When speaking of Hoboken, many things come to mind — the epic skyline views, brownstone apartments, local coffee shops, and of course — the hustling and bustling street of Washington. Each street in Hoboken has a story to tell, and sure enough on Washington one can find a fun and frolicking atmosphere with endless options for food, drinks, workouts, and entertainment. In fact, The American Planning Association has dubbed Hoboken’s Washington Street as one of the Top 10 Great Streets in America for both its strong sense of history and its embrace of the future.
We’re excited to continue with our latest Street Series. Read along to learn more about the must-visit spots to visit along Washington Street in Hoboken. In part 1 of this series, we’ll take you from downtown to uptown (Newark to 5th Street) and share all the local businesses and sights to see.
Food
Bangkok Thai | 335 Washington Street
Bangkok Thai brings in the authentic flavors of Thai cuisine to Hoboken. The service is great and all the menu items are reasonably priced. The diverse menu has plenty of options to satisfy your tastebuds, and the lunch specials are a great way to try different items off the menu. The restaurant also serves Thai iced tea and local Thai beers to pair along with the food.
Charritos | 518 Washington Street
With bright interiors and an equally colorful outdoor setup, Charritos is one of Hoboken’s favorite Mexican restaurants. While this was earlier a BYOB spot, it now has a full bar menu and will also be rolling out brunch starting this weekend from 10:30AM to 2:00PM on Saturday and Sunday. The highlight will be the mimosa pitchers starting at $25.
Curry Up Now | 91 Washington Street
Curry Up Now is an Indian Street Food concept restaurant that brings in the flavors of India with a twist. It is a great option for dine-in or takeout and some of the popular menu items include the Naughty Naan, a flatbread of kulcha naan, mozzarella, caramelized onions, shaved jalapeño, local seasonal greens, and diner’s choice of protein, and the deconstructed samosa.
East LA | 508 Washington Street
From the flavorful margaritas to scrumptious guacamole, East LA is brimming with good vibes and great food. The happy hour menu is an easy and accessible way to try some of the local favorites. Some favorites include frozen margarita for drinks, and fajitas and burritos, which are served with a generous portion of rice, sour cream, and fresh-made guac.
Empanadas Cafe | 123 Washington Street
(Photo credit: @empanadascafehb)
The name “empanada” comes from the Spanish “empanar,” which means “to bread” or, in the case of the empanada, “to wrap something in bread”. This local favorite masters the technique flavors with both vegetarian and meat options, all flavorfully prepared. The empanada hot sauce and chimichurri sauce accentuate the flavor in each bite.
Illuzion | 337 Washington Street
Famous for the udon and sushi rolls, Illuzion on Washington is a Japanese BYO kitchen with a modern indoor setup as well as outdoor seating for the warmer days ahead. This is a great spot for a weekend dinner or to grab an affordable lunch during the week. The lunch bento box has a generous serving of various items off the menu and is priced starting at $11.
Karma Kafe | 505 Washington Street
Whether you’re an Indian food lover or looking for a place to have your first meal of this type of cuisine — Karma is THE spot. The ambiance is modern yet traditional, and the friendly staff and delectable array of menu items will leave you feeling good. The highlight of the menu is the famous Garlic Naan, which will literally melt into your mouth in every bite.
La Isla | 104 Washington Street
Bringing in the flavors of Cuban cuisine for over two generations, we have La Isla. It has both downtown and uptown locations and each spot has the same high-quality Cuban food, even if the vibes are a little different — with the downtown location resembling a Cuban diner setting right out of Havana, and the uptown location being more modern and chic with an expansive seating space.
Rice Shop | 208 Washington Street
Rice Shop is one of those hole-in-the-wall places you can’t stop going back to once you’ve discovered it. It is known for its excellent Chinese cuisine and service and has one of the most reasonable lunch specials in town. For just $12.95, you can get two entrees (veg and meat options), a side of rice, and a drink or soup.
Satay | 99 Washington Street
Satay’s menu is a combination of both Malaysian and Chinese food. The place is BYOB and is famous for lunch specials as well as a dinner menu where the options are endless and the level of spice can be altered according to your taste. The restaurant also has a whole bubble tea menu and is a great grab-and-go option for a long walk in Spring.
