The 50 Jersey City bars that matter, ranked worst to best (2024)

Photo provided by Restaurant Development Group

By Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

It's no stretch to consider Jersey City's burgeoning nightlife — part and parcel of anenormous economic resurgence throughout much of the city — as the most robust in all of New Jersey. There seems to be a scene for everyone, from the chic skyline-glancing bars and clubs along the sky-scraping waterfront, to the hipster-trendy spots down on Newark Avenue and around the Grove Street PATH station. And don't sleep on the local favorites in up-and-coming Heights and Greenvilleneighborhoods, either.

But which bar is the best? We spent more than a month sampling the Jersey City nightlife, hitting more than 50 bars in the process (with a few hangovers to prove it). We judged the bars on ambiance, decor, drinks, food, happy hour specials and more to crown the best bar in the city.

NOTE: Jersey City has more than 50 bars, but we had to cap it somewhere and made sure to hit all the favorites. Did we miss your favorite bar? Who did we overrate or underrate? Let us know in the comment section.

50. Barge Inn

324 3rd St.
Who drinks here:Locals and regulars, and that's pretty much it.
The bottom line:The restaurant in front of the bar is revered for its classic Italian food. The bar in back is the kind of place you probably love if you grew up going there but if not, you're never going to find yourself there. But if you want to have a few beers in a place that feels like a VFW hall basem*nt while people smoke in the corner, look no further.

49. Red Lounge JC

136 Newark Ave.
Who drinks here: Wannabe clubbers and people that took a wrong turn looking for the bathroom at Pasta e Vino.
The bottom line: You may be tempted to try this place if you're into club/lounge type bars. But Red Lounge JC, which is open only on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the basem*nt of popular Italian restaurant Pasta e Vino, comes off as trying too hard to fit this niche. The dance floor is right where you walk into the bar, and the bar space is narrow. The red leather interior lives up to the bar's name but is visually unappealing.

48. The Brightside Tavern

141 Bright St.
Who drinks here: Brunchers and karaoke fans.
The bottom line:Brightside Tavern has an amazing brunch deal — any entree plus three mimosas and or Bloody Marys for 20 bucks. It also has a lot of TVs, and a game room with shuffle board. But it doesn't have much of a crowd, and the ambiance is lacking.

47. Abbey's Pub

309 Monmouth St.
Who drinks here:Hookah smokers and pool players.
The bottom line: An Irish pub that doubles as a hookah bar? Points for creativity, but not many for execution. While it has a solid beer selection and a pool table, the bar is rundown and has a generally dead vibe. Also, the hookah itself has gotten mixed reviews.

46. Cherry's Lounge

102 Martin Luther King Dr.
Who drinks here: Greenville residents and sports fans.
The bottom line: The bar scene in Greenville isn't exactly thriving, but Cherry's stands out as likely the best place to grab a drink in the neighborhood. It's got a big bar with lots of TVs and comfortable leather booths, and loads of drink specials. They may serve you a beer in a plastic cup, but that beer's only going to cost you $2.

45. Astor Bar & Grill

725 Montgomery St.
Who drinks here: Regulars and older McGinley Square residents.
One room and a long bar with friendly bartenders behind it, with some dimly lit tables to the side. A kitchen that serves tasty chicken parm subs and pizza among other Italian specialties. The ambiance isn't much, but the beer is cheap and even cheaper on NFL Sundays when one is just $2 until 5 p.m.

44. FM Bar & Grill

43. LITM

140 Newark Ave.
Who drinks here: Art enthusiasts.
The bottom line:What's cool about LITM is it serves as an art and video gallery along with being a bar. An eclectic space with local art decorating the walls, you may want to visit this place for an art show but it probably won't be the place you go to grab drinks on a given night.

42. Bobby Dee's

49 Beacon Ave.
Who drinks here: People who live on the border of The Heights and Journal Square.
The bottom line: It feels too early to really judge Bobby Dee's, which was recently renovated and looks much, much nicer than it used to but is still looking to find its groove after expanding its hours. Solid beer selection, lots of TVs and free peanuts at the bar give this spot potential to become a mainstay in the Heights, but it's still a work in progress.

