge service. Naturally detail-oriented, Sandra is focused on learning + growing with the aesthetics industry and has a passion for helping clients. This passion motivated her to open Aspen Prime Medspa as a haven where guests can indulge in beauty and wellness in a luxury setting.
Boomerang Bites | 152 Newark Street
Boomerang Bites is a Jersey City bakery that specializes in Australian recipes and has been in Hoboken for quite some time. Locals may recall its pastries sold out of local coffee shops like bwè kafe. This year, Boomerang Bites took over the Madison Pizza Lab space at 152 Newark Street and said goodbye to its shared brick-and-mortar with Babka Bailout in the Jersey City Heights outpost at 476 Central Avenue. Although the bakery moved spots, the Hoboken location still serves babka from Babka Bailout.
BOND | 425 Washington Street
BOND is a local salon that specializes in hair cuts, hair coloring/dying, styling, and more. The salon opened its second storefront in midtown Hoboken at 425 Washington Street. BOND also provides a commitment to education and excellence, prioritizing customer service and cultivating an inviting atmosphere for all guests.
Bond Vet | 1425 Washington Street
Bond Vet, located at 1425 Washington Street, is a comprehensive veterinary clinic that serves as a one-stop shop for all pet healthcare needs. Started by Drs. Zay Satchu, Mo Punjani, and Lukas Keindl, their mission is to strengthen the bond between pets and owners by offering both wellness and emergency care. The spot opened on March 13th, 2023.
Brooklyn Dumpling | 514 Washington Street
In 2022, Brooklyn Dumpling Shop announced its expansion to Hoboken at 514 Washington Street and officially opened on February 16th, 2023. All of the dumplings on the menu come in three per order and were inspired by classic diner dishes, including pastrami, Reuben, Philly cheesesteak, lamb “gyro,” turkey club, cheeseburger, chicken satay, peanut butter and jelly, chicken parm, pizza, and more.
Cabana Club Boutique | 419 Washington Street
This past summer, a new boutique specializing in women’s travel wear opened at 419 Washington Street. Cabana Club Boutique is a sister brand of the TikTok viral clothing company Boho Pink. The fully online retailer has garnered 40k followers on Instagram and 20k followers on TikTok with its selection of dresses, matching sets, and accessories. Cabana Club Boutique features a variety of styles on-site for dresses, tops, pants, accessories, shoes, and swimwear.
Chip City | 113 Washington Street
The New York-based cookie company Chip City is open at the former Imago Beauty spot at 113 Washington Street. Hobokenites have been looking forward to this cookie shop’s opening since HG first reported on it in March 2021. After two years of putting up signage and then taking it down, the cookie spot finally opened in February 2023. The cookie company features over 30 flavors of cookies ranging from classics like a chocolate chip cookie to the signature s’mores flavor. Other popular flavors include glazed pear, red velvet cheesecake, white chocolate, snickerdoodle, butterscotch toffee, and cookies + cream.
Coiffeuse | 601 Observer Highway
Newcomer Coiffeuse, located at 601 Observer Highway, is a hair salon offering men’s and women’s cut and color services.
Dipped N’ Smashed | 91 Washington Street
In September 2023, the fast-casual Indian restaurant Curry Up Now closed its doors at 91 Washington Street in Hoboken. On December 16th this year, a new doughnut and burger spot called Dipped N’ Smashed moved in its place. Dipped N’ Smashed is the sister spot of a Cliffside Park-based, build-your-own doughnut shop called Dipped Doughnuts. The Hoboken location differs from its sister outpost with a menu featuring smashed burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes, in addition to build-your-own doughnuts.
Evolve Med Spa | 1025 Maxwell Lane
Newer to the scene in 2020, Evolve Med Spa has quickly become a go-to among beauty lovers in the area. Most recently this Hoboken-founded business outgrew its Grand Street space, and now has an uptown location at Maxwell with three times as many treatment rooms. The med spa has also expanded throughout New Jersey, NYC, and Maryland — and provides injectables, laser hair removal, facials, body treatments, and more.
Fitness Factory | 130 Washington Street
In August, Retro Fitness announced the closure of the Hoboken location on Instagram. In its place, a new gym, Fitness Factory, opened at 130 Washington Street. Fitness Factory currently has three other Hudson County locations in Jersey City (525 Washington Boulevard), West New York (6209 Bergenline Avenue), and Edgewater (521 River Road).
Flour | 500 Jefferson Street
After the success of The Pizza Shop, owners Ray Falco and Justin Avila opened a sister concept called Flour at 500 Jefferson Street. Flour’s menu features new American dishes including whipped ricotta toast and Mexican road corn, and elements an open-kitchen idea in a BYO setting, organized with care by the couple. Flour took over the former Delfino’s pizzeria that had been in that space since 1987.
