There’s always a sport to watch, and here in Jersey City, there’s always a bar to watch at. With crisp beers, drool-worthy pub grub, and (usually) numerous TVs, Jersey City locals have their fair share of spots to cozy up on a barstool and tune into an exciting game. We’ve done the research — a.k.a., the very hard task of coordinating game days with friends —and have you covered with the best sports bars in Jersey City. Keep reading to see the list.
The Brightside Tavern | 141 Bright Street
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We’ve called this spot “Jersey City’s best-kept secret” before, and to this day, that still rings true. One could easily mistake Brightside Tavern for another neighborhood tavern selling burgers and wings, but hidden inside are two whole floors of “party rooms” with big screens, game tables, dart boards, and mini basketball hoops.
Dorrian’s Red Hand | 555 Washington Boulevard
Dorrian’s has been a Manhattan staple since 1960 when Irish immigrant James “Red Dog” Dorrian first opened in the Upper East Side. In the 50 years since it opened, the bar has expanded to Jersey City’s Newport neighborhood, owned by James’ son, Jimmy. The Jersey City location maintains all of the neighborhood charm of its NYC counterpart — with plenty of TV screens and an expansive food menu to boot.
Ed + Mary’s | 174 Coles Street
A place like Ed + Mary’s turns into your home away from home — a cozy, family- and dog-friendly spot with delicious food and drinks. There’s outdoor and indoor seating, with plenty of TVs streaming the hottest games of the season. Plus, the bar hosts a book club and other fun events for any less-than-athletic friends reading.
Grape Vine Tavern | 657 Newark Avenue
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Hidden in plain sight, this bar holds Jersey City’s first liquor license. It’s a favorite spot for locals to grab a beer, and you can count on Grape Vine Tavern to always have a game on.
Grove Corner Bar | 116 Newark Avenue
If you take the path over to Grove Street, Grove Corner Bar will be the first thing you see as you come up the northern escalators. You really can’t beat the location if you’re trying to meet up with a friend who doesn’t know Jersey City well.
Halftime Bar & Grill | 746 West Side Avenue
This sports bar is home to a friendly and inviting staff along with fun games you can play at the bar. In the warmer months — baseball season, early football season — cool off with the frozen cocktails.
Healy’s Tavern | 374 Newark Avenue
Walking in, you’re struck by the classic bar wrapping around the room. There is a place for everyone to enjoy food and drinks with friends (or flying solo). A large TV at the end of the bar will always have a game turned on and don’t worry, the tavern doesn’t play team favorites.
Read More: The Best Jersey City Restaurants to Take Your Parents to Eat
Hudson Hall | 364 Marin Boulevard
This Biergarten is the spot for the best of both worlds, as it also runs as a smokehouse — so you can enjoy some of the best smoked meats Jersey City has to offer while watching some good Sunday football. The rustic space offers Eastern European inspiration as well as huge TVs and large tables to accommodate bigger groups.
Lucky 7 Tavern | 322 2nd Street
Lucky 7 Tavern has been a downtown fixture for years, primarily known for its steady stream of jukebox tunes (we mean that literally — there is a jukebox) and Southern BBQ. There are 7 flatscreen TVs to turn to on game day and there are usually happy hour deals to indulge in.
McGinley Square Pub | 755 Montgomery Street
With a 110-inch projector showing big games, this fan-favorite has a fun atmosphere, good burgers, and exciting cocktails to enjoy while cheering on your team. Patrons can even let their own competitive spirit fly by playing games, including checkers, Jenga, and darts, provided by the pub.
New Park Tavern | 575 West Side Avenue
You could easily miss this diamond in the rough from the front, but it checks all the boxes for a classic sports bar. Inside there is plenty of room to spread out and catch your team, especially if you are a Dodgers fan. They even have outdoor seating in a private back area with a projector (weather permitting).
O’Haras Downtown | 172 1st Street
O’Hara’s Downtown has ample indoor (and outdoor) seating for you to enjoy a game or maybe two. The extensive food and drink menu is perfect for watching a doubleheader on a Saturday afternoon (or any day of the week). There are so many wing sauces to choose from, and the parmesan garlic is a can’t-miss.
Ringside Lounge | 475 Tonnele Avenue
As soon as you walk inside, you can tell this place is a place you can watch sports of any kind. Several TVs hang from the walls right next to a stunning collection of sports memorabilia. Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson has his own mural in the back and is even known to swing by the joint on occasion — the most recent sighting being May 2021. If you are looking for good vibes, great Portuguese cuisine, and fun drinks, look no further than Ringside Lounge.
The Hutton Bar & Grill | 225 Hutton Street
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This delicious restaurant + bar has both indoor and outdoor seating covered, complete with outdoor TVs. The ambiance of the outdoor space— with hanging lights and a large tree in the middle — makes it a great spot for sports fans and brunch lovers alike.
See More: Pilsener Haus Biergarten to Host ‘Rock The Haus 2021’ Outdoor Concert This May
Villa Borghese III | 475 Washington Boulevard
You might think this Italian restaurant is only for pizza, but Villa Borghese III (also known as VB3) can hold its own as a true sports bar with televisions everywhere. The center bar gives off a chic city lounge vibe, but screens above and behind you make this the perfect place to hunker down for a game any day of the week.
