JERSEY CITY: thank you to our friend and local of the city for letting us know about The Keyhole…read moreBar, a literal hole in the wall dive bar that we loved! The building stands out with their keyhole shaped windows and historic feel! Leashed and friendly dogs are allowed before 10pm (this place is popular for night life) and is a good time decorated with vintage signage, vinyl records, and interesting knickknacks, so it's fun to walk around the bar and take it all in. They offer a full bar of drinks at reasonable prices and also offer food provided by their sister restaurant. There are TVs to watch the game and our bartender, Zu, was fantastic! Leashed and friendly dogs are allowed inside at manager's discretion. There is also outdoor seating.

A quintessential dive! From the divey decorations to the friendly staff and patrons, wifey and I…read morehad a comfortable couple of drinks at this Jersey City bar. Would add stars if they had tap beer or food

I went here for an event and I was not expecting much. I had a fabulous experience and the main…read morereason was Alejandro. He was exceptional. He modified my meal to be GF. He made excellent drinks. He was all around a great bartender, man, and we all enjoyed his conversation. The ambiance was cool, the bar was comfortable, and Alejandro's customer service cannot be beat. I will definitely stop by next time in the area and I recommend that you do the same!

Had a great time here. The music was great, nice balance between old and new songs. The crowd was…read morehaving a great time dancing and drinking. Our bartender was quick and made sure our drinks were always full. Will definitely be back.

Every time I go here, I wind up getting the bar pie because it is so good. But this time, I…read morecommitted to trying things I had never had. Kuhls? Ya came up aces yet again! Started off with the chili. I'm pretty picky with my chili, but this chili cleared the bar. Not too spicy, but very tasty. Well done. After that, wound up getting a double cheeseburger. It was the highlight of the meal, and one of the best in the whole city.

If you're looking for elegance, this is not the place, but if you're interested in really great bar…read morefood, cold beers, and a small bill, this is your spot!

Absolutely disgusting experience. We were treated with disrespect, hostility, and what felt like…read morestraight-up racism. I am old enough to be in a bar, and my sister-in-law is 25 and was visiting from out of town. She had her ID available on her phone, but instead of handling the situation professionally, the woman immediately got loud, aggressive, and disrespectful. She kept yelling at me and repeatedly saying she "owns the bar," as if that gave her the right to embarrass and mistreat customers. There was no reason for her to raise her voice, talk down to us, or make the situation so hostile. Enforcing an ID policy is one thing -- being rude, aggressive, and making paying customers feel targeted and unwelcome is another. The way we were treated felt racist, discriminatory, and completely unacceptable. I would never recommend this place to anyone. There are plenty of bars that know how to treat people with basic respect.