Graceful Skin + Body Spa | 100 Madison Street
New Jersey native Grace Sibilia founded Graceful Beauty at the beginning of 2023 with her team who also provide professional makeup application and cosmetic injectable services. Grace is a licensed Oncology Certified Aesthetician and wants every client to relax, and leave the spa knowing they are feeling their best. Grace specializes in bridal services, acne treatments, and anti-aging transformations.
GTK | 1014 Washington Street
Ghost Truck Kitchen was formerly a take-out and delivery outpost until it opened two locations this year: one grab-and-go outpost in uptown Hoboken located at 1014 Washington Street and a group-dining storefront located at 356 Varick Street in Jersey City. The new Hoboken spot, called Go-To Kitchen, held its grand opening in June. The “food truck” menu of hand-held bites and global dishes became a hit during the pandemic. All the food is prepared from scratch.
Hey Coffee People | 103 Garden Street
Hey Coffee People is a new cafe in downtown Hoboken that opened on April 3rd, 2023. The company sells its custom coffee blends and the shop itself is adorned with lush greenery and colorful art.
Hello Hydration | 132 Washington Street Suite 302
New to Washington Street, Hello Hydration is a medical aesthetic clinic that seeks to enhance and revitalize patients’ natural beauty through a number of different treatments. The spa provides medical aesthetic treatments, such as neurotoxin treatments, dermal fillers, polydioxanone (PDO) threads, micro-needling, laser hair removal, KYBELLA, and more.
Hudson Golf | 16 Hudson Place
Hudson Golf is a golf simulator venue and modern sports bar in Hoboken at 16 Hudson Place, the site of the former Teak and HUB locations. Hudson Golf caters to all skill levels and demographics. Customers can expect simulator rentals, memberships, events, lessons, and leagues, along with simulator technology and golf equipment. The venue also has five Trackman simulator bays, which is a popular golf simulator brand, and each can comfortably host up to six people. The bays have a private lounge area full of couches, high tops, and other seating arrangements. Hudson Golf also serves light foods.
Intimissimi | 321 Washington Street
Intimissimi is an Italian clothing brand that sells lingerie, underwear, and sleepwear, and officially opened at the former Same Day Health location at 321 Washington Street. Intimissimi sells both women’s and men’s attire, with storefronts across the United States. There are six locations in New Jersey — East Rutherford, Paramus, Short Hills, Wayne, Cherry Hill, and Hoboken.
Jerrell’s Betr Brgr | 324 Washington Street
Photo Credit: Kevin Pineda-Gould
After Touch the Heart, a BYOB dim sum restaurant on Washington Street, officially closed its doors nearly two years after opening, a new spot came in its place. An NYC-based vegan burger joint called ‘Jerrell’s Betr Brg’ opened on March 21st, 2023. Jerrell’s Betr Brg serves vegan burgers, shakes, fries, and other late-night bites.
Laser Away | 220 Washington Street
Laser Away is a dermatology provider widely known for its skin and body care treatments throughout the state. The well-known chain opened at 220 Washington Street and provides its full services of laser hair and tattoo removal as well as other dermatological services.
Little Bar | 1401 Hudson Street
The team behind Halifax first announced the opening of a new restaurant and bar experience, called Little Bar, in August and opened its Hoboken doors on November 3rd. Halifax, Hoboken’s fine dining restaurant, features Chef Seadon Shouse, offering daily lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch menus with ingredients from Nova Scotia and the Atlantic seaboard. Little Bar, inspired by Halifax but with its ambiance, aims to provide a European-style neighborhood experience, offering preserved bites and artisanal cocktails, with a focus on preserved seafood served on boards.
Martha’s | 25 12th Street
Earlier this year, HG reported that La Isla Uptown officially closed its doors on Sunday, April 9th, leaving many locals to wonder what would take over the 25 12th Street outpost. Martha’s restaurant has since made its way to Hoboken from the team behind North Bergen eatery Harry’s Food + Drink. The restaurant opened up back in July and is an upscale New American restaurant and bar with a menu that expands on the eats already served at Harry’s.
Metropolis | 96 River Street
A new restaurant + wine bar called Metropolis opened at 96 River Street this year. Two years ago, a beloved Hoboken spot and one of the few spaces in the area with a rooftop, The Dubliner, closed its doors in the space. Metropolis continues to make use of the outdoor space open year-round with rooftop brunch. The three-story building includes a traditional, sit-down restaurant wine bar on the first floor, TVs for sports, cozy loveseats, and live entertainment weekly on the second floor, and rooftop brunch on the 3rd floor.
Morelia Gourmet Paletas | 932 Washington Street
In June, we heard about Hoboken salon and barbershop Spesh closing its Washington Street storefront and converting to mobile-only. Morelia Gourmet Paletas opened this September in its place and serves up paletas, a Mexican frozen dessert that comes in a variety of flavors. Morelia Paletas is a veteran- and female-owned frozen treat shop that currently has locations in Florida, Texas, and North Carolina. The Washington Street storefront is its first New Jersey location.
