Spring is in the air and the first outdoor food festival of 2023 is right around the corner. Organizers of the Jersey City Night Market have announced their season opener will be held on Saturday, April 1.

The event, which will be held at the City Hall Ancillary Lot (179 Montgomery), will feature a wide array of food options, craft beers, and music curated by Chilltown Collective, a local entertainment group. The beer garden will be hosted by Jersey City’s own 902 Brewing. Food-wise, you can expect to see Argentinian wood fire BBQ from Master Asador, Japanese eats from Menya Jiro, Bolivian food truck Tunkas, fresh Maine lobster rolls from Downeast Lobstah, and more. There will also be a food truck catering to Jersey City’s furry friends, WoofBowl.

For the season opener, Jersey City Night Market will be collaborating with JC Families, so that families can enjoy free children’s activities and take photos with the Easter Bunny from 3pm to 5pm.

Jersey City Night Market will run from 3pm to 9pm. Admission to the event is free.

The post Jersey City Night Market kick-starts food fest season on April 1 appeared first on Jersey City Upfront.

A new donation center just opened at the Newport Plaza parking lot. GreenDrop is a donation site that allows residents to donate their gently used items to GreenDrop’s nonprofit partner, the American Red Cross.

The Newport Plaza donation center is located at 125 18th Street at the Acme parking lot. A GreenDrop attendant will collect your item(s) on behalf of the American Red Cross. Donors in return receive a tax deductible receipt. You can donate lightly used clothing, shoes, blankets, kitchenware, toys, electronics, and household goods. (You can find a full list at the GreenDrop website).

“We are thrilled to bring our sustainable services to Newport Plaza and provide an easy, earth-friendly way for Hudson County residents to support the American Red Cross,” said Jason Krieger, Director of GreenDrop operations.

The GreenDrop at Newport Plaza is open daily from 10 through 5pm.

The post GreenDrop opens donation center in Newport Plaza appeared first on Jersey City Upfront.

Enjoy the final days of JC Restaurant Week or checkout the international meatball fest at Zeppelin Hall. That and more happening in Jersey City this weekend.

Ongoing Events

What: Jersey City Restaurant Week
When: through Saturday, March 18
Where: restaurants through Jersey City
JC Restaurant Week comes to an end this week. Created by the Jersey City Restaurant Association, it includes deals at a wide variety of Jersey City eateries including Franklin Social, Bricklane Curry House, East Hudson Cafe, Tino’s Pizza, and more.

* * * * *

What: Zeppelin Hall Meatball Fest
When: through Sunday, March 26
Where: 88 Liberty View Drive
Heads up, meatball lovers. Zeppelin Hall is celebrating international meatball fest with a special menu highlighting meatballs from Mexico, Thailand, Greece, India, Switzerland, and more.

* * * * *

Thursday Events

What: Pet Shop JC Record Release Party w/ Desir Decir
When: Thursday, March 16 at 8pm
Where: 193 Newark Avenue
Celebrate JC rock band Desir Decir’s latest record release at Pet Shop JC. You can check out their music here.

* * * * *

What: Paul Rosevear & Val Emmich at Fox & Crow
When: Thursday, March 16 from 8pm to 10pm
Where: 594 Palisade Avenue
Paul Rosevear & Val Emmich will perform at Fox & Crow tonight. Admission is $10/pp.

* * * * *

Friday Events

What: St. Patrick’s Day One-Block Parade
When: Friday, March 17 from 3:30pm
Where: 1 Distillery Drive
The St. Patrick’s Day One-Block Parade is held in honor of the late Jersey City Detective Marc DiNardo. It starts at the Police Monument at Marin Blvd. and marches toward Edward’s Steak House.

* * * * *

What: Corgi Spirits Live Music w/ Dirty City
When: Friday, March 17 from 8pm to 10pm
Where: 1 Distillery Drive
Enjoy an evening of cocktails and live music as Jersey City-based band Dirty City performs at Corgi Spirits tonight. Admission is free.

