Olivia Fisher 
From old-school delis and family-run bakeries to iconic music venues and historic hotels, many of Hoboken’s current hotspots occupy spaces once owned by generations of the same families. The Hoboken Girl has taken a deep dive, examining 15 spots around the Mile Square City that have transformed with time, uncovering gems lifelong locals will recognize and educating new Hobokenites about the history around them. Read on for a guide to what these 15 Hoboken businesses used to be.
Editor’s note: This list is not comprehensive. In a city like Hoboken, there is truly endless history, and we love to share it with you. Keep an eye out for a future installment.
Abercrombie & Fitch → formerly Hoboken House + Arthur’s Steak House | 237 Washington Street
Today, shoppers at Abercrombie & Fitch on Washington Street might not know they are walking around an old restaurant. Arthur’s Steak House started in the mid-1980s. Before Arthur’s Steak House, Hoboken House served diners. When it shut down in 2022, it was owned by David and Wanda Jacey. Arthur’s was best known for its “famous” garlic bread, griddled potatoes, French onion soup, and Arthur’s Famous Cheeseburger. Abercrombie & Fitch opened here in 2025.
Alfalfa → formerly Schnackenberg’s Luncheonette | 1110 Washington Street
In 2019, Schnackenberg’s Luncheonette shuttered its doors after an 88-year run. The spot opened in 1931, after Dora and Henry Schnackenberg purchased a Hoyer’s Ice Cream Confectionery spot during the Great Depression and eventually turned it into Schnackenberg’s Luncheonette. Alfalfa, a born-in-Hoboken salad spot, took over 1100 Washington Street in 2019.
Read More: 10 of the Oldest Businesses in Jersey City
Caña Coffee & Bakery (coming soon) → formerly Torna’s Pizzeria | 254 9th Street
In 2025, Torna’s Pizzeria announced its closing. Two families by the names of Lisa and Cammarano immigrated from Monte San Giacomo, Italy, and opened Torna’s in 1960. Torna literally translates to “return.” Eight years after opening its doors, Antonio Cammarano and Pasquale Lisa sold the business to Nicola Percontino. Nicola and his wife, Angelina, immigrated from Italy to Hoboken with their five children. Their son, Antonio, took the business over for a time, followed by his son, Nico, who was the last owner. Caña Coffee & Bakery, a women- and Latina-owned coffee shop and bakery, is opening soon at 254 9th Street with coffees and sweets.
Grand Vin → Three A’s | 500 Grand Street
Grand Vin opened in the former Three A’s space in 2016, carrying on the tradition of being a cozy, neighborhood spot.
The Hive → Truglio’s Meat Market | 1000 Park Avenue
Before 1000 Park Avenue was home to the gotta-have-it cinnamon roll, it was the longtime home of Hoboken butcher Truglio’s Meat Market. Truglio’s closed in 2019 after nearly 70 years in business. In July 2025, then-Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla honored the Truglia family with a street renaming at 10th and Park. The Hive opened in Fall 2020.
Hudson Golf → TEAK | 16 Hudson Place
Indoor golf simulator Hudson Golf opened in summer 2022, taking the space that was formerly home to Teak on the Hudson, a popular going-out destination at the time. Teak on the Hudson was closed in late 2018.
Jersey Mike’s → formerly Fran’s Deli | 202 Hudson Street
On June 30th, 2018, Fran’s Italian deli abruptly closed. Known for its amazing mutz, paninis, and sandwiches, Fran’s was one of those great spots that was perfect for breakfast or lunch. Today, the space is occupied by Jersey Mike’s, an American sandwich chain headquartered in Manasquan, New Jersey. HG tip: We’re still loyal to Fran’s, but you can read about the original Jersey Mike’s on our sister site, The Jersey Shore Girl.
