The underdog of meals is definitely lunch. Breakfast is coined as the “most important meal of the day,” brunch is, well, brunch. And dinner gets the glory of birthdays, dates, and celebrations. Yet lunch is the time of day to take a bit of a break, walk away from the computer, reflect on the accomplishments of the morning, and enjoy some great food. Whether working from home or taking some time to sit down midday during the weekend, lunch is a meal to be enjoyed. We rounded up some of the best lunch spots in Hoboken based on lunch menus and specials.
Alessio’s | 539 Park Avenue
It’s not realistic to get to Italy for lunch but it is possible to take your tastebuds there with a meal from Alessio’s. Paninis, salads, wraps, pizzas, and more are made with owner Luca Infantino’s straight-from-Italy recipes. Check out The Terrace by Alessio’s at 1201 Madison Street to enjoy a meal with a view of the park.
Alfalfa | 1110 Washington Street + 92 Bloomfield Street
Homegrown salad-and-wrap spot Alfalfa is a go-to spot for a refreshing bite. Alfalfa specializes in wraps, salads, burritos, coffee, and gluten-free doughnuts all made with the highest-quality ingredients. The seasonal menu items highlight each season’s bounty, reflecting the shop’s farmers market roots.
Antique at 112 | 112 Willow Street
A retro-styled neighborhood diner with all-day food and an allergy-friendly menu? Sign us up. Dogs are welcome at Antique at 112’s outdoor space + diners can enjoy a meal in the cozy backyard known as “The Greenhouse” with their pups.
Asia Sushi & Chinese | 926 Washington Street
An establishment well-known in the community for great food and great service, Asia Sushi and Chinese is a great spot for lunch as well. Japanese lunch specials include options like maki roll combos and bento boxes. The Chinese lunch special menu provides sweet and spicy options. Asia Sushi & Chinese helps make the decision a little easier with the lunch suggestions menu. Check out the lunch menu here.
Chango Kitchen | 301 Willow Avenue
Changó Kitchen, a Cuban-Latin restaurant, has daily lunch specials available on the menu from 12PM – 4PM daily. Guests can order items such as mofongo (a classic Puerto Rican dish), Cuban sandwiches, vegetarian options, and even a kids menu. Changó Kitchen is also serving up traditional Latin desserts – tres leches, flan, and more are available for your sweet-tooth fix.
Chen’s Kitchen | 301 Jackson Street
Lunch on the go requires a great menu at even better prices. Chen’s Kitchen surely delivers in both areas. With a lunch special for just $7.95, the options are endless. Choose from favorites like chicken egg foo young, sesame chicken, beef with broccoli, shrimp lo mein, and more. All lunch specials are complete with a choice of rice, and a choice of egg roll, shrimp roll, or soda. Check out the lunch menu here.
Del Frisco’s | 221 River Street
Photo credit: @dfgrille
A great spot for taking clients or hanging with coworkers during lunch is Del Frisco’s. Prepare for a high-end American lunch with a large variety of options sure to please anyone in the group. The lunch menu here reads more like a dinner menu with choices ranging from soups and salads to signature steaks and 18 different side options. Check out the lunch menu here.
Read More: Unique Ice Cream Spots in Hoboken + Jersey City
Elysian Café | 1001 Washington Street
Photo credit: @elysiancafehoboken
A quick trip to France would not otherwise be possible during a lunch break, but a midday stop at Elysian Cafe is the next best thing. Since 1865, this famous eatery has been a go-to in Hoboken. The special lunch menu includes classics such as French onion soup and Caesar salads or full entrees such as short rib macaroni au gratin, a burger with french fries, and a crepe du jour. Check out the lunch menu here.
Gotan | 777 Jackson Street
While most people know Gotan for its Counter Culture coffee, this spacious spot also serves breakfast all day in addition to sandwiches, soups, salads, and bowls. Gluten-free bread is available, and everything is prepared fresh in-house. The big tables and free wifi make this a great choice for a lunchtime work session.
Greektown | 86 Garden Street
Known for its authentic Greek food, Greektown has a delicious lunch menu that is not only delicious but a great value. You can fill up on a yeero platter, hummus, tzatziki dip, yeero platters, and more. Check out the full menu here.
Karma Kafe | 505 Washington Street
One of Hoboken’s oldest Indian restaurants, Karma Kafe features a large menu with many traditional Indian dishes. Lunch specials are served from Monday through Friday, 12PM to 3PM and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12PM to 4PM, and include lunch wraps and lunch boxes to go. The tandoori dishes are a must-try. Other menu items include apps like the karma crabcakes and veggie tikis as well as salads, soups, tandoori bread. Main courses include several meat options and seafood.
