Lil’s Jersey City Guidebook
Great Food Worth Finding
Jersey City has some excellent food. I am a former restaurant critic, cook and food writer.
This is farm to table casual place is right outside the Journal Square Path train and great to stop in or pick up on the way home for locals and commuters. Produce comes from one of my favorite farmers: Guy Jones at Blooming Hill Farms up near Woodbury Commons outlets in upstate New York.
https://whealthandco.com/
8 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Whealth
615 Pavonia AveThis is farm to table casual place is right outside the Journal Square Path train and great to stop in or pick up on the way home for locals and commuters. Produce comes from one of my favorite farmers: Guy Jones at Blooming Hill Farms up near Woodbury Commons outlets in upstate New York.
https://whealthandco.com/
Across the street from the Journal Square Path train (be careful crossing!). They have awesome hot dogs!
Boulevard Drinks
48 Journal Square PlazaAcross the street from the Journal Square Path train (be careful crossing!). They have awesome hot dogs!
This has great wood fires pizza and they also make their own bread AND butter! The NY Times made a video of them. Go early, they fill up fast.
https://razzanj.com/
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Razza
275/277 Grove StThis has great wood fires pizza and they also make their own bread AND butter! The NY Times made a video of them. Go early, they fill up fast.
https://razzanj.com/
Legit Mexican is rare but this place makes the cut!
https://taqueriadowntownjersey.com/
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La Taqueria Downtown
236 Grove StLegit Mexican is rare but this place makes the cut!
https://taqueriadowntownjersey.com/
Really fine hand made pastas that are noticeably delicious.
https://pastadalcuorejc.com/
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Pasta Dal Cuore
527 Jersey AveReally fine hand made pastas that are noticeably delicious.
https://pastadalcuorejc.com/
This is a few minutes walk from the house. It's one of two great dosa (fermented rice crepes with different fillings) establishments on the same block. Excellent idlly and uttapam. Ignore the horrible styrofoam plates and appreciate the masala tea. Note there’s no alcohol served or sold and BYO is not allowed. This is strict vegetarian and absolutely delicious, cheap and cheerful!
https://www.jerseycitydosahut.com/
Dosa Hut
777 Newark AvenueThis is a few minutes walk from the house. It's one of two great dosa (fermented rice crepes with different fillings) establishments on the same block. Excellent idlly and uttapam. Ignore the horrible styrofoam plates and appreciate the masala tea. Note there’s no alcohol served or sold and BYO is not allowed. This is strict vegetarian and absolutely delicious, cheap and cheerful!
https://www.jerseycitydosahut.com/
For something wonderful and different, try this place reviewed by Robert Sietsema on Eater.com as a fantastic protein option for wonderful egg-fashioned curries and toasts. It's a quick walk around the corner!
https://www.eggmania.com/menu/?city=Jersey
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EggMania
14 Liberty AveFor something wonderful and different, try this place reviewed by Robert Sietsema on Eater.com as a fantastic protein option for wonderful egg-fashioned curries and toasts. It's a quick walk around the corner!
https://www.eggmania.com/menu/?city=Jersey
Amazing Italian bites and simple fine cooking. There's no seating and this is a casual delicious place worth taking an Uber ride. It's not far but too far to walk in winter! https://breadandsalt.square.site/
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Bread & Salt
435 Palisade AveAmazing Italian bites and simple fine cooking. There's no seating and this is a casual delicious place worth taking an Uber ride. It's not far but too far to walk in winter! https://breadandsalt.square.site/
Home made Bengali food that is made to order with love. Check the daily menu first!
https://www.koraikitchen.com/
Korai Kitchen
576 Summit AveHome made Bengali food that is made to order with love. Check the daily menu first!
https://www.koraikitchen.com/
Great pain au chocolate, bread, small meals and other pastries. A new location is up the block north of Kennedy Blvd and a great workspace with clean facilities. There are other locations around JC and Hoboken.
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Choc•O•Pain French Bakery and Cafe
530 Jersey AveGreat pain au chocolate, bread, small meals and other pastries. A new location is up the block north of Kennedy Blvd and a great workspace with clean facilities. There are other locations around JC and Hoboken.