41. PJ Ryan's Squared

4 Path Plaza
Who drinks here: Sports fans, commuters and Journal Square residents thrilled they finally have a serviceable bar.
The bottom line: An offshoot of the original PJ Ryan's which is downtown but closed for the summer, Squared is a perfectly fine place to grab a beer before or after hopping on the path, and its 23 TVs make it a decent choice for a football Sunday. The bar is somewhat awkwardly shaped, though, and pretty generic.

40. McGinley Square Pub

755 Montgomery St.
Who drinks here: Saint Peter's students and beer snobs.
The bottom line: McGinley Square Pub garnered attention when it opened for its no-WiFi policy. Frankly, plenty of bars don't have WiFi, but cool? The beer selection is the star here, while the burgers are surprisingly good. From 4 to 7 p.m. every day you can nab a burger, a Rolling Rock and a shot for $10, which is just about the best deal in town. The only downside? You'll be eating and drinking it in a bar that's pretty much dead other than on the weekends.

Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey

39. Grape Vine Tavern

657 Newark Ave.
Who drinks here: Regulars and Jersey City history buffs.
The bottom line: The very first post-prohibition liquor license in Jersey City was issued to Grape Vine Tavern more than 50 years ago, and it's still on the wall at this tiny haunt just blocks from Journal Square. It's dimly lit and there isn't a whole lot of room, but great music is always playing, the beer is cheap and the service is friendly.

38. The Royal

100 York St.
Who drinks here: The LGBT community, drag queens and Paulus Hook residents.
The bottom line: Jersey City's second gay bar opened in February and boasts weekly drag competitions, karaoke and live DJs. The ambiance can be a bit dull when the place isn't full, but believe you me it gets crazy for the many special events it hosts.

37. O'Leary's Publik House

788 Garfield Ave.
Who drinks here: Locals and people not afraid to go a little out of their way for a good bite.
The bottom line:O'Leary's has a lot going for it. The service is very friendly, the beer selection is strong and the food is really good — how many other bars are offering Ahi Tuna sandwiches with a chipotle orange maple glaze? The only real issue here is location, as it's situated pretty much in no man's land as far as Jersey City goes, in the southwest corner of Bergen/Lafayette.

36. Hudson Hall

364 Marin Bvld.
Who drinks here: People looking to blend Zeppelin Hall with Porta.
The bottom line: Hudson Hall is massive and gorgeous, with an impressive menu loaded with bar food, sandwiches and snacks. Their giant projectors make this a decent place to watch a sporting event, but the vibe here is just off. It's basically a beer hall with a dance hall vibe, with music so loud it's hard to even have a conversation.

35. Grove Corner Bar

116 Newark Ave.
Who drinks here: People who get off the PATH and want to go the first bar they see.
The bottom line: In a city lacking many sports bars, Grove Corner Bar is a fine place to watch a game. Cheap eats and drinks — their $8 special menu offers everything from personal pitchers to chicken parm subs — in a spacious bar with a lot of TVs. The service isn't great, but you can definitely do a lot worse than Grove Corner Bar.

34. Iron Monkey

99 Greene St.

Who drinks here: Couples on dates and people hellbent on rooftop drinking.
The bottom line: The good news? Iron Monkey has a rooftop. The bad news? The views are limited by taller buildings, though the greenery and waterfall up there are visually appealing. Give this bar credit for utilizing an awkward, narrow space over two floors and a roof. But it feels like much more of a restaurant than a bar, and the food we had was nothing to write home about.

33. Frankie

264 Grove St.
Who drinks here: Jersey City foodies and hipsters.
The bottom line: Frankie is an Australian-themed restaurant. I don't really know what that entails, but the food is good and so are the co*cktails. The decor is appealing, as are the beautiful plants that fill the restaurant. Good for parties or dates, it doesn't get too crazy but it's a very nice change of pace bar with good service.

32. Lutze Biergarten

3 2nd St.
Who drinks here: Commuters, bros and families.
The bottom line: Lutze has one thing going for it that the other beer gardens in the area don't — an amazing view. There's something special about drinking a cold one right on the Hudson River in the shadow of downtown Manhattan. And the space is large enough to make this perfect for a group — and it's dog-friendly! But that's pretty much all Luzte has going for it. It's expensive, the service is sub-optimal and it can get insanely crowded on the weekends.