Keming | 1006 Washington Street
Photo credit: @keminghoboken
Fine Chinese cuisine lives at Keming in Hoboken. Lunch specials are served daily from 12PM to 3PM, allowing guests to enjoy items on the menu at a lunch portion size and a special price. Classic dishes are on the menu including sesame chicken and beef and broccoli. Check out the lunch menu here.
La Casa | 54 Newark Street
La Casa serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch but the lunch specials are a deal you don’t want to miss. Choose an entree, and two sides for $13 or less. You’ll find authentic classics like pollo asado, ropa vieja, pernil, carne guisada, steak churrasco, mofongo, and bistec sandwiches.
La Isla | 104 Washington Street
Photo credit: @laislahoboken
La Isla is another restaurant that can transport a lunch hour to another country. This time, Hoboken meets Havana. La Isla has options to dine al fresco or indoors. While the menu stays consistent, each day of the week an item with a special price for that day. All lunches come with a choice of two sides from a selection of rice, beans, yuca, and maduros. Check out the lunch menu here.
Low-Fatt-Chow Chinese Cuisine | 720 Monroe Street
Chinese cuisine never disappoints, but pairing the beloved dishes with low-calorie and low-fat options makes ordering out for lunch even more appealing. This spot is known around town for its incredible food without the guilt, offering healthier versions of classics like sweet and sour chicken and lo mein. Lunch specials can be ordered from 11AM-3PM on weekdays and each option comes with a choice of white, brown, egg fried, veggie fried, chicken fried, or pork fried rice. In addition to traditional Chinese lunch specials, Low-Fatt-Chow also offers wraps with familiar flavors like General Tso’s and sesame chicken. Check out the lunch menu here.
Margherita’s | 740 Washington Street
Photo credit: @margheritasrestaurant
Adding gourmet pasta and pizzas to a traditional lunch of soup and salad is never a bad idea. That is exactly what can be found at Margherita’s. For gluten-free guests, pasta and pizza options are available. Pick from fun pizza names such as You Want a Pizza Me which is topped with prosciutto, baby arugula, extra virgin olive oil, and Reggiano or You Don’t Pepper Own Me topped with pepperoni, tomatoes, mozzarella, Mike’s hot honey, and spicy long hot peppers. Check out the lunch menu here.
Mr. Wraps | 741 Garden Street
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Chances are, if the sandwich combo of your dreams doesn’t exist at Mr. Wraps, you’re on your own. This neighborhood gem has seemingly endless choices for sandwiches and wraps, all of which can be customized. There are also salads, soups, grilled items and more available. HG Tip: get the TikTok famous buffalo chicken wrap.
Okinawa Sushi | 400 Newark Street
Sushi is a great choice for a mid-day meal. With options that will satisfy hunger without the lunchtime slump, try Okinawa Sushi. Choose from the list of rolls for the two or three-roll combo or look at the Sushi Bar Lunch Menu for combination platters. With options starting at $13.50, it’s a deal that can’t be missed. Check out the lunch menu here.
Trós Greek Street Food | 62 Newark Street
This Greek spot has all the classics such as gyros, dolmades, salads, and tzatziki. It also has fun takes on Greek classics like street fries: French fries piled high with items usually found inside a sandwich, such as cheese, sauces, veggies, and meats. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and flavorful or rich and savory, Trós Greek Street Food has it covered.
Precious Japanese + Chinese | 128 Washington Street
This Asian fusion spot is a great little escape during lunch. Known for its quick service and extensive lunch menu, it’s the perfect place to take a break from the computer or dine with friends. From 11AM – 4PM, lunch specials starting at just $10 are served. Check out the menu here.
Robongi | 520 Washington Street
Takeout sushi has become a go-to for lunchtime while working from home or even during the weekend. Robangi Hoboken is the perfect spot for that and more. With lunch specials including sushi, bento box, and even Chinese items, this Asian fusion spot is sure to please. Hang out with seating indoors or outdoors or place an order to go. Check out the lunch menu here.
Rosticeria Da Gigi | 916 Washington Street
Rosticeria Da Gigi is an old-school Italian deli with a retro flair, modern twist, and homemade, well, everything. It’s really no surprise that Gigi’s rounds out our list of must-try lunch spots in Hoboken. The lunch specials are not to be missed – for $10 or less, they include anything from soups, salads, hamburgers, sandwiches, and egg dishes.
Seven Valleys | 936 Washington Street
Simple options are what lunchtime is all about at Seven Valley’ from 11:30AM-4PM. For just $13.95, three choices of kabobs, chicken, beef, or vegetable, are available. Each lunch special comes with saffron rice, Shirazi salad, and a choice of pistachio baklava or rose brownie. Check out the lunch menu here.
South Lions | 512 Washington Street
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This Cantonese spot specializes in authentic, hand-made dim sum. The weekday lunch special is $10.95 and is available from 11AM to 3:30PM Monday through Friday. Diners can choose an entree with white rice as a side, and soup or bottled water.