Moxie | 1032 Washington Street
Moxie is a full-service salon and beauty bar founded by twin sisters Jenn and Jamie Dunn who have proudly grown their business throughout the tri-state area. The ‘Moxie Twins,’ as they are known, have evolved the concept from a standard beauty salon to a full blow dry and beauty bar, providing a wide range of beauty services not only related to haircare but skincare, makeup, hair removal, spray tanning, and more for both men and women.
New Jersey Coffee School | 720 Monroe Street, Suite C508
The New Jersey Coffee School, opened at 720 Monroe Street Suite C508 in Hoboken this year. The coffee school is a place where one can participate in a variety of fun, interactive, educational, and hands-on coffee classes in a state-of-the-art coffee lab.
Otok Bakery | 506 Grand Street
For decades, the popular family-owned Italian bakery Dom’s Bakery was something of a Hoboken institution. In January 2023, Dom’s permanently closed its doors, leaving many residents devastated and wondering what would take the bakery’s place. Otok Bakery has officially taken over the space — and it comes to us from the owners of local restaurant/bar, Schmitty’s. In an ode to Dom, the new spot has kept the legacy of Dom’s bread going by hiring bakers who worked with Dom for over 25 years.
Ovale | 305 Willow Avenue
Ovale is the latest pizza joint to enter the Hoboken ring. The Hoboken Girl readers noticed signage for the eatery at 305 Willow Avenue in November, and the spot has soft-opened in December in the Mile Square. Ovale specializes in Roman ‘pinsa’, a style of hand-pressed dough that allows for a crispy crust with an airy interior. For Ovale, crust is king: the restaurant’s website boasts the slogan “In crust we trust,” and its menu makes that clear with over 20 pizza options to choose from, including vegan.
Paris Spa Center | 939 Washington Street
Paris Spa Center, a skin rejuvenation center located at 939 Washington Street, is not necessarily new but added new services and treatments to the menu this year after its renovation. This all-inclusive skin care center prides itself on creating a space to help nourish the mind, body, and soul. Sofia and her team recently added a fresh new look to the spa’s exterior and interior as well.
Perico | 36 Newark Street
Panela, a Latin-inspired restaurant situated at 36 Newark Street in downtown Hoboken opened a new speakeasy-style Agave bar called Perico in November. Perico features over 50 cocktails made with Casamigos and Agave spirits and is operated within the basement bar of Panela. The speakeasy is open from Thursday through Saturday, starting at 5PM.
Physique 57 | 104 Hudson Street
Physique 57 is an international fitness and media company that specializes in low-impact, high-intensity barre workout programs. Founded in 2005 by Jennifer Maanavi, and Tanya Becker, Physique 57 opened this year at 104 Hudson Street. Physique 57 offers different class formats including sculpt, power sculpt, back body sculpt, power sculpt lab, pilates, core lab, HIIT, dance cardio, recovery, and prenatal. Each class is available for all levels — intermediate, advanced, or beginner — and will work all muscle groups in a challenging yet fun way. Private training sessions are also available for those looking for more one-on-one instruction.
Plump | 415 Washington Street
Plump Cosmetics + Injectables opened in Hoboken at 415 Washington Street. Plump was founded in NYC in 2017 by Drs. Alexander Blinski and Eric Wisman and the chain has multiple locations across NYC and Miami, with its most recent opening in Hoboken. Plump specializes in facial and lip injectables, including popular Botox and filler services. The studio also offers a variety of anti-aging treatments and skin rejuvenation procedures such as microneedling, PRP hair restoration, hydrafacials, and more.
Pokémoto | 213 Washington Street
Authentic Hawaiian-style eatery Pokémoto opened shop at 213 Washington Street in Hoboken. Poké is native Hawaiian cuisine, traditionally made up of diced fresh fish served as an appetizer or main course. The large customizable menu has something for everyone from meat eaters to vegans. The menu features poké bowls, Huli Huli chicken, Lei’d up pork, musubis, poke burritos, premium Boba tea, and Hawaiian Suns. Build-your-own bowls are a popular choice at Pokémoto.
Porch Finds | 257 1st Street
Photo credit: Porch Finds
Porch Finds is an online secondhand and vintage clothing store that collaborated with Vintage on First to showcase its women’s clothing. The boutique had only been doing pop-ups and selling fashion online before its physical location in Vintage on First at 257 1st Street. It officially opened on February 11th.
Purple Rice | 832 Washington Street
This year, the team behind Keming, a Sichuan restaurant in uptown Hoboken, has opened a new Asian-inspired restaurant called Purple Rice. The new restaurant has taken over the former Pastrami House location at 832 Washington Street. The menu features a variety of choices including chicken, beef, pork, vegetables, seafood, Teriyaki, and noodles.
