The 11 best Jersey City bars

“It has more than 300 bourbons on the wall and arguably the best cocktail menu in all of Jersey City,” says Steve Guzman.

Tiki, do you love me? Are you… classic Polynesian cocktail kitsch in a stunning bar that also offers Coors Banquet beer for the person in your party who hates fun? 

If there’s a bar that’s one step below a dive, this is it—and it’s spectacular. Go late on a weekend night for one of the most casual but ecstatic karaoke sing-alongs you will ever experience. Pro tip: Ask the bartender to try the Chinese firewater (báiijŭ).* *Not responsible if you go blind after drinking it.

Don’t ruin this for us: If you are planning to show up to Jersey City’s cool-kid living room, be chill. All walks and stumbles of life, from artists to bros, rub elbows here.

Chic, new-ish, Charleston, South Carolina–ish, this beauty was embraced by the neighborhood almost immediately. The star is undoubtedly the 80s Glam, a gin-based tipple with edible glitter.

Named after the space’s former tenant, this dope bar has “its finger on the pulse,” says Guzman. “Pet Shop knows how to cater to the regular downtown Jersey City resident, but it’s open to the new people, too.” Drink like a townie (or a JC resident) as you nosh tasty vegan bites.

Step into the warmest gay-bar atmosphere in the tristate area to sample more than 50 craft beers.

“The space is gorgeous and exquisitely curated to match the changing seasons,” says Amanda Prior of this ode to Austin. If Pinterest had a bar, it’d look like this one.

Relax at this cozy haunt with immaculately curated wine and (especially) cheese.

There’s nothing “new” about this old cop bar. Order what is perhaps the best burger in the country (get it with Taylor ham, cooked by bartenders when they are not slinging pints of Guinness). 

A sketchy dive bar connected to the greasy Chinese takeout. (This setup should be franchised.)