The Jersey City food scene is always growing, and the Hamilton Park area of town just welcomed its newest addition. Meet Just Friends: a new Italian-American cafe that is currently in its soft opening stage, with a grand opening planned for next week at 500 Monmouth Street. Read on for more about Just Friends in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Photo Credit: Just Friends
The Details
Just Friends is located at 500 Monmouth Street in the Hamilton Park neighborhood of Jersey City. The Italian-American cafe is currently soft open, and the team shared with The Hoboken Girl that a grand opening celebration is set for Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025.
Read More: Cheech’s Bagels Opening in Downtown Jersey City This March
Buzz about Just Friends first started in the Jersey City subreddit about 10 months ago, when several locals noticed signage for what looked to be a new bar/restaurant.
The post read: “Drove by and noticed a sign up for what looks like to be a new bar/restaurant on Monmouth St next to the Thirsty Quaker. It looks like it’s called “Just Friends”. Anyone know anything about this new potential spot?”
Months later, “Just Friends” is confirmed. The team told HG that the new cafe is BYO, and serves up Italian-American eats. HG is currently awaiting more info about specific menu items and will update this post with any additional details.
Locals can keep up with Just Friends on Instagram @justfriendsccafe_jc. While there are no posts as of this writing, the account has garnered just over 3,000 followers already.
The cafe is open 4PM-10PM daily, except Tuesdays.
See More: Staci’s Sandwich Joint, a Gourmet Sub Spot, Opens in Verona
Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok to stay in the know with all of the local news, sign up for our weekly newsletter here, and check out our events calendar.
Valentine’s Day Events + Dinners in Hoboken and Jersey City for 2025
Love is wafting the air in Hoboken + Jersey City. Tomorrow, all kinds of Valentine's Day events will fill the calendars, whether it's celebrating with a loved one, a group of friends, or even solo. Plenty of local restaurants will also provide a special menu in honor of the season of romance, from beloved Italian spots to upscale eateries. Keep reading for a list of festive events in Hoboken + Jersey City and restaurants featuring holiday menus for Valentine's Day 2025.
Events
Hoboken
February 1st — Valentine's Day Massacre at Crossfit Hoboken | 50 Marshall Street
Celebrate Cupid's holiday with a friend or a lover by joining this fitness challenge, hosted by Tim Card Photography and Crossfit Hoboken, on February 1st from 7AM to 6PM. This event is called the "Valentine's Day Massacre" because the workouts are that intense. Depending on the divisions, some include handstand push-ups, pull-ups, wall balls, box jumps, and more. The divisions will consist of male teams of two, female teams of two, and co-ed teams of two. See the full list of division standards + workouts here.
Read More: 11 Unique Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in the Hoboken + Jersey City Area
February 6th — Valentine’s Fondue + Wine Event at Cheese+Wine | 720 Monroe Street C102
Cheese+Wine in Hoboken will host a Valentine's Day fondue and wine event on February 6th from 7:30PM to 9PM. Attendees will begin the evening with a sparkling wine tasting, which will then be followed by a live demonstration from our Swiss cheese specialist on crafting the perfect traditional cheese fondue. Tickets for this event cost $80. See more about this event here.
February 8th — The Little Acorn Bakery Pop-Up at bwè kafe | 1002 Washington Street
Neighbors can stop by the Washington Street location of bwè kafe on February 8th from 10AM to 1PM to purchase The Little Acorn Bakery's special Valentine's Day treats, some of which include sourdough bread, crackers, and V'day cookie kits. Cupcakes, cake pops, and tarts will also be available but for pre-order only. See this Instagram post for more information.
February 9th — CityTri x Sustainable JC Valentine’s Marathon | Lincoln Park
CityTri x Sustainable JC’s Valentine’s Marathon will take place on Sunday, February 9th at 9:30AM. Runners can participate in a 10K or 5K race and all levels are welcome. A percentage of all profits will be donated to Sustainable JC as they continue to raise awareness for National Heart Health Month. To register for the race click here.