South Street Fish + Ramen | 219 Washington Street
(Photo credit: @southstreetfishramenco)
A hot bowl of ramen is comforting to the soul, and you don’t have to go far to get one. South Street’s famous Miso Ramen is packed with flavor and plenty of topping options. The portion sizes are great for the price.
Tacoria | 208 Washington Street
Tacos are always a good idea, and what’s even better is trying them at Tacoria. It was started by a group of friends from Rutgers who loved Mexican food and ventured all the way to Mexico to learn the culinary secrets and bring some of it back home to their own kitchens. This spot recently opened on Washington Street.
The Cuban | 333 Washington Street
If you’re looking to jump on the train of an adventure in Cuban adventure cuisine, look no further than the Cuban located on the corner of 4th and Washington. The great reviews on this one are hard to miss, and the residents seem to love the food, adore the staff, and are all in praise for the drinks that include the Cuban bloody mary for brunch, and sangria pitchers.
Read More: There Was Once a Circus in Hoboken on Washington Street
Pizza
New York might be famous for its pizza, but Hoboken residents also take the slice very seriously, which is why there are plenty of local spots around town, each bringing a unique approach to this quintessential item.
Basile’s Pizza | 89 Washington Street
(Photo credit: @basilepizza)
Basile’s is a pizza lover’s dream with options for white and red Sicilian pizza. With the convenient location to the PATH station, it’s the place to bring your friends to try some NJ pizza when visiting Hoboken. Other pizza options here include create-your-own, buffalo chicken, and white spinach pies.
Grimaldi’s | 411 Washington Street
Grimaldi’s is known for its coal brick oven pizza. With its first location under the Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO, this spot continues to carry over 100 years of pizza tradition. The hand-crafted pizzas, calzones, and antipasto are all made with the secret sauce and it’s a real treat to the tastebuds.
Imposto’s Pizza | 102 Washington Street
Pizza preferences will always be deeply personal, especially when each topping on the slice tastes just as good as the crust and sauce. The square Bianca pie with mozzarella, ricotta, and garlic oil is truly the slice of dreams, and for our pasta lovers, you can’t go wrong with the chicken Francese.
Pizza Republic | 406 Washington Street
(Photo credit: @pizzarepublicnj)
This neighborhood pizzeria is known for its specialty pies made with a generous serving of cheese and sauce. Featured on the menu are vegan and gluten-free pizza, along with wraps and specialty sandwiches. Finding chicken noodle soup here might come as a surprise but works wonders especially when you’re feeling under the weather.
Bubble Tea + Desserts
Carlo’s Bakery | 95 Washington Street
Famous for the desserts, cakes, pastries and also featured on the hit show Cake Boss, Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken is a true gem. Master Baker Buddy Valastro and his delectable desserts have been featured in numerous publications and TV shows, and we’re just happy that the bakery calls Hoboken home. It’s a great place to treat your sweet tooth to the famous rainbow cake and cookies.
Gong Cha | 527 Washington Street
(Photo credit: @gonachausaca)
Gong Cha translates to “Tribute tea for the emperor” and is known for its premium tea and tapioca pearls. Gong Cha is one of the most famous bubble tea brands in the world and is a favorite of Hobokenites. The drinks are crafted with ingredients from the finest Taiwanese tea estates, and the pearls and tea are refreshed every four hours. There are creative flavors such as the strawberry creme brulee and matcha milk slush.
Kung Fu Tea | 536 Washington Street
(Photo credit: @kungfuteausa)
Founded in Queens, NYC, Kung Fu Tea is a New York-born and raised bubble tea franchise. This location is a local crowd-pleaser in Hoboken thanks to the vibrant décor and Instagrammable bubble tea options. The seating space tucked at the end is a nice working nook when looking to avoid busy crowds.
Rita’s Italian Ice + Frozen Custard | 121 Washington Street
(Photo credit: @ritasice)
As the warm days of spring are finally upon us, it’s time to get into the spirit of cold dessert treats, and Rita’s Custard is a great way to start. The vanilla custard is the most famous item on the menu. Rita’s has layers of Italian Ice that can be combined with the custard for the ultimate icy treat.
Vivi Bubble Tea | 117 Washington Street
(Photo credit: @vivibubbleteanj)
Vivi Bubble Tea has something sweet and savory for us all. The ramen menu is designed to satisfy all your food cravings, as well as an interesting array of bubble tea options. Each drink is made fresh upon ordering. There are always seasonal flavors and new products to keep things juicy.
