Hudson County residents know that there are literally dozens of coffee shops to explore. In Jersey City, one unique space has caught the eye of Hollywood. The charming Snapdragon Coffee + Social, located at 190 Monticello Avenue, has been McGinley Square’s best-kept secret for a while and has recently been used as a filming location for A Complete Unknown, the Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothee Chalamet. And while it may seem that Snapdragon’s stunning space is the star of the show, there’s a lot more to love about this local favorite in addition to its recent movie role. Read on for more about what to expect at Snapdragon Coffee + Social in Jersey City, New Jersey.
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About the Owner
Snapdragon owner Buzz Pasdar has lived in Jersey City for 18 years and is the epitome of an entrepreneurial spirit. Before opening Snapdragon in November 2018, Buzz wore many hats that ultimately gave him the skills to run one of Jersey City’s most stylish cafes. Buzz has done it all, from working in the New York City restaurant industry to running a painting service. He is also the owner of The Bike Hub just across the street at 191 Monticello Avenue, making his connection to the community even more tight-knit.
Read More: 27 Jersey City Coffee Shops With Outdoor Seating
From restaurants to painting to bikes, we couldn’t help but ask Buzz why opening a coffee shop ended up on his radar in the first place. He replied with laughter and said, “I love a good challenge… and I’m insane! After working for a long time in restaurants, I thought this would be manageable,” he told HG. “Plus, I’m right across the street at The Bike Hub and knew I could set up a team there. I also just really believe in this neighborhood.” Buzz radiates with excitement when talking about his businesses and it’s easy to see how deeply rooted his commitment to the community is.
The Interior
One of the stand-out features of Snapdragon has to be its interior. Buzz said the space needed a lot of work before its 2018 opening. The building, which used to be an old uniform factory, already had amazing bones to work with. The space had historic exposed brick, high tin ceilings, and detailed woodwork. With his background in painting and an entrepreneurial drive, Buzz took things into his own hands when it came time to transform the space. The DIY projects didn’t scare him and he tackled it head-on.
“If I didn’t do it myself it wouldn’t have worked out the way it did,” he said. Buzz did most of the work himself, and even hand-selected the decor and mismatched furniture that gives the space a colorful charm. From garage sales to curbside pick-ups, and even some of his mother’s old furniture, Buzz collected the perfect items to fill Snapdragon’s interior thanks to his savvy eye. You’ll also notice that there is ample seating throughout the two-story space with the intention of creating a warm environment for customers to hang out.
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After visiting Snapdragon, it’s no surprise that the coffee shop was chosen to represent a vintage-style coffee house in A Complete Unknown solely because of the attention to detail that was put into the design of this space. Buzz told us that this wasn’t the first time Snapdragon had been approached to serve as a film set. When we asked him how it felt to be chosen to appear in A Complete Unknown he told us “It was great! It really helped the whole community.” saying that some other businesses on the block were also transformed into 60s-style storefronts. Snapdragon even landed a spot on HG’s Insta-worthy locations list due to its unique look.
The Event Space
Aside from a wonderful environment for patrons to sip, work, and relax, Snapdragon also functions as an event space. After all, Snapdragon’s full name is “Snapdragon Coffee + Social”. Whether it’s for an art show, book club, music event, or photoshoot, the Snapdragon space is available to host a multitude of events. Buzz told us “Events are our bread and butter.” Noting that the team has hosted dozens of exciting parties over the years, Buzz said, “We’ve even hosted a few weddings here!”. From birthdays, to book clubs, engagement parties, and even bar mitzvahs, Snapdragon can accommodate several occasions and can comfortably fit 50 people on each floor. Hosts can rent out the location hourly on Peerspace.com or inquire within for larger productions.
The Menu
Snapdragon Coffee + Social has a loyal following thanks to its beyond-creative menu, all designed by Buzz. He told us “We really try to stay true to the coffee house vibe” mentioning how seriously the team approaches the coffee-brewing element. Buzz searched far and wide for the perfect blend to serve at Snapdragon when he finally found unique blends of beans from South America and Africa. Customers can purchase Snapdragon’s beans for home brewing. At Snapdragon the quality of the coffee is paramount with pristinely maintained machines and top-notch barista service. “It really makes a difference,” he said.
