The Essentials: What you need to know about Hoboken

Learn to navigate Hoboken

Hoboken is very easy to navigate once you know how the streets work. In just a few weeks, you can know exactly where anything is located with just the address. The southernmost end of Hoboken starts with Observer Highway and Newark Street, and after that all the streets are numbered. 1st Street comes right after Newark Street in the south, and 15th Street is the last street to the north. On the numbered streets, the house numbers start near the water in the east, and increase as you go farther west. All the addresses on the named streets are prefixed with the street they’re after, from the south to the north, and count up to 30 or 40. For example, 612 Bloomfield Street is on Bloomfield about halfway between 6th and 7th Streets. All the odd numbers are on the eastern side of the street, while evens are on the west. Just remember that New York City is to the east.

Groceries

When you’re out of easy mac and there’s nothing left in your cereal boxes, it’s time to go grocery shopping, and you have a decision to make — cheap or high quality? As college students, generally cheap wins out over everything, and the ShopRite at 10th and Madison is usually your best bet. Just take the Red Line to 9th and Madison or the Gray to 11th, and you’ll be but a block away from a good option for all your general grocery needs. Trader Joe’s on the corner of 14th and Willow is another good option, with competitive prices for most goods. There are also numerous more expensive options such as the two Kings Food Markets which are located at 13th and Hudson, and 4th and River, which may be more convenient for some students.

Feeling sick?

Sometimes when you’re under the weather you don’t want to go far from your dorm. Not to worry! Rather than traipsing down to Washington Street for some much-needed NyQuil, tissues, Tylenol, or any other essentials, you can just stop by the bookstore on the first floor of Howe. They’ll have most of what you need immediately, so you don’t have to stray too far from bed.

Painkillers and decongestants not getting the job done? Stop by the Wellness Center, between North Building, Humphreys, and Castle Point Hall, for some more professional care and/or a referral to a doctor in Hoboken. For emergencies, Hoboken Hospital is located at 5th and Willow.

Pizza: What to know

You won’t be here for long before you start to see the pizza wars. Benny’s vs. Gio’s, the fodder for many an argument between hungry students. By all means, try both — Take advantage of Washington Street Wednesdays and get just a ridiculous amount of pizza at Benny’s, and once 6th street is back open, stop by Gio’s between classes and grab a slice (or a chicken roll). You’ll soon learn your favorite.

Of course, those are just the pizzerias near Stevens. Hoboken has so many pizzerias that just last week, after three years in Hoboken, I learned about a new one. One pizza you absolutely must try is Napoli’s Chicken Bacon Ranch; You haven’t had a CBR pizza like this — it’s topped with bruschetta, and is phenomenally delicious.

The best food at 2 a.m

Sometimes in the course of your studies and… *cough* definitely nothing else… you’ll find yourself awake and hungry at 2 in the morning. Where should you go? Bagels on the Hudson, open 24 hours. 802 Washington Street has some of the most satisfying food for your late night cravings — If you’re not from Jersey, be sure to try a Taylor Ham, Egg & Cheese. Soda, juice, apple turnovers, muffins, and, of course, bagels, make Bagels on the Hudson the best choice for a late-night meal.

Washington Street: The Greatest Hits

Washington Street is home to some of the best food not just in Hoboken, but in the Tri-State area. O’Bagel (600 Washington) has some great bagels for when you want a bagel at normal hours. We’ve talked about Benny’s and Gio’s.

Vito’s Deli, at 806 Washington Street, has a “Happy Hero Hour” from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, with all their “basic heros” (generally one meat with mutz and some toppings) priced at $5.50, or $6.95 with a drink.

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about bubble tea: You have a few options for bubble tea on Washington Street, two of which are quite close to campus: Gong Cha and Kung Fu Tea. Both serve some delicious bubble tea, and if you’ve never tried it, you simply must.

Washington Street between 5th and 6th is home to many student favorite eateries. Midtown Philly Steaks serves some delicious cheesesteaks well into the night; Makai Poke Co. has downright glorious poke bowls; Ayame has some great, if expensive, hibachi; and East LA has some tasty Mexican food. Of course, this is also where you can find Gong Cha, Kung Fu Tea, and Gio’s.

I just want to relax!

Hoboken also offers some great opportunities to take your mind off classes. Take a walk down the waterfront and admire the view of the city from a beautifully paved walkway. Stop by some of the many parks, especially those on the water. The park at Pier C is especially suitable for hanging out with friends and talking about nothing much at all.

What about a movie? Hoboken has a movie theater, BowTie Cinemas, on 14th between Grand and Adams Streets. Looking for something a little more comfortable? Take a rideshare or the light rail to Newport Mall and stop by the AMC there. Newport Mall also has some classic mall dining options, as well as some good shopping.

Hoboken also offers free Kayaking and Paddle Boarding on the Hudson from the community boathouse on the water between 10th and 11th Streets, if that’s something that strikes your fancy.

Don’t forget about our various street fairs! Keep an eye out around Hoboken for posters announcing the annual Italian festival, semi-annual Arts and Music festivals, and other great events put on by the city. The Italian Festival is coming up soon, September 5th-8th on Frank Sinatra Drive along the waterfront.