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 North Jersey this November 22nd. 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 North 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 on TGE from 9PM – 3AM, with music from Rendine and a special drinking power. 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 beers, green tea shots, margarita buckets, and sangria towers. The deals will last from 9PM-12AM, and there will be no cover fee at the door.
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. The party kicks off at 8PM with a $10 entry fee. Tickets can be purchased 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. On Thanksgiving Eve, The Brook Tap House will be open from 11:30AM – 12AM.
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. It will be open from 11AM – 2:30AM on TGE.
Just Jake’s | 30 Park Street, Montclair
Thanksgiving Eve almost always means a run-in with an old acquaintance. Just Jakes is playing into the holiday’s nostalgia with its TGE Nine Deez Night party. In typical Just Jake’s fashion, there will be live music + dancing. The party will begin at 10:30PM and last until 1:30AM. We suggest you dress in theme.
Porta Montclair | 499 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
If you’re looking to spend your Thanksgiving Eve with a non-stop dance party, Porta Montclair is the place for you. There will be a live performance from DJ Chris Spirito in the Main Dining Room beginning at 9PM. The only requirements 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 performing upstairs, as well as dart boards + a pool table on the first level. Ringside will operate on its normal hours, 12PM – 2AM. 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. The Rock Bar will be open from 11AM – 3AM, and promises a jammin’ good time.
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, Thatcher’s will be open from 4PM – 2AM, and is definitely worth a visit.
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. This spot will be open on Thanksgiving Eve from 4PM – 12AM.
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 offers craft cocktails, beers, and bites. On TGE, there will be two live performances, and the bar will be open until 2AM.
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. Guests are encouraged to arrive early — the party starts at 7PM and closes at 2AM.