Quality Pizza Co. | 304 Washington Street
Quality Pizza Co. opened this year at 304 Washington Street, in the former Rice Shop space. The menu has classic pizzas, Sicilian pizzas, a gluten-free crust, cauliflower crust, and vegan cheese available. The menu also serves salads, calzones, appetizers, rolls, and desserts.
Rumble Boxing | 1202 Shipyard Lane
Popular fitness gym Rumble Boxing opened at 1202 Shipyard Lane. Rumble is known for its 45-minute instructor-led boxing, HIIT, Metcon, and strength classes that feature hip-hop and house mash-ups to get members motivated and moving during workout sessions or solo workout time. The brand prides itself on being an “authentic, powerful, and fun” workout experience.
RWJBarnabas Health | 59 Newark Street
RWJBarnabas Health at Hoboken, located at 59 Newark Street, officially opened its doors in December. The new 23,000-square-foot multispecialty center houses several different care services including OBGYN, cardiology, and endocrinology. The RWJBarnabas Health at Hoboken facility features an array of medical offices including 40 primary and specialty care services — family medicine, physical therapy, imaging services, orthopedics, cardiology, vascular medicine, urology, OBGYN, rheumatology, endocrinology, pulmonology, and laboratory testing in collaboration with providers like JAG Physical Therapy, New Jersey Imaging Network, and LabCorp.
Skin by EC | 80 River Street, Suite 2A
Skin by EC, formerly known as EC Beauty, is a longtime Hoboken go-to for skin and body care (and winner of our Best of Hoboken awards for almost a decade!). In addition to the name change, the rebranding of the studio included a refresh to the logo, colors, fonts, images, decor, and overall brand look and feel. The spa was founded by Erica Cerpa in 2007.
[solidcore] | 1000 Maxwell Lane
The popular reformer-based fitness studio [solidcore] opened in Hoboken at 1000 Maxwell Lane. For those unfamiliar, [solidcore] is a national franchise with over 100 locations throughout the US, and the Hoboken outpost marks the fitness chain’s 106th location. [solidcore] is a Pilates-inspired workout spent almost entirely on a reformer, a piece of fitness equipment that adds resistance to traditional Pilates workouts. Each class is 50 minutes of low-impact, full-body movements with the lights low and the music loud.
Somewear in Between | 720 Monroe Street, Suite E521
Somewear in Between soft opened its Monroe Center showroom at Suite E521 in October as an appointment-only retailer operating exclusively through Instagram DMs. The space is cozy, with a cream couch at the center of the room, clothing racks adorning the walls, and a minifridge stocked with wines and spirits for customers to sip on. Morgan describes the brand and the shop as “Like to Know It meets Pinterest meets clothing store.” Our visit definitely felt like a visit to a friend’s enviable closet: welcoming and stylish at the same time.
Stretch Recovery Lounge | 223 Bloomfield Street, Suite 101
Stretch Recovery Lounge is a new stretching and athletic recovery facility in the Mile Square that opened on March 10th, 2023. There are four other locations of Stretch Recovery Lounge in Montclair, Ridgewood, Tenafly, and Westfield, making Hoboken its 5th location. Stretch Recovery Lounge has both assisted stretching and compression therapy and trainers who will work with clients to create customized plans.
Sunglass Hut | 322 Washington Street
The well-known sunglass chain Sunglass Hut opened in Hoboken this summer, at 322 Washington Street. There are currently 1,527 Sunglass Hut locations in the United States, including 42 in New Jersey. The Hoboken location marks the 43rd Sunglass Hut New Jersey location.
Sushi by Bou | 225 River Street
Locals have been loving Jersey City’s first sushi speakeasy, Sushi by Bou, since it opened its doors inside Ani Ramen in December 2019. Three years later, the spot has announced its expansion to 225 River Street in Hoboken which officially opened on January 14th.
The Station | 86 River Street
Terrapin Care Station, a Colorado-based cannabis dispensary, was approved by Hoboken officials in 2021 to open a medical cannabis dispensary in Hoboken at 86 River Street. Now, the spot, The Station, is officially open for medical cannabis sales only, with recreational sales coming in the new year. The space is a former bank that has been completely remodeled, but the bank vault remains inside.
The Armoire Thrift | 60 Newark Street
The Armoire Thrift is a secondhand store selling an array of clothing, housewares, and jewelry that opened at 60 Newark Street in Hoboken this July. Some of the items customers might find are leopard-print or bedazzled flats, Steve Madden sneakers, cargo-print pants, ripped jeans, dresses, blouses, and handbags, among other clothing items.
