If you once frequented Las Olas, you have probably now figured out that the once popular Asian/Latin fusion spot has closed. In its place {at 1319 Washington Street} is now Apulia, a Southern Italian restaurant, that just opened its doors on October 24th. We got an exclusive peek inside of the new wood-fired pizza shop when it first started construction, and we’re so excited to see it come to life. Read on to learn all about Hoboken’s newest business:
The exterior of Apulia while construction was going on
Frank Sciacca, a NJ native, and his Uncle Franco {who is a chef and originally from the region of Apulia, Italy} are teaming up to open Apulia in Hoboken. The restaurant’s namesake is based on Franco’s home region in Italy, a southern area forming the heel of the “boot” — known for its whitewashed hill towns, centuries-old farmland and stunning Mediterranean coastline. The coastline region is known for its seafood and “the ultimate home-cooking,” per the New York Times, which is allegedly perceived differently from many Italian restaurants in our area that focus on other regional cuisines {think: chicken parm and regular pizza won’t be on the menu}.
“Our pizza won’t be like regular American-Italian pizza,” Frank shares. But there will be pizza – Italian-style. And to prove that point, he shows his beauty of an oven, the Acunto M. Napoli Wood-Fired oven. “It’s the only one in the area that’s actually wood-fired,” he proudly noted.
This intentionally casual spot houses a contemporary vibe, and Frank wants the space to feel “different” — a task that, as many know, may prove to be difficult in the Mile Square, considering how many Italian restaurants are located in town. “We want the experience to be a social, active fun night out, where you’re immersed in the food.” Based off southern Italian dishes, which range from pizza and pasta to seafood {and, according to Frank, many homemade recipes}, the menu will be a work in progress as they soft open to the public and see what is most popular. “Franco is the talented chef behind the operation. We both have a background in restaurants and work really well together,” Frank explained.
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They’re hoping for an outdoor space in the spring in their backyard, and the restaurant is BYOB — double score! Welcome to the neighborhood, Apulia!
See More: A List of BYOB Restaurants in Hoboken
Have you tried Apulia yet? Share your experience with us in the comments and tag us in your foodie pics on Instagram @HobokenGirlBlog + #HobokrnGirl
We Asked Port Authority, + Apparently Hoboken’s PATH Station is Scheduled To Reopen On Time
Commuters, rejoice (allegedly); The deadline for the Hoboken PATH Station is fast approaching. Some rumors circulated online there may be a delay, but a representative from the Port Authority confirmed with The Hoboken Girl the station is still (allegedly) slated to open on time on February 25th, 2025. Some of the work being done includes improvements to both track and ride safety. It’s all part of the agency’s two-year PATH Forward program. Here’s what we know so far about the construction progress on the Hoboken PATH Station.
PATH Forward
The PATH Forward Program is a $430 million dollar program to upgrade the 117-year-old PATH system. It’s a series of projects to improve PATH Stations throughout Jersey City and Hoboken. It includes comprehensive track repair and replacement, modernization of bridges, railcars and other critical infrastructure, and rehabilitation of Hoboken, Grove Street, Newport, and Exchange Place.
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“The PATH system is a lifeline for thousands of commuters, and we understand the significant impact this closure will have on Hoboken riders. This critical work is necessary to ensure the PATH system remains safe and reliable for years to come,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole.
The project is slated to finish in early 2026. The overall goal is to enhance system resilience and efficiency, which will hopefully reduce delays and ensure a smoother ride for thousands of commuters.
The Hoboken PATH Closure
A quick refresh. Back in October of 2024, Port Authority announced the Hoboken PATH Station would close for a month on January 30th, 2025. A representative from Port Authority told HG the station is still scheduled to reopen at 5AM on Tuesday, February 25th. Since the station shut down at the end of January, commuters have been using alternate methods of transportation, like shuttle buses to other PATH stations, NJ Transit bus services, and and expanded ferry service.
"We look forward to the PATH reopening on schedule on Feb. 25 and we thank PATH, NJ Transit, and NY Waterway for working closely with the City to help mitigate the impacts of the PATH closure," Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla shared with HG. "While we recognize this was inconvenient for our residents, PATH's investments will enhance service and provide much-needed updates to the station."
The goal of the complete Hoboken PATH closure is to expedite those station upgrades in a shorter time frame. The work includes replacing the in-station track and the track switching network outside the station. Plus, construction is working on repairing over 4,500 feet of track leading to the station. It will also include making the station look nice, with four new stairways leading to the platform levels and a new concrete platform surface. More details about the new construction can be found online.
“The complexity of this—what we call the interlocking—is a really complex mechanical-electrical device that is so important,” said Port Authority Chief Operating Officer Jim Heitmann during a board meeting on February 13th. “To have a brand new one, and put [in] that kind of reliability, is just a really great example of what the outcome of this is going to be.”
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Normally, this kind of work would last for a prolonged period with severe schedule reductions and service suspensions. The Port Authority said this month-long closure prevented a full year of weekend service reductions which would otherwise be required to complete all the station upgrades.
The Hoboken Girl will continue to provide updates as the reopening date gets closer. Be sure to follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest information.
