Welcome to Hoboken!! A mile-square city where you’re never more than a block away from a good bar, a good coffee shop, and a good meal. It’s chaotic in the best way, and once you find your spots, it starts to feel less like a college town and more like home.
Coffee
Hoboken takes its coffee seriously, and you’ll find a shop for every mood. For specialty beans, Modcup and Gotan are the move. If you’re after a good espresso, Empire Coffee & Tea and Bwè Coffee deliver. If you just want a fun latte to get you through the afternoon, Mojo, Joboken, and The Hive have you covered.
Food
Fiore’s is a rite of passage — free fresh mozzarella every single time. Plus, it has some of the best Italian subs you’ll find anywhere near campus. If you want something closer to campus, Vito’s is a great backup; just double-check their hours before you go.
If you are on a college budget, no problem. Hoboken Burrito almost always has a buy-one-get-one running, South Lion’s Dim Sum has some of the best ribs I’ve had, and 7th Street Burger is a classic for when you need a pick-me-up.
When you’re trying to eat a little cleaner, GTK’s Caesar wrap and lunch deal are hard to beat; Alfalfa is a bit pricier but always worth it, and Honeygrow is your go-to for a solid stir-fry. For anyone with gluten or other allergies — Honeygrow is a must.
Breakfast
Turning Point is a classic, and the walk along the river to get there makes it even better. Tosti has some of the best French toast in town, and Anthony David’s is a reliable favorite for an all-around great breakfast.
Taking Your Parents Out
When your parents come to visit, you’ll want somewhere that feels a little more special. Elysian Cafe has beautiful historical charm, City Bistro’s rooftop is unbeatable if you want a view, and the sister restaurants Sirenetta and Sorellina serve food that genuinely cannot be beat.
Groceries
ACME is the convenient option, but Trader Joe’s is the cheaper one. ShopRite is a close second, and Whole Foods rounds things out as a solid third.
Parks
Hoboken doesn’t run short on green space. Church Square Park is a favorite, and while you’re out, stop by the Hoboken Public Library and grab yourself a free library card — it comes with perks you wouldn’t expect, from free museum passes to rentals to access to the MakerSpace. And of course, there are the parks along the pier: Pier A is the classic pick, but Maxwell Place Park is just as relaxing and half as crowded.
Getting Around and Safety
You don’t need a car to get anywhere here. The Hoboken HOP is a free shuttle that loops around town, and between the PATH, the light rail, and Port Authority, you can get pretty much everywhere else.
It’s also worth signing up for Nixle, the Hoboken Mayor’s Office alert system. From block parties to street closures to flooding, it’s one of the easiest ways to stay in the loop on what’s actually happening in your community.
While it’s easy to be distracted by New York, Hoboken is an amazing city to live in. It can feel like a lot at first — new city, new routines, and a hundred restaurants to try before you find “your place.” But go explore!! Give it a semester, walk around in Hoboken and get lost, and eventually you will find a list of favorites that make you never want to leave!
