Located on the Hudson River just north of Jersey City and east of Newark, Hoboken is a former industrial port that has been transformed into a thriving city, with an urban feel, that has attracted many young professionals who work in NYC and the surrounding area. I went for the day on my last trip to the Jersey Shore before flying home from Newark airport. Both my grandfather and great-grandfather lived in the city, so I have some family history there.
In the past it was the place that Maxwell House coffee, Lipton tea, Hostess Cupcakes, and Wonder Bread called home. Today you will find the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, many green spaces, and a large number of global restaurants, bistros, bars and trendy shops particularly along the bustling Washington Street. You can find Chinese, Cuban, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, Middle Eastern and Thai cuisine to name a few.There are outstanding skyline views of Manhattan along with historic brownstone row houses.
It is an easy drive from Newark Airport and the NJ Turnpike. You can take the PATH train from Manhattan or Newark or the NY Waterway Ferry from several terminals in NYC.
Hoboken was the birthplace of the famed singer Frank Sinatra. I would stop by the Hoboken Historical Museum located downtown at 1301 Hudson St. In addition to local art and history exhibits, it has a permanent section dedicated to Frank Sinantra. There are his albums, photos and even some of his paintings that he did. You can then pick up a map of Hoboken: The Sinatra Tour – A Self-Guided Walking Tour. The map features 20 sites of where he grew up, including long-vanished social clubs, pool halls and bars of the thirties where Sinatra and his contemporaries sang.
I visited the site of his birthplace, on December 12, 1915, at 415 Monroe and saw one of his favorite bakeries, Doms’ Bakery, at 506 Grand St. Here you can buy their popular Italian bread, focaccia and garlic bread.
Amanda’s: I went for Sunday brunch at this upscale restaurant located at 908 Washington St. I really enjoyed my smoked salmon Eggs Benedict. I met the owners Juliet and Juan Mendoza who were delightful to talk to. They have outdoor patio seating and also feature live music.
Elysian Café: At 1001 Washington St., this is the oldest continually operated bar/restaurant in Hoboken. Opened originally as Dillenger & Jeffson’s in 1895, it continued through prohibition as an ice cream parlor and then as a hair salon. The Elysian currently offers a French Bistro style menu.
I saw Anthony David’s at 953 Bloomfield St.. This is a popular Italian BYOB spot for dinner or brunch. They have a great outside patio. I read that their brunch menu is very good. I definitely want to go back for brunch.