* * * * *

Saturday Events

What: Rivva at Fox & Crow
When: Saturday, March 18 from 8pm to 10pm
Where: 594 Palisade Avenue
Rivva will perform at Fox & Crow tonight. The band is made up of four longtime friends from Freehold, NJ. Admission is $10/pp.

* * * * *

What: Corgi Spirits Live Music w/ Mike Buscio
When: Saturday, March 18 from 2pm to 5pm
Where: 1 Distillery Drive
Corgi Spirits is kicking off the weekend with live music by local musician, Mike Buscio. (You can check out his music here).

* * * * *

Sunday Events

What: Movie Night at Dullboy
When: Sunday, March 19
Where: 364 Grove Street
Every Sunday night, Dullboy will be screening a movie in its patio. The movie will begin at 8pm. Make sure to give them a follow on Instagram to find out what movie they’ll show.

* * * * *

The post The Weekender: Final days of JC Restaurant Week, live music at Pet Shop, Corgi Spirits appeared first on Jersey City Upfront.

It’s official: UNIQLO’s Jersey City storefront will open at 10am on Friday, March 24 at the Newport Centre Mall. The Japanese shop, known for its simple, but fashionable takes on everything from apparel to accessories, will celebrate its grand opening with seven days of giveaways and prizes.

UNIQLO Newport Specials

• Order ahead: Order ahead (online) by March 19 and you’ll receive a free UNIQLO U T-shirt when you pick up in-store Friday, March 24 through Sunday, March 26.
• Opening day: There will be a Taiko drum performance at 9:30am with additional performances throughout the day. Exclusive designs from NYC Artist Lauren Martin and Multidisciplinary Creative Steven Othello will be on sale.
• Friday/Saturday/Sunday: First 200 people in line will receive a free UNIQLO treat box.
• Friday/Saturday until 10:30am: Free coffee and treats from Modcup and Pullman Bakery & Shige Pan. The same treats will be available Sunday until 11:30am.
• Friday/Saturday/Sunday: Free Gong Cha bubble tea at 3pm.
• Friday/Saturday/Sunday: Receive a free Sock Gift Box when you purchase 4 color socks.

UNIQLO will be located on the ground floor below the Victoria’s Secret store. You can see all the specials planned for their Jersey City store via the UNIQLO website.

The post UNIQLO’s Newport Centre store will open March 24 appeared first on Jersey City Upfront.

I wish this was an early April Fool’s joke, but sadly it’s not. One of our favorite restaurants in Jersey City will permanently close its doors next month. The owners of Latham House (299 Marin Blvd) announced on social media their plans to “hang up their aprons” in mid-April.

Since opening in 2016, Latham House has been one of the best Jersey City restaurants we’ve visited. Staff have always been friendly/accommodating and the food has consistently been top-notch. Operated by Kris Yettra and Dan Latham, the restaurant offers a modern take on classic dishes with entrees like handmade gnocchi and Thai bouillabaisse. Weekend brunch has also been one of the restaurant’s trademarks with popular dishes like the Rabbi’s Revenge and Latham Chilaquiles. Meanwhile, desserts like the Challah Chocolate Bread Pudding were decadent and unrivaled in Jersey City

There’s no official closing date yet, but there is some hope for Latham fans. In their Instagram post, they mention that owner Dan Latham will start a new project as executive chef at The Table at 3 Acres. The latter is a new luxury rental at 400 Claremont Avenue in Jersey City’s West Side neighborhood. 3 Acres is already home to Three Thirds Cafe, a coffee shop owned by the team behind Amelia’s in Paulus Hook.

Latham House will forever be a personal favorite. Make sure to give them one last visit before their final goodbye. A reminder, you can also support them at Emma’s JSQ.

The post Latham House to permanently close in April appeared first on Jersey City Upfront.

