There are so many places to explore in Hoboken and Jersey City, but sometimes it’s fun to explore outside your bounds of familiarity. If you’re an avid HG reader, you likely know the main avenues of Hoboken and Jersey City pretty well, with some secret hidden gems dispersed throughout our cities. But take a walk on the Weehawken side of Hudson County, and you’ll be amazed at all the fun and unique spots there are to be found — right down the street. Read on for a roundup of all the different types of places you need to know where to go for a Weehawken walking tour.
Things To Do
Main Street – Park Avenue
The go-to street for shopping, dining, and drinking in Weehawken is Park Avenue, which divides Weehawken from Union City. If you’re not sure where to start your welcome tour of Weehawken, we suggest here. On Park Avenue, you’ll find Charlie’s Pizza, Garbanzo Grill a juice bar (listed below), a nail salon or two, fitness studios, and other quaint buildings with businesses in between. Take a stroll down Park Avenue and you’ll have been around Weehawken downtown.
City Center – Port Imperial | Port Imperial Boulevard
The developers behind Port Imperial call it an evolved waterfront experience. The city square is full of shopping, restaurants, residences, and recreation for locals to enjoy. Port Imperial is the perfect place to start if you’re looking to explore Weehawken. The development is home to many incredible culinary treats, including many on this list. Port Imperial houses a Whole Foods, Ben & Jerry’s, and a nail salon, too.
Park – Hamilton Park | 773 Boulevard E
Hamilton Park offers gorgeous NYC skyline views, grassy areas for relaxing, bright blooms during the spring and summer, as well as plenty of benches to stop and enjoy the view. While strolling through the park, make your way to the famous Weehawken Dueling Grounds, which you can read more about in our article about the famous Hamilton Duel at this site or our roundup of 17 Historical Places to Visit in North Jersey. Additionally, there is another monument of Hamilton and Burr located directly outside of UBS facing the water.
The Spirits of the Shippen Steps
The Shippen Steps is an unusually steep set of stairs that takes you down the Palisades Cliffs. In the 1800s, a pregnant woman reportedly fell down the steps and was killed along with her unborn child. Then in 1898, tragedy struck again when, according to a New York Times obituary, 50-year- old Otto Schultz was found dead at the head of the steps after shooting himself in the heart. Needless to say, there have since been reports of hauntings at this spooky staircase for centuries.
Read More: How to Spend a Day in Westfield
Where To Eat
Touch of Spice | 4114 Park Avenue
This restaurant serves up delicious Indian cuisine at affordable prices. Patrons can stop by for lunch, dinner, or order catering for an event. The shrimp tikka masala simmered in a creamy tomato sauce is a must-try.
Jack Austin’s | 500 Harbor Boulevard
(Photo credit: @jack_austins)
If wings, burgers, pork chops, shrimp, and grits are your thing, head straight to Jack Austin’s. “Jack’s on the Water” is now open, too, serving up locally-grown American fare, raw bar specials, cocktails, wine, and beer outdoors.
The Highwood | 500 Avenue at Port Imperial
(Photo credit: @the_highwood)
The Highwood sits on the waterfront and offers stunning views of Manhattan. It also offers a beautiful, fried chicken sandwich that locals tell us is even more impressive than the views. The restaurant offers deliciously unique cuisine spurred from classics and has an extensive menu including pizza, traditional gastropub entrees, seafood options, salads, and bar bites.
Porter | 1000 Avenue at Port Imperial
Porter, which opened towards the end of 2020, is a modern American gastropub with an upscale vibe, a seasonally-inspired menu featuring wood-fired pizzas and shareable plates, and an impressive array of handcrafted cocktails, beer, and wine.
Molos | 1 Pershing Road
(Photo credit: @molosrestaurant)
Molos is a Greek and Mediterranean-inspired, two-story restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the NYC skyline. The signature dishes include the preparation of a whole fish and flaming saganaki cheese, served tableside. The restaurant’s full bar features the wines of Greece. Follow Molos on Instagram and try not to drool on your phone.
The Chart House | 1700 Harbor Boulevard
(Photo credit: @charthouserestaurants)
This restaurant is located on a pier overlooking the Hudson River directly across from Hudson Yards in Manhattan. Beyond the stunning views, the Chart House offers impressive brunch and dinner menus of seafood options – from the raw bar to sushi, fresh fish, and surf and turf.
See More: How to Spend a Day in Summit
Marcus at Nohu Rooftop | 550 Avenue at Port Imperial
(Photo credit: @marcusatnohurooftop)
The rooftop of the EnVue Hotel recently became home to a chic, Marcus Samuelson restaurant as of October 2020. It’s already a local favorite – the restaurant has over 20K followers on Instagram. The menu is seasonally-inspired and currently includes items such as seared scallops with root puree, short ribs with chimichurri, and seafood jambalaya – family style. Noho is also open for brunch. Read more about Marcus Samuelson and his venture.
Steven’s Cafe | 1200 Avenue at Port Imperial
(Photo credit: @stevens_cafe_weehawken)
Coffee, doughnuts, macarons, pastries, cakes, bagels, juices, smoothies, sandwiches, gelato, and more. That’s what you can get at Steven’s Cafe in Weehawken on the water. Open daily from 6AM – 8PM, this cafe is a trusted, reliable spot for locals and a great place for those in need of a pick me up while just passing through, too.
Robongi Sushi Wok & Grill | 4800 Ave at Port Imperial
This Japanese spot offers creative sushi in a nautical environment. The rolls are a must-try as well as dishes like the chicken teriyaki lunch special. This restaurant is also a favorite for delivery.
The Hudson Cakery | 1816 Willow Avenue
(Photo credit: @hudsoncakery)
This bakeshop isn’t your average bakeshop. The Hudson Cakery is a female-owned, specialty bakery creating inventive custom cakes for weddings and special events. The bakery is available by appointment only. Follow HC on Instagram to live all your cake dreams vicariously through the bakery’s content.
Charrito’s | 974 JFK Boulevard East
(Photo credit: @loscharritos)
If authentic Mexican cuisine, divine margaritas, and a panoramic view of the New York City skyline get you excited, Charritos in Weehawken is a must-visit. The restaurant has a sister location in Hoboken, too.