See More: A Guide to Montclair Bars With TVs
Zeppelin Hall | 88 Liberty View Drive
This restaurant and beer garden has multiple TVs in each of its seating rooms — and in the outdoor section too. Enjoy a giant pretzel and Octoberfest beer (brewed year-round), or maybe one of the specials of the month. While Zeppelin Hall is only open Thursday – Sunday, the picnic bench-style seating makes for the perfect weekend outing with friends and family. There are even fire pits outside for the colder temperatures.
Things to Do in Hoboken + JC Instead of Scrolling TikTok (If It Gets Banned)
While the country patiently awaits the Supreme Court’s decision on whether to ban TikTok on January 19th, we Hoboken + Jersey City residents will have plenty to do to replace all of that scroll time and unplug. Here at The Hoboken Girl, we’re thinking positively and embracing the pending change to use this as a time to reconnect with ourselves, our hobbies, our passions, and even our community — something the world could use a little more of right now. Keep reading for an extensive list of what to do with all your time in Hoboken and Jersey City if TikTok gets banned.
For Self-Care Gurus
Book a spa service (like a facial or massage) at Woodhouse Spa, Salvation Wellness, Alivio Wellness, Gaia’s Cavern, Skin by EC, Studio 17, or SoJo Spa.
Try a sensory deprivation float tank experience or Scalar Lightwave Therapy at Om. Life Wellness.
Try cryotherapy, compression therapy, LED light therapy, and more at Zen Om Studio.
Listen to a guided meditation or inspiring podcast while getting a mani-pedi at one of your favorite local salons.
Visit Chrissy The Crystal Indigo for healing work, an aura reading, or a tarot reading. Plus shop around for amazing metaphysical items.
Get an IV Drip for an extra boost at Hoboken Drip Lounge.
Try acupuncture for an overall wellness boost.
Visit a local dispensary for a little extra relaxation.
Read More: 10 Hoboken + Jersey City Creators You Can Shop From Online
For Foodies
Take a cooking class at Hudson Table.
Explore dozens of mocktail creations at local eateries.
Get your handmade chocolate fix at Lepore’s or Lee Sims.
Go on a self-guided hot chocolate tour.
Make your own sushi at Saku.
Visit Van Hook for a gourmet grilled cheese or decadent, customized charcuterie board.
Take the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and go on a self-guided coffee tour. (Yes, we have a spot for each stop!)
For Creatives
Work with your hands by taking a pottery class at Blue Skies, Clay Studio, or Betty’s Ceramics Club.
Design your own colorful creation at Tipsy Tie Dye.
Learn the art of shoemaking and design your very own pair of shoes at Hoboken Shoedio.
Tap into your inner fashion designer and sew your own clothes at Galastella Studio.
Craft a designer-quality handbag Youssoufiani.
Try a paint and sip or woodworking class from our local activities guide.
Visit Dirty Hippie Studio to stock up on affordable art supplies and shop creations from local artists.
For Readers
Shop around a local bookstore like WORD, Symposia, or Little City Books to find some new reads.
Visit one of Hoboken + Jersey City’s public library branches and grab a library card. (Check out the New Jersey Room at the Priscilla Gardner Library in Jersey City + the Library of Things at the Hoboken Library Main Branch.)
Participate in the Completely Booked Book Swap on January 30th.
Cozy up in a local coffee shop with your next read.
Join a local book club.
For Fitness Lovers
Unwind with a yoga or meditation class.
Let it all out and go axe-throwing with friends.
Mix things up with a unique workout class. (Think rowing, dancing, kickboxing, and more.)
Sign up and begin training for the next Jersey City Marathon happening on April 13th, 2025.
For Fashionistas
Shop small at one of Hoboken + Jersey City’s many boutiques.
Go on a self-guided vintage/thrift shopping tour.
Grab a fresh magazine like Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and more at Davis Stationery. (You can even use it for vision boarding when you’re done!)
Check out new stores that joined the neighborhood.
For Lovers of the Arts
Attend a show at White Eagle Hall.
Grab a ticket for an upcoming show at Jersey City Theater Center or Mile Square Theatre.
Visit the Liberty Science Center, Hoboken Museum, or MORA Art Museum.
Catch a movie at your local movie theater.
Do a self-guided art crawl to admire the many murals of Hoboken + Jersey City.
Visit a local art gallery.
For Adventurers
Take a Top Rope Belay Certification class at The Gravity Vault.
Go on a self-guided walking tour of Hoboken. (Bonus: try our Frank Sinatra walking tour).
Go on a self-guided tour of one of Jersey City’s many neighborhoods such as Jersey City Heights, Paulus Hook, or Journal Square.
Walk along the waterfront and take photos of your findings.
Take the ferry to NYC for a waterfront adventure.
See More: What’s Filming in Montclair + Essex County? An Ongoing List of Movies + TV Shows
For Social Butterflies
Check our events guides for hundreds (yes, hundreds) of things to do every week.
Invite visitors to town and show them around to remind yourself of all the reasons to love Hoboken + Jersey City.
Join a co-working space to mix up your day-to-day or hone in on a creative project.
Get involved in local volunteer opportunities.
Seek out local networking opportunities.
Join Hive Athletic or Volo Sports for some group sports fun.
Post in our Hoboken + Jersey City Insiders FB Group for local meetups.