If you like tres leches or other Latin sweets, run! This is a local Argentine bakery that has freshly made everything. It's across the street from Pampitas butcher so get your steak and sweets for dinner at home.
https://www.dulcedelechebakery.com/
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Dulce de Leche Bakery
376 Central AveIf you like tres leches or other Latin sweets, run! This is a local Argentine bakery that has freshly made everything. It's across the street from Pampitas butcher so get your steak and sweets for dinner at home.
https://www.dulcedelechebakery.com/
ICE CREAM! BAKERY!
http://www.milksugarlove.com/
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Milk Sugar Love Creamery & Bakeshop
19 McWilliams PlICE CREAM! BAKERY!
http://www.milksugarlove.com/
Sausage bar near Grove Street station on the Path train.
https://www.wurstbarjc.com/menus/
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WÜRSTBAR
516 Jersey AveSausage bar near Grove Street station on the Path train.
https://www.wurstbarjc.com/menus/
This is around the corner past Canco Park if you feel a need to walk away for a real coffee break.
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modcup coffee company
479 Palisade AveThis is around the corner past Canco Park if you feel a need to walk away for a real coffee break.
Antique Bar & Bakery
122 Willow AveMadame Claude Bis
390 4th StDelicious local classic French bistro
White Eagle Hall
337 Newark AveLocal bar with events in a historic building
This is for the hungry jet lagged and night owls with great Mexican food available 24/7!
https://www.la-brujeria.com/
La Brujeria
590 Grand StreetThis is for the hungry jet lagged and night owls with great Mexican food available 24/7!
https://www.la-brujeria.com/
Saigon Bistro
514 Central AvenueGreat Vietnamese in the heights section.
Ibby's Falafel
303 Grove StLegendary falafel and hummus++!!!
Great onigiri place. Rice balls! Yay! https://korokorocafe.com/
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Koro Koro Rice Ball Cafe
538 Jersey AveGreat onigiri place. Rice balls! Yay! https://korokorocafe.com/
The Grind Shop
360 Communipaw AveA great local coffee roaster!
https://www.grindcoffeejc.com/
This is only open during summer season but worth going for the great food!
https://www.smorgasburg.com/
Smorgasburg Jersey City
This is only open during summer season but worth going for the great food!
https://www.smorgasburg.com/
More Life Cafe
191 Mallory AveVegan food and juices
Great little cafe and breakfast spot within walking distance and near the Journal Square path train. Have breakfast and coffee on the way to the city. https://www.grubhub.com/restaurant/belle-ame-cafe-76-cottage-st-jersey-city/2884756
Belle Âme Cafe
76 Cottage StreetGreat little cafe and breakfast spot within walking distance and near the Journal Square path train. Have breakfast and coffee on the way to the city. https://www.grubhub.com/restaurant/belle-ame-cafe-76-cottage-st-jersey-city/2884756
Local vegan food and juice bar in Jersey City Heights.
https://www.vibezjuicecafe.com/
Vibez Juice & Vegan Cafe
82 Hutton StreetLocal vegan food and juice bar in Jersey City Heights.
https://www.vibezjuicecafe.com/
Family owned contemporary and Korean classic dishes. https://www.ahriskitchenjc.com/
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Ahri's Kitchen
227 7th StFamily owned contemporary and Korean classic dishes. https://www.ahriskitchenjc.com/
This local casual eatery is run by the Chef Ryan DePersio of Montclair's Fascino and Jersey City's Battello. Great brunch and cocktails. https://www.kitchenstepjc.com/
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The Kitchen Step
500 Jersey AveThis local casual eatery is run by the Chef Ryan DePersio of Montclair's Fascino and Jersey City's Battello. Great brunch and cocktails. https://www.kitchenstepjc.com/
For the seafood, for the view, for the design, this recently renovated space now celebrates good times by the water! Chef Ryan DePersio (see The Kitchen Step) is a talent with great taste. https://www.battellojc.com/
Battello
502 Washington BoulevardFor the seafood, for the view, for the design, this recently renovated space now celebrates good times by the water! Chef Ryan DePersio (see The Kitchen Step) is a talent with great taste. https://www.battellojc.com/
This legendary round building from the original World's Fair is still serving fresh burgers (pre White Castle) and is a great experience to sit at the counter. Humble, simple and wonderful.
https://www.hobokengirl.com/white-mana-diner-jersey-city/
https://www.facebook.com/WhiteManaDiner/
White Mana Diner
470 Tonnele AveThis legendary round building from the original World's Fair is still serving fresh burgers (pre White Castle) and is a great experience to sit at the counter. Humble, simple and wonderful.
https://www.hobokengirl.com/white-mana-diner-jersey-city/
https://www.facebook.com/WhiteManaDiner/
This is a FABULOUS modern Taiwanese eatery with great creative legit Asian food. Definitely recommended!
http://www.pinwheelgardenjc.com/about/
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Pinwheel Garden
318 Communipaw AvenueThis is a FABULOUS modern Taiwanese eatery with great creative legit Asian food. Definitely recommended!
http://www.pinwheelgardenjc.com/about/
Local restaurant and bar with creative small plates.
