New Jersey diners are a quintessential part of the state’s culture, with more than 500 options to grab a stack of fluffy pancakes, a creamy milkshake, or a juicy burger. The Miss America Diner, located at 322 West Side Avenue in Jersey City, has served breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert for nearly 85 years. We had a chance to check out the spot and even sit in one of the original booths, as well as chat with owner Stella Margetis (a.k.a Mrs. America) to learn more about how this small but mighty eatery came to be. Read on to learn more about this piece of food history in Hudson County.
Getting Started
The Miss America diner has a rich past. The restaurant was founded in 1942 by the original owner, Joe Cherico, and initially was named the Joe Cherico Diner in honor of him. Shortly after opening, Fritz Welte, a German immigrant, purchased the diner from Joe and re-named it Miss America in honor of his new home, according to research conducted by New Jersey City University Library.
Since then, the diner has been sold multiple times to various families who have kept the establishment going through good and tough times. In 2014, Tony and Stella Margetis purchased the restaurant and have been operating it since. Even though Miss America was a new endeavor, Tony was no stranger to diner operations or the area. He and his family owned and operated Lou’s Diner in Jersey City in the 1970s.
Read More: The Best Brunch Spots for Large Groups in Hoboken + Jersey City
The Atmosphere
The diner has undergone a few changes over time, including an expansion in the 1980s. When guests walk in the door, they will notice the traditional O’Mahoney structure designs that are classically seen in diners throughout the state. This design, created by a manufacturer in Elizabeth, NJ, is known for long, narrow restaurants that resemble train cars. Perhaps most familiar are the long lunch counters that made quick service and conversation between staff and guests easier.
When the expansion happened, the owners at the time decided to stray from that design and go with an aesthetic known as Formica Blue. However, Stella would like to bring the previous design aesthetic back eventually. “As far as the expansion of the diner, we inherited that. It had to be done sometime in the eighties under a previous owner. We are not guilty of that ‘Formica Blue.’ I still cannot understand why they didn’t just continue the flow from the original O’Mahoney Structure,” she told The Hoboken Girl.
Aesthetic woes aside, guests can immediately feel Miss America’s warm and welcoming atmosphere. Our waitress, Amanda, greeted every guest with a big smile and a familiar “Welcome in! How’s it going?” The lunch counter is filled with regulars, and diners can hear friendly conversations with staff referring to guests by first names.
In speaking with some of the restaurant staff, it’s clear that Miss America Diner is a pillar in the community. Stella shared more about how the business supports the area. “We wholeheartedly will contribute, especially when it comes to children in need of school supplies, holiday gifts, etc. If we can help with any justified cause, we are here to help, be it gift certificates, a monetary donation, or whatever we can give at the time,” she explained.
The Food
The menu at Miss America Diner is exactly what any diner-goer craves. It has pages and pages of all-American classics for all meals. We stopped by for breakfast and enjoyed the eggs benedict, the Florentine omelet, oatmeal, and French toast. Breakfast lovers can either indulge in large breakfast platters and pancakes topped with chocolate chips or eat healthier with hot cereal, egg whites, and low-carb breakfast wraps.
The lunch and dinner menus are just as versatile. Later in the day, guests can enjoy burgers, wraps, and sandwiches for a quick bite, or they can opt for larger entrées like chicken parmesan or broiled salmon. In true diner fashion, breakfast is served all day, and guests can always find various house-made desserts for sale. The service was very quick and the pricing was extremely reasonable. Our bill came to just under $40 before tax and tip.
See More: This Diner in West Orange Gives a Medieval-Like Experience to Visitors
Superstar Diner
The food is not the only thing Miss America diner is known for. Because of its old-school charm and traditional décor, the Miss America diner is highly sought after for movie sets and commercial shoots. “Oh, we’ve had so many cool things happen here,” shared John Margetis, Stella and Tony’s son. Stella gave even more insight into the star power that has graced the diner. “We had a couple of movies filmed here! One with Morgan Freeman called A Good Person. The infamous Bob Dylan movie with Timothee Chalamet [was filmed here], commercials including one with Eli Manning, the TV Show What Would You Do, and several music videos,” she said. Miss America also received a visit from Jon and Karri Ricklin, the couple whose mission is to try all 400+ diners in New Jersey. Stella described them as a “great couple.”
