Battello in Jersey City is known for its incredible NYC views — both as a wedding venue and restaurant destination, and now — its frozen espresso martinis. Having just debuted the new frozen drink in late May, this spin on the cocktail is a serious summer upgrade (move over, frosé and aperol spritz — sorry not sorry). Here’s a bit more about Battello’s newest summer cocktail + also some other spots you can get an espresso martini in Hoboken + Jersey City.
(Photo credit: @leti.leti.leti)
First Things First — What’s In an Espresso Martini?
For most espresso martinis, the recipe is as follows:
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 3/4 ounce coffee liqueur
- 1/4 ounce crème de cacao liqueur, optional
- 1 ounce chilled espresso
- 3 coffee beans, for garnish
Read More: Where to Get Mimosas in Hoboken + Jersey City
But the drink can vary greatly, depending on who’s making it.
At Battello, it’s this + a frozen twist created by Battello’s beverage directory Leti — but at nearby rooftop bar RoofTop Exchange Place, the newly-debuted espresso martini subs vodka with tequila (more on that later).
About Battello
Battello, located at 502 Washington Boulevard, has been an upscale waterfront restaurant and wedding venue for the last few years — serving up delicious seafood and other dishes by the renowned local Chef Ryan DePersio and his team. Chef DePersio also is the creator of Fascino in Montclair, NICO Kitchen, and The Kitchen Step, also in Jersey City.
One thing to note — Battello can sometimes be closed for private events, as it hosts weddings on the regular, so make sure to check social media to ensure you don’t wedding crash while on the hunt for its new cocktail.
Other Spots for Espresso Martinis Around Town
Dusk 2 Dawn Martini at RoofTop at Exchange Place
To fulfill our promises above, the RoofTop Exchange Place bar recently reopened to the public with no shortage of unique mixology. The standout, is, of course, the Dusk 2 Dawn, which is its twist on the espresso martini — with tequila. The recipe is Don Julio Blanco, simple syrup, Averna Amaro, cold brew coffee, and mole bitters. It is *worth* the elevator ride up (but who are we kidding, that’s the fun part).
See More: Outdoor + Rooftop Bars in Hoboken and Jersey City
We also just had the most amazing traditional espresso martini at Laico’s on Terhune Avenue in Jersey City. A must-visit — more on this old-school Italian spot here.
Espresso Martini at Laico’s
A few other noteworthy espresso martini spots (*NOT* limited to this list) are: Margherita’s, Il Tavolo di Palmisano, The Kitchen Step, Mathew’s Food & Drink, and Dullboy. Full list of our picks here.
Regardless, you can basically espresso martini hop around Hoboken + Jersey City for the next 3 days, if that’s your thing, as there’s no shortage of coffee-spiked cocktails in our area.
Stay in the know with @thehobokengirl on Instagram and TikTok.
How to Celebrate Galentine’s Day in Hoboken + Jersey City, Based on Your Interests
Galentine’s Day is for besties of all kinds to celebrate the season of love with one of the most important loves we will ever have: our friends! So whether you’re an active crew, a bunch of foodies, craft lovers, or more of the spa-day type, we’re sharing all kinds of fun things to do locally. Read on for 15 friend activities to spend Galentine's Day in Hoboken + Jersey City, New Jersey.
For the Foodies + Entertainment Lovers
Dine + See a Burlesque Show at Madame | 390 4th Street, Jersey City
Madame’s interior alone is enough to qualify this downtown eatery as a must-go with your friends. While Madame brings swanky, Parisian vibes all year long, the restaurant’s burlesque nights are like something out of Moulin Rouge. This month Madame is hosting Madame Rouge: J'Adore Amour, an interactive up-close and personal burlesque and drag show just in time for Galentine’s Day on Wednesday, February 12th. Guests can enjoy dinner, entertainment, and general fabulousness. Click here to reserve your spot and learn more about the event. (HG pro tip: if you can’t make it to this event, Madame is also open for regular dinner and brunch services here.)
Read More: 54 Galentine’s Day 2025 Ideas in Hoboken + Jersey City to Round Up the Gals
Go on a Self-Guided Dessert Tour
Finishing off a fun day with a sweet treat is one of the simple joys of life. And during the season of love, there are even more festive treats to choose from. Whether you and your friends are chocolate-obsessed, s’mores fanatics, ice cream lovers, or looking for something a little more fancy, there are dozens of spots to choose from in the Hoboken + Jersey City dessert realm. Some of Team HG’s favorites are stopping into Antique Bar + Bakery for the iconic bread pudding or handmade chocolates from Lepore's. For some seriously sweet inspo, check out some of our previous dessert guides.
Host a Movie Night (in or out)
Movie nights are a must during the cold days of winter. Gather friends for a fun-filled movie night with takeout from a local spot or step out on the town for a screening at a local theatre. Dullboy, located at 364 Grove Street in Jersey City, also hosts movie nights on Sundays where patrons can sip cocktails and enjoy small bites in a speakeasy-like setting.
For the Crafty Friends
Book a Bag-Making Class at Youssoufiani | 33 Wayne Street, Jersey City
Designing your own high-quality designer handbag, passport book, and wallet is an exciting hands-on experience for fashion lovers of all skill sets. Youssoufiani, a leather craftsmanship studio in downtown Jersey City hosts a variety of accessory-making classes all year round but if you and your bestie are looking for something more Galentine’s specific, Youssoufiani will be hosting a special two-hour Split Heart Keychain Workshop on Sunday, February 9th. For more details click here.