Don’t let the stormy weather keep you indoors. Enjoy another weekend of JC Restaurant Week, check out the international meatball fest at Zeppelin Hall, or catch the JC St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday.

Ongoing Events

What: Jersey City Restaurant Week
When: through Saturday, March 18
Where: restaurants through Jersey City
JC Restaurant Week is back. The 15-day event was created by the Jersey City Restaurant Association and includes deals at a wide variety of Jersey City eateries including Franklin Social, Bricklane Curry House, East Hudson Cafe, Tino’s Pizza (pictured), and more.

* * * * *

What: Zeppelin Hall Meatball Fest
When: through Sunday, March 26
Where: 88 Liberty View Drive
Heads up, meatball lovers. Zeppelin Hall is celebrating international meatball fest with a special menu highlighting meatballs from Mexico, Thailand, Greece, India, Switzerland, and more.

* * * * *

Saturday Events

What: Anthony Tamburro Band at Fox & Crow
When: Saturday, March 11 from 8pm to 10pm
Where: 594 Palisade Avenue
Anthony Tamburro will perform at Fox & Crow tonight. The Jersey native has released a debut album, Alaska, influenced by bluesy rock. Admission is $10/pp.

* * * * *

What: Comedy Night at Corgi Spirits
When: Saturday, March 11 from 8pm to 10pm
Where: 1 Distillery Drive
Head to Corgi Spirits for a night of comedy and cocktails. Jersey City comedians Ryan Rummel and Alex Grubard will showcase stand-up comedians from all over the tri-state area. Admission is $20 per person.

* * * * *

Sunday Events

What: Jersey City St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: Sunday, March 12 from 1pm to 4pm
Where: Newark Avenue/Dickinson High School
Get a jump start on your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with the JC St. Paddy’s Day parade. The event will kick off at Newark Avenue near Dickinson High School and march toward City Hall.

* * * * *

What: Movie Night at Dullboy
When: Sunday, March 12
Where: 364 Grove Street
Every Sunday night, Dullboy will be screening a movie in its patio. The movie will begin at 8pm. Make sure to give them a follow on Instagram to find out what movie they’ll show.

* * * * *

The post The Weekender: Meatball Fest at Zeppelin Hall, St. Patrick’s Day parade appeared first on Jersey City Upfront.

City officials have revealed their plans to turn the 80-year old Holland Gardens public housing complex into a mixed income high-rise with 50% affordable housing.

The city has selected WinnDevelopment to redevelop the public housing complex, which is situated just outside the Holland Tunnel. The plan calls for a mixed-use community that not only preserves all 192 existing public housing units with a right of return for current residents, but also expands affordability by adding 74 new affordable units for seniors, 309 market-rate units, and 56 two-bedroom condos — half of which will be affordable for families earning between 60% and 120% AMI. The city also plans to create a brand new public library that will serve the surrounding community.

“Nearly half of the new units will be affordable housing with the addition of on-site services that are designed to fit the needs of our underserved residents who traditionally have limited accessibility,” said Mayor Steven Fulop. “This redevelopment project is all-encompassing, and it serves as the standard bearer for what innovative public housing initiatives can accomplish.”

The revitalization project will add a 14,000-square-foot community building with a brand new Jersey City Free Public Library branch inside. It will also house offices for the Jersey City Housing Authority’s (JCHA) Resident Empowerment and Community Engagement (RECE) Department, which partners with dozens of community organizations to connect residents with resources and programming.

Every unit will be built equally in terms of design and finishes with amenities such as in-unit dishwashers and washer/dryer units. The plan will also transform the surrounding neighborhood by reconnecting 15th street and creating a pedestrian plaza to foster community.