(Drank 06/22/2025 SU @ 3:30pm): I didn't imbibe any grapes from unseen vines while in this tavern!…read more In my quest to explore the various cuisine scenes and things to do throughout Jersey City and specifically the Heights, I finally found Grape Vine Tavern. If you knew me, I loved dive bars just to escape for a bit. Considered an Irish bar, historically, Grape Vine Tavern received the first liquor license https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=l17-ZJ4UsdlN0k4XmBbvJw in Jersey City on June 28, 1934 once Prohibition ended! Would the grapes on this tavern's vine lure me back for more libations!? PURCHASE 902 Brewing Pale Ale True Hoboken American Pale Ale Beer 16floz Draft ($5.00): Rich amber color, citrusy hoppy piney aroma, light body, citrusy hoppy piney flavor, clean smooth finish, and citrusy hoppy piney aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=qxoEH91jwvq1rk5q0SFJhw UTZ Sour Cream & Onion Potato Chips 1oz Bag ($2.00): A regional east coast snacks brand, I simply needed something to chomp on. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=Czlx2OdWh-jc23ZaUUnM4A Guinness Draught Irish Dry Stout Beer 16floz Draft ($5.00): Dark brown chocolate color, robust coffee roasty aroma, heavy body, balanced chocolate coffee flavor, mouthcoating finish, and full coffee roasty aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=VLjWDFILZl2K245nNVJ2HA Yuengling Brewery Traditional Lager American Amber Red Beer 16floz Draft ($5.00): Copper red color, malty sweet aroma, low body, malty sweet flavor, clean finish, and smooth malty sweet aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=-Yqu6eS-4CkoakuKccrI1A Fritos Brand The Original Corn Chips 1oz Bag ($2.00): I've always been a fan of this salty snack and how it miraculously filled you up! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=ttMo5r3JHtTk-xe77DaZCw Coors Brewing Co. Coors Light Lager Beer 16floz Draft ($5.00): Light amber color, faint malty aroma, light body, malty watery flavor, clean finish, and light malty watery aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=H5BAOfaO4qdt2QgF61Bl2A Anheuser-Busch Budweiser American Lager Beer 12floz Bottle ($5.00 x2): Amber color, light malty aroma, light body, malty warm flavor, smooth finish, and light malty sweet aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=KX8xm3FirpQeG9C4dYT7xg UTZ Barbeque Potato Chips 1oz Bag ($2.00): Now, I really needed something to absorb the alcohol! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=9xgNgriX06AAjld1wHY3zA SERVICE I casually walked in, grabbed a corner bar stool, and simply made myself at home for several hours. The gentleman behind the bar, Miguel, gave me the lowdown that it was a cash-only bar and pointed out the ATM. He quickly fulfilled each of my orders as I worked the beer tap and potato chips. Eventually, I joined the bar banter and bought a round of drinks - slainte! PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance) This was an easy flat 15-minute walk from my friend's place. Otherwise, there appeared to be plenty of spots (no known private lot) along the main drag of Newark Ave. and all surrounding roads - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE The true embodiment of a neighborhood dive bar, and I loved it! Everything was at its minimal best https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=UC8GMkpbJmd0suQKBhj4fg from the beer list, snacks, and decorations, to a surprising amount of liquor options, a small "back" room, plenty of stools around the bar, a jukebox that had banging songs, and an ATM in the corner. Minimal natural lighting came through the two small tinted windows while equally-minimal electric lights filled in the rest. There were several muted TVs while music only played in the background if someone fed the jukebox. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=zDQRpf0XuB7CqKDhfuT9fA ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL I've officially adopted Grape Vine Tavern as my area dive bar! The prices were cheap and the pace was relaxed, but it was the quick acceptance I felt with the four local gentlemen and Miguel when I first settled in. Plus, you were allowed to bring your own food. And, I always loved supporting small businesses whenever possible. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $36.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). Sadly, they were a cash-only establishment, so they certainly didn't accept my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS

The Hoboken Arts and Music Festival is offered annually, in both the Spring and again in the Fall…read more It is one of largest and most interesting street fairs in the area. There is a huge number of vendors spanning from artwork to jewelry, décor, clothing, soaps, candles, gourmet foods, and more, as well as a load of local food vendors. There are also stages at either end of the 8 block fest with various musicians playing decently long sets throughout the day. You could even take a break from the festivities to sit outside at one of the many bars and restaurants on Washington and simply people-watch. It really is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon! I would recommend checking it out, but, if you are not based in the area, be sure to take the train or Path into town, as the station is right near the festival, and parking can be even more scarce than usual.

A good number of local artists, vendors, and businesses lined the length of this event, with stages…read moreflanking each end and a stage near the center in the kid's area. We initially came for the music, but a last minute decision to bring four kids with us meant we were now overruled by beings who couldn't sit still for live music. We managed to get two-and-a-half songs in from a Latin-style band with a female lead. There was plenty to see and do and EAT! This was the perfect location! The area had a good amount of small businesses, as well as the stuff we're all familiar with. A combination of these businesses and festival food filled our bellies, excessively...gluttonously. The vast choices of unique art, crafts, and jewelry allowed each kid to pick out something special for mommy for Mother's Day. But I couldn't find the Yelp booth!