The Company Kafe | 527 Jefferson Street
A new cafe on Hoboken’s west side, The Company Kafe, set up shop at 527 Jefferson Street on April 21st. The new shop features a variety of traditional coffee drinks, including lattes, along with fresh bread from Antique Bakery, and fresh bagels from Bagels on the Hudson. The shop also serves up items like homemade marinara sauce, chicken soup, pasta salad, and focaccia bread.
Thrifted by J + D | 526 Adams Street
Thrifted by J + D is a new thrift store that came to town in the spring. The spot focuses on highlighting men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing. One can find vintage music players, DVDs, wine glasses, jewelry, sneakers and shoes, and handbags among other things. There is also a variety of designers featured such as Adidas, Madewell, Zara, Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, Coach, and Michael Kors.
Toastique | 1450 Washington Street
In September 2022, we got word that a cafe specializing in gourmet toast and juices was coming to uptown Hoboken at 1450 Washington Street. The cafe, called Toastique, officially opened on January 21st, 2023. The cafe was founded by Brianna Keefe a few years ago in hopes that she could create clean, healthy, and delicious meals to share with different communities. Toastique sells gourmet toast (yes, including avocado toast), bowls, smoothies, and juices. Now, the spot is open from 7AM to 5PM.
YogaRenew | 12 Hudson Place
YogaRenew is a yoga studio located at 12 Hudson Place. While the physical location opened recently in Hoboken, YogaRenew has been serving the yoga world since 2017 and comes from two familiar faces in the Hudson County area yoga community; Yoga Directors Patrick Franco and Kate Lombardo. The studio was designed as a place where students can relax, mingle, and spend time before and after class.
Yuki’s Bakery | 720 Monroe Street
Hoboken’s Israeli bakery and cafe Yuki’s Bakery has been serving up coffee, babka, challah, and hamentashenthat for the past two years. Since its initial opening at the Monroe Center in 2021, Yuki’s has become a favorite among locals — so much so, that it has expanded into the space next door at 720 Monroe Street to keep up with customer demand.
Jersey City
Aerow Archery | 98 Forrest Street
Aerow Archery is a new, modern archery range in Jersey City that opened in Summer 2023. The concept is for archers of all levels, and to target the mind, body, and soul. Situated at 98 Forrest Street, Aerow Archery holds the title of the biggest indoor archery range in Jersey City.
Alessio’s | 99 Franklin Street
Alessio’s, one of Hudson County’s favorites for Italian cuisine, opened its second location in August this year. The new location at 99 Franklin Street offers “all of [its] favorite products,” which residents know are breakfast + lunch sandwiches, pizzas, and coffees. Alessio’s also imports gelato from Perugia, Italy, with flavors like tiramisu and Sicilian pistachio.
Alfalfa | 160 1st Street
Alfalfa is an eatery best known for its unique salads, wraps, breakfast burritos, and homemade gluten-free doughnuts in Hoboken since 2019. This year, Alfalfa officially opened in Jersey City’s Powerhouse Arts District at 160 1st Street. The Jersey City location is the third Alfalfa restaurant, joining the one in Hoboken and another in Santa Monica — both of which have already charmed salad lovers on the East and West Coasts.
Almost Home Coffee Cart | 315 15th Street
A new coffee spot opened this year in the lobby of the Hudson House lofts at 315 15th Street in Jersey City. Almost Home is a coffee cart co-owned by entrepreneur Rob Doran and former New York Jet and current Miami Dolphins wide receiver Braxton Berrios. The cart is open from 7AM to 3PM Monday through Friday and 8AM to 3PM on Saturdays and Sundays to serve up breakfast and lunch items. The venue is dog-friendly, serving pup cups. Nearly all the cuisine is sourced, and everything is homemade — including the bread and bakery items.
Angry Archie’s | 565 Palisade Avenue
Angry Archie’s was first known as the seafood truck specializing in jumbo lump crab cakes that has been operating out of Jersey City since 2015. At the beginning of this year, Angry Archie’s officially opened a brick-and-mortar location in Jersey City at 565 Palisade Avenue. Angry Archie’s is a family-owned and operated business specializing in house-made crab cakes, lobster rolls, chicken sandwiches, gourmet fries, and mac n cheese.
Bettie’s | 579 West Side Avenue
Bettie’s is a new restaurant that moved in at 579 West Side Avenue in Jersey City this year. The restaurant is known for its Haitian, Caribbean, and Latin cuisine. One of the restaurant’s featured menu options is the Macaroni Gratinée Pizza, a thin-crust Italian pizza with Haitian-style macaroni gratinée.
Bleu Coffee | 175 2nd Street
Bleu Coffee originally planted roots in the lobby of a Jersey City apartment building in 2016. As of this year, the coffee shop officially opened a second location at 175 2nd Street. The new spot has taken over the former downtown Busy Bee Organics shop and serves hot + cold drinks and freshly baked pastries with two floors of seating.