The four buildings approved under the Holland Gardens Revitalization Plan include:

• Senior building with 74 affordable units set aside for seniors on fixed incomes
• For sale condominium building with 56 homeownership units, half of which will be affordable
• Retail and community building with 14,000 square foot community space, 12,000 square foot public library branch (including media center), 2,000 square foot office for JCHA’s Resident Empowerment and Community Engagement Department
• North Residential Tower with 192 public housing units and 309 market-rate units

All five existing low-rise Holland Gardens buildings will be demolished and redeveloped. Current residents will be provided with relocation services during construction, with a right to return once the new buildings are habitable.

The post Jersey City unveils plans to redevelop Holland Gardens housing complex appeared first on Jersey City Upfront.

Kaffa Espresso Bar is now open at 276 Newark Avenue (across the street from Pecoraro Antique Bakery). The coffee shop soft opened on March 2. Although they’ve yet to post an official menu, the cafe is serving up espresso-based drinks like Americanos, macchiatos, cortados, and cappuccinos.

Although the space is small, there’s room for tables and chairs should you want to people watch along Newark Avenue while enjoying your coffee. The shop is in soft open mode with plans to officially open on March 12.

You can follow Kaffa Espresso Bar on Instagram for updates and peeks at their menu.

The post Kaffa Espresso Bar now open in the village appeared first on Jersey City Upfront.

Enjoy a poetry reading by Jersey City Poet Laureate Ann Wallace at Forth on Franklin or feast at your favorite JC restaurants during JC Restaurant Week. Plus, catch a free screening of The Rebellious Life or Mrs. Rosa Parks at the JC Public Library.

Thursday Events

What: Froth on Franklin Pop-Up
When: Thursday, March 2 from 7pm to 9pm
Where: 85 Franklin Street
Heights coffee shop Froth on Franklin is hosting Jersey City Poet Laureate Ann Wallace for an evening of poetry at the coffee shop. Admission is $10/pp and proceeds will benefit earthquake relief efforts in Turkey and Syria by Doctors Without Borders.

* * * * *

What: Widely Grown at Fox & Crow
When: Thursday, March 2 from 8pm to 10pm
Where: 594 Palisade Avenue
Americana/Roots band Widely Grown (featuring James Calleo) will perform at Fox & Crow tonight. Admission is $10/pp.

* * * * *

Friday Events

What: JC Fridays Art Shows
When: Friday, March 3
Where: throughout Jersey City
JC Fridays is back with in-person events happening through the city. The quarterly arts festival includes pop-ups, live musical performances, art galleries, and more. You can check out the full list of events here.

* * * * *

What: Zeppelin Hall Meatball Fest
When: through Sunday, March 26
Where: 88 Liberty View Drive
Heads up, meatball lovers. Zeppelin Hall is celebrating international meatball fest with a special menu highlighting meatballs from Mexico, Thailand, Greece, India, Switzerland, and more.

* * * * *

Saturday Events

What: The Rebellious Life of Rosa Parks at JC Library
When: Saturday, March 4 from 1pm to 4pm
Where: Earl Morgan Branch JC Public Library at 1841 Kennedy Blvd.
The JC Public Library is offering a free screening of The Rebellious Life or Mrs. Rosa Parks followed by a discussion with director Yoruba Richen. The documentary is based on the bestselling biography by Jeanne Theoharis and was produced by award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien. It takes a deeper dive into Rosa Parks’ accomplishments and the impact of her fight to overcome racial injustice. Admission is free.

* * * * *

What: Jersey City Restaurant Week
When: Saturday, March 4 through Saturday, March 18
Where: restaurants through Jersey City
JC Restaurant Week is back. The 15-day event was created by the Jersey City Restaurant Association and includes deals at a wide variety of Jersey City eateries including Franklin Social, Bricklane Curry House, East Hudson Cafe, and more.

* * * * *

What: Jacob Tremont and Nico Hedley at Fox & Crow
When: Saturday, March 4 from 8pm to 10pm
Where: 594 Palisade Avenue
Jacob Tremont writes and independently produces alternative music with an emo and country influence. Admission is $10/pp.