Besides an array of standard coffee and espresso drinks, Snapdragon offers a wide range of food such as empanadas, pastries, quiche, bagels, sandwiches, organic draft kombucha, and even desserts. Buzz told us that the most popular dishes are a tie between two Snapdragon classics: the Avocado Mash with 12-month-aged parmesan, organic tomatoes, organic avocado, and balsamic glaze, or the White Fish Sandwich with organic tomato, onions, and capers which Buzz said is “off the charts”. All of Snapdragon’s pastries and breads are brought in fresh every single morning from Balthazar bakery in New York City.
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Besides the usual cafe items, Snapdragon’s creative menu takes things to another level with some extra special items. Buzz said that he wants to “continue to play on the old Americana-type vibes… kind of like an old American diner”. He does this by serving specialty menu items such as Nathan’s hot dogs, bags of peanuts, root beer floats, and even a seasonal orange creamsicle float.
See More: A Guide to Montclair’s Best Coffee Shops
Visiting Snapdragon Coffee + Social
Snapdragon Coffee + Social is open daily from 8:30AM to 5:30PM and is a great place to set up shop to do work or meet with friends. Snapdragon also has some outdoor seating for those warm weather days. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram and reach out to 646-334-0742 for more information about the event space.
Super Bowl LIX 2025 Events and Catering in Hoboken + Jersey City
Football season has arrived in Hoboken and Jersey City. The Super Bowl LIX, which takes place at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, February 9th at 6:30PM Eastern Time, features the Kansas City Chiefs against the Philadelphia Eagles. Plenty of spots in the area have announced details about watch parties and special events for the big game. For those who prefer to watch at home, The Hoboken Girl has also listed out local restaurants providing Super Bowl catering. Keep reading for a list of Super Bowl LIX events and catering options in Hoboken + Jersey City for 2025.
Bars + Restaurants Hosting Events
Hoboken
The Ale House | 1034 Willow Avenue, Hoboken
Hudson County locals can watch this year's Super Bowl at The Ale House, which will host an event featuring beer, shot, and seltzer specials, like $7 personal pitchers of beer and $5 Superbird Tequila Shots. See this Instagram post for more information.
Read More: A Guide to Sports Bars in Hoboken, New Jersey
Black Bear Hoboken Bar + Grill | 205 Washington Street, Hoboken
This Bar is hosting a Super Bowl Watch + Win party on February 9th. Attendees can expect various prizes throughout the night. To make a reservation, email [email protected]. See this Instagram post for more information.
House of ‘Que | 340 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
House of 'Que is going all out for Super Bowl LIX. In addition to bucket deals starting at $30, those who attend the 4th annual giveaway event will have a chance to win one of eight complimentary trips for two. A DJ will also be spinning tracks during commercials and halftime. Those interested in entering the giveaway should arrive prior to 4:30PM. See this post for more information.
McSwiggan’s Pub | 110 1st Street, Hoboken
Details regarding this year's Super Bowl event have yet to be announced. However, in years past McSwiggan’s Pub had bucket specials for customers to enjoy in addition to large TVs to watch the game. See the bar's Instagram for future announcements.
Madd Hatter Hoboken | 221 Washington Street, Hoboken
This bar in Hoboken is always hosting some sort of event, so locals know they can turn to Madd Hatter for an epic Super Bowl party. Attendees can look forward to a 40-course all-you-can-eat buffet for $40 per person, which features wings, quesadillas, penne vodka meatballs, sliders, french fries, pigs in a blanket, tacos, mac and cheese, soft pretzels, and more. This event starts at 4PM and ends at 2AM the next day. Tickets start at $29.90 and can be purchased here.
Mulligan's | 159 First Street, Hoboken
Mulligan's in Hoboken is always playing some sort of sports game. For the Super Bowl, Hoboken locals can expect the regular menu as well as beer buckets. See the full menu here.
Psycho Mike’s | 125 Washington Street, Hoboken
Psycho Mikes, Pig + Parrot's sister bar, will host a Big Game Loft Party on Super Bowl Sunday. This event at 6:30PM will feature an open bar, prizes after every quarter, and a premium buffet of shrimp cocktail, wings, sliders, penne vodka, chicken Francese, and more. Tickets cost $100 and can be purchased by emailing [email protected]. See this Instagram post for more information.