The Miss America Diner has a rich history, friendly staff, and incredible food. The restaurant is open from 6AM-6PM on weekdays and 6AM-2PM on weekends. Stop in for a bite and be sure to look around for familiar scenery from famous movies and shows.
41 Hoboken + Jersey City News Stories This Week | February 23, 2025
A water main broke this week in Jersey City, causing low water pressure throughout the area and a water boil advisory that lasted several days. It has been another week of news in Hudson County, and we’ve got all the headlines to get you caught up, as we do every week — from all around the internet. Among the local news: MTV’s Jersey Shore star Vinny Guadagnino is hosting a party at Madd Hatter in Hoboken; Crumbl Cookies is hosting a grand opening at its new location in downtown Jersey City; and the first case of bird flu is reported in New Jersey. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending on February 23rd, 2025.
Have a news story or press release? Email it to [email protected].
Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories + more):
- MTV’s Jersey Shore Star Vinny Guadagnino to Host Party at Madd Hatter in Hoboken
- Mighty Quinn's Barbecue Closes in Hoboken
- New Korean Skincare Medspa, Hello Skin, Opens in Hoboken
- Mojo Coffee to Host Killer B Cookies Pop Up in Hoboken
- Ghost Truck Kitchen Opening New Jersey City Location in Bergen Hall
- New Gelato Cafe + Bakery, Julietta, Opens in Hoboken
- Iron Bodyfit Opens First New Jersey Location in Hoboken
- Weehawken Pool Memberships Now Open to All New Jersey Residents
- Super Bowl Champions to Tackle Sickle Cell with Blood Drive in Jersey City
- Hoboken’s PATH Station Still Scheduled To Reopen On Time
- Wonder Bagels to Open Satellite Location, Café Monticello, in Jersey City
Hoboken’s PATH Station Still Scheduled To Reopen On Time
The deadline for the Hoboken PATH Station is fast approaching. Some rumors circulated online implying there may be a delay, but a representative from the Port Authority confirmed with The Hoboken Girl the station is still (allegedly) slated to open on time on February 25th, 2025. Some of the work being done includes improvements to both track and ride safety. It’s all part of the agency’s two-year PATH Forward program. Click here for more.
Hoboken Police Investigate 'Unfounded' Threats at Two Local Bars
Hoboken residents reported police activity near 10th and Willow on February 15th, with eyewitnesses citing that the bar was cleared due to a bomb threat. In addition to 10th and Willow, it was reported that Texas Arizona had a similar incident in downtown Hoboken. The Hoboken Girl team reached out to the Hoboken Police Department for more information on the incidents — in which police were sent to investigate, determining both incidents ‘unfounded.’ Click here for more.
Water Main Repaired in Jersey City, Hoboken Boil Water Advisory Lifted
View this post on Instagram
On February 17th, a water main broke on 18th Street + Jersey Avenue in Jersey City. Crews were on the scene to restore water pressure to Hoboken. Veolia, the operator of Hoboken’s water system, implemented a precautionary water boil advisory. The City of Hoboken released a Nixle alert on February 19th, just before 5:30PM saying the water main had been repaired, and the boil water advisory was lifted around 8:30AM on February 21st. Click here for more.
MTV’s Jersey Shore Star Vinny Guadagnino to Host Party at Madd Hatter in Hoboken
Vinny Guadagnino from MTV’s reality show Jersey Shore is hosting a party at Madd Hatter, 221 Washington Street, in Hoboken on February 28th. Doors open at 7PM and attendees are encouraged to come early to avoid lines. Tickets are now on sale here.
First Case of Bird Flu Reported in New Jersey
A new Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) poultry case was confirmed in a Union County live bird market. Per the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA), this is the first positive HPAI case for domestic poultry in New Jersey since 2023. To stop the spread of the disease, the live bird market is quarantined and will not receive new poultry until the quarantine is lifted. Additionally, the market will have a thorough cleaning and disinfection to eliminate the virus within the facility. After the cleaning and disinfection, this market will remain temporarily closed for a prescribed period before it is restocked, said the NJDA.
