One of the best parts about living in Jersey City + Hoboken is the incredible waterfront views that we get to enjoy. While we love looking over the Hudson during our waterfront runs or Pier A Park picnics, there’s something special about taking in the Manhattan skyline while dining. There are tons of excellent restaurants right on the water where you can soak in this view with loved ones sharing or meal or clinking cocktails. The next time you plan a date night, happy hour hang, a family dinner, or even a self-date, consider these waterfront restaurants in the area. Keep reading to learn more about the best restaurants with skyline views in Jersey City + Hoboken.
Hoboken
Blue Eyes | 525 Sinatra Drive
This appropriately named Italian eatery located in Sinatra Park serves a menu of pasta and woodfired pizza from the all-season patio. You can admire the view of Manhattan while eating pizza that was cooked in an oven made from bricks that were specially flown in from Naples. It’s a first-come-first-serve restaurant so you may need to wait for a spot outside during warmer months.
Del Frisco’s Grille | 221 River Street
Hoboken’s outpost of this national steakhouse chain offers elevated brunch and dinner menus along with some tempting desserts. Guests can look out at the Hoboken waterfront while dining at Del Frisco’s Grill. Heads up – reservations are accepted and the restaurant requires an upscale dress code.
Halifax | 225 River Street
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Halifax is a sleek eatery in the W Hotel with a focus on farm-to-table dishes. From the dining room and sidewalk seating, you can soak in the Manhattan skyline view. The drink menu includes a long wine list and craft cocktails. Private dining is available for anyone looking for a stunning venue for a wedding reception, baby shower, or another special event.
Read More: There’s A New Japanese Restaurant on the Jersey City Waterfront
House of ‘Que | 340 Sinatra Drive
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From Texas Pitmaster Michael Rodriguez, House of ‘Que brings Austin-style BBQ to the Hoboken waterfront. Brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, cornbread, and more are available to enjoy while taking in the skyline view. It’s a great spot for karaoke, trivia, and dueling pianos, too.
The Ainsworth | 310 Sinatra Drive
The Ainsworth is a great option for elevated American bar food with an impressive view of Manhattan. Brunch is offered on the weekends – with the option to add bottomless mimosas. Happy hour is available at the bar on weeknights from 4PM – 6PM.
Turning Point | 1420 Sinatra Drive North
Turning Point is a charming family-friendly brunch spot with a huge menu of breakfast favorites. Omelets and Bennys are great but you can’t go wrong with the pancake stack – especially with flavors like cinnamon roll and lemon blueberry. From the dining room, you can see the view of the Hoboken Waterfront and Manhattan skyline.
Jersey City
Battello | 502 Washington Blvd
With its location at the end of the Newport Marina, Battello offers one of the best skyline views in Jersey City. The menu includes a seafood tower, prime ribeye, Littleneck clam risotto plus an exceptional wine list. It’s available for private events if you’re looking for an impressive venue.
Felina Steak | 2 Chapel Avenue
Hudson + Co. | 3 2nd Street
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The waterfront views from Hudson + Co.’s dining room and seasonal patio seating are hard to beat. Soak in the sights while enjoying an elevated brunch, lunch, or dinner. This eatery also features a kid’s menu along with a variety of desserts – like the tempting warm cookie skillet.
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Liberty House | 76 Audrey Zapp Drive
Liberty State Park’s stunning event venue also operates as a sleek New American restaurant. Between the incredible skyline views and menu of exceptional farm-to-table fare, this spot is perfect for a special celebration. Reservations can be made online to secure a table.
Lokal Eatery + Bar | 2 2nd Street
Next to Hudson + Co., you’ll find this excellent global eatery. With huge windows, you’ll be able to enjoy the skyline view while deciding which small plates to share. Lokal also offers weekend brunch and happy hour specials from Tuesday – Sunday. The cocktail menu includes some intriguing drinks like the Elliott Stubb with yuzu, aquafaba, blueberry honey syrup, verjus, blanc vermouth, bee pollen, and your choice of tequila or bourbon.
Maritime Parc | 84 Audrey Zapp Drive
Fine dining, an incredible bar, and a million-dollar view of NYC – what more could a person want? This spectacular spot is a perennial favorite for celebrations like baby showers and birthday parties, and it’s also a great spot for a night out.
