The Hoboken Girl Team 
It was a hectic week in New Jersey with the NJ Transit strike and ongoing road closures. It has been another week of news in Hudson County, and we’ve got all the headlines to get you caught up, as we do every week — from all around the internet. Among the local news: Alessio’s kiosk pop up is now open at Pier A in Hoboken; Art House Productions announces lineup for 2025 Jersey City Comedy Festival; and contrast therapy studio, SWTHZ, opens in Edgewater. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending on May 18th, 2025.
Have a news story or press release? Email it to [email protected].
Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories + more):
- NJ Transit is On Strike: What to Know If You’re Commuting
- Metropolis Music in Jersey City to Close After 24 Years
- Jersey Avenue Closure Extended as Construction Falls Behind Schedule
- Forum Coffee Announces Uptown Hoboken Location
- Gluten-Free Bakery Annie + Em’s Closes its Hoboken Store
- Hoboken + Jersey City Pups Can Now Apply to Be Therapy Dogs
- Cold Plunge + Contrast Therapy Studio Coming to Hoboken Shipyard
- Vietnamese-Japanese Fusion Restaurant, Kat Khao, Opens in Jersey City
- Cangiano’s Marketplace to Open Two More Jersey City Locations
- Dallas BBQ’s Opens First New Jersey Location in Secaucus
NJ Transit is On Strike: What to Know If You’re Commuting
For the first time in 40 years, NJ Transit rail workers are on strike. NJ Transit riders will be stuck without their regular rail services due to the strike that began at 12:01AM on Friday, May 16th. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), the labor union representing railroad workers, has authorized the action after being unable to come to an agreement about wages with NJ Transit (NJT) in re-negotiating its contract. Click here for more.
Metropolis Music in Jersey City to Close After 24 Years
Metropolis Music at 240 Newark Avenue in Jersey City announced on Facebook that it will close its doors this month. The musical instrument store served Jersey City for 24 years, but with rising rents it was not able to renew its lease. Metropolis Music is dropping prices on all remaining inventory throughout the rest of May. The shop shared in a Facebook post that it will continue to do repairs and lessons in a new location.
Jersey Avenue Closure Extended as Construction Falls Behind Schedule
Photo Credit: City of Hoboken
Southwest Hoboken is changing a part of the next phase of the Rebuild by Design Project, and The Hoboken Girl has updates on the work in progress. In mid-April, portions of Jersey Avenue in Hoboken and Jersey City closed, with plans to reopen in about a month. We now know that the construction is behind schedule, with plans to reopen the Southbound lane next Friday, May 23rd. Click here for more.
Hoboken’s Spring Arts + Music Festival Returns for 2025
The annual Hoboken Spring Arts + Music Festival returns for 2025 on May 18th, and locals will be able to shop over 300 artists, crafters, food vendors, and more. The City of Hoboken recently announced that Brenda K. Starr will headline the musical portion of the event. Click here for more.
Road Closures in Hoboken + Jersey City This Weekend
This weekend, repairs on both the roads and rails — combined with special event road closures and the NJ Transit strike— will create a challenge for those in transit in Hoboken and Jersey City. Click here for more.
Forum Coffee Announces Uptown Hoboken Location
View this post on Instagram
Forum Coffee opened in March 2025 downtown after Pour Amour closed its 123 Washington Street location. Just two months later, Forum announced its plans to open in uptown Hoboken. The regional coffee chain is opening in the former Juice Press location inside SoulCycle at the corner of 14th and Washington. Click here for more.
Alessio’s Kiosk Pop Up Now Open at Pier A in Hoboken
View this post on Instagram
Alessio’s Kiosk location at Pier A Park is now open and features many of the popular dishes from the main cafe. Owner, Luca Infantino, has quickly become a local favorite for Italian eats and goodies. In recent years, the brand has expanded to four locations in Hoboken and Jersey City. Its latest venture, Casa Italia is a gourmet Italian specialty market located at 600 Park Avenue.
Gluten-Free Bakery Annie + Em’s Closes its Hoboken Store
View this post on Instagram
Back in February 2022, Annie + Em’s Bakeshop opened in the former Tutta Pesca space at 155 Third Street in Hoboken. Founded by two Hoboken residents and Garden State born-and-raised sisters, the spot served up every kind of bakery item you can think of — all completely gluten-free. In April, Annie + Em’s announced the upcoming closure of its Hoboken store — effective May 10th, 2025 — while the brand figures out next steps. Click here for more.
