Ava Rakowski 
The rising popularity of classic dive bars over the last several years demonstrates a desire to blast to the past. Grabbing a beer and some darts to enjoy a night out with friends is the no-frills fun that so many people need after a long week. In an era when people are seeking out that hometown dive bar instead of establishments with expensive cocktails, there’s one Jersey City bar that always hits the mark. Lucky 7 Tavern, located at 322 2nd Street, is an iconic JC location for its classic dive bar vibes. Read on for more about Lucky 7 Tavern and why it’s a local favorite.
About Lucky 7 Tavern
This cozy little haunt, tucked comfortably on the corner of 2nd Street and Coles Street, has not changed much in appearance since its opening. Lucky 7 Tavern describes itself as “a neighborhood bar still standing in a neighborhood of constant change,” and we could not agree more. The bar has catered to Jersey City residents around 2nd Street for over a decade, serving up drinks for pre-games, post-work rewards, and nightcaps. It prides itself on prioritizing accessibility by keeping prices low.
Jersey City is replete with upscale spots, but sometimes a cold pitcher of beer and top-notch chicken wings are just what’s needed. Lucky 7 Tavern has the neon signs, darts, and restroom graffiti of any good dive bar, and they are always willing to put their money where their mouth is in terms of keeping it real with their community.
Read More: Coffee Carts in Hoboken + Jersey City
When chatting with one of the long-time bartenders, Nick, he spoke about how much of a priority maintaining low prices is to the owner and his employees. “The last time we had a price increase of about fifty cents, it sparked a lot of back and forth between management.” Knowing that an establishment sees a price increase, even a small one, as a large shift for their clientele is an establishment that has its customers’ best interests at heart. He made it clear that Lucky 7 Tavern’s attempt to keep the prices low has nothing to do with beating the competition in the area, but simply because they don’t want to charge their patrons an arm and a leg for a good time. Nick could not emphasize it enough, “I truly don’t know how we do it, but it works.”
A Neighborhood Jewel + Thoughts from Locals
This lack of interest in upcharging their clients is felt and greatly appreciated by Jersey City residents. Sydney Folley, who lives within walking distance of this neighborhood jewel, frequently enjoys the nightlife of the surrounding Jersey City area; she did comment, however, on the ways in which high prices affect the frequency with which she spends a night out. “A lot of places in the area kind of have New York City pricing, but there are those hidden gems with good deals, and those are usually my first pick.” This demonstrates the importance of a neighborhood bar meeting them halfway with weekly deals.
On the whole, younger generations are less keen to open a tab and get multiple drinks. Bartender Nick also spoke to the steady pace they have come to expect at Lucky 7 Tavern. “We used to have a bit of a drop-off in the summer, but the last few years we’ve been pretty consistent.”
Regardless of the season, Lucky 7 has always been a friendly, neighborhood bar to blow off some steam and enjoy a staycation. Nick highlighted the bar’s yearly traditions: holiday festivities, NFL season celebrations, MLB Opening Day rituals, and the annual Beach Party, where they dump sand all over the bar floor. There’s something for everyone, and Lucky 7 does their best to keep everyone fed, watered, and happy.
Davinara Marcario, a Jersey City local, commented on the need for affordable nightlife establishments. “Dive bars are great for pre-games, post-games, and spontaneous nights out. I think people are relying on affordable bars and spontaneous plans since we’re all so busy working.” When people need reprieve from the hustle and bustle of work and life, community pillars that cater their prices to the working person are so deeply appreciated.
Nick spoke to this exact sentiment, commenting on how it is not uncommon for a bartender to see a patron during their pregame, maybe during their night out, and sometimes for one last drink. “We like being that place that someone can turn to at any point throughout the night.”
Nick, who has been employed at Lucky 7 Tavern since 2008, also spoke to the bar’s very low employment turnover. He highlighted the positive working environment they foster, saying that a shift is always felt when they say goodbye to a fellow employee. When a bar has been standing for this long, retaining employees for this long, and maintaining anti-inflammatory prices for this long, you know the spot is worth the visit.
See More: A Guide to Dive Bars at the Jersey Shore
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