Our Jersey City (& Beyond) Guidebook
Food Scene
This is hands down our favorite restaurant in The Heights (and one of our top restaurants of all time to be honest). If you enjoy simple, well executed food made with quality, and locally sourced ingredients, Corto is for you! Their menu is small and changes often, but everything is to die for. Its also extremely affordable. Don't miss the homemade pasta.
p.s. Its BYOB (Bring-Your-Own-Beverage), so you can bring your favorite wine and/or beer along with you.
63 locals recommend
Corto
507 Palisade AveThis is hands down our favorite restaurant in The Heights (and one of our top restaurants of all time to be honest). If you enjoy simple, well executed food made with quality, and locally sourced ingredients, Corto is for you! Their menu is small and changes often, but everything is to die for. Its also extremely affordable. Don't miss the homemade pasta.
p.s. Its BYOB (Bring-Your-Own-Beverage), so you can bring your favorite wine and/or beer along with you.
The best sandwiches! And just around the corner. A true staple in The Heights. The fresh mozzarella is unrivaled.
43 locals recommend
Andrea Salumeria
247 Central AveThe best sandwiches! And just around the corner. A true staple in The Heights. The fresh mozzarella is unrivaled.
We're huge Thai food fans, and this has become our go-to spot. Eat in, takeout, or order delivery!
15 locals recommend
Noodlefan
514 Central AveWe're huge Thai food fans, and this has become our go-to spot. Eat in, takeout, or order delivery!
Located just around the corner (and a personal favorite) is The Hutton, a cozy bar/restaurant with a warm atmosphere for cold nights and a large back patio ideal for warmer days. They have the best brunch around and offer unique twists on classic favorite dishes all day long. You also can't go wrong with a drink at their bar!
42 locals recommend
The Hutton Bar & Grill
225 Hutton StLocated just around the corner (and a personal favorite) is The Hutton, a cozy bar/restaurant with a warm atmosphere for cold nights and a large back patio ideal for warmer days. They have the best brunch around and offer unique twists on classic favorite dishes all day long. You also can't go wrong with a drink at their bar!
Hole-in-the-wall sushi spot with great food! Stop in for a quick lunch, or get it to-go.
19 locals recommend
OZU FOODS
106 Hutton StHole-in-the-wall sushi spot with great food! Stop in for a quick lunch, or get it to-go.
This bakery is not to be missed. Great for breakfast or light lunch/brunch. They have sweet and savory baked goods, fresh baked breads, fresh pressed juices, and great coffee.
92 locals recommend
Dulce de Leche Bakery
376 Central AveThis bakery is not to be missed. Great for breakfast or light lunch/brunch. They have sweet and savory baked goods, fresh baked breads, fresh pressed juices, and great coffee.
Our favorite bagels. Eat like a local and try the Taylor Ham breakfast sandwich (a breakfast meat like Canadian bacon, but better, and only found in New Jersey).
122 locals recommend
Wonder Bagels
517 Jersey AveOur favorite bagels. Eat like a local and try the Taylor Ham breakfast sandwich (a breakfast meat like Canadian bacon, but better, and only found in New Jersey).
Grab a coffee while checking out the views from Riverview Park.
36 locals recommend
modcup coffee company
479 Palisade AveGrab a coffee while checking out the views from Riverview Park.
Lovely coffee shop just around the corner for relaxing and light breakfast/lunch.
14 locals recommend
Froth On Franklin
85 Franklin StLovely coffee shop just around the corner for relaxing and light breakfast/lunch.
French bakery with fresh baked goods daily and delicious coffee.
30 locals recommend
Choc O Pain Jersey City Heights
330-332 Palisade AveFrench bakery with fresh baked goods daily and delicious coffee.
Low Fidelity
328 Palisade AveCool bar with amazing "Detroit Style" pizza!
Looking for cool vibes and wood-fired pizza? Look no further than Porta! Be sure to explore all that downtown Jersey City has to offer while you're there!
156 locals recommend
Porta Jersey City
135 Newark AveLooking for cool vibes and wood-fired pizza? Look no further than Porta! Be sure to explore all that downtown Jersey City has to offer while you're there!