The Shepherd + the Knucklehead | 1313 Willow Avenue, Hoboken
This bar in Hoboken is a great spot to watch the game. Locals can enjoy a draft beer selection and various tailgate bites like the famous buffalo wings. To make a reservation, see this link.
Texas Arizona | 76 River Street, Hoboken
For Super Bowl Sunday, Texas Arizona will have game-day food, giveaways, and a live DJ. Reservations can be made via the website. Learn more about this event here.
Jersey City
The Brightside Tavern | 141 Bright Street, Jersey City
Besides watching the Super Bowl game, guests can have a chance to host a party at The Brightside Tavern. Book in advance and learn more information by calling 917-385-0703. More details can be found on Instagram.
Cangiano’s Marketplace | 225 Pavonia Avenue, Jersey City
This beloved Jersey City restaurant will have a fully loaded wing bar on Super Bowl Sunday. In addition, this spot will have every sandwich of the day special available. See all the details here.
Healy’s Tavern | 374 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
The annual Super Bowl Potluck Party at Healy's Tavern takes place on February 9th at 4PM. Attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite dish to enjoy while watching the game. This event is free to attend. See more information here.
Hudson Hall | 364 Marin Boulevard, Jersey City
Hudson Hall in Jersey City is now accepting reservations for the Super Bowl. Patrons can expect all kinds of special game deals on February 9th. Reservations fill up quickly, so locals are encouraged to reserve their spots ahead of time. Visit the restaurant's website to make a reservation. See this Instagram post for more details.
RoofTop at Exchange Place | 1 Exchange Place, Jersey City
RoofTop at Exchange Place will host a Super Bowl party featuring game-day food and drink specials with a NYC view. This event starts at 5:30PM, which is one hour before kickoff. The menu includes options like buffalo wings served with house-made ranch, cheese or pepperoni flatbread, draft pitchers, beer buckets, and more. Make a reservation here.
Superbowl Catering Options
Hoboken
Alessio’s Cafe | 539 Park Avenue, Hoboken
This restaurant in Hoboken has a whole list of Super Bowl specials. The menu includes options like pizza and wings deals, sandwich and slider platters, pasta, salad, and desserts. Alessio's Cafe has pick-up and delivery. See the full menu here and place an order here.
House of 'Que | 340 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
This bar is providing a Super Bowl catering menu that features 48-hour smoked wings, nacho trays, sandwich combos, a BBQ feast, and all sorts of Texas-inspired sides. For the full menu and details on how to place an order, see here.
The Madison Bar + Grill | 1316 Washington Street, Hoboken
The Madison is serving up various Super Bowl Sunday platters catered for the game. There are three different platter options The Underdog, The Favorite, and G.O.A.T. Learn more on Instagram.
The Shepherd + the Knucklehead | 1313 Willow Avenue, Hoboken
Those looking for wing deals can turn to The Shepherd + the Knucklehead. This spot will provide 25, 50, 75, or 100 wings ranging from $38.95 to $150.95. The wings come in either plain, teriyaki, Old Bay, lemon pepper, Thai, BBQ, dy rub, pineapple chili, garlic parmesan, or Buffalo parmesan. See this post for all the details and how to order.
Jersey City
Cangiano’s Marketplace | 225 Pavonia Avenue, Jersey City
Cangiano's Marketplace is serving up a catering menu with a plethora of options for game day. Customers can look forward to options like honey mustard shrimp, an antipasto platter, baked mac + cheese, toasted pistachio cannoli, and more. See this Instagram post for the full menu and pricing.
Hudson Hall | 364 Marin Boulevard, Jersey City
Details regarding Super Bowl catering have yet to be posted, but Hudson Hall has assured customers that the information will be posted via Instagram in the coming days.
Porta Jersey City | 135 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
Porta will provide its regular catering menu for the big game, which includes options like salads, pasta, sandwiches, and desserts. The restaurant is accepting orders until February 7th and pickup is on February 9th from 12PM to 4PM. The catering menu can be found here.
See More: The Best Bars to Catch NFL Games in Essex County + Beyond
Torta Truck | 413 Central Avenue, Jersey City
This family-owned spot in The Heights will serve a catering menu of all of Torta Truck’s best items, including birria slides, an empanada tray, and chicharron and guacamole. The last day to order is February 7th. See here for how to order and the full menu.
