Now that the cold winter months are behind us (fingers crossed – April can be testy), we can start leaning into the spring weather. Longer days, sunshine, outdoor dining, and activities are right around the corner. Plus, there’s something about eating and drinking outdoors that makes everything taste better. Join us in welcoming spring and celebrating the return to some of our favorite local spots. Read on for a list of some of our fave businesses in North Jersey with rooftops, waterfront bars, and outdoor sports — all great ways to make the most of the spring season.
Rooftops + Outdoor Bars/Restaurants
City Bistro | 56 14th Street, Hoboken
City Bistro is owned by John Avoletta who also owns Johnny Pepperoni. There are tables to sit at and eat or you can head to the bar where you will find a ton of beers on tap and fun cocktails. The food menu is a mix of Italian and American food from pizzas to wings to pasta dishes for all to enjoy. This is a great spot to watch the sunset and grab a drink with friends and enjoy a garden-like rooftop atmosphere.
Departed Soles Brewing Co. | 150 Bay Street, #2a, Jersey City
This brewery not only has one of the most unique outdoor dining setups in town but works in tandem with many neighborhood businesses to host some pretty unique collaborations. These are just a few of many reasons that make this spot a must-visit, especially in the warm weather.
Read More: A Guide to Fun Outdoor Activities in New Jersey for Any Season
Stork Club Rooftop | 2 Chapel Avenue, Jersey City
Stork Club in Jersey City is a rooftop bar and lounge (above Felina Steak) with unparalleled views of NYC, a rooftop firepit, a 360-degree bar, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, an extensive cocktail menu, and a hanger-style door that opens to the outdoor deck. The space is a tribute to the original, famed club of the same name in Manhattan.
Pier 13 | 1301 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
Right on the water, The Pier has arguably the best views of NYC and equally great vibes. This Hoboken spot has over 20 refreshing and locally sourced beers from Hoboken Brewery to Brooklyn Brewery, including both draft and canned options. In addition to the beers, the Pier also serves classic mixed drinks, sangria, spiked seltzers, and more. Pier 13 always has an array of delicious food trucks that they switch up daily.
Porta | 135 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
A local fave, Porta’s rooftop access is one of the most sought-after for a night out or to host an event. It is another wonderful place in Jersey City where you can drink outside with friends while enjoying a cold one. It also has delicious food from cacio e pepe pizza to pasta and meatballs. The rooftop is absolutely a fun spot to hang with friends on a sunny Spring day.
Smorgasbar | 3 2nd Street, Jersey City
The founders of America’s largest open-air food market, Smorgasburg, opened Smorgasbar in the former Lutze outpost in 2021. It is located on the waterfront of Jersey City with amazing views of NYC. This Beer Garden curates a list of beers on tap and also has a full bar, frozen drinks, and more. On the weekends, Smorgasburg JC market has 40 vendors in the parking lot every Saturday from 11AM-6PM.
Rooftop at Exchange Place | 1st Street, Jersey City
American fare, craft cocktails, a retractable glass roof, and skyline views are exactly what you’ll experience at this luxurious rooftop. It’s the go-to place to get 360° views of the Manhattan skyline, the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty, Staten Island, and beyond. The multi-level rooftop has seating for every occasion and a custom fire pit installation to keep guests warm during chilly spring nights.
Six26 | 128 Christopher Columbus Drive, Jersey City
Six26 is the definition of vibrant from the murals to the interior decor and celebrates the local LGBTQ+ community. It becomes a high-energy lounge and has a picture-perfect garden-esque rooftop bar.
Surf City | 1 Marin Boulevard, Jersey City
This seasonal beach bar and restaurant will open its doors in May. Located directly on the water, Surf City provides great views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. One of its five bars is even devoted only to frozen drinks.
902 Brewing Co. | 101 Pacific Avenue, Jersey City
902 Brewing Co. got its start when Colby Janisch and Don Vogt decided to start brewing their own beer at 902 Washington Street in Hoboken and then grew into the expansive outpost in Jersey City. The brewery has a rooftop and often hosts live musicians.
NoHu Rooftop Bar + Restaurant | 550 Avenue at Port Imperial, Weehawken
For an elevated dining experience and impeccable skyline views, Marcus at NoHu Rooftop is just the spot. Celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson has teamed up with Port Imperial’s EnVue Hotel to create seasonal menus for the rooftop bar and restaurant. The crafted cocktails are packed with seasonal flavors and make for a unique dining experience.