31. Gringo's Tacqueria

12 Coles St.
Who drinks here: People who didn't feel like waiting for a table at Taqueria Downtown.
The bottom line: It takes guts to open a taco spot in Jersey City, considering Taqueria is the undisputed taco king in town. But Gringo's differentiates itself with a bigger space, including outdoor seating, and creative co*cktails. The drinks are strong and the decor interesting — neon signs, drinks served in skull and cactus-shaped mugs, and bathroom doors that look like portable toilet entrances — but the service is hit-or-miss and the tacos are small.

30. Pint

34 Wayne St.
Who drinks here: The LGBT community and craft beer fans.
The bottom line:A tiny gay bar with a huge beer selection, including hard-to-find craft beers, that the friendly bartenders serve up with free popcorn. Every night has a different theme at Pint, including Pintini Mondays and Ducked Up Thursdays featuring drink specials. While its now quite modern with TVs and screens throughout the bar, Pint opened in all the way back in 1911.

29. O'Hara's Downtown Sports Bar & Grill

172 1st St.
Who drinks here: Sports fans and day-drinkers.
The bottom line:Like I said, while the Jersey City bar scene is robust, it is lacking in one area — sports bars. That makes O'Hara's that much more important as one of the few true sports bars in the city. And it for the most part delivers. Loads of TVs, solid bar food, and an upstairs bar that's more chill than its downstairs brother and offers more than 80 craft beers.

28. Atlas Public House

130 Newark Ave.
Who drinks here: Geography and Greek mythology nerds.
The bottom line: A relative newcomer to the Newark Avenue stretch, Atlas Public House has massive potential in that it has a completely different vibe than the rest or the bars in the neighborhood. After walking past the long, sizable bar which starts at the front of the narrow space you're greeted by the dining area, which looks something like your grandfather's den with plush leather couches and bookshelves, along with a second level overlooking the whole bar. Having one of the many spirits and delicious craft beers Atlas offers in one of these seats is a unique drinking experience. The problem is these spots are typically reserved for diners and closed once the kitchen does. Also, this bar is definitely on the pricey side — two bourbons cost 36 dollars without tip when we visited.

27. Guillo's Place

110 Coles St.
Who drinks here: Mets fans and Jersey City OGs.
The bottom line:Guillo's, which celebrated 29 years of business this past May, is a great no-frills dive bar perfect for watching a baseball game with a few brews. It's a small, narrow space with a pool table and not much else, but the friendly service and cheap prices (free hot dogs during Monday Night Football!) make it worth stopping by.

26. Porta

135 Newark Ave.
Who drinks here: People who couldn't get a table at Razza.
The bottom line:Jersey City's outpost of the Asbury Park Neapolitan pizza restaurant, the 'za is pretty excellent at Porta. The venue is spacious as well, with bars on the main floor, on the rooftop and in the basem*nt. It can get obnoxiously clubby on the weekends with long lines and live DJs, but when not too packed it's a solid place to have a few drinks. The rooftop is especially pleasant in the summertime.

25. Fox & Crow

594 Palisade Ave.

Who drinks here: Hipsters who want live music and a woodsy vibe with their craft co*cktails and brews.
The bottom line:A southern speakeasy vibe will have you feeling like you're in a cabin in the woods of Georgia, not the Jersey City Heights. The decor is funky and fun, and the burgers are impressive. Live music in the back room gives Fox & Crow a great vibe on the weekends, though it does feel more like a restaurant during the week.

24. Ed & Mary's

174 Coles St.
Who drinks here: Sports fans and Hamilton Park lovers.
The bottom line: The Hamilton Park bar scene has livened up in recent years, and Ed & Mary's is the best of the bunch. An intimate space with a long bar, a second level in the main room for tables and a back room. The bar holds events throughout the week including trivia, has solid food and drink specials and is a solid spot for a mid-week drink.

23. Wurstbar

516 Jersey Ave.
Who drinks here: Hot dog and beer snobs.
The bottom line:Beer hall vibes without the beer hall hubbub, which can be perfect or underwhelming depending on what you're looking for. Dimly lit with a chill vibe that makes the place seem low-key and sometimes sleepy, but the menu loaded with different sausages and hot dogs is only matched by its impressive beer list.