Hoboken Grace Church to Host 13th Annual Easter Egg Hunt
View this post on Instagram
Hoboken Grace community church will host its 13th annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 5th at 409 14th Street from 9:30AM to 3PM. The event is free and open to all. The egg hunts will start at 9:30AM and run every 30 minutes until 3PM. The event will feature more than 48,000 candy-filled eggs, along with music, games, photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, arts and crafts, and more, both inside and outside of the building. Participant and volunteer registration will open at 12PM on February 24th, and is expected to fill up within the first hours of opening. Click here to register.
Jersey City’s Capitals 8U Hockey Team is a Melting Pot of Culture
Jersey City Capitals 8U White Team reflects its home city, a melting pot of culture. Per USA Hockey, the parents of the youth hockey team’s 12 players hail from 14 different countries. The team also includes a pair of same-sex parents, as well as a boy in the foster system. Will Looker, the team’s coach, is an American citizen whose parents are from Great Britain and he has witnessed a series of different cultures blend together on the ice. The White Team plays in the 8-and-under beginner/intermediate division of the New Jersey Youth Hockey League.
Mighty Quinn's Barbecue Closes in Hoboken
View this post on Instagram
Washington Street in Hoboken has lost a popular barbecue restaurant. Mighty Quinn’s, a New York-born eatery located at 322 Washington Street, has permanently closed. Founded by pitmaster Hugh Mangum, the spot has made a name for itself over the years in New York City, and is known for its Brontosaurus rib, pulled pork, and other barbecue favorites. Click here for more.
Crumbl Cookies to Host Grand Opening in Downtown Jersey City
View this post on Instagram
A nationally-known cookie brand with 1000+ locations in the United States and beyond is coming to downtown Jersey City soon. Crumbl Cookies, which serves up delectable gourmet cookies in a variety of flavors, will debut at 318 Grove Street in Jersey City’s historic downtown area next to Shake Shack. Its grand opening will be held on February 28th. Click here for more.
New Korean Skincare Medspa, Hello Skin, Opens in Hoboken
View this post on Instagram
Korean beauty has become the holy grail of skincare and Hoboken is finally getting in on the action. Hello Skin Medspa, located at 129 Washington Street in Hoboken, is a luxury medspa that combines the best of Western and Korean beauty practices. From custom facials, tox + fillers, and laser hair removal to the Korean Titanium Lifting Treatment this spot is truly serving up a distinct and different menu of beauty services in town. Click here for more.
Mojo Coffee to Host Killer B Cookies Pop-Up in Hoboken
View this post on Instagram
Killer B Cookie Company is having a pop-up at Mojo Coffee, 801 Bloomfield Street, in Hoboken on March 1st at 10AM. Funfetti, a new flavor, has been added to the menu. It will pair perfectly with Mojo Coffee’s signature Funfetti Iced Latte. Limited pre-orders are available here. Orders must be picked up by 12PM. Single cookies will be available to buy at the pop-up.
New Gelato Cafe + Bakery, Julietta, Opens in Hoboken
An NYC-based shop serving up Italian gelato, coffee, and baked goods opened in the Mile Square, and we’re sharing everything we know. Julietta Gelato Cafe is located at 423 Washington Street in Hoboken and soft opened on Thursday, February 20th. Click here for more.
Ghost Truck Kitchen Opening New Jersey City Location in Bergen Hall
View this post on Instagram
After closing its original Jersey City location at 356 Varick Street in summer 2024, Ghost Truck Kitchen (formerly known as gtk) will return to Chilltown this spring. The team shared on Tuesday, February 18th, that its new Bergen-Lafayette outpost will open at 295 Johnston Avenue, inside the forthcoming Bergen Hall. Ghost Truck Kitchen has become a popular local eatery over the years, known for its creative and customizable takeout options. Click here for more.
Hudson Pride Center to Host its 4th Annual LGBTQ+ Prom Gala in Jersey City
View this post on Instagram
Hudson Pride Center presents its 4th Annual LGBTQ+ Prom Gala taking place on June 13th from 7PM-10PM at White Eagle Hall, 337 Newark Avenue, in Jersey City. A Save the Date was shared via Instagram last week. We will provide more details as they become available.
