If you’re looking for alternatives to the overcrowded parties, $15+ co*cktails, and doormen with superiority complexes in NYC, hope may be waiting across the Hudson River in Hoboken, New Jersey.
All it takes is a 10-minute ride on the Path Train to find awesome bars steps away from the Hoboken station!
Hoboken is hands down the party town of Hudson County. You won’t find any other city in North New Jersey with as many parties or bars clustered in one area and within walking distance of each other. This is particularly convenient for partygoers since Hoboken is a hard city to drive in – parking is often hard to find in and around its main streets.
Hoboken’s nightlife scene resembles those in NYC neighborhoods like Greenwich Village (Manhattan) or Williamsburg (Brooklyn). There are a ton of traditional Irish pubs, modern gastropubs, and dive bars. Most are lined up between Washington Street and Sinatra Drive, and some convert into dance clubs at night!
Like MacDougal Street in NYC, the nightlife crowds in Hoboken are often full of young students and professionals. Since Hoboken was once named the “hipster capital of America,” that should give you a sense of the local demographics, style, and vibe you can expect.
Are you tired of the Hipster culture in Hoboken? Check out the best parties in Jersey City!
As of 2024, there are 13 party bars in Hoboken, of which only 7 bars could be categorized as “clubs.” Since you’ve passed up on partying in NYC, you’ll surely want to stick with the cream of the crop. So, I’ve curated this list of “the best clubs, party bars, and nightlife in Hoboken.”
These bars all feature live DJs, fun crowds, dance floors, and great parties. And, since the Hoboken streets can be confusing to navigate at first, I’ve added maps for each location to help you plan the perfect night out in Hoboken!
Contents
The Shannon
“The Best Hip-Hop Party in Hoboken for 2024”
106 1st St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Price: $$
The Shannon is a popular local pub in Hoboken that throws a Hip-Hop party every weekend. Although it appears to be an average Irish pub, don’t let its looks deceive you. In speakeasy form, there is a hidden dance club inside that gets wild!
At the door, The Shannon charges a $5 cover charge for admission. Since the bouncers don’t enforce any dress code, most guests wear trendy urban fashion. Designer t-shirts, basketball sneakers, jeans, and fitted hats are common – and a few add big gold chains to complete the ensemble. So, leave your shoes and blazers at home!
When you enter, you will be in the main room where guests chill and mingle. Continue walking towards the rear and you will discover a huge backroom with a large dance floor full of partygoers, music videos synced on monitors overhead, LED party lighting, and a live DJ spinning Hip-Hop, Latin, and pop hits that will take you to the early 2000s and back.
Crowds at The Shannon range from early 20s to 30s and are as diverse as it gets in Hoboken. This is one of the few bars in Hoboken where Caucasians are in the minority! So, if you’re looking for a whitewashed frat party then you should go elsewhere.
Parties at The Shannon are live – most people are dancing, not just standing around and holding up the wall. So, if you are single and ready to mingle, this is a great spot to turn up and pick up girls/guys.
Important Tips For The Party at The Shannon
- There is no dress code, but there is a $5 cover charge
- Well drinks cost $13 and are “double shots” according to the bartender
- The live DJs mainly play Hip Hop music
- The crowd is very ethnically diverse and ages range from early 20 – 30s
- The lines move very quickly
Although The Shannon charges a cover, it makes up for it with “double shot” drinks and an awesome party.
If you want a taste of what a NYC Hip-Hop party is like, then The Shannon will deliver – which makes it my top pick on this list for 2024.
Directions to The Shannon
Tally-Ho Hoboken
“A Jersey Shore Party in Hoboken”
215 Washington Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Price: $$
Tally-Ho stays true to the Jersey Shore party bar vibe in its intoxicated glory. It has everything you could want between good music and great drinks specials, but don’t expect anything fancy, because it is a sports bar.
Tally-Ho is one of the most popular pregame spots in Hoboken. You can often find late drink specials posted on their chalkboard over the bar – the best one is currently a $7 Casamigos special until 11 PM – and few can resist falling for the hook. However, if you leave early, return before 11 PM when the party ramps up or you may be in for a long wait in line!
Every weekend Tally-Ho throws one of the best Hip-Hop parties in Hoboken. Although the security is tight, Tally-Ho does not charge an entrance fee or enforce a dress code! So, most guests in the crowd are in casual wear or urban fashion.
