A trip to the movies doesn’t feel like a regular occurrence lately — with the convenience of couches and Netflix. But, sometimes you have to switch it up and go old-school popcorn and a movie. Enter dine-in movie theater iPic Theaters Hudson Lights in Fort Lee, a dinner and a movie experience that really ups the movie and date-night game. To be totally honest, we arrived a weeeee bit skeptical {furrealz though, how great can dine-in movie theater food be?}.
Instead, we were totally BLOWN AWAY by perhaps the best movie night we’ve ever had. Not because of the movie {though the film selections are fun}. But because of these five *SO WORTH IT* elements. Here’s why we love the Fort Lee iPic Theaters and encourage a visit.
1. Romantic Pods With BLANKETS.
For any visit, definitely try booking “InTheater Dining”, also called “Premium Plus.” This is the ultimate experience, where you’ll be escorted to a private pod for two or three—complete with table, reclining chairs, low soundproof walls, and for heaven’s sake — BLANKETS! Seriously. How many times have you been freezing in a movie theater? Not anymore.
2. Gourmet Finger Food.
Chef Sherry Yard {of Cake Wars} teamed up with iPic to create a menu of not-too-crunchy, not-too-large, easy-to-eat-in-total-darkness finger food.
It’s all whisked each pod by ninja waiters (yes, silently awesome waiters dressed in black). Or, guests pick it up at the iPics Express counter {a movie concession stand on steroids, with a full bar}. Hoboken Girl’s fave menu items include the Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice, Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Spicy Maple Bacon Syrup, and the Warm Ham & Cheese Biscuits. YAAAAS. Here’s the full menu.
Read More: Our Trip to Sojo Spa Club in Edgewater {The Ultimate Staycation}
3. “Garden State Garden To Glass” Cocktails.
The bar here is crazy about keeping it local…straight from the mind of Somm & Executive Bartender Adam R. Seger. Each drink is fresh and seasonal. What’s really exciting? The bar only pours NJ beers.
We sipped on the “Norma Jean” {fresh Jersey strawberries galore} and the AppleJack Margarita {apple cider + apple salsa + tequila}.
4. City Perch Restaurant.
If dining in total darkness isn’t your thing, there’s a restaurant & bar on the ground level called City Perch. It’s upscale American fare and has a good pre- or post-date vibe.
5. Endless Popcorn.
DO NOT FEAR movie + popcorn lovers. This place is not the exception. Except well, the popcorn comes in regular and gourmet flavors, it’s all-you-can-eat, and you can have it with a nice glass of red wine.
*mic drop*
So while a movie night at iPic Hudson Lights is by no means a last minute movie outing {think, “I need to book 2-4 weeks in advance”} OR cheap {think, there’s a full bar + way too much yummy food to sample}, this is a must-try Hudson County experience. Perfect for a big date, night out with your BFFL, or a fun excursion for national popcorn day. Book a reservation here, it doesn’t really matter what movie you see, just spoil yourself silly.
See More: Your Ultimate 2019 Hudson County Bucket List
Have you been to iPic Theaters in Fort Lee yet?
What did you think? Tell us in the comments below.
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.