22. South House

149 Newark Ave.
Who drinks here: Bros, bros and more bros.
The bottom line: Timing is everything at South House. Come on a Friday night, and you'll be overwhelmed by the hoards of former frat stars pounding Shiner Bocks to the point where you won't be able to enjoy the Austin, Texas-inspired southern decor and theme. Hit the bar during the week or early enough on the weekends and you'll be able to appreciate the motif, as well as the spacious basem*nt game room that features shuffleboard and pool. The food here is truly excellent, as are the drinks — they literally burn wood at the bar and catch the smoke with a glass for their delicious smoked old fashioned. Just make sure you get to South House before the crowd.

21. New Park Tavern

757 West Side Ave.
Who drinks here: Saint Peter's students, locals and old-school Jersey City-ians.
The bottom line: There's no signage signifying that New Park Tavern exists, giving new meaning to the term hidden gem. But if you find it, you'll find a dimly lit wooded old school pub with large wooden tables, televisions and a patio area that's great in the summer. But the real star here? The burger. New Park Tavern serves classic, juicy no-frills burgers with tasty french fries that would make this place worth a visit even if it wasn't a great bar.

20. Taphaus

2 2nd St.

Who drinks here: Commuters, Exchange Place residents and beer hall fans who haven't heard of Zeppelin Hall.
The bottom line: Jersey City's waterfront has been horribly underutilized, and that's thankfully starting to change with bars like Taphaus opening. The bar has something of a beer hall vibe, with an impressive selection of local brews and tasty eats like the massive Bavarian hot pretzel. The view of Manhattan's financial district is excellent, and the bars decor and lighting is warm and welcoming.

19. Piggyback Bar

200 Hudson St.

Who drinks here:Commuters and Asian fusion fans.
The bottom line: Jersey City's Harborside office complex has long been misused, and it definitely needs more places like Piggyback Bar to liven it up.Pig & Khao chef Leah Cohen's venture opened last September, and while the areas surrounding the bar in the complex still feel vacant and sterile, the bar itself is lively and excellent. The Asian fusion menu is impressive, and the drinks are delicious. Try the "Ex-Pig," which is made with delicious Misunderstood ginger whiskey. But the star of the show at Piggyback is undoubtedly the view of the World Trade Center, which is particularly magnificent at sunset.

18. Talde

8 Erie St.
Who drinks here: Foodies and hipsters.
The bottom line: Chef Dale Talde's Jersey City outpost is known more for its Asian fusion cuisine than its drinks, but that doesn't mean it's not a solid bar option. Whether you're grabbing a co*cktail while waiting for a table or simply having a nightcap, the space is warm and welcoming with beautiful light fixtures illuminating the long bar and the service is very friendly and attentive.

17. Departed Soles

150 Bay St.
Who drinks here: People who love dogs and hate gluten.
The bottom line: Jersey City's premiere brewery also has its premiere tasting room. If you like flights of craft beer served on mini skateboards, look no further. Known for a selection of gluten-free beers, the brewery holds fun events like live music and yoga, and is an off-the-wall place to watch sports or play board games. You can order food right to the tasting room or step out to Bucket and Bay for Jersey City's best gelato, which is located right next door, and you can even bring your pup as the brewery is dog-friendly.

16. Healy's Tavern

374 Newark Ave.
Who drinks there: Firefighters and those who can appreciate good corned beef as well as politics and Jersey City history.
The bottom line: Healy's has been around only since 2011, but it feels much older than that when you step into the one-room bar — in a good way. There's nothing fancy about this spot, other than the shirts and ties adorning the bartenders behind the u-shaped bar that fills the room. One of those bartenders may be Patrick Healy, the son of former Jersey City Mayor Jerry Healy, as the two own the establishment. This spot clearly keeps their beer lines clean, as the taps are crisp and delicious, and the menu features tasty cheap bar eats (try the chili cheese dog) as well as specials like corned beef and roast beef sandwiches.

15. The Hutton

225 Hutton Street

Who drinks here: Bikers, brunchers and daters.
The bottom line:A strong whiskey selection, friendly bartenders and a gorgeous backyard space make The Hutton a solid choice for a drink out with the squad or a romantic date night. The menu is excellent, with some calling it the best-kept secret in The Heights.