* * * * *

Sunday Events

What: Tipsy Opera at Corgi Spirits
When: Sunday, March 5 from 3pm to 6pm
Where: 1 Distillery Drive
Corgi Spirits presents an afternoon of opera with Hilary Baboukis (mezzo-soprano) and Veronica Shea (soprano). The duo will offer a free performance with David Maiullo on piano. Admission is free.

* * * * *

What: Movie Night at Dullboy
When: Sunday, March 5
Where: 364 Grove Street
Every Sunday night, Dullboy will be screening a movie in its patio. The movie will begin at 8pm. Make sure to give them a follow on Instagram to find out what movie they’ll show.

* * * * *

The post The Weekender: Free film screening at JC Public Library, Froth on Franklin Pop-Up appeared first on Jersey City Upfront.

One of downtown’s original sushi spots is permanently closing this weekend. A sign outside Teppan Bar & Grill at 319 Warren states that the restaurant will be closed starting this Sunday. (It’s worth mentioning that their note says they will close Sunday, February 25. However, Sunday is February 26).

Teppan was a unique attraction in that it’s the only restaurant in downtown that offered both sushi and teppanyaki cooking (aka hibachi). Its open, wide space also made it great for large parties. Menu-wise, Teppan offered a wide range of Japanese and Asian food including hibachi, sushi, signature rolls, ramen, teriyaki, and more. The restaurant also housed a full bar and offered daily lunch.

If you want to enjoy one last meal at Teppan, this will be your final weekend to do so. You can read their thank you note below.

The post Teppan Bar & Grill is closing this weekend appeared first on Jersey City Upfront.

Enjoy live music at PS Wine Bar or head to Plant Base for a special night of comedy. That and more happening in Jersey City this weekend.

Thursday Events

What: Live Music at PS Wine Bar
When: Thursday, February 23 from 8:30pm
Where: 193 Newark Avenue
Indie record label Mint 400 Records is back at PS Wine Bar for its monthly showcase. Tonight’s free show will feature performances by the Cantations, Emergencies, The Extensions, and Fair Panic.

* * * * *

Friday Events

What: Comedy Night at Corgi Spirits
When: Friday, February 24 from 8pm to 10pm
Where: 1 Distillery Drive
Head to Corgi Spirits for a night of comedy and cocktails. Jersey City comedians Ryan Rummel and Alex Grubard will showcase stand-up comedians from all over the tri-state area. Admission is $20 per person.

* * * * *

Saturday Events

What: Viktor.Digital at Fox & Crow
When: Saturday, February 25 from 8pm to 10pm
Where: 594 Palisade Avenue
Indie rock band Viktor.Digital will perform at Fox & Crow tonight. Admission is $10/pp.

* * * * *

What: Comedy Night at Plant Base Market
When: Saturday, February 25 at 8pm
Where: 368 Pacific Avenue
Vegan market Plant Base is hosting a comedy night. The show will feature Ibrahim Khalif, Rory Lutz, Kayt Hester, Johnny Macdonald, Olga Namer, and Adam Elliot. Admission is $15/pp. Vegan treats and drinks will be served before and after the show.

* * * * *

What: Corgi Spirits Live Music w/ Undercover
When: Saturday, February 25 from 8pm to 10pm
Where: 1 Distillery Drive
Enjoy an afternoon of cocktails and live music as Jersey Shore cover band Undercover take the stage at Corgi Spirits. Admission is free.

* * * * *

Sunday Events

What: Movie Night at Dullboy
When: Sunday, February 26
Where: 364 Grove Street
Every Sunday night, Dullboy will be screening a movie in its patio. The movie will begin at 8pm. Make sure to give them a follow on Instagram to find out what movie they’ll show.

* * * * *

The post The Weekender: Comedy Night at Plant Base, Live Music at PS Wine Bar appeared first on Jersey City Upfront.

A lot of new businesses are coming to the Powerhouse Arts District. The latest shop to announce it’s arrival in Jersey City is Rui Tea. The bubble tea shop will be opening at 10 Provost Street at Provost Plaza.