Cangiano’s Marketplace to Open Two More Jersey City Locations
View this post on Instagram
Last year, The Hoboken Girl reported that Cangiano’s is expanding from its original Hamilton Park location to two more Jersey City neighborhoods: Journal Square and a Coles Street restaurant to follow soon. Now Cangiano’s Marketplace is almost ready to open its second location at 531 Summit Avenue in Journal Square. The shop shared on Instagram that the grand opening date will be announced soon. Click here for more.
Hoboken + Jersey City Pups Can Now Apply to Be Therapy Dogs
View this post on Instagram
A NYC-based nonprofit recently expanded to the Hudson County area, meaning Hoboken and Jersey City pups can now apply to be a therapy dog for the organization. The Good Dog Foundation trains and certifies therapy dogs who then visit people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and more. The next round of therapy dog evaluations will take place in Jersey City on May 18th, with official classes starting in early June. Click here for more.
Cold Plunge + Contrast Therapy Studio Coming to Hoboken Shipyard
View this post on Instagram
Come June, Hoboken and Jersey City wellness gurus can kick off the season with a new hot and cold plunge space. While the exact address has yet to be confirmed, The Plunge Room will be located in the Hoboken Shipyard area and be the city’s first self-service luxury cold plunge and contrast therapy studio. Click here for more.
The Stylist Salon in Hoboken to Host Grand Opening 6/7
View this post on Instagram
The Stylist Salon in Hoboken is hosting its grand opening celebration on June 7th from 12PM-4PM at 105 5th Street. The event will feature swag bags for early arrivals, local business collaborations, drinks and snacks. The salon is owned by longtime North Jersey hairstylist Jillian Apostolico and specializes in blonding and hand-tied extensions.
Sushi Makoto Signage Spotted at Former Ichiban To Go Spot in Jersey City
Photo Credit: Sophia Puleo
A Hoboken Girl reader recently spotted new signage at the former Ichiban To Go space at 365 Palisade Avenue in Jersey City. Ichiban To Go was a family-owned and operated sushi restaurant that closed on March 14th and transitioned into a catering company.
Custom Hat Bar, The Collective, Opens in Hoboken
View this post on Instagram
The Collective, a custom hat bar and art market, held its grand opening on May 17th at 323 Washington Street, 4th floor in Hoboken. The space is open from 10AM-7PM every day except Tuesdays.
House of Wings Hosts Grand Opening in Jersey City
View this post on Instagram
House of Wings, a chain with eight locations between New York and New Jersey, hosted its grand opening on May 23rd at 543 Newark Avenue in Jersey City. Started by childhood friends, the restaurants serve up smash burgers, wings, chicken bowls, milkshakes, and more. Click here for more.
New Burger Spot, Holy Cow, to Open Location in Jersey City
View this post on Instagram
Born in the Lower East Side in NYC in 2018, Holy Cow has since expanded and is now opening a new spot in Jersey City, among others. Its mission is to create the most delicious, high-quality, and ethically sourced burgers with options for every palate, ranging from a traditional burger to a vegan or gluten-free one. Click here for more.
Vietnamese-Japanese Fusion Restaurant, Kat Khao, Opens in Jersey City
View this post on Instagram
Kat Khao, a new Vietnamese-Japanese fusion style restaurant, is opening right in the heart of Jersey City at 537 Jersey Avenue. According to the restaurant, it provides more than just a meal, but rather a cultural connection told through each bite. The restaurant is set to have a soft opening this Saturday, May 17th, and is from the same team behind Bahn Pho, a Vietnamese restaurant in Hoboken. Click here for more.
High Frequency Cold Brew Coffee Expands in Jersey City
Photo Credit: High Frequency Coffee
Jersey City-based cold brew coffee company High Frequency Coffee was founded by a local couple. It is currently stocked in two locations, Mordi’s Sandwich Shop and Darke Pines Butcher, with more to come. The cold brew is full-bodied and bold, with a cleaner mouthfeel than a typical cold brew. With pop-ups at a few Jersey City gyms, the next one will be at Alpha Fit Club in just a few weeks. Click here for more.