Boots + Bones | 116 Newark Avenue
A new restaurant called Boots + Bones has taken over The Bistro at Grove Square in downtown Jersey City n March 2023. Located at 116 Newark Avenue, the self-described all-American eatery with a Southern soul (which includes a speakeasy called Under the Boot) is part of the revamp of the complex of restaurants surrounding the Grove Street PATH train. Boots + Bones serves brunch, dinner, cocktails, happy hour, and dessert.
Consigned Designs | 197 Newark Avenue
A family-owned consignment store, Consigned Designs, recently transformed the former gallery space at 197 Newark Avenue in Jersey City into a consignment shop. Led by husband and wife team Amanda and Tommy Atkinson, the shop features a blend of contemporary fashion pieces alongside a selection of vintage luxury items. The original location is in Connecticut and recently expanded with its second location, Jersey City.
Dollhouse Xpress | 120 Bowers Street
A new women’s clothing and jewelry boutique called ‘Dollhouse Xpress’ opened at 120 Bowers Street in Jersey City in August 2023. The boutique features custom-made designs created by women designers of color. Some items one can expect to find include women’s clothing and water-resistant jewelry, as well as permanent jewelry made with solid gold.
Downtown Flwr | 141 Newark Avenue
Even though the retail sale of cannabis became legal in New Jersey in early 2022, dispensaries are just now beginning to open throughout the state. The second dispensary to open in Jersey City is Downtown Flwr, located at 141 Newark Avenue. The store opened up at the end of July and held its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the start of recreational sales on Friday, October 6th.
Firehouse Fitness | 520 Palisade Avenue
Firehouse Fitness took over the historic firehouse in The Heights this year. Located at 520 Palisade Avenue in Jersey City, the new gym takes up 6,500 square feet of space. The historic firehouse was built in 1917. Ever since it shut down in the 70s (the F.D.J.C. is currently at 595 Palisade Avenue) there have been several proposals to redevelop it with a promise to maintain the building’s historical features. Firehouse Fitness is the only fitness center on the East Coast to feature Mayhem Strength equipment, which incorporates the latest technology.
Gotan Cafe | 198 Van Vorst Street
Photo credit: @gotannyc
Gotan Cafe, a New York-based cafe, officially opened in Jersey City this year in the Paulus Hook neighborhood. Known for serving high-quality cultural coffee and Mediterranean cuisine, Gotan brought along some staples from the Tribeca location’s menu to the New Jersey one, including breakfast and lunch items. Aside from coffee, some plates include tuna, avocado, and poached egg salad, as well as avocado feta toast and tuna, avocado, and a Swiss sandwich. One can also find yogurt, granola, and baked goods on the menu.
Harvy’s | 175 Morgan Street
Harvy’s, a new ice cream and coffee shop has opened in Jersey City, bringing one-of-a-kind handcrafted flavors that satisfy one’s sweet tooth. The cafe is a destination for other goodies such as the finest tea leaves, hot breakfast items, and specialty shakes and sundaes.
Hummus Republic | 2 Journal Square Plaza
Hummus Republic opened its fourth New Jersey location in Journal Square this year. This nationwide Mediterranean franchise is known for serving fresh plant-based food and serving organic wraps, pitas, and bowls with different protein and hummus options. The owners also plan to expand to Hoboken soon.
Irving Public | 1135 Summit Avenue
A new bar has opened in Jersey City Heights. Irving Public, located at 1135 Summit Avenue, has taken over the former Blarney Pub space. The team behind the new bar was inspired to embark on this venture based on their success elsewhere in Jersey City including Grace O’Malleys and The Keyhole. The bar has a full selection of beer, wine, and liquor as well as a classic pool table for guests to enjoy.
Jane Doe | 333 Newark Avenue
What do you get when you combine a Jersey City cocktail bar and an upscale taqueria? An Italian tapas bar in downtown Jersey City. That’s right — dullboy and Orale Mexica Kitchen have joined forces to create ‘Jane Doe,’ a moody lounge and bar categorized by the sound of vinyl records, the taste of curated cocktails, and the smells of “artisanal” pasta dishes. Located at 333 Newark Avenue, Jane Doe opened up in August 2023.
Kaffa Espresso Bar | 276 Newark Avenue
A new espresso bar, Kaffa Espresso Bar, opened at 276 Newark Avenue in Jersey City in March 2023. Menu items feature traditional favorites such as hot chocolate, chai tea, cortados, macchiatos, lattes, and of course espresso shots, along with other items. Kaffa Espresso Bar also provides a variety of milk substitutes including soy, oat, and almond milk. Pastries are also available to enjoy with a cup of coffee.