February 12th — Cupid's Cocktail Making Class at Backstage Lounge | 1039 Washington Street
Participants can learn how to make love-themed cocktails at the Backstage Lounge's cocktail-making class on February 12th from 6PM to 8:30PM. Attendees will learn to make four different drinks and well as enjoy seasonal small bites + sweets. Tickets cost $75 and can be purchased here.
Events
Jersey City
January 26th — Valentine’s Day Pet Photos at Meow Mini Mart | 57 Congress Street
Locals can take holiday photos with their furry friends at everyone's favorite animal wellness shop, Meow Mini Mart, on January 26th from 12PM to 4:30PM. This business will provide all sorts of Valentine's Day accessories to dress pets in. The session fee costs $25 and photo packages start at $29.99. Reserve a time slot here.
February 6th — Handmade With Love at Porta | 135 Newark Street
Locals can shop for homemade goods while meeting potential lovers at Historic Downtown Jersey City's Handmade With Love, a special Valentine’s handmade market and speed dating event, on February 6th from 4PM to 9PM. Located at Porta in Jersey City, the market will feature products from artists and makers, holiday cocktails, and music. The speed dating will take place on the rooftop of the restaurant at 6PM. Those interested should RSVP before February 3rd at this link.
February 6th — Valentine's Cooking Class at 87 Sussex | 87 Sussex Street
87 Sussex will host a Valentine’s Day cooking class at 7PM on February 13th. Attendees will make oysters + pearls, handmade pappardelle bolognese, branzino encrusted with olive tapenade, and crepes suzette + rose petal cookies. This class is priced at $85 per person or $115 per person with wine and cocktail pairings. See this Instagram post for more details.
February 8th — Shop + Love Valentine's Day Pop-Up Market at Neighbors Studio | 15 Wilkinson Avenue
This pop-up market at Neighbors Studio will have more than just local vendors. It will host a bento cake decorating workshop by Sweets by Dai and a DIY flower arrangement workshop with Fairy Godmother Party Co. This event, which takes place on February 8th from 12PM to 5PM, is great for friends, couples, and singles. Tickets range from $15 to $40. For more details, see here.
February 9th — 2025 JC Valentine’s Half Marathon + 10K + 5K at Lincoln Park | 1 County Road 605
Ring in an early Valentine's Day with a loved one by participating in CityTri x Sustainable JC's Valentine's Marathon on Sunday, February 9th at 9:30AM. Runners can participate in a 10K or 5K race and all levels are welcome. A percentage of all profits will be donated to Sustainable JC as they continue to raise awareness for National Heart Health Month. To register for the race click here.
February 14th — Gimme Gimme Disco, Valentine's Day Edition at White Eagle Hall | 337 Newark Avenue
Disco dudes and gals can spend their Valentine's Day dancing the night away to popular disco hits from artists like ABBA, The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Cher, and more on February 14th at 9PM. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their best disco attire. Tickets for this event cost $17. See White Eagle Hall's website for more information.
February 14th — Valentine's Day Party Cruise | 11 Marin Boulevard
Liberty Harbor Marina will host a Valentine's Day Party Cruise on February 14th from 8PM to 2AM. This event will feature a night of love, laughter, great views, and VIP bottle packages to make this holiday a boozy one. See the packages and more details here.
February 14th — Valentine’s Day Tasting at 87 Sussex | 87 Sussex Street
Paulus Hook restaurant 87 Sussex is promising an "unforgettable celebration of love and flavor," on Valentine's Day, according to its event listing. JC locals can enjoy a crafted tasting menu with paired wines by Executive Chef Brian Walter from 5:15PM to 8:30PM. The tasting includes a first-course selection, an entree selection, and optional dessert wine pairings. See 87 Sussex's menu here.
February 16th — Valentine's Craft + Thrift at Twilight Thrift Shop | 2845 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
This thrift store in Jersey City will host a craft + thrift event on February 16th from 4PM to 6:30PM. Participants will create their own shadowboxes using thrifted items provided by Twilight Thrift Shop. Local artists Lauren of Dragon Duck Creations and Brittany of Antisocial Jewelry Co. will also be in attendance to help patrons through the crafting process. Tickets for this event cost $25 and can be purchased here.
