Hoboken may only be one square mile, but it is filled with great food, culture, history, and community, making it impossible to actually see everything in just 36 hours. Because of this, we have curated a thoughtfully laid out weekend plan that can be followed hour by hour, or just be used as inspiration for your weekend plans. This list is not intended to quickly cross famous Hoboken “landmarks” off your list of things to do and see or highlight specific events happening on specific weekends (we have plenty of other guides for that). Instead, this list will create an efficient and enjoyable 36-hour experience in the Mile Square, through a specific lens, that can be used at any time. This month, Irish heritage will lead us through an entire weekend in the Mile Square. Read on for a full itinerary including live music, an Irish breakfast, neighborhood exploring, and more.
Friday
5:30PM — Seize the night at Carpe Diem | 1405 Grand Street
^ The Shepherd’s pie
Carpe Diem has been an uptown Hoboken staple for almost two decades. Their cozy interior complete with a fireplace is the perfect place to spend a night hiding from the cold. In warmer weather, they even have a cute outdoor space to get some fresh air while you eat. Take advantage of their authentic Irish pub fare and have a Guinness and Shepherd’s pie for dinner.
Read More: The History of St. Patrick’s Day in Hoboken
8PM — Hear some live music at Finnegan’s Pub | 734 Willow Avenue
Finnegan’s is known for their weekend-long live music acts that bring a special kind of energy into this Irish bar. They have Guinness on tap and you might even catch a bartender with an Irish brogue behind the bar, making this pub experience feel all the more authentic.
Saturday
11AM — Get a Full Irish Breakfast at The Ferryman on 1st | 94 Bloomfield Street
A traditional full Irish breakfast typically consists of bacon, sausage, eggs, potatoes, beans, soda bread or toast, tomatoes, mushrooms, and black pudding. Ferryman on First offers a Full Irish Breakfast and a Mini Irish Breakfast. The full portion has eggs, Irish bacon, Irish sausage, Irish beans, black and white pudding, grilled tomato, toast, and home fries for only $16.
1PM — Walk around the old Irish neighborhoods
Many of the Hoboken buildings we live and work in today were built by Irish immigrants. The Irish-style buildings are often made of red brick and white trim, an ornate style of architecture referred to as “Irish Georgian.” When Irish immigrants started settling in Hoboken in the 1840s, they typically lived on the first few blocks of Ferry Street, Jefferson Street, and Monroe Street, with the population rising steadily through the 1870s.
2:30PM — Grab lunch at ONieal’s | 343 Park Avenue
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This spot is another staple, centrally located right next to Church Square Park. Their dining room is lively yet cozy and their outdoor dining during the warmer months allows patrons to sit across from the park while dining. ONieal’s has been serving the Hoboken community since 1984 and is known for their burgers, but they do have traditional options like Shepherd’s pie available as well.
4PM — Learn about early immigration at the Hoboken Historical Museum | 1301 Hudson Street
The Hoboken Historical Museum has a long-term exhibit on immigration through Ellis Island, which brought many new American citizens to Hoboken. Browse the museum and take in the photos and documents and see a more complete story of those who made the journey to achieve the American Dream.
6PM — Get dinner + drinks at Dear Maud | 205 1st Street
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The food here may not be Irish, but the inspiration behind the name is. The Maud this restaurant is referring to is Maud Gonne, a famous Irish activist, suffragette, and actress. Irish poet W.B. Yeats had fallen in love with her and wrote her many letters that began with “My Dear Maud”. This isn’t a love story, however. He had proposed to her three times, all of which she rejected. Luckily, our love affair with the new restaurant on 1st street is a real one. Their dishes are delicious and unique, and the perfect place to share small plates and decadent cocktails with friends.
8PM — Bar hop on 1st Street
Start at Mulligan’s – who was recently named Hoboken’s Irish Business of the Year at Hudson County’s annual Irish Flag Raising – and grab a pint of their finest Guinness. Play pool in the back of the pub and meet new people. Once you’re ready to Irish Goodbye, head over to McSwiggan’s for a few drinks and a round of darts with some of the best players in town. Across the street, you’ll find The Ferryman on First again.
11PM — End the Night at The Shannon | 106 1st Street
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One of the most popular bars amongst young bar hoppers, this pub has been open since 1956 from Joan and Michael Wall, Irish immigrants who were hoping to create a sense of community amongst those hailing from Ireland and landing in Hoboken. Legend has it, when you left Ireland, you were told to go directly to The Shannon, where they would get you a good meal, a job, and a place to live.
Sunday
11AM — Brunch at Moran’s | 501 Garden Street
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Boasting the “finest Guinness on this side of the Atlantic,” Moran’s has been around for over 25 years. The owner, Len Hehir, had planned on becoming a teacher in Ireland until he met a Jersey girl and followed her to the States. Len is known for teaching his restaurant patrons history, politics, and even current events while they chat at the bar. Make sure to top off your brunch with an Irish Coffee.
See More: St. Patricks Day Events Happening in Montclair + North Jersey | 2023
1PM — Check out the old Church of Holy Innocents | 524 Willow Avenue
Built in 1874 to serve German and Irish immigrants, this church is one of the oldest and most historic buildings in Hoboken. It was unlike most churches at the time because it did not have a pew fee to be seated, making it ideal for those still getting on their feet. The church is no longer used for religious services, but is home to many community events.
Please note: This article was inspired by the New York Times series titled 36 Hours.