The crowd at Tally-Ho is typically very diverse, with guests ranging from their early 20s to mid-30s. When you enter you will often find guests hanging at the bar, soaking up drinks with friends – which is where you should be if you want to socialize. In the far back of the bar, you will find the dance floor with a live DJ spinning club bangers.
Important Tips For The Party at Tally-Ho
- Casual wear is allowed (the “no ripped jeans” policy is gone)
- Well drink prices start around $10, beers are $8, and shots are $11
- The live DJs play Top 40s, Pop, and Hip Hop
- The main demographics are young, college students and professionals between the ages of 21 and 30
- It’s a great pregame spot, so get there before 11 PM
You can see this pregame ritual in action when the early crowd starts clearing out when the drink specials end, which is typically replaced by new faces quickly. Especially since Mills Tavern closed, the demand for this spot has increased and the lines have become much longer and move slower.
My favorite bartenders left: Lindsey returned to Jersey Shore and Tony got a sweet job in NYC. So ask for Megan, Clarissa, or James and tell them that Nez sent you. Tony is the bartender you saw in my last picture, pouring a few shots I shared with some fun ladies!
Directions to Tally-Ho
Madd Hatter Hoboken
“The Best Spot For Fishbowls In Hoboken”
221 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ 07030Price: $$
If you’re looking for the club vibe in Hoboken and some sugar-filled fishbowl delights, then Madd Hatter Hoboken is a party bar that should keep on your list. Whether it’s for a late-night or early boozy brunch, Madd Hatter often keeps the energy high with a live DJ in the back spinning hits throughout the day.
If you arrive early, Madd Hatter makes for an excellent pregame spot with its extensive food menu and ample indoor and outdoor seating. Any pregame at Madd Hatter wouldn’t be complete without one of their massive fishbowls. You can’t go wrong with the mango daiquiri with the little sour gummy worms inside – which is not so great if you’re diabetic, but a special treat if it’s a cheat night for your diet.
At around 10 pm, Madd Hatter transitions from a sports bar into a nightclub by clearing the tables to make a dance floor. When the live DJ sets up in the rear, that’s when the party starts.
The Madd Hatter does not charge a cover charge to get in or enforce a strict dress code! Although the bouncers aren’t strict, you should get here before 11 PM to beat the crowd – the line can get long on busy nights.
Madd Hatter is one of the few party bars in Hoboken where you can buy bottle service and get a table section – making it a great choice for those looking for a reserved table section or a little VIP treatment. However, bottle prices at Madd Hatter start at $275 and up. This is relatively expensive since Madd Hatter is only a sports bar and bottles are cheaper at Birch Hoboken, a real nightclub!
Between their great choices in DJs, beautiful waitresses, and the neon-lit ambiance, you have everything you could desire from a solid dance club at Madd Hatter.
Important Tips For The Party at Madd Hatter
- Their fishbowls run around $35-$55 and are possibly the best deal in the house
- The live DJs play Top 40s Pop, Hip Hop, and House music
- The main demographics are young college students and professionals between the ages of 21 to mid-’30s
In response to the pandemic, Madd Hatter temporarily installed acrylic barriers between tables and removed the bar seating. Which were later removed.
Generally, the bartenders are pretty and very welcoming, and they are definitely on their job when it comes to getting the patrons lit; I have yet to see a light-handed pour in my mojitos or Macallans on the rocks.
Directions to Madd Hatter
Green Rock Tap and Grill
“A Small Venue With A Big Party”
70 Hudson St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Price: $$
At first glance, Green Rock Tap & Grill looks like your run-of-the-mill Irish pub. But in true Jersey form, it makes up for its lack of modern design with a huge party. So don’t be fooled by its look, on the weekend, this bar is flooded with shoulder-to-shoulder energy.
Throughout the week, Green Rock Tap & Grill has a ton of great happy hour specials. But, its $1 beer Happy Hour on Fridays from 5 to 8 PM along with a burger or some wings from their menu makes it a choice pregame spot.
While the happy hour has perfect pregame timing, it can be perilous to hammer down 6 beers and plan to continue drinking and partying all night. When the party starts, well drinks are $10 bucks a pop here, which puts them a bit pricier than other nearby bars – so it’s still advisable to get your buzz on early.
When you enter this party, there is a long bar in front where people tend to gather and block patrons from accessing the bartenders. This is the narrowest area of the bar where you will eventually get fed up from being bumped around by passerbys. The rear section is where you want to be and where the magic happens:
In the rear section, you will find a wide space for the dance floor. It is surrounded by mounted LCD TVs playing news and sports on the walls, which I found distracting as it throws off the party vibe.