If you love ramen, or want to love ramen, go to Ani! We love this ramen hotspot.
53 locals recommend
Ani Ramen
511 Bloomfield AveIf you love ramen, or want to love ramen, go to Ani! We love this ramen hotspot.
A fun twist of dive-bar-meets-speakeasy offering beer, wine & exciting cocktails and a menu of creative vegetarian eats.
33 locals recommend
Pet Shop
193 Newark AveA fun twist of dive-bar-meets-speakeasy offering beer, wine & exciting cocktails and a menu of creative vegetarian eats.
Voted the best pizza in the country - prepare to wait, but we promise it's worth it.
125 locals recommend
Razza
275/277 Grove StVoted the best pizza in the country - prepare to wait, but we promise it's worth it.
One of Hoboken’s best casual hangs, Pilsener Haus Biergarten is home to solid German food and an awesome beer selection. The pretzels are huge, as is the space, so it’s a good go-to for a group gathering of any kind.
84 locals recommend
Pilsener Haus & Biergarten
1422 Grand StOne of Hoboken’s best casual hangs, Pilsener Haus Biergarten is home to solid German food and an awesome beer selection. The pretzels are huge, as is the space, so it’s a good go-to for a group gathering of any kind.
Zack's
232 Willow AvePretty much great for everything!!
A cozy spot great for date night, drinks at the bar, delicious food, and even brunch.
21 locals recommend
Grand Vin
500 Grand StA cozy spot great for date night, drinks at the bar, delicious food, and even brunch.
We're partial to Andrea in The Heights - but Fiore's is a close second for delicious Italian sandwiches!
14 locals recommend
Fiore's House of Quality
414 Adams StWe're partial to Andrea in The Heights - but Fiore's is a close second for delicious Italian sandwiches!
Skip the trip across the Brooklyn Bridge and get your fix on the west side of the Hudson!
15 locals recommend
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
411 Washington StSkip the trip across the Brooklyn Bridge and get your fix on the west side of the Hudson!
The Cliff
38 Congress StBrunch!!!
Griot Cafe
398 Central AveWe love this cafe and their quaint backyard.
Organic, artisan ice cream - you can't beat it. They even offer dairy free and vegan options!
6 locals recommend
Milk Sugar Love
394 Palisade AveOrganic, artisan ice cream - you can't beat it. They even offer dairy free and vegan options!
Hamilton Pork
247 10th StMeat fan? This one's worth the trek downtown.
This place can seem intimidating - 10+ bars, expansive space, etc., but if you can make your way to the rooftop bar on a nice day, you won't be dissapointed!
13 locals recommend
The Ashford
145 Newark AveThis place can seem intimidating - 10+ bars, expansive space, etc., but if you can make your way to the rooftop bar on a nice day, you won't be dissapointed!
Sightseeing
Empire State Building
20 W 34th StA classic NYC attraction!
The 360-degree views from the top of the Freedom Tower are breathtaking. Buy your tickets online to skip the line. Even if you don't plan to take a tour to the top, the World Trade Center plaza is worth seeing!
616 locals recommend
4 World Trade Center
150 Greenwich StThe 360-degree views from the top of the Freedom Tower are breathtaking. Buy your tickets online to skip the line. Even if you don't plan to take a tour to the top, the World Trade Center plaza is worth seeing!
The best photo-ops are from the Brooklyn Bridge! And its completely free.
1505 locals recommend
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge PromenadeThe best photo-ops are from the Brooklyn Bridge! And its completely free.
An icon! The Statue of Liberty is actually in Jersey City - so you can save the trip to NYC, or can head into NYC and take the ferry from Lower Manhattan. Make a day of it and check out Ellis Island too!
1303 locals recommend
Statue of Liberty Museum Shop
1 Liberty Island - Ellis IslandAn icon! The Statue of Liberty is actually in Jersey City - so you can save the trip to NYC, or can head into NYC and take the ferry from Lower Manhattan. Make a day of it and check out Ellis Island too!
Arguably better views of Manhattan than the top of the Empire State Building (but not as great as the Freedom Tower). Close to Rockefeller Center where the infamous Christmas tree resides during the Holiday Season.