Rui Tea doesn’t appear to have a website or online menu. However, you can get a glimpse of their offerings via their Instagram account. If you were lucky enough, you might have also caught them back in November when they teamed up with Barre3 (which recently opened around the corner from Rui Tea) for a small pop-up.

The new bubble tea shop joins the likes of Peppercorn Station, Bleu Coffee, and the forthcoming Teazzi Jersey City, which are all located within blocks of each other.

The post Rui Tea is bringing bubble tea to Provost Square appeared first on Jersey City Upfront.

Enjoy a tequila and taco tasting at Taco Bar or head to Corgi Spirits for a Mardi Gras pop-up featuring food by Krewe of McGinley Square.

Ongoing Events

What: Liberty Humane Society Free Adoption Event
When: Friday through Sunday
Where: 235 Jersey City Boulevard
The LHS is making it easier than ever to bring a furry friend into your life. This weekend only, all dogs over 40lbs and cats older than six months are available to adopt for free.

* * * * *

Friday Events

What: Angry Archie’s at The Grind General
When: Friday, February 17 from 5pm to 8pm
Where: 293 Suydnam Ave
Angry Archie’s food truck will be outside The Grind General Store Friday evening serving crab cakes, lobster rolls, poutine, and more.

* * * * *

What: Tequila Tasting at Taco Bar
When: Friday, February 17 from 6pm to 7:30pm
Where: 684 Bergen Avenue
Enjoy tastings of Avion and Del Maguey Vida tequila while enjoying tacos from the Taco Bar JC menu. Admission is $20 per person.

* * * * *

Saturday Events

What: JC Heights Local Bands Night at Fox & Crow
When: Saturday, February 18 from 8pm to 10:30pm
Where: 594 Palisade Avenue
Fox & Crow will feature two local JC Heights bands tonight including Nikki and the Skyrockets (featuring JC local, Nicole Bozzuto) and Greg McLoughlin. Admission is $10/pp.

* * * * *

What: The Kinnect at Barrow Mansion
When: Saturday, February 18 from 7pm to 10pm
Where: 83 Wayne Street
The Kinnect is an interactive evening of music, art, and conversation featuring Jersey City hip-hop artist MVP and his band. There will be vendors with refreshments, food, and a cash bar. Admission is $8/pp.

* * * * *

Sunday Events

What: Afro-Puerto Rican Dance & Drum Music
When: Sunday, February 19 from 2pm to 4:30pm
Where: Nimbus Arts Center at 329 Warren
This family friendly class will have you moving to the beats of bomba y plena, a traditional dance and musical style of Puerto Rico. Admission is free.

* * * * *

What: Mardi Gras Pop-Up at Corgi Spirits
When: Sunday, February 19 from 2pm
Where: 1 Distillery Drive
Enjoy an afternoon of cocktails and live music as The Hudson City Rats perform at Corgi Spirits. Plus, enjoy New Orleans-based food from Jersey City’s own Krewe of McGinley Square. Admission is $10/pp. (Food and drinks are available for purchase a la carte).

* * * * *

What: Movie Night at Dullboy
When: Sunday, February 19
Where: 364 Grove Street
Every Sunday night, Dullboy will be screening a movie in its patio. The movie will begin at 8pm. Make sure to give them a follow on Instagram to find out what movie they’ll show.

* * * * *

The post The Weekender: Mardi Gras Pop-Up at Corgi Spirits, Tequila tasting at Taco Bar appeared first on Jersey City Upfront.

Bleu Coffee has been serving daily cups of joe in Jersey City for quite some time. However, unless you live at The Beacon — where their current outpost is located — chances are you haven’t tried them. That’s about to change as Bleu Coffee has opened its second cafe in the Powerhouse Arts District.