Alto The MC Hotel | 690 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
At Montclair’s only rooftop, guests can sip on a cocktail and soak in stunning views of the NYC skyline which features over 3,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. Alto is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of sparkling rosé, a handcrafted cocktail, a local selection of draft and bottled beer, and some light bites.
The Ashford | 145 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
Located in the heart of Downtown Jersey City, The Ashford is right off Newark Avenue’s pedestrian plaza. Featuring a New American menu, dishes range from shared plates and small bites — and the rooftop is right next to its sister roof, Six26, for summer activities.
512 Quantum Sound | 512 Paterson Plank Road, Jersey City
Former recording studio-turned restaurant, 512 Quantum Sound features both traditional table seating and two full bars, including one on the roof that also has table seating nearby. A few of the menu items include a shellfish bar featuring oysters, littleneck clams, and lobster, with towers of seafood available.
Sophia Rooftop | 143 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
Located in Downtown Jersey City, Sophia Rooftop is a private and secure venue with a sophisticated ambiance. Expect fresh, seasonal ingredients, innovative cuisine, and exemplary service. Keep in mind that Sophia Rooftop is a private space — head to the website to book an event there.
Battello | 502 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City
Located right on the water next to the Newport Yacht Club, Batello has some of the best views of New York City that Jersey has to offer. It’s an ideal spot for any meal but especially dinner — and is a place where the high-quality ambiance is matched with high-quality food. The menu boasts a modern Italian style of cooking that is seafood influenced, true to Mediterranean roots.
Hudson + Co. | 3 2nd Street, Jersey City
Located on the waterfront in the Harborside district in Jersey City, Hudson + Co. offers stylish décor, breathtaking views, and an interactive atmosphere. The dishes are sophisticated, delicious, and shareable and the drink selection is extensive and unique.
Molos | 1 County Rd 682, Weehawken
Located on the waterfront in Weehawken, Molos is a top-notch authentic Greek locale with spectacular views. The dining experience will make you feel like you’re on a boat, with the water coming right up to the building and the NYC lights twinkling directly in front of you. The food is absolutely delicious and authentic, and will have you planning your next trip to Greece.
Blu on the Hudson | 1200 Harbor Boulevard, Weehawken
Blue on the Hudson is home to amazing ambiance, drinks, and service. Check out its massive bar and lounge and enjoy expertly-crafted cocktails, a fine wine selection, and comforting food options — all while enjoying an incredible view of Manhattan.
Blue Eyes | 525 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
Light-filled, modern Italian place with a Frank Sinatra theme + riverfront patio with skyline views. Enjoy some Italian food with amazing views of the New York City skyline. If you enjoy Nutella, Blue Eyes has a killer Nutella Pizza to have by yourself or split with the party for dessert. The outdoor seating is spacious and a great location for a large party during the warm months.
Lokal Eatery + Bar | 2 2nd Street, Jersey City
Lokal Eatery and Bar located at the gorgeous Waterfront in Jersey City incorporates fresh and locally sourced ingredients to create global flavors. There’s a large bar area, several semi-private dining spaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows providing panoramic, unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline. There’s even an open-air patio as well.
Chart House | 1700 Harbor Boulevard, Weehawken
Claimed as one of the 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in the US 2023 by OpenTable, Chart House Weehawken at Lincoln Harbor offers gorgeous panoramic views of the glittering New York skyline. An unforgettable seafood restaurant, Chart House gives diners not only an impeccable ambiance but also its unique cuisine, from seafood specialties like Mac Nut Mahi to classics like Slow-Roasted Prime Rib.
Haven Riverfront Restaurant + Bar | 2 Main Street, Edgewater
Named by Architectural Digest as “One of The World’s 16 Most Spectacular Waterfront Restaurants”, Haven Riverfront Restaurant and Bar sits on the banks of the Hudson River in Edgewater, New Jersey offering breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Rated “very good” by the New York Times and awarded 3 stars by NJ Monthly Magazine, HAVEN is known for innovative twists on some of the most popular modern American dishes.
Pier 115 | 115 River Road, Edgewater
With world-class views from the west bank of the Hudson River, Pier 115 is an amazing waterfront restaurant and lounge and definitely worth a visit. Offering a remarkable location that extends well out into the scenic Hudson, Pier 115 provides delicious food and drink.
The Lola | 102 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
One of the newest bars on the block, The Lola, specializes in brunch, next-level cocktails, and is the ultimate IG-worthy venue inside and outside with prime Manhattan skyline views).