Bars
Black Bear Bar + Grill | 205 Washington Street
When it comes to watching sports and pairing that with good food and reasonably priced drinks for happy hour — look no further than Black Bear. With two floors of seating, and outdoor tables making a comeback this spring, this will soon be the go-to for it all. Be sure to drop by on Wednesdays for Trivia night with some recent events such as Downton Abbey and The Office Trivia.
Farside Tavern | 531 Washington Street
Farside is one of the low-key bars in Washington that quickly becomes a favorite with its casual ambiance and outdoor space. The back patio area has some game options to play with the group, and on game nights there are many fun deals. Get a Whiteclaw bucket for $25, touchdown shots for $3, or delicious wings with the deals.
Louise + Jerry’s | 329 Washington Street
Louise & Jerry’s is what we’ve come to rely on when it comes to having a late night out at the bar, or playing a game of pool while enjoying a beer. The retro atmosphere and huge windows facing Washington is a great way to enjoy the daily happy hour from 1PM – 7PM. It is also a pet-friendly bar in town with a BYOF (Bring Your Own Food) option.
Madd Hatter | 221 Washington Street
Regardless of whether you can remember your experience the next morning, chances are you had a good time at Madd Hatter. With the electric blue lights and music, the weekend is well-spent here if you’re in the mood to party. Madd Hatter has plenty of food options along with great deals on drinks.
Tally Ho | 215 Washington Street
(Photo credit: @tallyhoboken)
Trust Tally Ho to keep the vibes fun and entertaining any day of the week. This bar boasts a variety of happy hour deals — such as Tally Thursday with half-off drinks and bottomless wings for $19.99. On weekends, it also has what is called “Yappy Hour” with $15 pitchers ad $7 pints of mimosa from 2PM – 6PM.
The Brass Rail | 135 Washington Street
(Photo credit: @thebrassrailnj)
Famous for the weekend brunch scene and romantic dinners, the Brass Rail is the perfect fusion of old charm and modern chic vibes. It has a pre-fixe brunch menu for $27 per person that includes two courses and a cocktail. The eggs benedict tastes as good as it looks, and while you’re here be sure to try the creme brulee — which is a Hoboken classic dessert.
The restaurant is known to switch up the brunch and dinner menu for spring, so be sure to keep an eye on the restaurant’s social media for the latest.
See More: Your Ultimate 2022 Hudson County Bucket List
Coffee Shops
Bluestone Lane | 409 Washington Street
If you’re curious where Hoboken residents are brunching this spring season — it’s probably Bluestone Lane. The brekkie bowl is a great order because it allows one to experience the best of sweet and savory, that is, the famous avocado toast and granola with fresh fruits. The Melbourne-inspired coffee shop takes espresso drinks very seriously – be sure to try out the flat white.
Jefferson’s Coffee | 534 Washington Street
(Photo credit: @jeffersonscoffee)
With two locations in Hoboken, on Madison and on Washington Street, the latter has ample seating space when it comes to finding a spot to work from or grabbing coffee on a date. Matcha lovers will be delighted by the creation of the baristas and the convenient location is also a great grab-and-go spot for coffee on the way to work. The cafe also stays open late until 7PM.
La Bouche | 207 Washington Street
La Bouche is a French restaurant that will transport diners to an episode of Emily in Paris with its European-style white brick walls and mini outdoor setup. Locals can be found here on the weekends enjoying a good breakfast with some menu highlights such as croissant egg and cheese, and mouth-watering crepes with Nutella and fresh strawberries.
Old German Bakery | 332 Washington Street
(Photo credit: @oldgermanbakery)
Owner Haytad Urachyan has been running the Bakery for over 10 years. The famous saying goes, “All sorrows in life are less with bread”, and in Old German, the quality and taste of the bread are top-notch, much like the cakes that can be seen in the window display. The HG recommendation is the Crusty Bread, which is a dark-colored bread with a subtle caramel aftertaste.
Prato Bakery | 201 Washington Street
(Photo credit: @pratobakery)
After four years of its presence in the West Village in New York, Prato opened its locations in Hoboken and Jersey City. The goal is to transport one back to Tuscany with every bite of the focaccia sandwiches. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, try the famous Cantucci, which is a biscotti-like cookie made with apricots, prune, chocolate, or figs.
