Life gets busy and it’s easy to overlook all of the shops + restaurants in Hoboken when rushing from one place to the next. As the weather gets nicer, it’s fun to slow down and wander along the charming streets in Hoboken. This Willow Avenue Street series is a guide to some of the best spots along Willow Avenue. Keep reading for a Willow Avenue shopping + eating guide from downtown to uptown.
Downtown Willow Avenue | Newark Street – 4th Street
Antique At 112 | 112 Willow Avenue
Antique At 112 is a micro-diner run by the team behind Antique Bar + Bakery. The restaurant follows the philosophy of “give the people what they want” and popular dishes include Hoboken-styled hot dogs, ‘sangwiches,’ and burgers. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based menu items are available.
Antique Bar + Bakery | 122 Willow Avenue
This restaurant has been a Hoboken staple for more than 100 years. It’s known for its 30-ton coal oven + for serving some of Frank Sinatra’s favorite breadsticks. The menu has steak dinners, gluten-free pasta, seafood, and a family-sized bread pudding.
Read More: Things to Do on Park Avenue in Hoboken
MOJO Coffee Company | 230 Willow Avenue
MOJO Coffee is a locally-owned coffee shop with a cozy, neighborhood vibe. This is a great spot to sit and relax or to pick up a drink to enjoy while exploring Willow Avenue. The cafe has creative signature drinks throughout the year like the Funfetti Iced Latte, Grinch Matcha, and Cinnamon Swirl Latte.
Zack’s | 232 Willow Avenue
Zack’s is a beloved brunch spot with plenty of patio seating for sunny days. The brunch menu has something for everyone, from the savory Steak + Eggs to the sweet Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. The eatery serves lunch, dinner, + drinks in addition to brunch.
Chango Kitchen | 301 Willow Avenue
This Cuban-Latin restaurant has tamales, Cuban sandwiches, vegetarian options, and mofongos, the classic Puerto Rican plantain dish. The restaurant opened in 2019 and quickly became a favorite lunch destination in Hoboken. Chango Kitchen has daily lunch specials from Monday to Friday with discounts on entrees like ropa vieja and pollo asado.
Ovale | 305 Willow Avenue
Ovale is an artisanal pizzeria that opened at the end of 2023. This new contender on the Hoboken pizza scene stands out with a crust that is light, airy, + crunchy. The pies are topped with high-quality ingredients like DOP San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella fior di latte, crimini mushrooms, and prosciutto crudo.
As U Wish Nail + Lash Spa | 319 Willow Avenue #1
This luxurious nail salon welcomes anyone who needs to unwind + relax. The talented technicians provide manicures, pedicures, eyelash extensions, waxing, + tanning services.
Church Square Park | 400 Garden Street
Church Square Park is across Willow Avenue from Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church. The park has a dog run, basketball courts, a playground, + plenty of passive space for picnicking, sunbathing, or reading.
Midtown Willow Avenue | 5th Street – 9th Street
Impact Hoboken | 603 Willow Avenue
Impact is a group fitness studio that welcomes people of all body sizes + fitness levels. The studio specializes in strength, barre, HITT, and sculpt classes. Anyone curious about Impact can sign up for a discounted new client drop-in class to get a feel for the studio.
All Occasion Florist | 617 Willow Avenue
All Occasion Florist has created professional bouquets and arrangements for over two decades. The local florist has same-day delivery for orders in Hoboken. This florist can make special arrangements that fit any celebrations, from birthdays to holidays to just because.
Joey No Nuts Café | 638 Willow Avenue
If anyone is craving a nut-free treat while wandering Willow Avenue, Joey No Nuts Cafe has you covered. This 100% nut-free cafe is owned by Jeff and Jessica Witte-Dyer, Hoboken residents whose daughter has a nut allergy. The cafe has smoothies, espresso drinks, and pastries like muffins and cookies. HG tip: the walk-up window is a great choice for getting a treat while not interrupting your pup’s walk.
Finnegan’s Pub | 734 Willow Avenue
This lively Irish bar has pool tables, dart boards, live music on weekends, + TVs for NFL and Premier League games. The Hoboken Arsenal FC Supporters Club meets here so fans can watch every game at Finnegan’s. The pub has an expansive food + drink menu with classics like nachos, sliders, fish + chips, burgers, and more than a dozen beers on tap.
Biscuit Babe | 918 Willow Avenue
Biscuit Babe is a new eatery coming to Hoboken. Signs popped up last year on the windows of the former D’s Soul Full Cafe. There are not that many details yet but The Hoboken Girl has reached out for comment.
Uptown Willow Avenue | 10th Street – 15th Street
10th + Willow Bar + Grill | 935 Willow Avenue
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10th + Willow has been a low-key nightlife destination for 25 years. It’s open until 3AM on Fridays and Saturdays and has some of the best martinis in Hoboken. The cocktail menu has a cucumber martini, espresso martini, + mango mojito martini. The Buffalo fried shrimp is a standout on the appetizer menu.
Tenth Street Pasta + Pizza | 1000 Willow Avenue
Tenth Street Pasta + Pizza is a BYOB spot owned by the same team that runs 10th + Willow which is right across the street. Tenth Street Pasta + Pizza has authentic Italian dishes + a small menu of square and classic pies. The pies come well done + are topped with house-made mozzarella.
See More: Things to Do on Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair
Trader Joe’s | 1350 Willow Avenue
Trader Joe’s is convenient for anyone who needs to pick up some pantry staples or wants to try out one of the specialty items like the Speculoos Cookie Butter or Cauliflower Gnocchi. It’s right next to Wine Dads so shoppers can find a bottle to pair with a Trader Joe’s meal.
Orale Mexican Kitchen | 1426 Willow Avenue
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Orale Mexican Kitchen is a popular Hoboken brunch destination. The menu has huevos rancheros, green chile pork hash, tacos, enchiladas, and almost a dozen different types of guacamole. Brunch is just the beginning and this eatery’s main menu has vegan chimi, wood-grilled carne asada, tacos, and guacamole. Tres Leches de Canela, flan, and churros are on the dessert menu and multiple types of margaritas are on the cocktail list.