RoofTop at Exchange Place | 1 Exchange Place
The RoofTop at Exchange Place offers a slightly different view than the other spots on our list. Instead of staying on the ground level, here you can take in the Manhattan skyline from the terrace or rooftop. The rooftop menu includes small plates and cocktails while the terrace dining room features a full food menu. Both are great options for a GNO or a romantic night out. When it’s not too chilly we love sitting around the rooftop firepit for happy hour.
See More: Sweetgreen’s Grand Opening in Montclair: What We Know
Smorgasbar | 3 2nd Street
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This seasonal beer garden near Hudson + Co. and Lokal is a great spot to meet up with friends for a couple of drinks. The menu includes cocktails, wine, and a few beers on draft,= plus happy hour runs from Tuesday – Thursday. There is a huge seating area where you can relax while admiring the skyline view. Once Smorgasbar reopens we’ll be there to celebrate the warmer weather with a frozen margarita in hand.
Surf City | 1 Marin Blvd
Surf City is another great seasonal spot on the Jersey City waterfront. When it reopens in the spring, you’ll be able to enjoy burgers, seafood, and tropical frozen drinks waterside. The marina and skyline views make this a must-visit at least once a season.
The Honorable William Wall | 140 Dudley Street
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The Willy Wall is the Manhattan Yacht Club’s floating clubhouse open from May to October. Anyone can purchase a ticket to visit the Willy Wall for a low-key night on the water. No food is available on board so guests are invited to bring their favorite snacks or picnic items to enjoy while getting drinks from the full bar. Many people enjoy going on Tuesdays to watch sailboat races from the water.
There are so many great waterfront restaurants to check out in Hoboken + Jersey City. Did we miss your favorite? Let us know.
15 Unique Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in the Hoboken + Jersey City Area
Since February is such a love-filled month (as in we'd love for it to be spring so we can get outdoors more), it’s a good time to plan a fun and romantic date night — or extended weekend — with your partner or pals. While local places have lots of Valentine’s Day specials, we've rounded up some of the unique date spots and ideas in our area, in addition to a few other venues if you want to think outside the box this year. Read on for fifteen unique date ideas for Valentine's Day in the Hoboken + Jersey City area.
Aerow Archery | 98 Forrest Street, Jersey City
Aerow is perfect for archers of all levels and a great option for a fun Valentine's Day date night. The spot delivers a unique and healthy way to move your body and features 24 lanes of tournament-style targets — ranging from 11 to 22 meters. If your Valentine is the adventurous type, this is the spot to go.
Bowling at Hudson Lanes | 1 Garfield Avenue. Jersey City
A long-standing bowling alley in Jersey City, Hudson Lanes is a staple. Three group packages are available, with the basic package starting with five people per lane for two hours of bowling and shoe rental. Higher-priced deals include food and soda. For more information, check out the website or call 201-432-5900.
Read More: Restaurants With the Coolest Interiors in Hoboken + Jersey City
Café Archetypus | 266 Old River Road, Edgewater
This one-of-a-kind eatery in Edgewater is set up with several private dining “caves” carved into the wall, perfect for an intimate night out. Featuring casual dinner fares like quesadillas, French bread pizzas, and salad bowls, the major draw here is dessert, with a whole page of ice cream, cheesecake, and Ghirardelli brownie sundaes to choose from. With sundaes like the Coyopa — banana and vanilla ice cream with fudge, caramel, and crushed potato chips — get two or more varieties and share. HG pro tip: this restaurant is a BYOB so you be sure to bring your honey’s favorite beverage.
Comedy Show at Dorrian's Red Hand | 555 Washington Boulevard
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Dorrian's is a local staple for those in search of a good weekend laugh. The Laugh Tour Comedy Club has shows every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, featuring a different lineup of talented comedians each week — and it's the perfect option for a couple who loves comedy. You can find tickets here.
dineDK Private Dining
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This boutique private dining company uses seasonal, on-trend menus and Michelin-star chefs to create food for anything from a large dining event at a venue to a charming dinner party for two right in your own home. Picks off the seasonal winter sample menu include items like tuna carpaccio, American waygu short rib, crispy rosemary polenta, and maple soufflé — check out the website here for more info on how to book your next date-night dinner.