https://www.dullboybar.com
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dullboy
364 Grove StLocal restaurant and bar with creative small plates.
https://www.dullboybar.com
Miso Ramen
189 Newark AveGotta have ramen now and then!
http://www.ramenmiso.com/
Great vegan & GF friendly place with bar and cocktails! http://www.petshopjc.com/
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Pet Shop
193 Newark AveGreat vegan & GF friendly place with bar and cocktails! http://www.petshopjc.com/
Delicious hand-made pastas with an outdoor garden area. Go! So good!
cortojc dot com
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Corto
507 Palisade AveDelicious hand-made pastas with an outdoor garden area. Go! So good!
cortojc dot com
Ani Ramen House
Honest
Good chain restaurant from the Indian subcontinent that has reliable good options.
Terrific Vietnamese food, definitely above average. Try the Hue style pho and the bun with crispy spring rolls and grilled pork neck are fantastic.
The Corner Pho
Terrific Vietnamese food, definitely above average. Try the Hue style pho and the bun with crispy spring rolls and grilled pork neck are fantastic.
Jollibee
Fried chicken!
In the HEIGHTS about 15 min walk from home. Old school Italian home cooking to go with a pizza oven. Don't miss their sfogliatelle (clamshell pastry with candied citrus custard YUM) and their chicken soup. It's right by Pershing park pool after your morning swim for coffee and sweet or early lunch.
Rizzo Bakery & Pizzeria
208 Central AveIn the HEIGHTS about 15 min walk from home. Old school Italian home cooking to go with a pizza oven. Don't miss their sfogliatelle (clamshell pastry with candied citrus custard YUM) and their chicken soup. It's right by Pershing park pool after your morning swim for coffee and sweet or early lunch.
Fun little Japanese neighborhood restaurant with ramen, sushi, bentos, rice balls and bowls. Very simple, authentic and reasonable. Walking distance in the Heights (about 15 min walk).
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OZU FOODS
106 Hutton StFun little Japanese neighborhood restaurant with ramen, sushi, bentos, rice balls and bowls. Very simple, authentic and reasonable. Walking distance in the Heights (about 15 min walk).
Neighbourhoods
Newark Avenue or ‘Little India” is a bustling neighborhood of excellent Indian food, shops, restaurants, halal butchers, ashrams and temples. There are several dosa huts that offer delicious southern Indian cuisine. Keep in mind that many establishments do not serve nor allow alcohol to be brought in. Many are vegetarian and absolutely delicious!
Newark Avenue
Newark AvenueNewark Avenue or ‘Little India” is a bustling neighborhood of excellent Indian food, shops, restaurants, halal butchers, ashrams and temples. There are several dosa huts that offer delicious southern Indian cuisine. Keep in mind that many establishments do not serve nor allow alcohol to be brought in. Many are vegetarian and absolutely delicious!
This is the traffic hub for the PATH train to NYC and Newark. There's a Duane Reade and deli, Starbucks and Bank of America has a branch. On some days there is a farmer's market outside and you can buy local produce to take home and cook in the kitchen!
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Journal Square
This is the traffic hub for the PATH train to NYC and Newark. There's a Duane Reade and deli, Starbucks and Bank of America has a branch. On some days there is a farmer's market outside and you can buy local produce to take home and cook in the kitchen!
If you’re lucky, a revival film will be playing here! It’s rare but special in a gilded era theater. A full-fledged organ player rises out of the pulpit to start each show. Films are 35mm reel films with original soundtracks and it’s a wonderful experience! The historic theater itself is worth a visit!
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Loew's Jersey Theatre
54 Journal Square PlazaIf you’re lucky, a revival film will be playing here! It’s rare but special in a gilded era theater. A full-fledged organ player rises out of the pulpit to start each show. Films are 35mm reel films with original soundtracks and it’s a wonderful experience! The historic theater itself is worth a visit!
Lots of cool events and exhibitions are happening here! It’s a short walk away...
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Mana Contemporary
888 Newark AveLots of cool events and exhibitions are happening here! It’s a short walk away...
Jivamukti Yoga Center Jersey City
171 Newark AveFab studio in downtown JC!
This area is full of vibrant restaurants and shops. Most are near the Grove Street Path station.
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Grove Street
Grove StreetThis area is full of vibrant restaurants and shops. Most are near the Grove Street Path station.
There’s lots of cafes and shops on this bustling area and central avenue where the parking authority is has lots of great shop’s and eateries. This is a good 15-20 minute walk from the house, but a vibrant excellent interesting neighborhood that is easy to visit.