La Bohème Restaurant → formerly Cucharamama | 233 Clinton Street, Hoboken
From 2004 to 2020, Cucharamama, a Latin-American themed restaurant and bar, operated at 233 Clinton Street. In 2021, La Bohème Restaurant, ‘a slice of the French Riviera,’ opened in Hoboken. Cucharamama was a favorite in town, serving unique South American-inspired fare for over 16 years and led by Chef Maricel Presilla (who at one time owned two other restaurants in Hoboken).
Madison Bar & Grill → formerly Madison Hotel | 1316 Washington Street
The Madison Bar & Grill used to be the Madison Hotel, owned by the Vezzetti family. In 1954, Thomas Vezzetti (also the 33rd Mayor of Hoboken) opened the hotel, which included a restaurant. A fire in 1977 tragically took the life of one guest. Thomas was credited with saving the lives of many that day, but was distraught over the incident and decided to sell the businesses. Over the next few decades, the spot was owned by different entities until 2000, when David and Kristian Carney purchased it and opened the Madison Bar & Grill.
Otok → formerly Dom’s | 506 Grand Street
Dom’s Bakery served bread and baked goods from 1979 until 2023, when owners Dom and Flo Castelitto announced their retirement. Dom’s Bakery first opened in 1979 at 5th Street between Adams and Jefferson. In 1988, Dom and Flo bought the new location just around the corner at 506 Grand. When Frank Sinatra was living in California, he had Dom ship bread to him and his favorite local restaurant on the West Coast. Maren and William Schmitt (owners of Schmitty’s) took over the spot in 2023 and named it Otok Bakery.
Saku → formerly Turtle Club | 830 Park Avenue
Popular sushi restaurant Saku opened in November 2018 at 936 Park Avenue, which was previously home to the Turtle Club. The Turtle Club was a popular bar that occupied the same spot from 2008-2018. Saku has become a go-to spot for sushi, sake, and omakase. There are even sushi-making classes at Saku.
Sirenetta → formerly Maxwell’s Tavern | 1039 Washington Street
Today, diners eating seafood at Sirenetta might be unfamiliar with the spot’s musical history. Before Gabi Lombardi opened Sirenetta, 1039 Washington Street was Maxwell’s, a music club. The club opened in 1974 under the ownership of Steven Fallon. Steve, his sisters Kathryn and Anne, and his brother-in-law Mario wanted to turn the spot into a restaurant with music for the factory workers at Maxwell House Coffee. The spot was a hit. It allowed Steve to own his own record label, Coyote Records. In 1985, the music video for Bruce Springsteen’s “Glory Days” was partially filmed here by Hobokenite John Sayles. Other notable performers at the club include Nirvana, Weezer, the Bongos, and My Chemical Romance. The site briefly became Maxwell’s Tavern in 2013, converting into more of a dining destination (while still paying homage to its legendary roots). Maxwell’s Tavern closed in 2018.
Sorellina → formerly Helmer’s | 1036 Washington Street
After nearly 80 years, Helmer’s closed in 2014 and was coined as one of the last “old Hoboken” spots. The business opened in 1936 and was owned by a German immigrant family, the Helmers. In 1949, the Lueders family of Bremerhaven, Germany, purchased the restaurant. Today, Sorellina, an Italian restaurant run by Gabi Lombardi, operates out of Helmer’s old venue, maintaining historic charm like the original 1930s bar.
SoulCycle → formerly Hoboken Trust Company | 1400 Washington Street
The Hoboken Trust Company first opened in 1903 and was built in the Beaux-Arts style. Since 2016, SoulCycle, a fitness company notable for indoor cycling and spinning workout classes, has operated from the space.
See More: A Guide to the Oldest Structures at the Jersey Shore
Viv + Jules → Stewed Cow → Gaslight | 400 Adams Street
The Stewed Cow opened in 2013 and closed in June 2025, and the same team opened up Viv + Jules in the space. The Stewed Cow was a laid-back vibe and Texas-themed menu (and at one point, a mechanical bull). Viv + Jules opened in December 2025 and is known for its European menu and small plates. Before the space at 400 Adams was The Stewed Cow, it was Gaslight, a neighborhood bar.
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