Imagine dancing, then looking up to see a news reporter covering some tragedy – it’s a buzz killer. However, the DJs play EDM and some pop music, which helps keep your mind on the party.
When you are all fist-pumped out, Green Rock Tap & Grill is conveniently located steps away from the Hoboken Path train, so if you don’t survive until the last call at 2 AM, then you can easily crawl to the train without worrying about ordering a ride-share that costs $50+ to go one mile.
Important Tips For The Party Green Rock Tap and Grill
- Drink prices start at $10
- The live DJs play EDM, House, and Pop
- The main demographics here are young college students 21 to mid-30s
- Beat the crowd and arrive before 12 AM
- They do not offer bottle service. It’s just a bar, bro.
Overall, Green Rock Tap and Grill is a great party bar and place to meet people.
Directions to Green Rock Tap and Grill
Texas Arizona
“A Frat Party in Hoboken”
76 River St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Price: $
Texas Arizona is the place to be if you want flashbacks of your college days. This is a sports bar and a local hotspot for groups with a ton of seating and LCD TV monitors all around the room. .
Every weekend, Texas Arizona throws parties with DJs spinning pop music. Since they don’t clear the seats and tables completely, the dancefloor is a bit cluttered. So, most people don’t dance at this spot – but they do socialize.
Given the limited room available, most party-goers here don’t dance much. So, don’t expect to find many Jersey fist-pumping like you would at Green Rock Tap and Grill.
Since the vibe is often chill, Texas Arizona is a good place to socialize with other groups. This makes it good for a quick break from higher-energy party bars nearby.
You also have the option to hang outside in their covered outdoor seating area, which is shared with 80 River Bar next door.
Important Tips For The Party at Texas Arizona
- Drink prices start at $8
- The live DJs play Top 40s Pop, Hip Hop, and Rock
- The main demographics are young, college students and professionals between the ages of 21 to 30
- Beat the crowd and arrive before 10 pm!
Texas Arizona does not charge an entrance fee to get in, but the wait online can be pretty long if you get there late, after 11 pm.
Lastly, note that if you want to dance there are better options on this list.
Directions to Texas Arizona
Birch Hoboken
“The Best Club Ambiance in Hoboken”
92 River St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Price: $$
Birch Hoboken is possibly the only true “club” in Hoboken. From its layout, modern decor, and neon lighting, you can see that it was built with a club environment and event space in mind. Birch’s trendy design puts it on par with NYC standards, and offers everything that you should expect in a modern nightclub:
- An open dance floor
- A stage for the DJ booth and performers
- Plush VIP sections
- Laser lighting and fog machines
- Multiple full bars
In true club form, Birch hires beautiful bartenders and scantily clad bottle girls to give bottle clients that champagne-popping NYC and Miami VIP experience. So, as you might expect, Birch Hoboken does charge a cover of $20 per person, which applies to both men and women. The cover charge typically increases to $30+ as it gets later and/or if there is a celebrity performance.
Only 3 party bars in Hoboken offer bottle service, and Birch is the best among them. Birch makes the VIP experience worth it by roping off table sections to preserve your space from the crowds – which is something that most clubs overlook. This is a great preventative measure for occurrences that could ruin your night, like drunk people intruding into your VIP section or, in the worst cases, knocking over your bottle.
The only negative mark for bottle service at Birch Hoboken is their” $25 table fee” in addition to sales tax and gratuity – you’ll find it in the fine print at the bottom of the bottle menu. I’ve worked at the most popular clubs in NYC for years, and clubs rarely add on such administrative fees.
Use My “Bottle Service Calculator To Know How Much Bottle Service Costs
The DJs at Birch Hoboken mainly play EDM and pop music. Most guests are actively dancing, not just standing around chucking back beers like other bars. The crowd at Birch Hoboken is typically young, in their early 20s. However, I did notice a mature audience (guests in their 30s) among the bottle clients.
The dress code at Birch is very flexible; most guests are dressed in casual wear. I have yet to see anyone stopped at the door for breaking a dress code, but I’d still recommend business casual wear or trendy urban fashion since this is not a dive bar atmosphere.