Iron Bodyfit Opens First New Jersey Location in Hoboken
View this post on Instagram
A fitness studio with locations in New York City, Florida, and various international cities recently opened its first New Jersey outpost in Hoboken. Iron Bodyfit, which specializes in Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS), made its debut on Saturday, February 15th at 104 Hudson Street, Floor 5. Click here for more.
Weehawken Pool Memberships Now Open to All New Jersey Residents
The Weehawken Township Public Pool Complex, located at 2 Port Imperial Boulevard in Weehawken, has officially released its 2025 season membership details for all New Jersey residents this week (and rumor has it, spots sell out fast). Click here for more.
Hoboken to Hold Public Hearing About Former Uptown Pizza Space
In April 2024, the abrupt closure of Uptown Pizzeria at 54 14th Street in Hoboken left residents with many questions. In February 2024, an application to demolish the site and replace it with high-rise condos was submitted to Hoboken’s Zoning Board of Adjustment. According to a notice sent by the Zoning Board, there will be a public hearing to discuss and review the existing application on February 25th, 2025. Click here for more.
New Businesses Coming Soon to Jersey City’s Arts + Powerhouse Building
View this post on Instagram
In the heart of Jersey City’s Powerhouse Arts District lies the Arts + Powerhouse Building — a historic, century-old warehouse that recently finished a historic revitalization as of early February 2024. The building, located at 124-134 Bay Street, has over 100,000 square feet of office/retail space, and will soon be home to a few new Jersey City businesses — from restaurants to fitness spots. While there is still room for even more new businesses in the Arts + Powerhouse Building, we’ve rounded up which ones have been confirmed so far. Click here for more.
What’s Going on With the NYC Congestion Pricing Plan?
The New York City congestion pricing plan has been an ongoing saga for New Jersey and New York drivers. The plan was first announced in 2021, halted weeks before it was set to take effect in June 2024, and a revised plan was officially implemented in January 2025. In most recent news, President Donald Trump announced plans to end congestion pricing in February 2025. The Hoboken Girl is sharing the most recent information on congestion pricing and what the next steps are after President Trump’s announcement. Click here for more.
The Turf by Project Sculpt to Open Soon in Jersey City
The team behind Project Sculpt shared with The Hoboken Girl that it is opening a new studio called The Turf by Project Sculpt in the retail area of the Cast Iron Lofts, 837 Jersey Avenue, in Jersey City. The studio is expected to open by the first week of March and will feature a new turf area for workouts.
Fondue Restaurant, The Melting Pot, Announces Plans to Expand to Jersey City
View this post on Instagram
In celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2025, The Melting Pot is planning to open at least two new locations in the Jersey City, Belleville, and Princeton areas within the next three years. This fondue restaurant chain serves up heated pots of cheese, chocolate, or broth for dipping. The Melting Pot is also known for its chef-prepared dinner options and tabletop grilling.
Vietnamese Restaurant, Nha Trang, Opens in Jersey City
Nha Trang, a Vietnamese restaurant in Jersey City, formerly known as New Thanh Hoai is officially open for business under the same ownership as before. Per Jersey Digs, the Jersey City favorite closed after a 15-year run. Now the restaurant is located at 414 Grand Street in Downtown near Jersey City Medical Center. After a two-year closure, the business is back with the familiar extensive menu that locals love. Nha Trang doesn’t have a website or social media account yet, but it takes online orders on Seamless. The restaurant is closed on Wednesdays but otherwise open daily from 11 AM until 9:30PM.
New Non-Profit to Benefit From The Hoboken Girl Breakfast Sandwich at Alessio’s
The Hoboken Girl breakfast sandwich is now indefinitely on the menu at all Alessio’s locations — 539 Park Avenue + 1201 Madison Street in Hoboken and 99 Franklin Street in Jersey City. Each quarter, we choose a new non-profit to receive a portion of the proceeds. Last quarter, we raised over $3,000 for the Hoboken Public Education Fund and will now be looking for a new non-profit for the sandwich to benefit next.
Hudson County Executive Delivers Water to Hoboken + Jersey City Residents
Following the water main break impacting residents in Hoboken and Jersey City on February 18th, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy sent five “water tenders” — 3,300 gallon tanks that provide safe drinking water — to both Jersey City and Hoboken. Per a Hudson County press release, coordinators worked with officials in Jersey City and Hoboken to strategically place the water tenders where they will be helpful to residents.