14. Miss Wong's

8 Erie St.
Who drinks here: Party people, dancers, clubbers and easy-speakers.
The bottom line: If you're looking for a dance party and willing to wait on line and pay cover for it, Miss Wong's is the place to go. A speakeasy bar with an unfinished wine cellar feel in the basem*nt of the acclaimed Asian fusion restaurant Talde, it's loud and crowded — but most good dance bars are. It's only open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and the lines get longer as the night goes on, but it's the best place to dance in Jersey City.

13. Barcade

163 Newark Ave.
Who drinks here: Video game nerds, beer snobs and people who don't know other bars have opened in Jersey City.
The bottom line: Barcade's arrival was something of a harbinger that times were changing for Jersey City, with nightlife getting hipper. The way people brag about towns getting a Whole Foods? Yeah, Jersey City residents convincing friends to come out in town bragged that the city now had a Barcade. The video games are awesome, which you would expect. What's more surprising? The beer is absolutely excellent, with dozens of tasty craft brews on tap. The only real issue here is that while it's fun, it's not super social. You go to Barcade to drink good beer and play video games, not mingle and talk to people.

12. RoofTop at Exchange Place

1 Exchange Pl.
Who drinks here: The hotel bar crowd, tourists and those looking for the best views in Jersey City.
The bottom line: Getting to this bar can be confusing as it takes multiple elevators to get to the top. Once we were there, we had to wait too long for our drinks as there weren't enough bartenders to handle a pretty sizable Thursday night crowd. But once we got them, they were tasty. But you don't come here for the booze. You come here for the views. Incredible views of Manhattan, Jersey City and the Statue of Liberty make this one of the most unique bars in the state. The outdoor fireplace will make it appealing in the winter, as well. If you have one drink to impress a date, bring them here.

11. Luna Restaurant & Bar

279 Grove St.
Who drinks here: People waiting for a table at Razza next door.
The bottom line: Being situated next to the hottest restaurant in town can't hurt, right? The New York Times has called neighboring Razza the best pizza in New York, and waits of more than an hour are par for the course. But Luna, which opened this spring, is more than a place to kill time. The decor is beautiful, with greenery on the wall and retro light fixtures hanging from the ceiling. The bar area isn't massive, but it's the perfect size to stop in for a co*cktail or two with a friend. But the drinks? Wow. The Jersey City Sour with whiskey, amaretto, lemon and a cabernet float was the most delicious drink I had at any bar on this list.

10. Zeppelin Hall Beer Garden

88 Liberty View Dr.

Who drinks here:Soccer fans, beer snobs, families and schnitzel fiends.
The bottom line: The quintessential biergarten. It doesn't have the views of Lutze, but it's absolutely massive, has an excellent beer selection, multiple bars and tasty German fare. A fall afternoon at Zeppelin Hall is essential for every Jersey City resident.

9. White Star Bar

230 Brunswick St.
Who drinks here: Jersey City natives who know you a good beer is worth a long walk from Newark Avenue.

The bottom line: Nestled northwest of the main stretch and just a few blocks from scenic Hamilton Park is a bar that balances booze, bites and decor about as well as any spot in the city. With a strong craft beer selection, a menu featuring some of the best wings in Jersey City and a simplistic, almost rustic motif with lots of windows and natural light, it's an excellent choice for a beer with friends, a date night or even dinner.

8. Rolon's Keyhole Bar

242 Bay St.
Who drinks here: True blue Jersey City-ians, and people pretending to be.
The bottom line: While Keyhole isn't quite as divey as it used to be after a renovation last year, it's still Jersey City's preeminent dive bar. The perfect place for a cheap beer and to watch a ballgame, or to start or end your night out in Jersey City. It gets crowded, it's cash-only and the bathrooms are disgusting, but it's a city institution.

7. Low Fidelity

328 Palisade Ave.

Who drinks here: Transplanted Detroiters, skateboarders and Jersey City residents who know there's more to the City's nightlife scene than downtown.
The bottom line: The Jersey City Heights is the next up-and-coming neighborhood in the sprawling metropolis, and LoFi is proof that the area's nightlife is on the come-up as well. A nicely sized space with skateboard art on the wall, a roomy backyard space, good beers on tap, interesting co*cktails and very friendly bartenders, the star of the show here is the Detroit style pizza. Think Sicilian with even thicker and crispier crust. Order it and thank us later.