Lackawanna Coffee | 325 Warren Street
Photo credit: Naho Kubota
Lackawanna Coffee, well-known for its coffee and tea, opened its third location this year at 325 Warren Street in Jersey City. Its other two locations are 295 Grove Street and 140 Bay Street in Jersey City. Lackawanna Coffee’s new establishment was designed by Brooklyn-based architecture firms Inaba Williams and Kyle May, Architect. Building components, including 22-foot sections, dynamic variety blocks, and eye-catching shapes, add to a local area-centered climate. Being a former bistro, the space includes a mezzanine-level display for workmanship and print presentations, while the ground level hosts meals and festivities. Lackawanna has a variety of hot and cold coffee and tea drinks, and pastries available daily from 7AM to 5PM.
Maddy Rose | 76 Audrey Zapp Drive
A Jersey City restaurant and bar providing elevated coastal cuisine, craft beverages, and a vibrant atmosphere recently opened at 76 Audrey Zapp Drive, inside Landmark Hospitality’s flagship property, Liberty House. Maddy Rose is a Mediterranean-inspired eatery serving up seafood, meats, cocktails, appetizers, and desserts. Some menu items include an autumn harvest salad, roasted salmon, flat iron steak, and the Maddy Rose seafood tower, which is stacked with caviar-topped oysters, shrimp, scallop ceviche, and tuna tartare.
No Forks Given | 115 Brunswick Street
Photo Credit: No Forks Given Facebook
Jersey City’s “comfort food” food truck, No Forks Given, found a permanent home at 115 Brunswick Street in Jersey City this year. After being on the road for the last five years, the restaurant-on-wheels opened its first storefront in June. No Forks Given has gained popularity for creating gourmet handheld creations. The menu consists of a variety of chicken sandwiches, cheesesteaks, and tacos.
Peppercorn Station | 120 Morgan Street
NYC Chinese restaurant Peppercorn Station has expanded across the Hudson and opened a new location in New Jersey this year. Peppercorn Station brings Szechuan cuisine to downtown Jersey City in a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Located at 120 Morgan Street, the restaurant specializes in Szechuan cuisine, which consists of bold flavors and, of course, the Sichuan peppercorn a strong-tasting spice with a citrus aroma that creates a numbing sensation in the mouth. The menu features small plates, large plates, vegetable dishes, rice dishes, noodles, soups, and desserts. Some items include sliced beef and ox tongue in chili sauce, Thai-style lemon boneless duck feet, hot and sour glass noodles, mala whole fish, braised chicken with taro, crab meat sauce tofu, and fried rice with Yibin pickle.
Prato Bakery | 296 Palisade Avenue
Photo credit: Prato Bakery’s Facebook
For years, customers have begged Prato Bakery to open a location in Jersey City Heights. The Italian bakery granted that wish and is open at 296 Palisade Avenue. This is Prato Bakery’s fourth location with others in 371 4th Street in Jersey City, 201 Washington Street in Hoboken, and 150 Bay Street in Jersey City. The top-selling products are the cookies, called cantucci, which come in a variety of flavors including chocolate, almonds, figs, apricots, and prunes. Another top seller is Prato’s schiacciata (the Tuscan name for “focaccia”), which is made with flour, yeast, and Tuscan olive oil, and is used as bread for the sandwiches.
RMA | 100 Town Square Place, Suite 610
Reproductive Medicine Associates (RMA) opened a new fertility practice at 100 Town Square Place, Suite 610 in Jersey City this year. Founded in 1999 by Drs. Paul Bergh, Richard Scott, and Michael Drews, RMA began as a Morristown, New Jersey clinic with a commitment to prioritizing patients. Now boasting 23 clinics in six states and over 60 providers, RMA has been a pioneer in fertility science, conducting research that has advanced practices like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and embryo testing, resulting in a remarkable 86% success rate for individuals under 35 in their New Jersey clinics.
Samurai Sushi | 467 Communipaw Avenue
A popular sushi restaurant from East Rutherford called Samurai Sushi is open at 467 Communipaw Avenue in Jersey City. The space had previously been home to Hooked JC, which opened in July 2017 and closed in July 2022. Samurai Sushi’s menu features sushi, steamed buns, ramen, hot dishes, and salads.
Shake Shack | 318 Grove Street
Popular burger chain Shake Shack opened in Hoboken in 2021 after several years of rumors and pushbacks. In December of that same year, the burger spot expanded to Jersey City inside Newport Centre Mall. Now, Shake Shack has opened another Jersey City location in April 2023 at 318 Grove Street.
SW3AT Wellness | 317 Central Avenue
Another business that joined the Jersey City Heights neighborhood is SW3AT Wellness. Known for its infrared saunas, yoga classes, sound baths, and more, SW3AT Wellness opened at 317 Central Avenue this year. The local brand also has a Hoboken location at 79 Hudson Street.
Teazzi | 153 Morgan Street
Teazzi is a tea shop with roots in Taiwan. It sells bubble tea, loose-leaf teas, fruit teas, and seasonal specialties.