House of ‘Que | 340 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
With a beautiful view of the waterfront, House of ‘Que serves up Austin, Texas-style barbeque, and is a favorite for many in Hoboken. The pulled pork, brisket, ribs, chicken, and sausage are cooked in oak and hickory flavors, and if you want to order something here besides barbeque that is an absolute Southern staple, try the Frito Pie. Also, an excellent spot for watching sports (so many TVs) or catching dueling pianos (so many pianos).
Union Hall | 306 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
Whether you’re feeling disco fries and a craft beer after work, a crisp, classic cocktail and raw bar for date night, or a fun night out with friends listening to tunes from a live DJ, Union Hall has got you covered. This funky, spacious gastropub brings a lot to the table, including magnificent waterfront views of the NYC skyline.
Halifax | 225 River Street, Hoboken
This chic Nova Scotia-inspired restaurant in the W Hotel is known for its bubbly brunch and unlimited small plates. Between the ambiance of the dim lighting and tall windows, the delicious dishes, the perfectly paired wines, and the NYC skyline in the background, this elegant spring menu welcomes in the warm weather with all the warm fuzzy feels.
Metropolis | 96 River Street
This new spot opened up in the old The Dubliner space, which includes a rooftop. Metropolis provides a great space for watching sports, and also includes a full restaurant, a wine + cocktail bar, and a spot for rooftop brunch.
Outdoor Sports
^ Hive Atheltic
Hive Athletic | 330 Washington Street, Hoboken
Hive Athletic is a co-ed league that’s newer to the area and aims to connect people socially through sports. Hoboken transplant Chris Corbin started Hive Athletic after having a positive experience joining a co-ed touch football league in New York City where he met his wife and made dozens of new friends. You can find a range of activities through Hive Athletic, from dodgeball to soccer, volleyball, pickleball, basketball, football, softball, kickball, and cornhole. The meeting points are throughout Hoboken, Weehawken, and Jersey City.
Hoboken Adult Soccer League (HASL)
Location, location, location. The 7 v 7 soccer league plays all its games at Frank Sinatra Park and 1600 Park Avenue in Hoboken. HASL itself consists of over twelve different leagues for any and all skill levels. Get your cleats and shoot an email over to email@hobokenadultsoccer.com for any questions.
Hoboken Coed Softball League
Hoboken Coed Softball League is a non-profit coed softball league in Hudson County that’s been in existence for almost 20 years. The season runs from mid-April through October at fields in Jersey City and Bayonne. The league is sponsored by the Departed Soles Brewery.
Hoboken Ultimate Frisbee | 525 Sinatra Drive
This free, co-ed ultimate frisbee group meets up every Tuesday at 7:15AM and 5:30PM, every Thursday at 7:15AM, and every Friday at 8:15PM at Sinatra Field. All experience levels are welcome and there’s a big GroupMe where participating players can communicate. The group plays year-round, so long as the field is free of snow and temps are warmer than 40 degrees.
Next Basket Wins
Next Basket Wins is an intramural basketball league that operates four times throughout the year. The seasons include winter (December-March), spring (March-June), summer (June-September), and fall (September-December). The team fee is $1,550 and with that price, the teams will receive 8 games plus playoffs, 10 reversible jerseys, two licensed refs, and an official scorekeeper at all games. To add to that, you’ll also receive updated stats and standings of teams on the Next Basket Wins mobile app, weekly video highlights, and championship gear if you win the whole thing. Games are played at two local Hoboken courts, located at Hoboken Rec Center (124 Grand Street) and Hoboken Catholic Academy (555 7th Street). For any questions, reach out to league Commissioner Andrew at 732-995-0815.
See More: Outdoor Spring Escapes in Essex County
The American Ballplayers League (ABL)
The ABL has previously had leagues in softball, flag football, basketball, and even shuffleboard — though its primary league is men’s softball. The ABL sets out to give recreational and competitive athletes the ultimate league experience. With an attitude like that, sounds like it would be a good idea to find a team and get involved. For more information, send an email to info@joinABL.com.
ZogSports
Zog has been a favorite sports staple for people in the area for a few years. It is one of the easiest and best-known ways to be active, meet people, and make some friends locally. From basketball to skeeball to the “social sampler” (which is a mix of the ZogSports offerings that change week by week), Zog has a little something for everybody. For any questions and info, you can visit the help center here.
