Ah, the dive bar — a friendly neighborhood watering hole that’s perfect for a casual happy hour or a weekly outing with friends, where the drinks are always cheap and the free peanuts run aplenty. A simple, no-frills drink menu is a good start to creating the perfect dive bar (we’re talking Corona, Miller High Life, PBR plz + thank you), as well as an uncomplicated food menu (if there is one at all) consisting of standard pub fare. Hoboken + JC is home to a number of dive bars that make for the ideal casual drinks outing, with no frills (but just as much fun). Keep reading to find out the best pseudo-hidden-gem dive bars of Hoboken + Jersey City.
Hoboken
8th Street Tavern | 800 Washington Street
It’s easy to miss this corner bar on Washington in between the many surrounding restaurants, but this establishment has actually been part of the Mile Square since the 1940s. 8th Street Tavern offers all of the standard bar features like pool, darts, corn hole and plenty of trivia nights as well as burgers, nachos, and lots of beers to choose from.
Farside Tavern | 531 Washington Street
(Photo credit: @farsidetavern)
This almost didn’t make the list, but with a yummy bar menu that caters to just about any late-night food craving (check out the Mack Daddy Nachos), this is a superb place to watch a game, get your karaoke on, or hang on the enclosed back porch with a refreshing beverage.
See More: Departed Soles Brewery: Jersey City’s Trendy Brewhouse
Louise + Jerry’s | 329 Washington Street
(Photo credit: Google Maps)
This quiet little bar is a prime place to relax with some friends and sip on a classic cocktail. Don’t forget to bring your furry friend along – pups are always welcome and encouraged.
Read More: Hoboken Bars That Allow Dogs
Wilton House | 58 Newark Street
Take a break from the trendy Hoboken spots and step into this casual cash-only hangout that offers just the basics – a couple of beers on tap, cheap prices, shots, and of course, a jukebox (also a short walk away from Carlo’s Bakery if you want to pop in for a treat post-drinking).
Jersey City
Abbey’s Pub + Grill | 409 Monmouth Street
(Photo credit: @_abbeyspub)
With a menu consisting of yummy BBQ, steak and burgers, this bar is big enough for a large group of friends and even delivers hookahs to your table, so enjoy something a little different on your next night out with a relaxed scene.
Read More: A Visit to White Star Bar in Jersey City
Lucky 7 Tavern | 322 2nd Street
(Photo credit: @lucky7tavernjc)
It’s nice to know that in a sea of craft beer bars, there is still a place where a can of PBR can be purchased for $2.50. This is just one of the reasons to visit Lucky 7 Tavern, in addition to its extensive whiskey menu and a bar menu that’s hard to resist and includes “totchos” aka tater tot nachos (we’ll drink to that).
The Keyhole Bar | 242 Bay Street
(Photo credit: @keyholebarjc)
Formerly known as Rolon’s Bar and re-opened under its new name in 2018, the Keyhole Bar is a historical neighborhood establishment with cheap brews and $1 bar snacks (cash only) that are perfect for an impromptu night out.
Have you been to one of these hidden gem bars? Let us know in the comments!
Farmers’ Market, Street Fair, + More: HDSID’s 2025 Event Season in Jersey City
This article is sponsored by the Historic Downtown Special Improvement District (HDSID).
If you live in Jersey City, you know that the Historic Downtown Special Improvement District (aka HDSID) is always hosting fun events for locals. From farmers’ markets to the annual All About Downtown Street Fair, this local non-profit is committed to making Chilltown a great place to live. HDSID is currently gearing up for its 2025 events season, and we’re sharing all the FREE upcoming happenings to look forward to: the spring + summer farmers’ market, the Handmade Market, Groove on Grove, and the All About Downtown Street Fair. Applications are now open for local businesses and vendors looking to get involved. Read on for more about HDSID’s upcoming 2025 events in Jersey City, New Jersey.
HDSID’s 2025 Events Lineup in Jersey City
Spring + Summer Farmers’ Market | April-December
Every Monday and Thursday from April 28th through December 22nd, 2025, HDSID’s Spring + Summer Farmers’ Market will be in session at the Grove Street PATH Plaza in Jersey City. From 3PM-7PM each week, locals can shop for baked goods, fresh produce, artisanal bites, coffee, drinks, nuts, and so much more.
Handmade Market | May-September
HDSID’s Handmade Market will run from May 7th through September 17th, 2025. Every Wednesday from 3PM-8PM and Saturday from 12PM-6PM, residents can browse unique creations from local artists and makers at the Grove Street PATH Plaza in Jersey City.
Groove on Grove | May-August
Groove on Grove is all about highlighting up-and-coming local musicians. These events will take place every Wednesday from 6PM-9PM at the Grove Street PATH Plaza in Jersey City from May 7th through August 27th, 2025. All music booking is done by Rock-it Docket.
14th Annual All About Downtown Street Fair | September
HDSID’s annual All About Downtown Street Fair has become a local favorite and is one of the most popular events of the year. The 2025 Street Fair will take place on Saturday, September 20th from 12PM-8PM. From Grove Street to Coles Street in Jersey City, locals can expect 200+ businesses, eats, drinks, music, shopping, rides, kid-friendly activities, and much more.
All of these events are FREE to attend. Vendor registration and sponsorships are now open for all of HDSID’s 2025 events in Jersey City. All applications for the above events can be found on HDSID’s website here. Subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates.
About HDSID
The Historic Downtown Special Improvement District (HDSID) is a public-private partnership, 501(C) which allows local business owners to directly impact the neighborhoods in Historic Downtown Jersey City. The community-first non-profit expanded to include 26 more businesses in spring 2024 and works with local businesses, property owners, and neighborhood associations in partnership with the City government. HDSID also has a clean team on duty seven days a week from 5AM-7PM to ensure the cleanliness of the downtown area, and hosts various community events year-round. HDSID’s mantra is “Live, shop, support local. Always!”
Learn more about HDSID in Jersey City on the website.
