Remember the days when you’d just be given a full week off to jump on a plane with your besties and escape to Panama City or Miami Beach for some Mid-March fun and debauchery? Those days may be long gone, but if you’re looking to re-live the glory days and toast the official start of spring, grab some friends and hit the town for a little faux-spring break fun {a staycation, if you will}. Here, we’ve collected the seven best places to grab tropical drinks in Hoboken and Jersey City. Even if you can’t actually make it to the beach, the beach will come to you.
HOBOKEN
The Cuban {333 Washington St.}
Looking for an authentic Carribean experience this side of Havana? Look no further than The Cuban. With a lively atmosphere, good music and a menu packed with Cuban standards and tasty cocktails {like passionfruit mojitos and sangria} this little spot on Washington will transport you to the island. Also, three words: Crab. Lump. Guacamole. Trust us, you’ll never want to go back to straight avocado guac again. Ever.
Cadillac Cantina {80 River St.}
We’re not saying you have to go on a Wednesday night BUT we are saying that if you choose to go on a Wednesday night, you’ll find ½-priced specialty margaritas all night long. Oh, and being right across from the PATH, you may even be able to convince your friends from out of town {or across the river} to make the journey. They’ll be glad they did.
Baja Restaurant {104 14th St.}
A TexMex bar and restaurant that offers – we’re not kidding – 32 Margarita flavors {including an avocado-flavored one — yes, it’s a thing} and freshly-made, mouthwatering guac to match, Baja Restaurant will not disappoint those looking for a happy hour escape.
Pier 13 {1300 Sinatra Drive}
The pier has long been an outdoor favorite, but nothing says vacay like a rum-coconut cocktail IN a coconut. Definitely limited availability so we can’t promise it’s available every time you’re there, but really, when you’re outside enjoying the sunshine and views — does it matter what type of drink is in your hand? Another Pro Tip: Try the Pier 13 sangria — it’s so good they’ve actually started to bottle and sell it.
JERSEY CITY
Cellar 335 {335 Newark Ave, Jersey City}
Basically an indoor tiki hut in the middle of Jersey City, this is a must for your stay-cation. Everything from the decorations {the walls are covered in graffiti and moss}, the drinks {all served in tropical-themed cups}, the food {try the ribs or the avocado fried rice} and the ambiance {a laid-back party atmosphere} are not to be missed on your local search for spring break.
Orale Mexican Kitchen {341 Grove St, Jersey City}
Stepping into Orale is like walking into a bar in the heart of Mexico during Dia de los Muertos: dimmed lights, bright colors, artwork and calacas lined walls, and a drink menu filled not only with tropical cocktails {although we’re partial to the Coco Beach and Orale Holmes}, but with an extensive tequila list, classic Mexican bottled beers and Micheladas. Oh, and if that didn’t convince you, they also have $3 Coronas and $5 margs during happy hour Monday through Saturday.
Mathews Food and Drink {351 Grove Street}
This American eatery boasts inventive cocktails {helloooo 80’s glam – complete with edible glitter}, but the drink that will definitely get you feeling the like you’re in the tropics is the Fo Swizzle – a mix of tequila, lychee, lime, coconut liqueur, homemade hot honey and served on ice with an umbrella and sunglasses. It’s literally like a light pina colada — we’re OBSESSED.
Surf City {1 Marin Boulevard, Jersey City}
When it comes to lobster rolls and Miami Vices + a view of the water with sand underneath your toes {literally}, Surf City is the place to be. This JC spot on the water offers a large area for hanging out with friends as well as an indoor area that resembles a boardwalk beach bar. You’ll be feeling like you’re DTS as soon as you walk in.
See More: The Best Spots for Sangria in Hoboken