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The Heights
There’s lots of cafes and shops on this bustling area and central avenue where the parking authority is has lots of great shop’s and eateries. This is a good 15-20 minute walk from the house, but a vibrant excellent interesting neighborhood that is easy to visit.
Neighboring Hoboken has a waterfront park and promenades with lots of shops and restaurants.
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Hoboken
Neighboring Hoboken has a waterfront park and promenades with lots of shops and restaurants.
Great neighborhood, near Grove St and Newport stations. Weekly farmers market Wednesdays 4-7 with day boat local fish, produce and more.
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حديقة هاميلتون
25 W Hamilton PlGreat neighborhood, near Grove St and Newport stations. Weekly farmers market Wednesdays 4-7 with day boat local fish, produce and more.
Food suppliers
Great Asian supermarket! Great live and fresh seafood and chicken. Good takeout dim sum and some cooked food options. Great Asian produce and an overall huge market from California.
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99 Ranch Market
561 US-1Great Asian supermarket! Great live and fresh seafood and chicken. Good takeout dim sum and some cooked food options. Great Asian produce and an overall huge market from California.
Grass-fed fresh beef, not frozen prepared by Argentinian butchers. Homemade sauces and excellent frozen empanadas.
Pampita Meat Shop
393 Central AveGrass-fed fresh beef, not frozen prepared by Argentinian butchers. Homemade sauces and excellent frozen empanadas.
Great baked pork buns, good Asian butcher with fresh chickens and whole fish and general Asian groceries.
Asian Food Markets
701 NJ-440Great baked pork buns, good Asian butcher with fresh chickens and whole fish and general Asian groceries.
Great produce, fresh cheeses, excellent fish and meats inside the WTC station.
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Eataly NYC Downtown
101 Liberty StGreat produce, fresh cheeses, excellent fish and meats inside the WTC station.
Whole Foods Market
214 3rd StLocal market with daily fresh produce, excellent spice and grain shop, organic milk and Indian products. Wonderful selection of fresh inexpensive nuts and spices.
Patel Brothers
780-782 Newark AveLocal market with daily fresh produce, excellent spice and grain shop, organic milk and Indian products. Wonderful selection of fresh inexpensive nuts and spices.
Ample Hills Creamery Jersey City
200 Greene StJersey City Fish Stand
508 Jersey AveGreat fresh fish near Grove Street stop.
Madame Claude Wine
234 Pavonia AveKobrick Coffee Co.
24 9th AveWholesale roasters, order online and pick up
Old school Italian food shop and deli that Hoboken is famous for. Legendary sandwiches worth waiting on line for, especially hot roast beef and house made smoked mozzarella on Saturday and Wednesday. OMG. Takeout only and worth the trip to Hoboken.
14 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Fiore's House of Quality
414 Adams StOld school Italian food shop and deli that Hoboken is famous for. Legendary sandwiches worth waiting on line for, especially hot roast beef and house made smoked mozzarella on Saturday and Wednesday. OMG. Takeout only and worth the trip to Hoboken.
Journal Square
Wednesday there is a very miniscule farmers market.
Union Square
Excellent local produce Saturday, Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Kalustyan's
123 Lexington AveIncredible food and spice shop in Manhattan
SOS Chefs of New York, Inc.
104 Avenue BExcellent Japanese food store off the Hudson river close to the George Washington bridge with some of the better ramen available. Excellent sushi 'off the shelf', Jidori chicken (the amazing bird from California raised by Japanese farmers), Mochi donuts not to be missed (they sell out early and do try the Yuzu flavor!). https://mitsuwa.com/nj/ This is about a 25 minute drive.
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Mitsuwa Marketplace - New Jersey
595 River RdExcellent Japanese food store off the Hudson river close to the George Washington bridge with some of the better ramen available. Excellent sushi 'off the shelf', Jidori chicken (the amazing bird from California raised by Japanese farmers), Mochi donuts not to be missed (they sell out early and do try the Yuzu flavor!). https://mitsuwa.com/nj/ This is about a 25 minute drive.
Excellent Bengali and Indian products, marinated foods and fine products. The mother and daughter owners are from Korai Kitchen in the food scene section. A walk from the house, well worth taking. https://www.hilsagrocery.com/
Hilsa Grocery
822 Newark AvenueExcellent Bengali and Indian products, marinated foods and fine products. The mother and daughter owners are from Korai Kitchen in the food scene section. A walk from the house, well worth taking. https://www.hilsagrocery.com/
Excellent farm to table pasture raised meat, house made sausage and local CSA boxes available.
Darke Pines
332 2nd StExcellent farm to table pasture raised meat, house made sausage and local CSA boxes available.