Gaia's Cavern | 140 Wayne Street, Jersey City
Gaia's Cavern is an all-natural day spa in the heart of Jersey City. While Gaia's may be best known for it's recurring win for Best Facial in Jersey City from 2019-2023, the spa also has a Signature Blue Moon Foot Bath for couples (or solo). The Blue Moon Foot Bath features Butterfly Pea tea, Ylang Ylang, lavender, and neroli essential oils. Plus, it's paired with a relaxing hand, arm, and foot massage. To reserve a spot for Valentine's Day click here.
Gravity Vault | 1423 Clinton Street, Hoboken
Gravity Vault in Hoboken is hosting a Parents Night Out on Friday, February 14th from 5PM-8PM, allowing parents to drop off their kiddos (ages 5-13) for rock climbing, games, and pizza. Parents can enjoy a date night out, climb child-free, or truly whatever their hearts desire.
Ivy Mane Studio | 1012 Grand Street, Hoboken
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While this studio primarily sells handcrafted goods for the home, Ivy Mane Studio also hosts creative workshops for those interested in unlocking their creative sides. Experiences like Create Your Own ‘Drip Plant Pot’ and ‘Booty Planter’ — yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like — are always on the schedule at this local studio. Gift cards are also available and can be used towards a workshop or handcrafted goods.
Hudson Table | 1403 Clinton Street, Hoboken
Going out to eat is one thing, but preparing the entire meal together is an entirely different experience. Taking a cooking class at Hudson Table in uptown Hoboken is an interactive and fun date night. Upcoming events include a handmade pasta class on 2/7, an Italian desserts class on 2/11, and more.
Lokal | 2 2nd Street, Jersey City
City views, gourmet dining, and live music? Yes, please. This Valentine's Day Lokal in Jersey City is hosting a special five-course-prix-fixe menu with optional wine pairings. To learn more about the menu or make a reservation click here.
Maddy Rose at Liberty House Restaurant | 76 Audrey Zapp Drive Floor 1, Jersey City
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This elegant venue along the Hudson always guarantees a good meal and fine dining. Maddy Rose Restaurant at Liberty House will also have a three-course Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu for $90+ per guest. Some of the menu choices include tuna tartare, steak tartare, and of course, flourless chocolate cake. Also, for a post-Valentine's Day fun, there will be a "Boozy Brunch" event on February 22nd. It will feature a four-course brunch menu, with each course paired with a specialty cocktail. Purchase tickets here.
Painting Classes at ArteVino | 720 Monroe Street Suite C408, Hoboken
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This Hoboken paint + sip studio is constantly providing unique painting options at its Monroe Center studio. Painters can bring their own beverages and snacks, making it a customizable experience and you’ll get to bring home your artwork so you’ll have a memento of a great night.
See More: Valentine's Day Date Ideas in Montclair That Aren't Dinner
Tipsy Tie Dye | 155 First Street
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For the creative couple, Tipsy Tie Dye provides all of the essentials you’ll need to create your own tie-dyed goods. With a wide variety of dyeable merch including sweatshirts + pants, cropped hoodies, Turkish towels, scrunchies, onesies, dog outfits + more, this local spot is the perfect gift-able experience for that special someone on February 14th.
Rooftop at Exchange Place | 1 Exchange Place, Jersey City
Featuring a retractable glass roof and an awesome view of the skyline, Rooftop XP is located right in the heart of the Exchange Place area of Jersey City along the waterfront. Check out the tempting cocktails and menu selections like charcuterie, burgers, and tacos — as well as brunch selections, and enjoy occasional live music for beautiful dining with ambiance.
RPM Raceway | 99 Caven Point Road, Jersey City
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Adventure seekers can experience a rush of speed and fun at RPM Raceway in Jersey City . The immersive raceway and entertainment center has go-carts, arcade games, VR, and more. RPM Raceway even has a special Valentine's Day package for couples. For more information visit the RPM Raceway website or call 201-333-7223.
