The best restaurants in Hoboken are as good as anything on offer in New York City. A recent New York Times piece argued that Hoboken’s pizza might even be superior to any pie you can find in the Big Apple. Just “cross the river, to the Jersey side,” as Bruce Springsteen once wrote, mere minutes from downtown Manhattan on the PATH train, sits Hoboken. Famous as the birthplace and hometown of Frank Sinatra, Hoboken and Hoboken catering are influenced by the same trends that are impacting what is on plates at restaurants around the country. According to Forbes magazine, Israeli food (think Mediterranean with a local twist and you are onto it) as well as street food menus and vegan burgers are hot. But on the Jersey side of the Hudson, the best restaurants in Hoboken know that Italian everything and a good sub sandwich will always be on the menu. Here are a few of the best restaurants in Hoboken who are doing it right, Jersey style.
1. Tony Boloney (Downtown Hoboken)
Originally hailing from Atlantic City, Tony Boloney’s laid down the cheesesteak law a few years back, taking home the big prize in Guy Fieri’s Cheesesteak Battle in Atlantic City. But the Box-O-Subs is insanely popular for a reason. With selections like Pinky Punjabo Sub (with tikka masala, coconut curry sauce and jalapeños), Farm Table Sub (with fresh Jersey tomatoes), and the Boardwalk Brawler Sub (what isn’t on this sandwich?), there is a heap of fun and international style that truly represents the Garden State. If your crew is feeling a bit more sedate, go for a Lunch Box such as UNCLE PENNYBAGS which features a chicken cutlet with broccoli rabe, nut-free sunflower seed pesto, roasted red peppers, salted ricotta & fresh mutz (Jersey-speak for ‘mozzarella’). For dessert, an order of Carney Balls, bite-size zeppole slathered in melted hazelnut chocolate sauce & peanut butter cream, make a fun change of pace from cupcakes or doughnuts.
2. Maroon Café (Downtown Hoboken)
Known for their freshly roasted coffees and their cold brew iced coffee, Maroon Café’s House Hot Drip Coffee is, naturally, one of their most popular items. French and American breakfast treats like toasted almond croissants, pain au chocolate, Greek yogurt muffins, and bagels are great for grab and go affairs or for a small bite to savor with coffee. Maroon Café recently updated their catering menu to include house made petite sandwiches with fun condiments. Try the sausage, egg, and Cheddar on an English muffin with house made miso ketchup. It is a reminder that the best restaurants in Hoboken keep up with the latest food trends while serving up some delicious food no matter what time of day your event takes place.
3. Hansel ‘N Griddle (Downtown Hoboken)
The classic Breakfast Package is the thing to order here. Stacked with French toast, pancakes, scrambled eggs, and tater tots, this breakfast can be rounded out with bacon, sausage or pork roll (It’s a Jersey thing). At lunch, the Wrap Package is popular. The Italian Mob wrap, loaded with ham, salami, and provolone cheese, gets a kick from hot peppers. The Crop Circle wrap with chopped egg, croutons, salad and house dressing, is a nice change from the usual egg salad. Jumbo Buffalo Wings come with your choice of sauce or try the house signature Crisp. A griddled tortilla stuffed with your choice of filling (think grilled chicken or tuna melt), Crisps come with salad and a side, making these a complete lunch served in a fresh way.
4. Qdoba (Hasbrouck Heights)
If you’re juggling multiple dietary restrictions, a buffet is an easy way to let each guest fix a plate that works for them. On trend in Hoboken catering, customization is the key to the Mexican food served at Qdoba. The Hot Taco Bar and the Hot Naked Burrito Bar include everything you need, from meat and beans, to salsa and guacamole, to build your own meal, your way. If your group prefers their lunch pre-built or without custom stylings, the pre-fab Box Lunch, filled with your choice of burrito, chips, and dessert (chocolate chip cookie or double chocolate brownie) are perfect for those days when convenience is key.
5. San Giuseppe Coal Fired Pizza and Cucina (Downtown Hoboken)
The ovens at this Hoboken restaurant burn coal which means a quick-fire, crisp crust pizza faster than you can say “mutz-a-relle.” Pizza, available in 12 or 16-inch sizes, is a popular order here (gluten-free pizza crust is available by request), as is a classic Caesar Salad. But hot entrees such as Eggplant Parmigiana and Baked Ziti are perfect for serving a crowd. Add a portion of Tiramisu (do not forget to order in advance!) to make the meal truly Italian style.
6. Karma Kafe (Downtown Hoboken)
Indian flavors are at the heart of the menu at Karma Kafe. The best Hoboken restaurants must please a range of eaters, from vegetarians to fans of big, bold flavors and the Tandoori Sampler nicely fits the bill. An assortment of appetizers, all prepared in the oven of the same name includes chicken tikka kabobs, chicken wings Haryali, and ground lamb skewers. Seafood, such as the popular Garlic Trout and vegetarian entrees such as Black Lentils cooked with cream and spices, offer options for pescatarians and vegetarians alike. Just don’t forget to order some naan to soak up all the delicious gravy.
7. Pita Pit (Downtown Hoboken)
The flavors of the Mediterranean are on full display at this Hoboken catering business. Chicken Souvlaki speaks purely of Greece while the falafel may or may not have originated in Egypt. Either way, the Falafel Pita with hummus, feta, and tzatziki makes a case for being likely to come from anywhere in the Middle East. The Club Pita with honey Dijon dressing and the Dagwood Pita with horseradish Dijon dressing, offer more westernized flavor. Add chicken to the Greek or any other salad for a complete meal without the sandwich. But this is the Pita Pit so sliced pita is a guaranteed side.
8. Rosticeria Da Gigi (Downtown Hoboken)
Offering a wide selection of Italian classic sandwiches and pasta, Rosticeria Da Gigi keeps it real (and French) at breakfast when the Bacon Quiche is their most ordered dish. Rice balls, a fun play on arancini, make a great appetizer. Stuffed with cheese and fried until golden, arancini are just one of the many small bites or handheld party foods from this Italian restaurant. Call them Italian tapas and your trend meter will spike. If eating with your hands seems too casual for your group, try one of the sandwiches. The popular Assorted Half Sandwiches includes options like Eggplant, Mozzarella & Soppressata or Mozzarella, Arugula & Roasted Peppers. Panini such as Prosciutto and Fontina, are more familiar but just as Italian.
9. Muscle Maker Grill (Downtown Hoboken)
With a specialty in wraps, pastas, and salads, Muscle Maker Grill prides itself on revamping the foods you love to eat, no matter where in the world they come from, with a healthy twist. Need it gluten-free or no carb? MMG’s got you covered. How about vegetarian? They have led the market for 20 years. Wrapped sandwiches, such as the MMG Signature, which includes grilled chicken and turkey bacon with lower fat Cheddar cheese and a signature sauce that has zero carbs, are at the heart of the menu. Pasta does have carbs but the sauces, such as the vodka sauce, are made with more healthful ingredients.
With its proximity to New York City, Hoboken knows how to serve up a world of flavor. Except here, they do it Jersey style. (With a side of sauce, please.)
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