Super Bowl Champions to Tackle Sickle Cell with Blood Drive in Jersey City
View this post on Instagram
Jason and Devin McCourty, Super Bowl champions and professional sports broadcasters, are partnering with the Jersey City Police Officers Benevolent Association (JCPOBA) and other community organizations to raise awareness about sickle cell disease. A blood drive will be held on February 23rd from 10AM-4PM at the NJCU GSUB MPR Room in Jersey City. Click here to register for the event.
Hoboken St. Patrick’s Day 2025: Bar Crawl Schedule
The Hoboken St. Patrick’s Day parade dates back to the 1980s, but after being permanently halted in 2012, some St. Paddy’s events in Hoboken have become somewhat controversial. What was once a day that celebrated a 26-year tradition and hosted NJ’s biggest parade, turned into a day filled with arrests, public drunkenness, and chaos for law enforcement. Either way, these bar crawl events happen annually — this year, there are six that have been announced so far. We’ve rounded up all of the crawls happening locally for easy browsing. Click here for more.
JPMorgan Lawsuit Delays Construction of Housing Project in Jersey City
A lawsuit filed by JPMorgan against the Jersey City Planning Board has stalled development that would bring affordable housing to the city. JPMorgan argues against the Planning Board’s jurisdiction, parking requirements, and a traffic impact study. Per a City of Jersey City press release, the Fulop Administration is calling on JPMorgan to dismiss the suit and allow the already approved project to move forward which includes 45 units of affordable housing located within the Liberty Harbor North Redevelopment Area.
Councilman Michael Russo Announces Plans to Run for Hoboken Mayor
View this post on Instagram
Hoboken Councilman Michael Russo formerly announced plans to run for Hoboken Mayor on February 18th, 2025. “Hoboken is the place I was born and raised: with my friends and family, in our restaurants and parks, and at my church. For the last 22 years, I’ve been elected time and time again as an independent voice for Hoboken, regardless of political infighting. I promise to be a Mayor who’s willing to work on the big picture while also listening to feedback from residents each and every day,” he said. Click here for more.
MLB Network To Take Over Marcal Paper Factory Location in Elmwood Park
Major League Baseball’s television network is planning to move out of Secaucus. The new location will be at 25 Market Street in Elmwood Park with the move expected to be completed by 2028, according to a Crow Holdings press release, the real estate developer. The new space is the former home of Marcal Paper factory, which burned down in 2019.
Councilman Ruben Ramos Announces Hoboken Mayoral Run
View this post on Instagram
Hoboken Councilman Ruben Ramos formerly announced plans to run for Hoboken Mayor on February 21st. “As a lifelong resident, proud public school teacher, Fourth Ward Councilman, former State Assemblyman, cancer survivor, husband and father, I know what our city needs, and with your help, I’m ready to deliver it.” Click here for more.
Jersey City Council Approves $40 Million Upgrade to 911 System
Three members of the Jersey City Council voted against a resolution at the February 13th meeting to spend up to $40 million to upgrade the city’s 911 system. Councilmen Frank Gilmore, Richard Boggiano, and Yousef Saleh voted against it, but the resolution ultimately passed 6-3.
New Resort Wear Store, Tropicalia, Opens in Bayonne
Spring break and summers down the shore are fast approaching, which means it’s time to start thinking about what swimwear to sport on the water. Tropicalia Resort Wear, located at 174 ½ Broadway Avenue in Bayonne, opened on February 22nd. This shop allows private shopping experiences to make shoppers more comfortable while finding their next favorite beach outfit. Click here for more.
Jersey City Council Tables SID to Fund Pompidou
The Jersey City Council tabled the second reading on a special improvement district (SID) to aid the Centre Pompidou at the February 13th meeting. Ward C Councilman Rich Boggiano successfully made a motion to table the Cultural Arts SID to provide $1 to $2 million in funding annually for the Pompidou. The motion was approved unanimously (9-0).
