Great Bars and Night Spots in Jersey City

Whether you’re looking to beat the Saturday night crunch and $10 beers of Manhattan or just trying to add a little urbanity to a girl’s night out, downtown Jersey City offers dozens of watering holes catering to every imaginable taste. Wine bars, art bars, sports bars, fine dining, and bars perfect for just letting off steam or hunting for Mr. or Ms. Right abound throughout downtown JC, almost all within walking distance of the city’s PATH stations (which run all night, even on weekends). What’s more, all of the spots described below promise an atmosphere as unique as any Village pub, only with a lot more intimacy.

Bar Majestic: 275 Grove St. 201.451.4400
The Bar Majestic specializes in fine wines, and, predictably, this classy, new-ish spot is perfect for a first-date white wine or a cocktail. The staff is friendly and helpful, and despite the upper-end ambience the Bar Majestic’s prices are down to earth. Perhaps the biggest draw of the Bar Majestic is its own in-house winery: after sampling a glass or two at the bar you can grab a bottle of your favorite for a nightcap back at home. Patrons praise the feel of the Majestic as Parisian, especially in warm weather when the Majestic opens its doors and spills out onto the sidewalk with a scattering of cafÃ?© tables. Just two blocks from the Grove St. PATH station, the Bar Majestic is across from City Hall and features a trendy, fashionable crowd most weekend nights.

Hamilton Park Ale House: 708 Jersey Ave. 201.659.9111
Although easily accessed from the crowded and noisy feeder lanes for the Holland Tunnel (just turn right at the first light onto Jersey Ave.), the Hamilton Park Ale House is the quintessential quiet, relaxed neighborhood pub. Catering to a somewhat older crowd, Hamilton Park Ale House nonetheless is a great place for anyone looking to down a beer with friends and enjoy some pleasant conversation. In addition, the Ale House offers a full menu of moderately priced but tasty dishes and a nice rotating list of specials. The cozy atmosphere, particularly in cold weather, and the friendly staff combine to make the Ale House a great spot for winter evenings.

Iron Monkey: 97 Greene St. 201.435.5756
A funky, eclectic joint near the Exchange Place PATH station on Greene St., Iron Monkey offers a lounge atmosphere, with its own art gallery on the second level and a rooftop terrace with great views of the skyscrapers along the waterfront. In addition, Iron Monkey is ranked by many in the Paulus Hook neighborhood as the best restaurant in Jersey City, with an adventurous menu featuring American and fusion cuisine. Combined with their great selection of draft beers Iron Monkey is ideal for those looking for something a little different in their night out.

LITM (Love Is the Message): 140 Newark Ave. 201.536.5557
LITM is the bar of choice for downtown Jersey City’s many artists and musicians. The friendly staff, outstanding art gallery, and live music or classic movie make LITM an excellent spot meet with friends and sample the vibe of Jersey City’s multicultural community. Even better, LITM even encourages patrons to register to vote in the bar. LITM is located just up Newark St. from the Grove St. PATH station.

White Star Bar: 230 Brunswick St. 201.653.9234
During the week the White Star Bar offers excellent food at a fair price and a nice place to watch a game on one of the locale’s two televisions. The walls are always decorated with rotating exhibitions from local artists, and the staff is guaranteed to be both cute and pleasant. On weekends, however, the White Star becomes one of Jersey City’s premier party joints. Events such as pajama night, trivia night, and even 80s night keep things jumping, and make the White Star a favorite among downtown’s younger set. Somewhat harder to reach than the other downtown bars, the White Star is worth the walk up from Hamilton Park. Ask any local-they’ll be sure to know the White Star.