There’s been continuous talk of Nag’s Head Pub in downtown Hoboken turning into a new bar called Backyard Bar, but since that was announced last summer, there’s been little to no movement. But just in the past few days, a new spot called Schmitty’s has put up signage at the former Nag’s Head, completely changing course from its alleged new name Backyard Bar. Here’s what we know about Schmitty’s, a dog-friendly bar that is opening at 359 First Street in Hoboken.
In July of 2020, Hoboken Girl reported that Nag’s Head Pub would be closing after two decades of serving the Mile Square so that owner Barney Finnegan and his wife Ruth Finnegan could retire. At the time, the couple released a statement on Facebook, writing, “We have sold the bar and we are starting a new phase in our lives — retirement! We have had many good memories with you all and we will miss your friendly faces. Best of luck to you as you continue to move through this uncertain time. We wish the new owners the best of luck and hope you’ll stop in to visit them! Slainte.”
Read More: All About the Nag’s Head Closing
At the time, it was reported that the business and building had been sold to a new ownership group including William Schmitt and some of his family members. Schmitt is a local developer who primarily focuses on residential projects, and it was reported that he would be bringing his wife Maren and sister-in-law Amanda on board at The Backyard Bar. But now, in a turn of events, the bar is going to be called ‘Schmitty’s’ — which seems to fit as his family’s namesake.
In an Instagram post from April 2, 2021, the account that was formerly Backyard Bar changed to the handle @schmittys_hoboken, and posted the following:
View this post on Instagram
“New Name, Same Vibe. The Backyard Bar is open with a temporary Covid schedule and will now be called Schmitty’s! Come swing by your neighborhood bar! #Hoboken #hobokenbars #craftbeer #wine #specialtycocktails #datenight #familyfriendly #hobokendad #hobokenmoms #Rose #RoseAllDay #HighNoon”
According to readers, the space has soft opened and includes an indoor garden wall + craft cocktails and beers.
Read more: Hoboken Bids Goodbye + ‘Sláinte’ to Nag’s Head Pub After 22 Years
A teaser video from Cliffside Park-based Ashlina Design Atelier revealed what future patrons can expect from the renovated, dog-friendly site. Larkspur Botanicals designed for the vertical gardens inside and outside of the bar.
^Under construction, last summer {2020}
“Nag’s Head was a known local spot and we are looking to keep that feel,” Schmitt told Jersey Digs last year. “We are setting the stage to be your number one family and dog-friendly spot in town with a laidback vibe and friendly atmosphere.”
Both the first and second floors will feature bars where patrons can grab drinks and there will also be a designated area for playing billiards on the second floor.
But the feature most local dog-owners are excited for is the outdoor property in the back. Featuring synthetic turf and an outdoor fire, The Backyard Bar will be allowing patrons even of the four-legged variety in the backyard.
Hoboken is one of the most dog-friendly municipalities in North Jersey, with a handful of other bars, restaurants, and eateries welcoming pups to their outdoor spaces.
These other dog-friendly bars include Louise + Jerry’s {329 Washington Street}, Ale House {1034 Willow Avenue}, Mulligan’s {59 First Street}, Cork City {239 Bloomfield Street}, and Tally Ho {215 Washington Street}. If you’re unsure if you can bring your dog somewhere in town, consult BringFido.com or call the biz in question! Grimald’s Pizzeria, Elysian Cafe, Blue Eyes Restaurant, Panello, and Johnny Pepperoni are a few local dog-friendly spots, according to BringFido.com — though because the spots serve food, dogs must stay outside
See More: These Hoboken Bars Allow Dogs
Besides making a new four-legged friend while seated outside, what else can you expect? Lots of locally-brewed craft beers as well as specialty cocktails.
^The old Nag’s Head space
Schmitt also explained that he plans to keep some of Nag’s Head Pub’s most iconic dive bar features, like the mahogany bar as well as the brick-and-mortar’s front woodwork.
While Schmitt did mention that an outdoor section could be ready to open up to the Mile Square by August 2020, fast-forward to the present day, and it looks like the new bar will finally be taking over the Nag’s Head space and adding to the 1st Street lineup as of April 2021.
Got a news tip? Let us know — email us at hello@hobokengirl.com! We appreciate it.
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