Jersey City-Based Online Store, Pickie, Crafts Pickle Juice for Drinking
View this post on Instagram
Pickie, an online store made locally in Jersey City, was created for all the pickle juice lovers out there. Born from the observation that people love pickle juice, Pickie sells pickle juice specifically crafted for drinking, made with all clean ingredients and great taste. Click here for more.
Contrast Therapy Studio, SWTHZ, Opens in Edgewater
View this post on Instagram
SWTHZ, a contrast therapy studio, officially opens on May 19th at 725 River Road in Edgewater. This luxury wellness center is planning to open a Jersey City location and is currently looking for a potential space in Hoboken as well. A Montvale location will open this summer.
Man Fatally Shoots Father in Jersey City Apartment
PRESS RELEASE: Homicide Unit Investigating Fatal Shooting on Wade Street in Jersey City pic.twitter.com/msurKtASPN
— ProsecutorSuarezHCPO (@HCPOProsecutor) May 11, 2025
A man was arrested for fatally shooting his father on May 10th in Jersey City, per a Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office press release. Gerard Brooker Jr., 25 of Jersey City, was arrested in Manhattan on May 11th in connection with the death of Gerard Brooker Sr., 52. At approximately 8:15PM, the Jersey City Police Department was notified of a shooting at 117-121 Wade Street, in the Greenville neighborhood of Jersey City. Police found Brooker Sr. unresponsive inside a unit in the building, with apparent gunshot wounds. Brooker Jr. was charged with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon.
50 Activities for Your 2025 Summer Bucket List in Hoboken + Jersey City
Over the past few months, our team of locals has worked hard to create the ultimate Hoboken + Jersey City summer bucket list. We don’t use that superlative lightly: our list includes 50 local activities that we believe every resident should experience at least once. Click here for more.
Plant Shop, Urban Oasis, Relocates to RUN/Café in Jersey City
View this post on Instagram
The Plant House shared with The Hoboken Girl that it recently rebranded to Urban Oasis and changed its address. Now the shop is located at RUN/Café in Jersey City, inside Berry Lane Park. It specializes in plant rentals, retail, and landscape. Urban Oasis is open on weekends from 9AM-7:30PM and weekdays by appointment only.
Jersey City Ranked Best City for Sober Living
Jersey City was ranked number one for sober living, according to a study released by Sana Lake Recovery, providing a comfortable way of life for both social entrepreneurs who enjoy unwinding over drinks with friends and those who prefer to skip the substances on a night out altogether. Click here for more.
Police Seek Help in Identifying Person of Interest in Hoboken Burglary
Photo Credit: Hoboken Police Department
The Hoboken Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a person of interest in connection with a burglary that occurred on the 1300 block of Bloomfield Street on May 6th at approximately 7:50AM. Per a City of Hoboken press release, anyone with information is urged to contact the lead investigator, Officer Jason Montalvo, at [email protected] or 201-420-2100 ext. 3122.
Hoboken Announces Two Proposed 2025 Municipal Budget Workshops
The City of Hoboken announced two virtual budget workshops for Hoboken community members to learn more about the proposed 2025 Municipal Budget, introduced during the May 7th City Council meeting. The budget workshops will occur via Zoom on May 22nd and May 27th from 6PM-9PM. Each Department Director will present their budget to the Council and the public. Click here for the webinar link and more information.
Art House Productions Announces Lineup for 2025 Jersey City Comedy Festival
View this post on Instagram
Art House Productions announced the lineup for the 2025 Jersey City Comedy Festival, taking place June 10th–14th. From more than 345 submissions, 44 comedians from 10 states and Canada have been selected to perform in the festival’s stand-up competition. Four showcase competitions will feature 11 comics each, leading up to the Best of the Fest Final on June 14th. Two performers will be awarded $1,000 in cash, bookings at major comedy clubs, and the Best of the Fest title. The festival opens with two headlining performances from Raanan Hershberg and Kasaun Wilson at Art House Productions. Click here for tickets.
Sports Bar Coming to Former Emma’s Space in Jersey City
A new sports bar will soon come to the Journal Square neighborhood in Jersey City. A source close to the project shared with The Hoboken Girl that J&J Bar and Grill will be in the former Emma’s space. HG will share more details as they become available.