6. Cellar 335

335 Newark Ave.
Who drinks here: White Eagle Hall concert-goers and people looking to get lei'd.
The bottom line: The recently renovated White Eagle Hall boasts an intimate concert venue on its main floor, but just as exciting is this excellent tiki bar located in the basem*nt. The drinks are excellent, and while the menu is extensive the knowledgeable bartenders give great recommendations.Give the Mermaid's Revenge or Smoldering Bastard a try if you just want a drink for yourself, or one of the large-format drinks which are served in massive bowls and are great for groups. The food is phenomenal as well, make sure you order a few of the carnitas baos. Oh yeah, don't forget to grab one of the leis from under the bar and get into the tiki spirit.

5. Golden Cicada Tavern

195 Grand St.

Who drinks here: Old Jersey City heads, karaoke fanatics and some of the most stubborn drinkers in New Jersey.
The bottom line:Located about a half-mile from the popular Newark Avenue stretch of bars is a dive that has been pouring Chinese liquor and hosting karaoke nights long before Jersey City was a nightlife hotbed. The Golden Cicada is as divey as it gets, with cheap plastic chairs and tables, fluorescent lighting and a dingy vibe. But don't get it twisted, the wildest and most fun nights in the city happen here. There's something oddly charming about the ridiculous haunt, whose owner won an eminent domain case against the city to keep the bar open several years ago. Work up the courage to take a shot of baijiu, a fiery Chinese liquor that earns you a golden cicada necklace, pick your favorite karaoke song and prepare for a sloppy but amazing night.

4. The Archer

176 Newark Ave.
Who drinks here: co*cktail nerds and dudes in fedoras.
The bottom line: A welcome addition to the Newark Avenue nightlife scene when it opened in 2015, The Archer is much more intimate than most of the bars on this stretch. The hunter lodge motif makes for a unique vibe and the menu follows suit with offerings like duck poutine and spicy elk meatballs. The co*cktails are the star, though, with bartenders who really know what they're doing. Excellent spot for a date or a nightcap.

3. Lucky 7 Tavern

322 Second St.

Who drinks here: Dive baraficionados who don't have time for the Newark Avenue bars.
The bottom line: No muss. No fuss. Nothing fancy. Nothing pretty. A cramped punk-rock dive bar whose walls are lined with stickers and graffiti. An excellent jukebox. A dart board. Excellent drink specials every night, including a shot of bourbon and a can of PBR for 5 bucks at all times. Deceptively good bar food. The place can get packed, and hot in the summer, but there are few places better in Jersey City for a few drinks.

2. dullboy

364 Grove St.
Who drinks here: co*cktail enthusiasts and fans of "The Shining."
The bottom line: All work and no play makes Jack... really want a drink? If you want one, too, this is the place to come. Dullboy's speakeasy vibe makes it one of the most visually appealing places to have a co*cktail in Jersey City, with dim lighting from old fashioned light fixtures and typewriters on the wall furthering the bar's dedication to Stanley Kubrick's classic thriller. The food is excellent (the duck fat tater tots are incredible) and the drinks are even better. Try one of their signature co*cktails like "The Scout" which mixes bourbon, blackberries and vanilla to perfection, or go with a classic like an Old Fashioned or a Negroni. The bar is small, which means its not ideal for big groups, but I'd call it the best date spot in the city.

1. Pet Shop

193 Newark Ave.

Who goes there: Punks, vegetarians and people who know their Jersey City bars.

The bottom line: Pet Shop may not be the best at any single thing, but does just about everything well. Cheap beer, craft beer. Worthy co*cktails, and a wine bar in the basem*nt with excellent ambiance and occasional live music. You may scoff at their all-vegetarian menu, but try the buffalo cauliflower and tell me with a straight face you don't already want another order. Big enough to always feel alive but not crowded along with interesting animal-themed decor and an assortment of board games, Pet Shop has quickly become a reliable go-to drinking hole in Jersey City. If you don't know where to go on a given night, you can't go wrong with Pet Shop.

Jeremy Schneider may be reached at jschneider@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @J_Schneider. Find NJ.com on Facebook.