Important Tips For The Party At Birch Hoboken
- There is a cover charge after 10 PM
- Drink prices start at $13
- The live DJs play Top 40s Pop and Hip Hop
- The main demographics are young students and professionals between the ages of 21 to mid-30s
- The line is longest between 11:30 pm – 12:30 am
- They offer Bottle Service and VIP sections
- They charge additional “table fees”
The line at Birch normally gets long when crowds flock there around midnight. So, you arrive before 11 PM if you want a swift entry and the best charge for entry.
Nevertheless, when I popped bottles, the service was great, the security guard watched out for me, and the secured table was right on the dance floor – making it worth the money. I’ve visited Birch 3 times and can vouch that it’s the closest thing you will get to a nightclub ambiance in Hoboken.
Directions to Birch Hoboken
Fat Taco Tequila Bar
“The Latin-Inspired Lounge For Gringos”
32 Newark St., Hoboken, NJ 07030
Price: $$
Fat Taco Tequila Bar is a new restaurant and bar that opened in September 2021, replacing the former Coco Loco restaurant and nightclub. The style, decor, and menu are all Mexican-inspired. So, you can still expect some Latin American flair in the decor and the menu.
Fat Taco transforms into a dance club every weekend with live DJs playing open format sets that include Top 40, pop music, and the occasional Latin hits. However, they can be hit or miss. During one visit, the DJ killed the vibe with poor selections, switching between Marc Anthony and Taylor Swift, which cleared the room. Hence, why I call Fat Taco, “A Latin Lounge For Gringos.”
Although there is a doorman, there is no cover charge, which makes it a good alternative to Birch Hoboken nearby, which typically charges a variable cover. And since no dress code is enforced, most guests were in casual wear and urban fashion.
The DJs spin Top 40s and pop music selections and the crowd is typically diverse and young (often ranging from early to late 20s). Since there is a separation between the main bar and the dancefloor, this makes for a good space to find singles to pick up or take a break from dancing.
Since Fat Taco runs a happy hour special with $5 mixed drinks from 8 PM – 11 PM, it is a good pregame alternative to Tally-Ho. However, after 11 PM, the mixed drink prices will increase to around $9 at the main bar.
During my first visit, two whiskey and ginger ales cost $18. The same drinks cost $13 each at the small bar on the dance floor! I deduced that the bump in price was due to its smaller selection of premium tequilas. However, it raises a red flag when prices change among different bartenders – so beware of that.
Fat Taco is owned by the same group that runs Birch Hoboken, so you can enjoy a similar vibe and crowd without the cover charge and high drink prices. .
Important Tips For Fat Taco
- There is no cover charge
- No dress code is enforced
- Mixed drinks range from $9 – $13, depending on which bartender you go to
- The music is mostly pop and Top 40
- The age demographic is mid to late 20s
- The crowd starts clearing out around 1 AM
Sadly, despite the Latin theme of this club, the music doesn’t follow suit. So, for now, Hoboken remains the void of any Latin party spots. And of course, the beautiful and stylish Latinas that come out for long nights of dancing to Merengue, Bachata, or Salsa.
Since the crowds leave relatively early, I’d recommend Fat Taco for a pregame or as a middle-of-the-night party. I’d recommend ending the night at one of the other parties on this list that tend to stay busy throughout the night.
Directions to Fat Taco
Mills Tavern aka Mills Hoboken [Permanently Closed]
“The Former Best Hip Hop Club in Hoboken”
Address: 125 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Price: $
Sadly, as of January 1st, 2024, Mills Tavern, also known as Mills Hoboken, is now permanently closed. The location has since then been taken over by new management and converted into Psycho Mike’s. And although the design has not changed, it no longer hosts parties like Mills Tavern did. Therefore I will keep this listing in this article for posterity.
Mils Tavern hosts my favorite overall party in Hoboken, and there is no cover charge to get in. I love how their DJs tap into all genres from trap music, 90s Hip Hop, 70’s rock, and mix in a few mashups.
So, they seamlessly cater to a wide range of ages, as you can tell from this video of one of the parties I joined at Mills Tavern:
On top of the great DJs, they don’t charge a cover, the drinks are cheap, and the bartenders aren’t stingy on the pour. The bouncers are not strict and there is no dress code. However, I noticed that ladies often dress up while the guys dress down.
Large groups of friends tend to come here. So I recommend you do the same and come with a crew. But even if you are solo, Mills Tavern has an easy-going vibe, so you can feel free to be a social butterfly.
