In July 2021, the founders of America’s largest open-air food market, Smorgasburg, announced their venture to a permanent location in Jersey City in the former Lutze location. Along with that came Smorgasbar, a beer garden with a full bar that serves up beers on tap and frozen drinks, among other options. While Smorgasburg is not returning to Jersey City again this year, Smorgasbar will return to 3 Second Street on Thursday, May 2nd. Read on for more about Smorgasbar in Jersey City ahead of its 2024 opening.
Photo Credit: Smorgasbar
About Smorgasbar + The 2024 Opening Date
We got the exclusive back in May 2021 that the Smorgasbar project was in the works. As of July 2021, the restaurant has been open as a seasonal beer garden with a full bar. Although the outdoor food bazaar known as Smorgasburg will not be returning to Jersey City this year, Smorgasbar will be opening for the warmer months on Thursday, May 2nd. The hours (weather permitting) will be Monday-Thursday from 3PM-10PM, Friday from 3PM-11PM, Saturday from 12PM-11PM, and Sunday from 12PM-10PM. Stay updated on Smorgasbar’s website and Instagram.
Photo Credit: Smorgasbar
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While the Smorg markets were known for having an epic variety of food vendors together for a unique experience, the beer garden is at the forefront of the Jersey City location, emphasizing unique brews and drinks in the spacious indoor and outdoor space.
Photo Credit: Smorgasbar
Smorgasbar boasts good food, drinks, live music, and events. Some of the items on the bar menu include beers on tap, wine, sparkling drinks like High Noons + Los Sundays, as well as a variety of mojitos and margaritas (flavors include passion fruit, guava, and blackberry, among other options). The margaritas are also available frozen — yes, please! Smorgasbar also serves up signature cocktails like a Moscow Mule, a Frozcal (frozen Mezcalum Mezcal, passion fruit, + mango), and a Sandia (fresh watermelon, mint, + vodka). You can find the full bar menu here.
As for the food, Smorgasbar curates a group of vendors from startups to seasoned chefs some weekends from Friday to Sunday, including some of the OG Smorgasburg vendors. During the week, food is available via two vendors — Carlitos Barbeque Taqueria and Pie Oh My.
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The owners also hosted the outdoor Smorgasburg market on Saturdays at the parking lot at 195 Hudson Street, but last year, it was announced that Smorgasburg would not be returning to JC due to redevelopment in the area surrounding it. You can still experience Smorgasburg at its Williamsburg, Prospect Park, and World Trade Center locations in NYC, which are already open for the 2024 season.
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