See More: A List of BYOB Spots in Hoboken + Jersey City
Turning Point | 1420 Frank Sinatra Drive
Photo credit: @turningpointrestaurants
Most people might know Turning Point for its excellent breakfast menu or fresh juices, but don’t miss lunch at this waterfront spot. Also known as their “High Noon Eats” menu, the variety of lunch choices at Turning Point are endless. Opt for a full-size salad or sandwich such as a cran-walnut chicken salad sandwich or a chop-chop salad. For those who can’t choose just one, a combo special of half salad or half sandwich is available for just $11. Check out the lunch menu here.
Yeung II | 1120 Washington Street
Known for its modern take on classic Chinese cuisine, Yeung II is the perfect spot for lunch. When looking for fresh, quality ingredients for fan-favorite dishes, Yeung II is the place to order out or dine in. From 12PM to 4PMdaily, lunch specials are on the menu. Check out the menu here.
Zack’s Oak Bar and Restaurant | 232 Willow Avenue
Photo credit: @zacksoakbarandrestaurant
Lunch does not have to be limited to a short amount of time. At Zack’s, lunch is meant to be enjoyed over a few courses. Starting with American favorites such as mac and cheese, nachos, or chicken tenders and then moving onto a second course which can include a salad or sandwich. Check out the lunch menu here.
Meximodo Opening 2nd New Jersey Location in Downtown Jersey City
With the abundance of new food spots coming to Hoboken and Jersey City, so far, 2025 has been a year of fun foodie adventures. Those who love exploring new flavors will be pleased to hear that a popular New Jersey-based Mexican restaurant has announced its arrival in Jersey City. Planting roots at 25 Christopher Columbus Drive, Meximodo Cocina Mexicana + Tequila Bar, a trendy Mexican eatery and bar, will open in the downtown area in the spring. The restaurant has another location in Metuchen. Read on for what we know about Meximodo Cocina Mexicana + Tequila Bar coming to downtown Jersey City, New Jersey.
The Details
On March 1st, Meximodo Cocina Mexicana + Tequila Bar, a Mexican restaurant and bar that first opened in Metuchen in 2023, announced via Instagram its "newest location in the heart of downtown Jersey City." According to Jersey Digs, the 8,000-square-foot and 56-story tower, Veris Haus25, at 25 Christopher Columbus Drive, which is just a short walk away from the Grove Street PATH Station, will house this new eatery in its commercial space. An official opening date has yet to be announced, but Meximodo plans to open its doors sometime in May.
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Meximodo, which was given the Guinness World Records title for the biggest selection of agave spirits in July 2024, puts a creative spin on traditional Mexican eats and serves an expansive agave list and cocktail menu. Regarding its drink menu, Jersey City locals can look forward to seven kinds of agave flights, over 1,000 different tequilas, a variety of over 250 mezcals, and much more.
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The restaurant's food menu features classic dishes like the Pollo al Pastor Tacos, made with grilled chicken al adobo, avo-crema, pineapple, white onion, and cilantro and served in a corn tortilla; and bold fusion dishes like the Chipotle Alfredo Rigatoni, which comes with rezzi rigatoni, chipotle alfredo, white onion, cilantro, queso fresco, roasted corn, and white truffle oil.
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Upon the restaurant's opening, Jersey City residents can also try desserts like the Corn Flan, made with Mexican vanilla ice cream, raspberries, chantilly, cotton candy, and chocolate shavings, and the Tres Leches, featuring a soft sponge cake, dulce de leche, chantilly, and fresh berries. To know what to expect, see here for Meximodo's full drink, food, and dessert menu.
The Hoboken Girl has reached out to Meximodo and will update this piece with any further information.
About Meximodo + Its Origins
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With other eateries and bars like Le Malt Lounge in Colonia and Le Malt Royale in Red Bank, founder Saurabh Abrol is no stranger to the New Jersey dining scene. In 2023, after being asked by his daughters, "Dad, can you make a restaurant we can actually go to?" Saurabh began his latest project, as per Meximodo's website.
Intending to create a genuine Mexican restaurant, Saurabh and his team took a trip to Mexico City for field research in April 2023. They visited the infamous Coyoacan Market, took a tour through Tequila, Mexico, and dined at various restaurants. The team learned about different spices, chilies, and other ingredients that would make for a truly authentic menu.
See More: Team Behind Chip City to Open Artisanal Bakery in Montclair
In November 2023, Saurabh opened Meximodo Cocina Mexicana + Tequila Bar at 5 Pearl Street, Metuchen. Now, Meximodo, which serves up a wide-ranging menu of classic and innovative Mexican eats and four different dining spaces, is one of the most sought-after Mexican restaurants in Northern New Jersey. According to its website, Meximodo plans to expand all across the Garden State, with the future Jersey City location being the restaurant's next venture.
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