Important Tips For The Party at Mills Tavern
- Drink prices start at $8
- The live DJs play Top 40s Pop, Hip Hop, Rock, EDM
- The main demographics are young college students and professionals between the ages of 21 to mid-’30s
- Beat the crowd and arrive before 10 pm!
- They offer bottle service – It is pricey though
Mills Tavern should always be your first stop of the night in Hoboken, never the last. This is a local hotspot, so it gets packed quickly and early.
As you can see in my photo above, the lines get extremely long for this party. So if you dare to arrive after 11 PM, be prepared for a long wait.
Directions to Mills Tavern
Coco Loco Hoboken a.k.a. Coco Havana (Permanently Closed)
“The Former Best Latin Dance Club in Hoboken”
Address: 32 Newark St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Price: $
Unfortunately, Coco Loco permanently closed in 2020 due to the pandemic and was eventually replaced by Fat Taco Tequila Bar. So, currently, there are no Latin parties, Salsa clubs, or Latin lounges in Hoboken NJ with Latin music as its primary genre.
If you want to find parties with Latin music and dancing near Hoboken and NYC then you must go to Jersey City! You can find some of the top Latin parties in my new blog article, “The Best Party Bars, Clubs, and Nightlife in Jersey City.”
In the hopes that Coco Loco or a similar Latin party finds launches in Hoboken, I will keep this brand on this list for posterity:
If you have an itch for Latin music and want to try out your new salsa moves, Coco Loco is the best (and only) Latin lounge and club in Hoboken. It always attracts a crowd that comes to dance!
The live DJs turn up the party with a mix of salsa, bachata, reggaeton, and Hip-Hop music. And as you might expect, the crowd is predominantly young and Hispanic.
There is a cover charge of $10 to $20, which I’m never a fan of. This is one of the few bars on the list that charges for admission – but given that it’s the only spot in the city where you can find cute Latinas to merengue dance with easily, it’s worth it. And, since Coco Havana is one of the smaller venues in this area, it makes business sense.
The cost for entry balances out since Coco Havana regularly features all-night drink specials like $4 fireballs or tequila shots – specials which they stopped posting on the wall behind the bar. So always ask the bartender about any available drink specials before you order!
Despite the limited space, Coco Loco Hoboken has a full bar in a separate section adjacent to the dance floor with additional standing room and table seating. Since the dance floor is separated, you won’t have to worry about clawing your way through a dancing crowd to get to the bar, and you also have a place to do a little mingling.
If bottle service is your thing, Coco Loco offers VIP tables with couches on the dance floor. But unlike Birch, they don’t rope off the table sections. So you’ll have to protect your bottle against frequent yet unintentional bumps courtesy of drunken merengue dancers.
Important Tips For The Party at Coco Loco Hoboken
- Drink prices start at $10
- The live DJs play Reggaeton, Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Hip Hop
- The main demographics here are young college students 21 to mid-30s
- Beat the crowd and arrive before 12 am
- Bottle service starts at $100!
Overall, Coco Loco Hoboken is a great spot to add to your list of parties for the night if you want to switch it up with a Latin vibe.
Note: The sign on the business and website shows “Coco Havana,” but all related social media pages call it “Coco Loco” – go figure.
Directions to Coco Loco
Important Tips About Closing Times and Last Calls in Hoboken
Most bars in Hoboken close by 2 AM, and have Last Call for drinks by 1:30 AM. They do not stay open until 4 AM like in NYC! So, be always get to your stop before 1 AM – after this time many Hoboken bars stop allowing new guests in.
And, although I have seen some parties continue until 3 AM for guests who are already inside, don’t bet on that. Generally, ABC laws give bars a grace period to stay open an extra hour after closing time to allow guests to close their bills and sort out their exit. So, it is totally up to management.
Finally, try not to choose a place with an entry fee for your last stop of the night – it will likely be a wasted investment if you have to leave shortly after you enter.
If you want to find bars in New Jersey that are open past 2 AM, then you will find a few options in Jersey City. Read my article, “Essential Tips about Jersey City Nightlife.” that delves into the neighborhoods where bars stay open past until 3 AM.
Any combination of these parties will satiate your appetite for great nights out in Hoboken. And when you are ready for a different vibe, check my list of the best parties in Jersey City,
If this content was helpful please bookmark and share this page to support the blog, explore this website for more great parties, and connect with me on Instagram @nezalpha for hookups on bottle service at parties all over NYC metro!