423 locals recommend
Top of the Rock
30 Rockefeller PlazaArguably better views of Manhattan than the top of the Empire State Building (but not as great as the Freedom Tower). Close to Rockefeller Center where the infamous Christmas tree resides during the Holiday Season.
Times Square
A classic stop for first-time NYC-goers.
The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long (2.33 km) elevated walkway built on an old rail track that runs along the west side of NYC. The walkway features wildflowers, greenery, and outdoor art installations in addition to killer views of New York’s skyline.
2323 locals recommend
The High Line Park
The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long (2.33 km) elevated walkway built on an old rail track that runs along the west side of NYC. The walkway features wildflowers, greenery, and outdoor art installations in addition to killer views of New York’s skyline.
Theater District
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is an American military and maritime history museum with a collection of museum ships in New York City, including the former aircraft carrier USS Intrepid that fought in World War II, surviving five kamikaze attacks and one torpedo strike. The ship later served in the Cold War and the Vietnam War. Intrepid also served as a NASA recovery vessel in the 1960s. It was decommissioned in 1974, and today is berthed on the Hudson River as the centerpiece of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
379 locals recommend
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
West 46th StreetThe Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is an American military and maritime history museum with a collection of museum ships in New York City, including the former aircraft carrier USS Intrepid that fought in World War II, surviving five kamikaze attacks and one torpedo strike. The ship later served in the Cold War and the Vietnam War. Intrepid also served as a NASA recovery vessel in the 1960s. It was decommissioned in 1974, and today is berthed on the Hudson River as the centerpiece of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
The extraordinary centerpiece of Hudson Yards is its spiral staircase, a soaring new landmark meant to be climbed. This interactive design piece was imagined by Thomas Heatherwick and Heatherwick Studio as a focal point where people can enjoy new perspectives of the city and one another from different heights, angles and vantage points.
Comprised of 154 intricately interconnecting flights of stairs -- almost 2,500 individual steps and 80 landings -- with nearly one mile of vertical climb above the Public Square and Gardens, this landmark will offer remarkable views.
195 locals recommend
Vessel
20 Hudson YardsThe extraordinary centerpiece of Hudson Yards is its spiral staircase, a soaring new landmark meant to be climbed. This interactive design piece was imagined by Thomas Heatherwick and Heatherwick Studio as a focal point where people can enjoy new perspectives of the city and one another from different heights, angles and vantage points.
Comprised of 154 intricately interconnecting flights of stairs -- almost 2,500 individual steps and 80 landings -- with nearly one mile of vertical climb above the Public Square and Gardens, this landmark will offer remarkable views.
Hudson Yards
20 Hudson YardsTake the ferry across the Hudson and take in all the sights of the City!!! Our favorite option for traveling to NYC.
32 locals recommend
Hoboken / NJ Transit Terminal station
1 Hudson PlTake the ferry across the Hudson and take in all the sights of the City!!! Our favorite option for traveling to NYC.
Parks & Nature
Just a half-mile walk east of our home is Riverview Park. This park is situated on the edge of The Palisades and offers views of the Manhattan Skyline (especially beautiful at sunset!). From May through November the park hosts the Riverview Farmers Market each Sunday and features vendors selling local products from nearby shops, restaurants, and New Jersey Farms, including fresh produce, baked goods, dairy, grass-fed meat, sauces, honey, jellies, crafts, and natural body products.
57 locals recommend
Riverview-Fisk Park
498 Palisade AveJust a half-mile walk east of our home is Riverview Park. This park is situated on the edge of The Palisades and offers views of the Manhattan Skyline (especially beautiful at sunset!). From May through November the park hosts the Riverview Farmers Market each Sunday and features vendors selling local products from nearby shops, restaurants, and New Jersey Farms, including fresh produce, baked goods, dairy, grass-fed meat, sauces, honey, jellies, crafts, and natural body products.
This large park offers spectacular views of NYC, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and more.
465 locals recommend
Liberty State Park
1 Audrey Zapp DriveThis large park offers spectacular views of NYC, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and more.