Get a Group of Friends Together for Tipsy Tie Dye | 155 1st Street, Hoboken
Clinking glasses while tie-dying is an unforgettable experience to try with friends. The brightly colored, high-energy space that is Tispy Tie Dye in Hoboken is an ideal fun-filled DIY kind of day. This year the team at Tipsy Tie Dye is even hosting a special Valentine’s two-fer for friends and couples alike. Note that the facility is BYOB and open to patrons 21+.
Make Your Own Candles
A good candle in the dead of winter is a self-care must. This year a few local spots are hosting candle-making events.
- On Friday, February 7th Lucky Honey Bee, located at 487 Palisade Avenue in Jersey City Heights, will put on a 1.5-hour BYOB candle-making experience. All participants will make a custom-scented container candle. Click here for tickets.
- 301 Collective located at 301 1st Street in Jersey City will be hosting a Galentine’s Intention Candle Making Class and guided meditation on Thursday, February 13th in collaboration with Rudo Home. Click here for more info and to grab tickets.
- Rewax + Unwine, located at 2 Division Street in Jersey City, will host multiple Galentine's and Valentine’s events that include candle-making, chair massages, wine tastings, chocolate pairings, and more. Click here for more info regarding times and event types.
Pick Your Own Bouquet or Collage Your Own Collage Card at Cranky Angel | 304 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
Cranky Angel, which was voted Best Clothing Boutique + Best Sustainable Business in Jersey City for 2024 by The Hoboken Girl readers, is hosting a fun-filled evening of DIY specialties in honor of Galentine’s Day. The cozy evening will be in collaboration with Sarah Darling Studio and provide two different DIY sessions on Thursday, February 13th. Participants can pick their own bouquets or collage their own Valentine’s Day cards while participating in a rom-com movie night with hot cocoa and popcorn. To reserve your spot, click here.
For Adventure Seekers
Attend a Workout Class Together
If your friends’ idea of fun is getting your sweat on together, look no further. We know Hoboken + Jersey City are no strangers to a festive workout class so we’ve compiled a list of some local spots hosting classes on Valentine’s Day/Galentine’s Day here with a little something for everyone.
Race at RPM Raceway | 99 Caven Point Road, Jersey City
Adventurous friends can experience an adrenaline-filled day at RPM Raceway. The venue has plenty to do with a fully immersive go-kart raceway, arcade games, and even VR. RPM Raceway even has a special Valentine’s Day package for couples and friends. For more information visit the RPM Raceway website or call 201-333-7223.
Try Aura Photography
Lovers of all things mystical will enjoy the colorful awe of Aura Photography. This experience is said to capture the colors of your aura which can help people have a better understanding of their energy and emotions. On February 15th, Serendipity Crystals will host an Aura Photo Pop-Up in collaboration with Vibrant Aura Photo at 271 Newark Avenue in Jersey City. In addition, locals can also visit Chrissy The Crystal Indigo at 423 Washington Street (2nd Floor) in Hoboken for regular Aura Photography and other metaphysical healing services and readings.
For the Shopaholics
Do a Gal-Pal Gift Exchange with Local Gifts
Gift-giving is always a good idea. Consider doing a friend-focused gift swap with items from local shops. You could even go on a self-guided shopping tour of Hoboken + JC’s women-owned businesses alone. The HG team did a similar New Jersey-themed gift swap this past holiday season with locally bought gifts. (Spoiler: it was super fun).
Go Thrifting + Pick Out Each Other’s Outfits
Instead of shopping for your outfit, consider mixing things up a bit. Grab some friends and take a tour of Hoboken + Jersey City’s many thrift stores and boutiques. Set a budget and have you and your bestie pick outfits for each other, then spend a night out on the town. Some budget-friendly starting points are Cranky Angel, Twilight Thrift Store, Hoboken Thrift Box, and Olijon’s Thrift Store. Click here for our full guide to the best thrift stores in Hudson County.
For the Spa Day Squad
Book a “Couples” Massage
Couples massages can be for you and your bestie too. For a restful day, explore some of the several massage parlors of Hoboken + Jersey City and book a couples massage to unwind together. As a bonus, you could finish off your relaxing spa day with a toasty sauna session.
Get a Foot Bath + Mini Facial at Gaia’s Cavern | 140 Wayne Street, Jersey City
Gaia’s Cavern has a unique spa treatment that is great for pairs. The all-natural day spa in Jersey City has a Signature Blue Moon Foot Bath that features Butterfly Pea tea, Ylang Ylang, lavender, and neroli essential oils. It’s paired with a relaxing hand, arm, and foot massage and patrons can even BYOB for added relaxation. For an additional spa-like experience, add on a mini facial or enhance with CBD. For more treatment info, click here.
See More: 26 Ways to Celebrate Galentine’s Day in Montclair + Essex County for 2025
Get Mani-Pedis Together
A classic mani-pedi experience is always a great way to catch up with friends while simultaneously taking part in some self-care. Check out one of Hoboken + Jersey City’s dozens of nail salons with a friend and maybe even opt for that special upgrade for the occasion.
For more Valentines + Galentine’s Day guides check our list of 54 Galentine’s Day 2025 Ideas in Hoboken + Jersey City to Round Up the Gals and 15 Unique Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in Hoboken + Jersey City Area.
