‘Tis the season for hibernation in Hudson County. The temperature has officially dropped below our threshold for going out and the delivery man is on speed dial {as is the local liquor store}. But before you get stuck inside with your friends, family, or your bestie’s newest S.O., consider heading to a local bar to play some board games. Keep reading for a full rundown of the Jersey City bars with games.
Pet Shop {193 Newark Avenue}
Let the neon birdcage guide you to the back of the first floor of Pet Shop, where you can find an assortment of board games nestled above the wall near the bathrooms. Jenga is best played on the high top tables nearby for easy leverage and setup. Grab the Scrabble board and head downstairs to enjoy a game with a side of wine in the P.S. wine bar. While gaming, catch the occasional live music performance or enjoy their popular buffalo cauliflower and other vegetarian menu offerings.
Read More: The Best Girls’ Night Out Spots and Specials in Hoboken + Jersey City
McGinley Square Pub {755 Montgomery Street}
This dive bar in the McGinley Square neighborhood has rotating craft beers {$5 flat} and games. No need to bring your own cards when the bar has its own decks, UNO, and even the newer Never Have I Ever and What Do You Meme card games. The top of the barrels will hold your drinks and serve as the boards for chess + checkers. Dim lighting combined with high ABV beers and who knows what you’ll end up playing by the end of the night!
See More: Barcade in Jersey City: Where Arcade Games + Drinks Meet
Greene Hook {70 Greene Street}
Alongside shuffleboard and Golden Tee, you can find a number of board games at the end of the bar at Greene Hook. Located in Paulus Hook on the bottom floor of the 70 Greene luxury apartments, this gastropub serves up American classics and drink specials. While the weather certainly will not leave you wanting to sit outside on the patio, the inside is spacious and has a nice rustic feel perfect for your afternoon gaming.
Departed Soles Brewing Co. {150 Bay Street}
Nestled away on Bay Street but close to all of Jersey City’s public transportation, you’ll find the craft brewery Departed Soles. This brewery + tasting room offers a variety of beers brewed with 100% gluten-free ingredients, as well as many #DefinitelyNotGlutenFree options. Alongside your mini skateboard beer flight, have your pick of the atypical board games, such as Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots and Connect Four. Departed Soles also hosts Boardgames and Beers with the JC Board Games and Card Game group twice a month.
The brewery is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your four-legged family member or become best friends with {owner} Brian’s dog, Bogan.
Board Game Groups at Zeppelin Hall {88 Liberty View Drive}
If you are looking to meet new people, there are a number of groups in the area who organize events at Zeppelin Hall. Meet up with your neighbors on Thursdays at 7:30PM where Zeppelin Hall provides board games, big games, and party card games at your leisure. On Facebook, join the JC Board Games and Card Games group. Likewise, check out the Jersey City Friendly Gamers on Meetup and join “a serious {but friendly}, dedicated {but easy-going} group of gamers from NYC and Northern NJ.” This group usually meets on the last Saturday of the month.
Whether you’re with friends or flying solo, Jersey City has an array of bars to play games and meet new people along the way.
What’s your favorite board game to play at bars? Tell us in your comments below!
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