Paulus Hook is a quaint neighborhood with an interesting connection to the Revolutionary War. Today, this section of Jersey City is known for its brownstones, local cafes, and easy access to the waterfront and Liberty State Park. It’s a quiet neighborhood with a strong sense of community that is home to many young families and professionals. Keep reading to learn more about the history of Paulus Hook and for a brief tour of the neighborhood’s happenings.
History
Paulus Hook was developed by the Dutch and served as a British-controlled fort during the Revolutionary War. The Continental Army, led by Major Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee, launched a surprise attack on the British on August 19th, 1779. This became known as the Battle of Paulus Hook and the Battle is still commemorated in Paulus Hook to this day. Neighbors and reenactors participate in a ceremony on August 19th every year with speeches commemorating the battle.
While there is a memorial to the Battle of Paulus Hook in the neighborhood, that’s not the only noteworthy statue. Paulus Hook is also home to Jersey City’s Korean War Memorial, which was erected in 2002.
The Paulus Hook neighborhood goes all out for Halloween, with many of the charming brownstones decorated for the holiday. There is also an annual parade for children and pets to show off their costumes, with games and prizes for participants.
Read More: Things to Do in the Hamilton Park Neighborhood of Jersey City
Eating + Drinking
87 Sussex | 87 Sussex Street
87 Sussex is a new eatery that took over the former site of John’s Pizzeria. The restaurant is from the same team behind nearby Satis, and is hosting an official opening celebration on April 26th + April 27th. The menu combines elevated American fare with global cuisines. Specialty cocktails, beer, and wine by the glass are available to complement the meal.
Amelia’s Bistro | 187 Warren Street
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This is an American restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. It is a popular brunch spot and menu items include Belgian-style waffles, caramel crunch brioche French toast, avocado toast, and omelets. Amelia’s has happy hour from 3PM-6PM on Monday-Friday with discounts on wine, beer, cocktails, and a few bar bites.
Bobwhite Counter | 150 Warren Street
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Bobwhite Counter is a popular fried chicken spot near the waterfront. The menu features sandwiches, wraps, and biscuits. The sides menu — which includes pimento cheese dip, collard greens with black-eyed peas, and coleslaw — should not be overlooked. HG pro tip: the house-made lemonade is not to be missed.
Buddy’s JC | 247 Washington Street
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Buddy’s is a staple in the Jersey City brunch scene. This eatery is known for its specialty pancake menu with flavors like Cinnamon Toast Crunch + Fruity Pebbles. In addition to brunch, this restaurant serves burgers, pasta, salads, sandwiches, and drinks. It can get busy on the weekends, so prepare to wait.
Dream Vista | 177 York Street
Dream Vista is a whimsical and charming woman-owned cafe in Paulus Hook. This spot has a backyard where guests can sit on sunny days and it can be rented out for events. The menu includes Turkish coffee, pistachio lattes, rose lattes, flat white, drip coffees, and tons of baked goods.
Honshu | 95 Greene Street
Honshu is a modern Japanese restaurant that opened in 2005. This restaurant specializes in sushi rolls and sashimi. But, if guests are in the mood for something else, the entree menu features pan-roasted duck breast with sauteed baby bok choy and grilled tuna steak with mango salsa and wasabi cream sauce. The restaurant has a menu of alcoholic beverages including sake.
Light Horse Tavern | 199 Washington Street
This beloved Paulus Hook restaurant has a spacious interior and plenty of sidewalk seating. It is buzzing on sunny days, especially during brunch. The restaurant was named for “Light Horse Harry,” the Continental Army captain who led a surprise attack on Paulus Hook during the Revolutionary War.
Lobster Garage | 98 Morris Street
Lobster Garage is a casual, outdoor bar connected to Light Horse Tavern. This spot has heat lamps and igloos during the colder months, but it is especially popular on warm, sunny days. The menu includes lobster rolls, oysters, fries, beer, and wine.
Tino’s Artisan Pizza Co. | 199 Warren Street
Anyone who walks past Tino’s when the pizza oven is in use will have a hard time resisting stopping in for a pie. This pizzeria is a favorite in Paulus Hook for dine-in, pick-up, and delivery. The menu is full of tempting options like red + white pizzas, pasta, salads, and sandwiches. Gluten-free pizza crust is available.