Three Persons of Interest Wanted in Hoboken Mobile Payment Scam
Photo Credit: Hoboken Police Department
The Hoboken Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying three persons of interest in connection with a cash app scam that occurred at Pier C Park on April 30th at approximately 2:30PM. Per a City of Hoboken press release, the individuals approached a victim stating that they were seeking donations for their basketball team. When the victim attempted to donate via Zelle, one of the individuals took her phone and fraudulently transferred $3,500 to the recipient. Anyone with information about this incident, or the individuals involved, is urged to contact Officer Chelsea Tamborra of the Detective Bureau at [email protected] or 201-420-2100 ext. 3109. The Hoboken Police Department encourages residents to remain vigilant and exercise caution as suspects in these scams typically engage victims in friendly conversations and claim they are fundraising for sports teams, school programs, or nonprofit organizations.
Dallas BBQ Opens First New Jersey Location in Secaucus
View this post on Instagram
A popular New York City-based barbecue restaurant has made its way to New Jersey. Dallas BBQ, known for its sticky wings and barbecue offerings, officially opened in Secaucus on May 10th. The restaurant first announced plans to open in New Jersey on Instagram back in January. The Dallas BBQ outpost is located at 475 Harmon Meadow Boulevard near the Meadowlands Exposition Center.
Live Higher Hosts Wellness Party at Pier 13
View this post on Instagram
Live Higher, an organization that hosts fitness, wellness, and recovery events, hosted Plunge on the Pier at Pier 13 on May 18th. The wellness event featured ice baths, IV drips, red light therapy, wellness juice shots, healthy eats, music by DJ NYSE (The Heavy Hitters), and more.
Casio America to Relocate to Downtown Jersey City
View this post on Instagram
Casio, one of the world’s biggest manufacturers of watches and consumer electronics, recently announced the establishment of a new headquarters at 185 Hudson Street in Jersey City, Harborside 5 in the coming months. Per Jersey Digs, this move is designed to modernize operations and position Casio for long-term success. Casio’s Jersey City space will serve as a hub for sales and marketing.
Jersey City Breaks Ground on Mixed-Income Development
Mayor Steven M. Fulop, the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency (JCRA), and City Council Members joined Bayfront Development Partners, LLC to break ground on the first building in the Bayfront Redevelopment Project on May 14th. Per a city press release, this marks a historic milestone in Jersey City’s largest mixed-income community initiative to date. Located on the Hackensack River Waterfront, the six-story Bayfront Promenade building will feature 210 residential units, of which 167 units are set aside for low- and moderate-income households. Click here for more information and updates.
Disco Elevator Hosts Pop Up at The Hive in Hoboken
View this post on Instagram
The Hive served up something not typically on the menu this weekend. Local DJs, Disco Elevator, hosted a pop-up at The Hive in Hoboken May 17th from 11AM-1PM. Patrons enjoyed music, coffee, treats, and giveaways.
Senator Raj Mukherji Introduces Bill to Reduce Helicopter Noise
View this post on Instagram
Senator Raj Mukherji introduced a bill to the NJ Senate Transportation Committee on May 12th that requires the Commissioner of Transportation to implement rules and regulations to reduce the noise generated by helicopters at airports, helipads, and heliports licensed by the State. These are to include requirements that the proprietor of an airport, helipad, or helistop reduce the number of helicopters leaving the airport, helipad, or helistop by not less than 47 percent per weekday compared to the average number of helicopter flights per weekday leaving from the airport, heliport, or helistop for the 12 months preceding the date of enactment of the bill.
Honorable William Wall, New York Floating Clubhouse, Opens for 2025
The Honorable William Wall, New York Harbor’s iconic floating clubhouse for golden hour cocktails and skyline views, is now open for the 2025 season. Its capacity is 149 people, and the clubhouse stays open, rain or shine. The upper deck is covered, and the downstairs is fully enclosed. Regular tickets are $20 on weekdays and $30 on weekends. Special Manhattan Tickets on Thursday and Friday are $30. Click here for tickets.
New Jersey Schools Rank Number 1 in the US
New Jersey has the best education system in the nation, according to a newly released ranking by U.S. News and World Report. The annual ranking judges states on K-12 test scores, colleges, graduation rates, student debt, and more. This year, New Jersey secured the top spot by scoring near the top in almost every category for K-12 schools and preschools and ranked #1 in SAT/ACT pass rate and preschool enrollment rate.