The Cannabis Place | 1542 Kennedy Boulevard
Osbert Orduna is the CEO of The Cannabis Place. Osbert is an Latinx NYC native, a disabled Marine veteran, and believer in the power of community. Osbert said that growing up in NYC, he saw many friends and neighbors whose lives were upended by the criminal aspect of cannabis. Over time, as he saw more states move toward legalization, he realized what an opportunity it could be, both for himself as an entrepreneur and for the community as a whole. The Cannabis Place opened in fall 2023 in Jersey City.
The House of Hot Chicken | 138 Newark Avenue
In 2021, a hot chicken sandwich pop-up arrived in Jersey City. The House of Hot Chicken is a Nashville-style spot that is delivered in Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne, and Weehawken. As of this year, The House of Hot Chicken is now located in the Oliva Organic Market located at 138 Newark Avenue. The House of Hot Chicken menu features a chicken sandwich, chicken tenders, a vegetarian shroom burger, and a tender dog, with five spice levels to choose from.
The Sophia Rooftop | 143 Newark Avenue
The team behind Hard Grove opened a new spot called The Sophia Rooftop, which is located at 143 Newark Avenue in Jersey City. Hard Grove showcased the best flavors from Cuba and featured brunch, lunch, and dinner menus filled with many popular Cuban dishes, as well as some classic delights that showcased the incredible work of owner Carmen Mendiola and chef Evelyn Padin, a James Beard Foundation Recipient. The new location, The Sophia Rooftop, is a private and secure venue with a sophisticated ambiance and elegance. The new space includes a rooftop, bar, and ballroom and can be booked for events like corporate gatherings, weddings, cocktail parties, holiday parties, bar/bat mitzvahs, birthday parties, graduation parties, and more.
The Table at 3 Acres | 400 Claremont Avenue
Photo credit: The Table at 3 Acres/Cahn PR
Chef Daniel Latham embarked on a new venture as the executive chef at The Table at 3 Acres after closing his original restaurant, Latham House in downtown Jersey City. The new restaurant opened in April at 400 Claremont Avenue and joined Three-Thirds Cafe in the complex. The cocktail menu features the spicy El Diablo (with mezcal, Fentimans Mandarin Orange soda, lime, and ginger), and The Heights (a refreshing combo of Hendrick’s gin, cucumber mash, soda, and the subtle taste of grapefruit). There are also plenty of local and craft beers on tap and bottled and a wine list. The appetizer selection showcases many options, including handmade burrata, cast iron truffled mac + cheese, and many other options.
Treehouse Coffee Shop | 205 Brunswick Street
Jersey City’s Treehouse Coffee Shop has served coffee at 434A West Side Avenue since 2019. Now, the spot recently opened a second location in downtown Jersey City. some menu items include sweet snacks and pastries, coffee, espresso drinks, matcha lattes, teas, and more. A menu item that comes highly recommended is the Vietnamese Redeye, which includes cold brew, chicory, vanilla, brown sugar, choice of milk, and espresso.
Under the Boot | 116 Newark Avenue
In March, Jersey City welcomed a new, all-American eatery with a “Southern soul” to its restaurant roster called Boots + Bones. Nearly two months later, the 116 Newark Avenue restaurant officially opened the doors to its super-secret speakeasy called Under the Boot. This permanent expansion operates Thursdays through Sundays, featuring a selection of small bites, live music, and drinks.
Venti | 203 Academy Street
Venti Food Truck has kept Italian culinary traditions alive and on the go in Hoboken since 2018. The truck was known for serving up Italian specialties at its four-wheel Exchange Place outpost. This year, the team behind the popular truck got a new location near the Journal Square neighborhood at 203 Academy Street. The storefront allowed Venti to expand the food truck menu, with a broader selection of house-made eats and fresh mozzarella.
Whole Foods | 135 Greene Street
As of November 9th, 2023, Whole Foods has officially opened at 135 Greene Street. This marks the second Whole Foods location in Hudson County. The first location opened in Weehawken’s Lincoln Harbor in July 2019 and brought an abundance of fresh produce from over 50 local producers including D’Ottavio Farms, Hepworth Farms, and Ark Foods, as well as local bakeries such as Balthazar Bakery, Abe Muffins, and Om Sweet Home.
See More: 18 New North Jersey Businesses to Visit
Wing Bar | 684 Bergen Avenue
Wing Bar officially opened at Jersey City’s 684 Bergen Avenue, taking over the Taco Bar location in McGinley Square. Since its opening, Wing Bar has quickly become the go-to place to satisfy late-night cravings. The chicken wings are made to order and the dipping sauces are housemade. The menu at Wing Bar is simple with a selection of chicken tenders, chicken wings, smash burgers, grilled cheese, and a crispy chicken sandwich. Sides of french fries, and onion rings to desserts like chocolate chip cookies and fudge brownies can also be found at Wing Bar.
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