A local’s guide to Hoboken, NJ - Episode 61
This week on the podcast, we’re talking all things Hoboken—aka my current neighborhood and one of the most charming places I’ve ever lived.
Whether you’re planning to move here, visit for the day, or just want a peek into small-city life just across the river from Manhattan, this guide covers everything from fun facts to restaurant recs, pros and cons, and how I spend an ideal day around town.
Create & consume:
What Austen is creating this week: tried a new reel that I had in my head showcasing the different scents of the Glossier fragrances.
What Austen is consuming this week: finished season 7 of Love Island USA.
In this episode:
A few fun facts about Hoboken
Hoboken is just 1 square mile, which is why it’s nicknamed the Mile Square City
Frank Sinatra was born here! There’s a statue of him, a street named Sinatra Drive, and a plaque at his birthplace on 5th and Monroe
The first recorded baseball game was played here in 1846—look for the home plate markers at 11th and Washington
Why I moved to Hoboken
After living in several NYC boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens), I was ready for a change that felt more community-focused. Hoboken offered:
A little more value for your rent (you typically get more space)
Proximity to family
A neighborhood feel that still has amazing access to the city
What the vibe is like in Hoboken
Hoboken has an interesting mix of young professionals, families, lifelong residents and local entrepreneurs who really invest back into the community.
A few cool local businesses expanding around town that have expanded beyond one location include:
Alessio’s (now with multiple locations)
O’Bagel (owner also opened Mile Square Cafe)
The Hive (locations in Hoboken + Jersey City)
Mojo (also expanding to JC)
Things to do in Hoboken
Hoboken always has something going on. A few local favorites:
Follow The Hoboken Girl for events!
Eat and drink your way through town
Walk the city (you can do it all in a day!)
Stroll along the waterfront
Farmer’s markets in the summer
Public tennis and pickleball courts
Check out the Hoboken Public Library
Movies in the park (seasonal)
Join The Hive intramural sports leagues
Festivals like the Arts and Music Fest (spring + fall), St. Ann’s Festival, Mutz Fest
Races and fundraisers (like the Pizza 5K, which I’ve done once)
Fun experiences like Hudson Table and Tipsy Tie Dye
The cons of living in Hoboken
Every rose has it’s thorn so I wanted to share the most common complaints I see about Hoboken:
It’s still expensive (just slightly better than NYC)
Street parking can be a nightmare
Flooding is a real issue after heavy rain since Hoboken is at sea level
Where to eat and drink in Hoboken
Looking for even more food and drink recs? Check out My Ultimate Guide to Eating and Drinking in Hoboken, where I round up all my favorite restaurants, cafés, and bars in town.
From Italian classics to cute coffee shops and cozy cocktail spots, this post has everything you need to plan your next Hoboken outing.
Fun fact: Hoboken has the most bars per capita of any city in the U.S.—over 120 in just one square mile!
Coffee shops:
The Hive, Mojo, Modcup, bwé, Hidden Grounds, Cafe Vista
(Check out the coffee shops to work from blog post for more.)
Breakfast:
Anthony David’s, Bluestone Lane, Mile Square Cafe, any local bagel spot (O’Bagel, JP’s, etc.)
Lunch/brunch:
Sit-down: Elysian Cafe, East LA, Barbes, Brass Rail, Antique at 112, The Ainsworth
Grab-and-go: Lisa’s Deli, Vito’s, Alessio’s
Dinner favorites:
Sorellina, Olivia’s, Antique Bar & Bakery, Grand Vin, Saku, Otto Strada, Dozzino, Tenth Street Pasta & Pizza, Apulia, O’Neails, Moran’s
Gelato spots:
Il Laboratorio del Gelato, Julietta, Kikilu
Going out:
Classy cocktails: Dear Maud, Olivia’s
Irish pubs: Finnegan’s, Carpe Diem, Willie McBride’s
Beer lovers: Hoboken Biergarten, Cork City, 8th Street Tavern
Wine and apps: Sirenetta, Bin 14, Stingray Lounge
Still on my list to try:
Augustino’s, Flour, Angelo Seafood Market, Luca Brasi’s, Fiore’s, Toast x Bowl, Forum Coffee, Metropolis, Leo’s Grandevous, The Waiting Room
Places that have a younger crowd near the PATH:
Texas Arizona, Pig & Parrot, Madd Hatter, Tally-Ho, Black Bear, Psycho Mike’s
Neighborhood favorites (non-food)
718 Beauty Bar (nails)
Glowbar (facials)
S&S Cleaners (tailoring on 9th)
Alts (new tailoring spot)
Little City Books (indie bookstore)
My ideal day in Hoboken
Morning:
Start with an early walk, grab an iced coffee from The Hive or Mojo, and pick up a bagel sandwich from O’Bagel (order ahead on the app!). Then head home, enjoy breakfast, and get ready for the day.
Midday:
Warm weather: Head to the waterfront for a picnic—pick up sandwiches from Lisa’s, Vito’s, or Jersey Mike’s, pack a cooler, and hang out with a book, music, or games.
Cold weather: Pop into local shops like Washington General Store, Alessio’s Market, or Brooke and Bel. Grab lunch at Anthony David’s or cook something cozy at home.
Evening:
Warm weather: Go out for a pre-dinner drink (Olivia’s, City Bistro rooftop, or Dino & Harry’s), then head to dinner at Sorellina, Antique, Grand Vin, or Apulia.
Cold weather: Order takeout from Hoboken Burrito, Ayame, Muteki Ramen, or Napoli’s and watch a show at home by the fireplace.
Also, if you need any summer bucket list inspo, be sure to check out this episode.
Summary
Hoboken might be small in size, but it’s packed with charm, community, and great food.
I hope this episode gave you a glimpse into why I love living in the Mile Square City—and maybe even inspired your next visit or adventure in Hoboken.
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