Sam a.m. | 112 Morris Street
Sam a.m. is a cafe and community gathering spot with a welcoming staff and a delicious menu. This is a go-to in Paulus Hook for breakfast, brunch, and lunch so, on the weekends, come early or be prepared to wait. The menu includes set items and specials with highlights like huevos rancheros and chicken noodle soup, among other items.
Satis Bistro | 212 Washington Street
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Satis Bistro is a European-style eatery that serves brunch, dinner, drinks, and dessert. The restaurant has indoor + patio seating for warmer days. The dinner menu includes small plates like duck croquettes + beet ravioli alongside entrees like Scottish wild salmon and grilled cauliflower steak.
Speedy’s Burgers + Bowls | 84 1/2 Morris Street
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As the name suggests, this is an option for a quick bite in Paulus Hook. The menu features Pat LaFrieda blend burgers, tacos, burritos, salmon burgers, chicken bites, poke bowls, and hummus bowls. Anyone who wants to finish their meal on a sweet note can order a vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or black + white shake. Lunch specials run on weekdays from 11AM-4PM and diners can enjoy a Speedy’s burger, fries, and soda for $12.95.
Sky Thai | 62 Morris Street
Sky Thai is a lunch + dinner restaurant with a full menu including soup, curry, fried rice, and noodles. Lunch specials are available and it’s a popular option for take-out or a quick meal during the workday.
White Star | 179 Warren Street
White Star is an elevated sports bar with a menu of burgers, flatbreads, sandwiches, salads, and bar snacks like BBQ wings and fried pickles. The sidewalk tables are popular when the weather is nice and this spot has happy hour from Monday through Friday from 4PM-6PM.
Shopping + Things to Do
Waterfront
One of the best parts about Paulus Hook is the easy access to the waterfront. Visitors can take in the sunrise or sunset during a stroll or rent a Citi Bike for a waterfront ride. The Paulus Hook ferry connects to Midtown, Wall Street/Pier 11, and Brookfield Place for anyone who wants to commute via boat. Anyone who wanders along the waterfront will see the giant Colgate Clock which serves as a reminder that the Colgate company was based in Paulus Hook in the 1800s.
Kanibal + Co | 197 Montgomery Street
Kanibal + Co is a local boutique with a curated selection of gifts, clothing items, and trinkets. It’s a perfect place to pick up a gift for a friend and the helpful staff will even gift wrap the item. The shop always has something new so keep an eye out for seasonal selections.
Morris Canal Park | 158 Washington Street
This grassy peninsula is a nice place to bring dogs or a picnic blanket. It’s a small park with excellent views of Manhattan. On nice days, tons of people from the neighborhood gather here to enjoy the breeze off the water.
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Paulus Hook Farmers Market | 158 Washington Street
The Paulus Hook Farmers Market runs on Saturdays from April through December close to the Morris Canal State Park and Korean War Memorial. Stony Hill Farm provides the market with tons of seasonal produce plus shoppers can usually find a good selection of meat, seafood, and baked goods.
Sam a.m. Run Club | 112 Morris Street
Sam a.m. cafe hosts a weekly run club that meets outside the cafe on Wednesday mornings at 6:30AM. The group follows the same four-mile loop from the cafe to Liberty State Park and back. It’s a nice way to meet people in the neighborhood and Sam gives all of the runners free coffee at the end of the run.
Spa Nature | 18 Park View Avenue
Spa Nature is a large, relaxing salon where visitors can enjoy a refreshing pedicure or manicure. The salon has tons of polish color options and the basic pedicure includes a hot stone and shoulder massage.
Willy Wall’s Floating Clubhouse | 140 Dudley Street
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The Willy Wall is the Manhattan Yacht Club’s floating clubhouse that is open from May to October. Anyone can purchase a ticket to visit the Willy Wall for a low-key night on the water. Guests can order drinks on the Willy Wall but they are welcome to bring food. Many people enjoy going on Tuesdays to watch sailboat races from the water.