Hoboken Councilmember-at-Large Emily Jabbour to Host Women in Leadership Panel
Photo Credit: Emily Jabbour
Hoboken Councilmember-at-Large Emily Jabbour is hosting her third annual Women in Leadership Panel in partnership with the Stevens Society for Women in Engineering (SWE). The event will take place on Sunday, March 9th at 2PM at Steven’s University Burchard Room 103. Emily has organized this panel each year in recognition of Women's History Month and National Girl Scout Day to lift up and recognize work being done by women in the community.
Hoboken Expands Youth + Teen Art Programs for Spring
Over 130 youth participated in Hoboken’s art programs last fall which will be expanded by the Division of Cultural Affairs this spring. Per a City of Hoboken press release, these programs are open to children ages 1-16, will run for eight weeks from March 17 through May 17 at the Multi-Service Center Senior Room, located at 124 Grand Street, and the ResilienCity Park Community Room at 13th and Adams Streets. Click here to access registration for all programs.
Wonder Bagels to Open Satellite Location, Café Monticello, in Jersey City
View this post on Instagram
Wonder Bagels in Downtown Jersey City shared on Instagram that it recently took over The Cottage at 136 Monticello Avenue. This new spot will be called Cafe Monticello and is expected to open around March. We will provide updates as they become available.
Hoboken Seeks Public Assistance in Shots Fired Incident
The Hoboken Police Department (HPD) is requesting the public’s help in identifying three persons of interest as part of an ongoing investigation into an incident of shots fired on December 19th, 2024. Elias Mercado, 18, of Kearny, was arrested and remains in the Hudson County Correctional Facility, facing multiple charges including criminal attempted murder. HPD is working to identify three additional persons of interest, who fled the scene after Elias allegedly fired the shots. Anyone with information about the individuals, including their identities, is urged to email Detective Connor Milne at [email protected] or call 201-420-2100 ext. 3126.
Hoboken Non-Profit, HOPES, to Host Opportunities Fair
Photo Credit: HOPES
HOPES, a nonprofit organization in Hoboken, shared with The Hoboken Girl that it is hosting its first-ever opportunities fair on March 20th from 3PM-6PM in the David E. Rue Auditorium at 301 Garden Street. The event will host admissions representatives from different colleges and universities, an ROTC representative from the US Air Force, as well as vendors that offer certification courses. The goal of this event is for high school students and adults interested in continuing education to have the chance to speak directly with admissions reps and more.
NYC Brick-Oven Pizza Icon, Patsy Grimaldi, Dies at 93
Patsy Grimaldi, who was credited with launching NYC’s famous coal-fire, brick-oven pizza in the 1990s from his Brooklyn shop, died of natural causes at 93 on February 13th. According to the New York Post, Patsy was raised in the Bronx, the son of Italian immigrants Frederico Grimaldi and Maria Juliana Lancieri Grimaldi.
Five Arrested at Jersey City Deli Following Narcotics Investigation
PRESS RELEASE: Five Arrested Following Narcotics Investigation at Jersey City Storefront pic.twitter.com/zLOTiDz7UR
— ProsecutorSuarezHCPO (@HCPOProsecutor) February 19, 2025
On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, a court-authorized search was conducted at Kaelyn Deli and Grocery, located at 156 Martin Luther King Drive, in Jersey City. Per a Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office press release, investigators recovered various quantities of suspected cocaine, heroin, drug paraphernalia, and money throughout the storefront. Five individuals were charged with narcotics offenses, including conspiracy and distribution: Donte Carlisle, 32, of Jersey City; Marc Jeune, 19, of Jersey City; Elvin Borbon, 32, of Jersey City; Rodney Chappel, 38, of Jersey City; and Aliquan Hatten, 38, of Jersey City. The Jersey City Department of Health and Human Services ordered the business to cease operating and issued the store’s owner multiple citations for violating city health codes.
Chief of Staff Chaudhuri Steps Down After 10 Years of Service to Hoboken
Mayor Ravi Bhalla announced on February 19th the departure of his Chief of Staff, Vijay Chaudhuri, who will step down from his role in the coming weeks. Chaudhuri will be departing City Hall to pursue another career opportunity in political and government consulting. Per a City of Hoboken press release, Mayor Bhalla announced on February 21st, the appointment of Christine Stoll as his new Chief of Staff, effective February 28th. Stoll brings almost a decade of experience in government and public service, having served in leadership roles across state and local governments in both New York and New Jersey.
