From dive bars and breweries to cocktail bars and gin distilleries, Jersey City has all kinds of watering holes where you can enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two. The city is also home to a number of secret speakeasies where you can sip on innovative cocktails in a more intimate atmosphere. Speakeasies are perfect for date nights, or any kind of night where you want to sip on a cool-looking cocktail in a darkened room.
Here’s a list of the best speakeasies in Jersey City for your next night out:
Junto Attic Bar
Hidden above Franklin Social, Junto Attic Bar is inspired by Ben Franklin’s social club of the same name. There are no reservations – the bar operates on a first-come-first-serve basis for groups of four or less. Inside you’ll find velvet seating, damask wallpaper, a wooden beamed ceiling and a beautiful bar with a glowing stained glass window from the 1850s.
This gem of a bar makes you feel like you’ve been transported back in time and some of the cocktails are served in teacups or patterned glasses.
Nucky’s JC
Hudson Hound is a well-known bar in Jersey City, but not a lot of people realize there’s a hidden speakeasy in the basement. It’s only when you see patrons opening a door next to the bar that you’ll realize there’s a secret hideaway tucked away down a set of stairs.
Nucky’s is named after the famous American Irishman Nucky Thompson – a character from the TV series boardwalk empire, who was based on the Prohibition Era kingpin of Atlantic City. The decor transports you back to the 1920s, with exposed brick walls and a bootlegger’s keg wall. If you fancy some laughs, Nucky’s hosts regular comedy shows as well as DJs and other events.
143 Social
Newly opened in summer of 2023, 143 Social is a swanky speakeasy located beneath Bareburger on Newark Ave. The indoor fire, leather seats and mural painted walls make this speakeasy feel high end and intimate.
Cocktails here are on point and feature really unique ingredients that you wouldn’t see anywhere else, such as beets, bell pepper and even charred corn. Instead of names the cocktails have simple numbers (Number eighteen, nineteen, etc), which makes ordering pretty easy. Definitely a great spot for a date night or night out with friends.
Under the Boot
Tucked away beneath the Nashville-themed eatery Boots & Bones, Under the Boot can get pretty rowdy on weekends. Labeled as a “Southern twist on a historic concept”, this speakeasy-style bar serves light snacks and craft cocktails in a neon-lit setting. If you like your drinks to come with a theatrical show, get the Smuggler’s Sip cocktail, which comes in a bowl of dry ice.
116 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07302
PS Wine Bar at Pet Shop
Pet Shop is a staple on the Jersey City bar scene, but did you know there’s a wine bar hidden away downstairs? The menu features a selection of whites, reds and bubbles by farmers and the prices are reasonable, starting at around $9 per glass.
Sushi By Bou
If you enjoy sushi, you’ll want to check out Sushi By Bou, which is a speakeasy-style omakase spot located behind a secret door inside Ani Ramen. Omakase experiences are timed and feature 12 or 17 course options, which you can wash down with a variety of craft cocktails, imported sakes and Japanese beers. The restaurant is closed Mondays but open every other day from 5pm to 11pm.
218 Newark Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07302
Liked this list? Check out our lists of the best breweries in Jersey City and the best dog-friendly bars in Jersey City.
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