Trader Joe's
Fab and free parking! In Hoboken--you'll need to drive.
There’s another less nice branch in Jersey City outside the Holland Tunnel.
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ShopRite of Hoboken
900 Madison StThere’s another less nice branch in Jersey City outside the Holland Tunnel.
Whole Foods Market
Excellent Latino grocery and fresh butcher. Free parking across the street.
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Supremo Food Market
323 Palisade AveExcellent Latino grocery and fresh butcher. Free parking across the street.
One Dee Siam
New Korean high-end grocer that has changed our local lives. Prices can be NY high, but at least you can find top shelf ice cream, Asian ingredients and most of what you want including great fresh produce and flowers.
Food Story Natural Market
New Korean high-end grocer that has changed our local lives. Prices can be NY high, but at least you can find top shelf ice cream, Asian ingredients and most of what you want including great fresh produce and flowers.
Spa and health
A little drive (about 25 min) for a minimum half to full day of pampering and EXCELLENT Korean food and juice bar. This is a traditional Korean style bath house and spa with treatments, saunas, salt caves, steams, hot and cold plunge baths, scrubs, massage and more. Check out their website: https://www.thekingspa.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAnuGNBhCPARIsACbnLzpb0dyctIQh_YzJQCrAZgGnDNdAcAOM7rQFFpQR9uc9u6Q8jckszW4aArWeEALw_wcB and search for a Groupon for reduced admission. Valet parking is necessary and inexpensive.
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King Spa & Sauna
321 Commercial AveA little drive (about 25 min) for a minimum half to full day of pampering and EXCELLENT Korean food and juice bar. This is a traditional Korean style bath house and spa with treatments, saunas, salt caves, steams, hot and cold plunge baths, scrubs, massage and more. Check out their website: https://www.thekingspa.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAnuGNBhCPARIsACbnLzpb0dyctIQh_YzJQCrAZgGnDNdAcAOM7rQFFpQR9uc9u6Q8jckszW4aArWeEALw_wcB and search for a Groupon for reduced admission. Valet parking is necessary and inexpensive.
A fancier newer Korea bathhouse, spa with scrubs, massages, treatments and a variety of saunas with different treatments, steams, hot and cold plunge pools. Go for the day. Food is more western geared than King Spa (see the other listing).
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نادي سوجو سبا
660 River RdA fancier newer Korea bathhouse, spa with scrubs, massages, treatments and a variety of saunas with different treatments, steams, hot and cold plunge pools. Go for the day. Food is more western geared than King Spa (see the other listing).
A talented acupuncturist with a background in body work and skillful healing specialties for structural and other pains. There is an infrared sauna and meditation room. Must drive 25 min Open M-Thurs. https://www.amlahealingarts.com
AMLA Healing Arts
888 Kinderkamack RoadA talented acupuncturist with a background in body work and skillful healing specialties for structural and other pains. There is an infrared sauna and meditation room. Must drive 25 min Open M-Thurs. https://www.amlahealingarts.com
Great Caribbean Tobago/Jamaican/Trinidad style dishes with an Irish bar owner. Fun vibe and there's outdoor seating.
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Harrys Daughter
4072 339 Communipaw AveGreat Caribbean Tobago/Jamaican/Trinidad style dishes with an Irish bar owner. Fun vibe and there's outdoor seating.
Public pool for $3 entry. You will need to show ID but your Airbnb reso should get you in and they usually don't check. Schedule changes in season and can be found online.
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Pershing Field Pool
201 Central AvePublic pool for $3 entry. You will need to show ID but your Airbnb reso should get you in and they usually don't check. Schedule changes in season and can be found online.
Bars
Local bar that has some good grub
http://www.foxandcrowjc.com/menu
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Fox & Crow
594 Palisade AveLocal bar that has some good grub
http://www.foxandcrowjc.com/menu
Very fine wine list, spirits, cocktails and bites. https://www.dullboybar.com/
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dullboy
364 Grove StVery fine wine list, spirits, cocktails and bites. https://www.dullboybar.com/
Pint
34 Wayne StCraft beer and local pub. https://pintjerseycity.com/
South House
149 Newark AveLocal bites, beer and drinks. https://www.southhousejc.com
Music and event venue with a local bar in downtown JC. https://whiteeaglehalljc.com/
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White Eagle Hall
337 Newark AveMusic and event venue with a local bar in downtown JC. https://whiteeaglehalljc.com/
Food and cocktails downtown JC. Vegan and GF friendly!
http://www.petshopjc.com/
33 سكان محليون يوصون بهذا
Pet Shop
193 Newark AveFood and cocktails downtown JC. Vegan and GF friendly!
http://www.petshopjc.com/