Via Rutkowski 
In the blink of an eye, all things Y2K have made their way back to the forefront of the trend cycle (and we’re not complaining). As Y2K takes center stage over 20 years later, it’s exciting to see the full-on cultural revival trickle down to our own neighborhoods. Even businesses like Abercrombie & Fitch and True Religion are coming to Hoboken + Jersey City this summer. And while there are many elements that can define a decade, the fun thing about Y2K style is that it extends well beyond just clothing and accessories; food, music, and interior design all play a role. Read on for our round-up of spots in Hoboken and Jersey City (plus a few honorable mentions) with Y2K vibes.
Hoboken
Little Charm Bar | 730 Washington Street, Hoboken
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Nothing screams Y2K like a charm bracelet. Little Charm Bar is a customizable charm bar with locations inside Alba Boutique and AxD in Hoboken. Here, shoppers can create one-of-a-kind charm bracelets or necklaces with a pop of personality, including cherry charms, bedazzled hearts, monograms, moons, stars, plus dozens more. Little Charm Bar also has mobile services and can host custom parties, pop-ups, and private events.
Read More: Vintage Arcade + Coffee Shop ‘Mothership’ Coming to Downtown Hoboken
MOJO Coffee | 230 Willow Avenue, Hoboken + 159-161 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
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MOJO Coffee may be known and loved for its Funfetti coffee and colorful treats (which are also SO Y2K), but the coffee shop’s “Pop Tarts” are what truly spark major nostalgia. While the flavors rotate, MOJO creates homemade “Pop Tarts,” typically released on Friday mornings with limited inventory. Over the years, MOJO has served “Pop Tarts” with flavors like blueberry crumb, strawberry frosted, and even holiday-themed ones for St. Patrick’s Day and Valentine’s Day. Be sure to keep an eye out for the next release on Instagram. HG tip: MOJO Coffee recently opened a new outpost at 159-161 Newark Avenue in Jersey City.
Noellery | 123 Washington Street, Hoboken + 321 Grove Street, Jersey City
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While Noellery itself has a modern interior with tons of designs to choose from, the jewelry selection gives big Y2K energy. With designs like monogrammed plates, anklets, and butterfly bestie bracelets, it’s a clear nod to an era of nostalgic accessories.
Jeong Film | 162 1st Street
Jeong Film is run by TJ Jeong, a Hoboken-based photographer of 15 years. Last summer, TJ decided to add a collection of photo booths to his photography studio for the public to enjoy. Locals can pop in and snap a photo behind the curtain of multiple vintage-style photo booths with color or black and white options. This brings us right back to the days of mall and movie theatre photo booths used to commemorate friendships, relationships, and all-around sentimental experiences with a photo strip of your own to take home. To explore more spots with photobooths, click here.
Jersey City
Cranky Angel | 304 Newark Avenue
Cranky Angel owner Montana Fucci is the local queen of Y2K. If you’ve ever shopped there, you know it’s like stepping into the bedroom of your favorite Disney Channel character. There’s even a retro photo booth in the back, right next to a beaded curtain. With everything from Paul Frank finds to Lizzie McGuire stickers, and some of the most on-point Y2K clothing and accessories, this vintage thrift combo instantly transports you into the early 2000s.
Dirty Hippie Studio | 304 Newark Avenue
Right next door to Cranky Angel is Dirty Hippie Studio, a community creative space that hosts tons of events and gatherings. While Dirty Hippie honed in on the funky styles of the 70s, there are plenty of Y2K touches to love. Maybe it’s the vibrant zebra print exterior or the hand-painted retro cartoon artwork from founder India Joseph (aka Foxy Green), but we’re sensing some Y2K nods here. Inside you can find India’s original artwork on display with scenes from Rugrats, Scooby Doo, and The Simpsons to name a few.
Lil’ Dove Cafe | 589 Palisade Avenue
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Lil’ Dove Cafe in Jersey City Heights is a go-to for residents looking for a specialty coffee and a quick bite. The interior of the store is what lands Lil’ Dove a spot on this list thanks to its colorful design, stand-out window displays, and curated retail section with adorable graphic pillows, cards, cups, and more. The pops of color and upbeat energy make this space feel like a cafe from the scene of an early 2000s movie.
Departed Soles | 150 Bay Street #2A
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Departed Soles is best known for its unbeatable selection of gluten-free beers. If you’ve ever hung out inside, you’d instantly recognize the various nods to the early 2000s. With Ninja Turtles galore, skate decks on the walls, and even a gaming station. The Departed Soles tasting room reminds us of the early 2000s.
The Hair Room | 467 Palisade Avenue
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The Hair Room in Jersey City Heights is a great spot for a quality cut and color, and an inclusive haven bursting with color and fun times. The salon is unlike any other salon, painted with bold shades of pink, decked out with 90s/early 2000s memorabilia that feels like a teenage bedroom.
Pixel Lab | 381 1st Street
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Arcades are truly a lost art, one that kids of the 80s, 90s, early 2000s (and beyond) can appreciate. Pixel Lab is open to all ages and features several video game consoles, arcade games, and board games. Patrons can choose to play by the hour or grab a day pass to immerse themselves in gameplay all day long.
Phantasm | 379 Monmouth Street
Phantasm is a collective-style vintage hub with collections from various curators. While Phantasm has quite the mix of vintage clothing, records, and homeware from all eras, we have to shout out the most Y2K thing of all: the fuzzy purple dressing room. After you take a peek at the dressing room (or try something on for yourself), don’t miss the shop’s incredible vintage t-shirt collection, sure to spark some Y2K-esque memories.
ZeroKid NJ | 381 Monmouth Street
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ZeroKid NJ has a stellar collection of vintage streetwear. The t-shirt and sneaker collection alone is enough to trigger some major Y2K memories. With the big skater energy and a fantastic selection of menswear (and way more), ZeroKid NJ’s ultra-curated picks capture the feeling of times passed.
Honorable Mentions
Coach Coffee Shop | 1 Premium Outlets Boulevard #201, Tinton Falls
The classic Coach monogram is an undeniable staple of the early 2000s. Recently, Coach opened up its first-ever Coach Coffee Shop at the Jersey Shore Premium Outlets attached to a Coach retail store. In the shop, patrons can grab coffee with monogrammed cinnamon or cocoa powder toppers, try a Tabby Cake (shaped like a Coach bag), and reminisce in the cozy, fashion-centric setting. After a treat, pop into the Coach store for another round of Y2K style with Coach’s various collections featuring cherries, bag charms, and cartoon-ish graphic designs.
The Pretty Charming Co. | 17 Mechanic Street, Red Bank
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The Pretty Charming Co. in Redbank is Monmouth County’s first customizable trucker hat bar. The trucker hat trend of the early 2000s was popularized by various celebs back in the day, and now has come full circle. The Pretty Charming Co. allows customers to embellish their hats with colorful patches sure to turn heads.
See More: A Guide to Thrift Stores + Antique Shops in Montclair
Unleashed Thrift | 20 Washington Avenue, Nutley
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Unleashed Thrift in Nutley knows exactly how to curate a killer collection of Y2K pieces. With funky animal prints, vintage tanks and tees, bedazzled mini skirts, embellished belts, and beyond. The Y2K vibes here are undeniable.