Openings vary dependent upon volunteer availability. Check their website for updates - https://www.jcreservoir.com/recreation
Jersey City Reservoir #3
119-199 Reservoir AveOpenings vary dependent upon volunteer availability. Check their website for updates - https://www.jcreservoir.com/recreation
Essentials
Stop & Shop
232 Central AveThe closest grocery store with all your shopping needs.
Our favorite nearby bodega (convenience store) with all the staples you could need. Milk, eggs, bread, snacks, ice cream, canned goods, drinks, candies, essentials, an ATM, and more.
Summit Food Mart
944 Summit AveOur favorite nearby bodega (convenience store) with all the staples you could need. Milk, eggs, bread, snacks, ice cream, canned goods, drinks, candies, essentials, an ATM, and more.
Trader Joe's
715 River RdActivities
Pershing Field Pool is located in Pershing Field Park. It is an indoor pool starting at 3.5 feet to 12 feet deep. We are a 6-lane pool, 25 meters (1 lap) distance and is open all year round. Small Parking lot is available. Photo ID and proof of residency are required by all adult nonmembers (18 & older)
Non-Residents:
Weekdays: Adults $6, Child $4, Senior $2
Weekends & Holidays: Adults $8, Child $6, Senior $2
Please note that the pool closes 30 minutes prior scheduled time for pool maintenance.
8 locals recommend
Pershing Field Pool
201 Central AvePershing Field Pool is located in Pershing Field Park. It is an indoor pool starting at 3.5 feet to 12 feet deep. We are a 6-lane pool, 25 meters (1 lap) distance and is open all year round. Small Parking lot is available. Photo ID and proof of residency are required by all adult nonmembers (18 & older)
Non-Residents:
Weekdays: Adults $6, Child $4, Senior $2
Weekends & Holidays: Adults $8, Child $6, Senior $2
Please note that the pool closes 30 minutes prior scheduled time for pool maintenance.
Rink Fees (admission & skate are paid PER session):
Non-Jersey City Resident Admissions-
Adults (ages 18-61) $5
Children (ages 17 & under) $3
Senior Citizens (62 & older) $2
Skates-
Figure Skates: $4
Hockey Skates: $5
2018-2019 General Public Skating Sessions:
Thursdays: 4pm-6pm
Fridays: 3:45pm-5:30pm | 5:45pm-7:45pm | 8pm-9:45pm
Saturdays: 4:15pm-5:45pm | 6pm-7:45pm | 8pm-9:45pm
Sundays: 2pm-3:45pm | 4pm-5:45pm | 6pm-7:45pm
Charlie Heger Ice Rink
807 Summit AveRink Fees (admission & skate are paid PER session):
Non-Jersey City Resident Admissions-
Adults (ages 18-61) $5
Children (ages 17 & under) $3
Senior Citizens (62 & older) $2
Skates-
Figure Skates: $4
Hockey Skates: $5
2018-2019 General Public Skating Sessions:
Thursdays: 4pm-6pm
Fridays: 3:45pm-5:30pm | 5:45pm-7:45pm | 8pm-9:45pm
Saturdays: 4:15pm-5:45pm | 6pm-7:45pm | 8pm-9:45pm
Sundays: 2pm-3:45pm | 4pm-5:45pm | 6pm-7:45pm
Awesome indoor rock climbing!
14,000+ Square Feet of Climbing
40+ Foot Climbing Walls
45-60 Top Rope Stations
Extensive Bouldering - Dynamic Lead Climbing
Cardiovascular and Strength Training Areas
Lounges - Pro Shops
Private Party Rooms
The Gravity Vault Hoboken, NJ
1423 Clinton StAwesome indoor rock climbing!
14,000+ Square Feet of Climbing
40+ Foot Climbing Walls
45-60 Top Rope Stations
Extensive Bouldering - Dynamic Lead Climbing
Cardiovascular and Strength Training Areas
Lounges - Pro Shops
Private Party Rooms
Skyway Golf Course
515 Duncan AveRPM Raceway | Race Play More
99 Caven Point RdIndoor gocarting!
Topgolf
1013 US-1A trek - but worth the experience!
Citi Bike
Riverview Farmers Market
498 Palisade AveNewark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza
134-158 Newark AveRed Bull Arena
600 Cape May StMetLife Stadium
1 MetLife Stadium DrPrudential Center
25 Lafayette St