Dinners
Hoboken
Anthony David's | 953 Bloomfield Street
This popular Italian restaurant on Bloomfield Street will provide a three-course menu for the holiday of love. For $75 per person, customers can order dishes like the Hand Chopped Beef Crudo, served with caper berries and dijon garlic toast, the Spicy Tuna Tartare, made with Pugliese and locally sourced micro greens, and the Housemade Pappardelle, which comes with shaved black truffles, light cream, and Parmesan cheese. Reservations from 5PM to 9:15PM are available at this link.
Bin 14 Trattoria + Wine Bar | 1314 Washington Street
Bin 14 Trattoria + Wine Bar will serve a three-course menu for $75 per person. Along with signature cocktails, bubbles, and wine, patrons can order dishes like the Beef Tartare, served with garlic toast, the Short Rib Wellington, which comes with whipped potatoes and French beans, and more. Reserve a spot here and see the full menu here.
Byrd | 800 Jackson Street
Byrd in Hoboken will serve a three-course for Valentine's Day diners. The dinner is priced at $75 per person. Specific details on the menu have yet to be posted, so check the restaurant's website closer to the date. For now, locals can book a reservation here.
Halifax | 225 River Street
This restaurant in Hoboken will serve dinner on February 14th and February 15th for Valentine's and Galentine's. Diners can expect three-course dinners priced at $125, which comes with options like Mushroom Tart, made with gelee, truffle mushroom, cured egg yolk, and grated chocolate, Koji Marinated Prime NY Strip, served with potato gratin, charred carrots, watercress, and black truffle butter, and more.
Martha's | 25 12th Street
Patrons can indulge in a three-course dinner this coming Valentine's Day at Martha's in Hoboken. Customers can have a taste of all kinds of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. The specifics regarding the menu have not been announced yet, so visit the restaurant's website closer to the date for future announcements. Until then, locals can book reservations at this link.
Dinners
Jersey City
Battello | 502 Washington Boulevard
Guests can celebrate Valentine's Day at Battello in Jersey City while enjoying a four-course prix fixe menu. Priced at $149+ per person, options like Wild Mushroom Soup, Potato Crusted Halibut, and Roasted Honey Nut Squash will be available. This restaurant will also include live music for all guests to enjoy. See the full menu here.
Liberty Prime Steakhouse | 111 Montgomery Street
Jersey City locals can enjoy a four-course Valentine's Day dinner with a view of NYC at Liberty Prime Steakhouse. The menu consists of Lobster Bisque, Shrimp Cocktail, Airline Chicken, Strawberry Cheesecake, and so much more. To make a reservation and see the entire menu, click this link.
Light House Tavern | 199 Washington Street
This spot will have a three-course prix-fix menu on this special holiday. The dinner will cost $75 per person and seatings start at 5PM. The menu details have yet to be posted but reservations can be made at this link.
Lokal Eatery + Bar | 2 2nd Street
Lokal in Jersey City will serve a five-course prix fixe menu on Valentine's Day. Priced at $90 per person, customers can dine on dishes like the Raw Beausoleil Oyster, Grilled Beef Tenderloin, and Chocolate + Banana Torte. This restaurant will also provide a separate vegetarian menu for $85 per person, which includes Fig + Roquefort Croute, Savory Caramelized Vidalia Onion Tart, Vegetable Fritto Misto, and more. Diners can also spend an additional $40 for wine pairings. See the full menu here.
Nigiri | 95 Greene Street
Diners can spend Valentine's Day at a dining table for $135 or at the sushi bar for $125 at Nigiri in Jersey City. The only option for dining is the omakase chef's choice. Customers will also have a 1.5-hour time limit. Reservations can be made here.
See More: Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in Montclair That Aren’t Dinner
Satis Bistro | 212 Washington Street
For $97.50 a person, patrons can enjoy a four-course menu at Satis Bistro on Valentine's Day. Options include Tre Colore Salad, made with arugula, endive, radicchio, red wine, toasted pepitas, and gorgonzola cheese, Braised Angus Beef Cheeks, served with soft polenta and charred carrots, and more. The full menu, which also includes dessert, can be seen at this link.
