For 2025, our New Year's resolution is to eat better — and by better, we mean as many delicious things as possible. Maybe that's a form of hedonism, but when you live in an area like Hoboken + Jersey City, there are simply too many opportunities for food-induced joy. For anyone on a similar journey, we've created a list of the local food items we're currently obsessing over. With appetizers, mains, sides, and desserts, who's to stop you from making a whole meal out of it? Keep reading for the six Hoboken + Jersey City food items we're loving right now.

Grilled Cheese + Tomato Soup from Otok Bakery | 506 Grand Street, Hoboken

Grilled cheese and tomato soup is already an elite duo, but when the grilled cheese is made using a 100-year-old coal-fired oven, there's truly nothing like it. The bread, of course, is Dom's famous recipe — and the cheese is melted on top of and inside the sandwich, creating three whole layers of gooey cheesy goodness. Don't sleep on the soup, either, which we're convinced has genuine healing powers in these freezing temps. The grilled cheese/tomato soup combo is a part of Otok's weekday lunch menu, available Tuesday through Thursday from 11AM-2PM.

Read More: 24 Foodie Activities in Hoboken + Jersey City

Fries from Jane Doe | 333 Newark Avenue, Jersey City

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Jane Doe opened in Jersey City back in 2023 and it's a great spot for a lot of occasions (date night, girl's dinner, etc.). But the unexpected standout item — above the upscale vibes, vinyl music, wonderful cocktails, and pretty lengthy menu — is the fries. We've bravely dubbed them “the best fries in Jersey City” and we're standing on business because listen: they're fried in beef tallow with scalloped potatoes layered in, all topped off with a dollop of truffle aioli. It's a side dish ringing up at $13, but trust us, it's worth every penny.

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Organic Cookies from Sweet Bear Stuff | Online

Not all gluten-free copycat treats are created equal. But every now and then, you find one that is SO good it's sort of stressful: like, can I really eat this? Can something this good really be without gluten? And yet — we've found another to add to our list. Sweet Bear Stuff's gluten-free, dairy-free, and organic cookies are just that type. It's an online brand based in Hoboken that we discovered at the SocietyX holiday market on Coles Street, and haven't stopped thinking about since. Learn more about how to order here.

Buffalo Chicken Wrap from Veloce | 457 Baldwin Avenue, Jersey City

“Specialty sandwiches” are the namesake of this JC hidden gem, so it's no surprise that the BCW wowed us. But, wow. Everything in this wrap just worked: the cutlets, fresh mutz, and thinly sliced onions. The sauce was spicy, but not enough to cause any sort of discomfort. It's eater's choice between bleu cheese or ranch dressing, and we, of course, went with ranch. The team also shared with us that the chicken Caesar wrap is one of Veloce's most popular items, so for the sake of journalism, we'll be returning very, very soon.

Chicken Salad from Gigi's | 916 Washington Street, Hoboken

We understand the skepticism: what business does a former Real Housewife of New York have picking favorites in Hoboken? Yes, we're talking about Bethenny Frankel (who's given this item multiple shouts) and you're suspicion isn't unfounded — but it is wrong. Gigi's chicken salad really is next level, especially if you order it in a sandwich. Pictures above to prove it.

See More: Inside Chashni Cafe, Montclair’s Newest Eatery with Pakistani Roots

Alcapurria Bites from OrGovia | 1119 Jefferson Street, Hoboken

OrGovia opened earlier this month and has quickly become a local favorite. There's a lot to write home about on the menu, but it's the only place in town to find alcapurria bites and tostones waffle fries, which were our personal favorite. For the bites, there are chicken and steak options which you can order in portions of three pieces, six pieces, or 12 pieces. We recommend getting as many as you can, but we'll let you choose your own adventure.