Danielle Farina 
Something that nobody tells you as a kid is that Thanksgiving is a two-day holiday, much in the way that Christmas is. There’s Thanksgiving Day, which is a day to show gratitude through delicious eats and quality time with loved ones — but lurking in anticipation of the food-filled celebration, there’s Thanksgiving Eve (affectionately known as TGE), a night spent with people from your distant past at a local hometown bar.
As Hoboken + JC residents flock to their families for Thanksgiving, we’re here to give you all the scoop on where to celebrate TGE in Northern New Jersey this November 27th. Of course, we’ve included a few Hoboken spots that are hosting Thanksgiving Eve-specific parties, but in the spirit of being home for the holidays, many of these bars are suburban staples. Read on for the best bars to visit on Thanksgiving Eve in Northern New Jersey.
Hoboken
Birch | 92 River Street, Hoboken
If you’ve been trying to coordinate a Friendsgiving this year, look no further than Hoboken’s very own nightclub, Birch. Birch’s Friendsgiving party will take place starting at 9PM on TGE, with music from 2FACE. Tables are limited, so be sure to make a reservation.
Fat Taco | 32 Newark Street, Hoboken
Fat Taco is joining on the Thanksgiving Eve fun this year, with special deals on sangria, margaritas, and mojitos from 4PM-9PM, and drink specials on margarita buckets and tequila shots from 10PM-close. Be sure to make a reservation here.
Madd Hatter | 221 Washington Street, Hoboken
Madd Hatter is one of the most lively spots in the Mile Square, and is known for bringing the party any night of the week. Thanksgiving Eve, of course, is no exception. Madd Hatter will be hosting what it calls “the #1 party of the year,” complete with live music. Tickets can be bought here.
Mike’s Wild Moose Saloon | 30 Newark Street, Hoboken
As one of Hoboken’s only country bars, the Wild Moose is a popular hangout spot for those looking for a bit of Southern charm here in NJ. Mike’s Saloon’s TGE party will feature music from DJ Big Country and various drink deals including $5 picklebacks (IYKYK). Doors open at 6PM with no cover fee — now that’s what we call Southern hospitality.
Read More: Thanksgiving Catering in Hoboken + Jersey City
Essex County
Brook Tap House | 811 Passaic Avenue, Fairfield
Owned + operated by locals, The Brook Tap House is a bar and restaurant loaded with hometown charm. It has 30 beers on tap and an expansive menu, including the famous thiny-thin pizza sourced from its sister restaurant, Angeloni’s.
Grasshopper | 292 Grove Avenue, Cedar Grove
The Grasshopper is a local favorite, complete with a draft beer menu (with seasonal options included), specialty cocktails, and lunch + dinner specials. The space is populated primarily by tables, so its perfect for a chill night with friends.
Just Jake’s | 30 Park Street, Montclair
In typical Just Jake’s fashion, there will be live music + dancing at this local hotspot on Thanksgiving Eve, with tunes courtesy of New Power Soul from 10:30PM-1:30AM.
Porta Montclair | 499 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
The only requirements to spend Thanksgiving Eve at Porta’s Montclair location are: eat, drink, and be honest (per Porta’s Instagram).
Ringside Pub | 379 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
A true dive bar, Ringside is *the* TGE spot if you grew up anywhere in the West Essex area — and we speak from experience. There will be a live DJ, other live music performances, as well as dart boards + a pool table on the first level. The party starts at 6PM, and there will be no cover all night. Pro tip: be sure to order a tequila shot. You won’t regret it (well, you might).
The Rock Bar + Grill | 414 Main Avenue, Clifton
With a kitchen that stays open until 2AM, The Rock Bar in Clifton is perfect for anyone in search of a late-night bite. The menu is packed with staple bar items, like wings, sliders — and there are darts scattered throughout the space, too.
Danaher’s Pub | 31 Passaic Avenue, Fairfield
This Irish pub is a true gem in the Essex County area. With a square bar in the center of the space and private tables lining the perimeter, Danaher’s is great for extroverts + introverts alike. There’s also a separate gaming room with pool tables, dart boards, and more. This Thanksgiving Eve, the party will start at 6PM and include drink specials and a live DJ set. There will be no cover fee all night.
Verona Inn | 624 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
Verona Inn is a cozy restaurant + bar popular among locals. With classic bar food like potato skins, mozzarella sticks, and more, it’s a great place to casually snack and sip, while still having tons of fun.
See More: Where to Order Thanksgiving Pies in Montclair + Beyond
Morris County
Homestead Bar + Kitchen | 10 Dehart Street, Morristown
Homestead is a trendy bi-level bar in the heart of Morristown that serves up craft cocktails, beers, and bites. On TGE, there will be two live performances, and the mezzanine will be open.
Iron Bar | 5 South Street, Morristown
Iron Bar is somewhat of a local legend in the North Jersey area, and for Thanksgiving Eve, it’s certainly living up to par. This year, the Morristown bar will be hosting a TGE party, with live performances from Frankie Steel, Dario Valli, DJ T-MO, and Deejay Super J. Guests are encouraged to arrive early — the party starts at 6PM.