Oh swine, how I love thee…read more What a great event! First of all, so many people came by through out the day starting at noon and ending at 8 PM. This was a ommunity event at its finest. The music was on point and there were a variety of local vendors including MAE, Dinosaur BBQ, Jimmy's BBQ, Hamilton Inn serving up NJ Beer Co, Sophie Sophia, Fizzy Lizzy and a few others. The bbq was amazing. I had lamb ribs from MAE, some pulled pork (I think) from Dinosaur BBQ, and of course an amazing bite of cupcake from SS. Hot damn. Everything was fresh and delicious. The food was great, the proceeds was going to a great cause (Hamilton Park Conservancy), and the weather was perfect albeit a bit windy. There is nothing like eating bbq with the community filled with babies, dogs, hipsters, non hipsters, beer, laughs and live music. Win. I look forward to next year! Oh and for families: petting zoo in the house! Along with vendors selling crafts organized by Not Yo Momma's Craft Fair. Amaze.

Hamilton Park BBQ Festival was a wonderful community event which was a fund raiser for The Hamilton…read morePark Conservancy. The conservancy is dedicated to assisting the city in the maintenance and improvement of the park. What a great way to enjoy a beautiful sunny afternoon and raise some money for a good cause. Outstanding. The event featured: BBQ at Legal Beans, Dinosaur Bar-b-que, Jimmy's BBQ and Modern American Eatery. Beverages by New Jersey Beer Company, Lizzmonade and Fizzy Lizzy. They also had a petting zoo for the kids and assorted tables selling bake goods, treats and goodies. Yelp had a table and was represented by Stephanie Y who was full of enthusiasm. It was my first time meeting her and was wow by her energy and friendliness. Yay! I only had the opportunity to taste Dinosaur Bar-b-que and the ribs were delicious. The half rack I ordered was very good. It had all the characteristics of excellent barbecue ribs: ring around the rib, moist, tender, great flavor and meaty. The 2 pieces of 3 ribs each had good texture and just fell off the bone. It just had the right amount of pull and awesome flavor. The ribs had a good rub with a balance of traditional spices. Overall high B+, very high. The pull pork sandwich just did not cut it. It was a beautiful cut of pork shoulder with all the good characteristics of good tasting pull pork BBQ, but It failed. It was just cold and the flavors did not come out. While I did received a good amount of pull pork it was just not steaming with flavor. Overall, this was a wonderful event with lots of food and drink. To bad I had to leave after an hour. I was on a journey to visit my in-laws with Wifey. This was certainly a local event and supported by the local community. There was good food and drink. There was fun. There was community spirit. I can't wait to come back to this part of New Jersey and experience some great hospitality.

My friend made us reservations for The Sinatra Room at 7pm on a Friday and it was such a chill…read moreexperience! It is only open on Fridays and Saturdays and serves cocktails only, no food. Reservations recommended. After dinner at Panela upstairs, the host walked us down the steps into The Sinatra Room. What is cool about this is the door is a bookcase so if you're not familiar with this speakeasy, you couldn't even tell there is something behind it. It was pretty empty inside, only two other groups. There are a couple tables and chairs along with a bar in the back. The seats are a mixture of leather chairs and ottomans. You can even put your things in the ottomans which is cool. Light music playing in the background. A bartender comes overs with glasses of ice water and shows us where to view the menu which is a QR code. The menu consists of 5 cocktails; I ordered the High Society and my friend ordered On the Town. We both loved our drinks. Mine came in a teacup so I felt extra bougie haha! This speakeasy is perfect for your date night with friends or significant other. They also hold whiskey tastings!

It's a really cute "speakeasy" hidden in a restaurant, kind of hard to find. Inside of Panela…read more Service was kind of rude. Didn't have a resy and basically got kicked out. I will try them again.

Go to the flying pie guy! This place is so original and the pie ideas are ingenious. Pair that with…read morea beer and you're ready to go! Live music, stuff for kids, & pet friendly don't miss out!

The lines weren't crazy = winning. Nice variety of vendors,…read moremusic and beer - what more could you ask for? I will definitely be back next year with the fam!