The new cafe is located inside Dvora 175 at 175 Second Street (in what was formerly the Busy Bee Organics space). The new cafe is open daily from 7am to 5pm serving single origin coffee from the likes of Ethiopia, Nicaragua, Tanzania, and more. Their signature coffee, the Jamaica Blue Mountain, is where company derived their name.

In addition to their cafes, you can also try Blue Coffee by signing up for a coffee subscription via the Bleu Coffee website.

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The post Bleu Coffee opens at Dvora 175 in Powerhouse District appeared first on Jersey City Upfront.

A lot of new businesses are setting up shop in the Powerhouse Arts District. (Teazzi and Barre3 are just a few). The latest to open in the area is New York-based restaurant Peppercorn Station. Located at 120 Morgan Street, the restaurant is currently in soft open mode.

Peppercorn Station specializes in food from China’s Sichuan region. Sichuan cuisine is known for its bold flavors and for the Sichuan peppercorn, a fragrant spice that creates a mouth-numbing sensation. That’s not to say every dish at Peppercorn Station packs intense heat. The menu is actually pretty diverse and broken up into small/large plates, veggie dishes, rice dishes, noodles, and soups. Sample dishes include mung bean noodles in chili oil, dan dan noodles, mapo tofu, crab meat sauce noodles, and sliced beef with ox tongue in chili sauce.

There’s also a sizable lunch menu, dessert, and drinks (non-alcoholic). Peppercorn Station Jersey City is open Mondays through Thursdays from 11:30am to 9:30pm; Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30am to 10pm; and Sundays from 11:30am to 9:30pm. You can give them a follow on IG for updates on their soft opening.

The post Peppercorn Station soft opens in Powerhouse Arts District appeared first on Jersey City Upfront.

Enjoy the final nights of Hudson Restaurant Week or take in a jazz dinner at Green Pear Heights. All that and more happening in Jersey City this weekend.

Ongoing Events

What: Hudson Restaurant Week
When: through February 10
Where: Hudson County
Hudson Restaurant Week comes to an end on Friday, February 10. This is your last chance to sample prix fixe menus from Jersey City restaurants including Chickie’s (pictured), Amelia’s Bistro, Franklin Social, Hudson Hall, and more.

* * * * *

What: Zeppelin Hall Bacon Fest
When: through February 12
Where: 88 Liberty View Drive
From bacon empanadas to a bacon truffle sandwich — Bacon Fest has been extended through February 12. You can order from various different bacon entrees that include dishes like bacon mac & cheese, a bacon Nashville chicken sandwich, and more.

* * * * *

Thursday Events

What: Downtown Art Crawl
When: Thursday, February 9 from 5pm to 9pm
Where: 150 Bay Street
The Downtown Art Crawl is a mix of open studios and art exhibitions spread throughout the art studios at 150 Bay Street. There will be over 20 open artist studios and a 4th floor lounge with drinks and food.

* * * * *

Saturday Events

What: Vintage Jazz Night at Green Pear Heights
When: Saturday, February 11 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Where: 93 Franklin
BYOB restaurant Green Pear Heights is hosting a night of jazz starring Lauren Sansaricq. Admission is $15/pp.

* * * * *

What: Nick Dunbar & Sad Cowboy at Fox & Crow
When: Saturday, February 11 from 8pm to 10pm
Where: 594 Palisade Avenue
Nick Dunbar intertwines the classic Western swing and Honky Tonk sounds of greats like Lefty Frizzell, Bob Wills, and Ernest Tubb with the country western traditions of Merl Haggard and Willie Nelson. Admission is $10/pp.

* * * * *

Sunday Events

What: Corgi Spirits Live Music w/ Jonathan Kirschner
When: Sunday, February 12 from 2pm to 5pm
Where: 1 Distillery Drive
Enjoy an afternoon of cocktails and live jazz as musician Jonathan Kirschner performs at Corgi Spirits. Admission is free.

* * * * *

What: Movie Night at Dullboy
When: Sunday, February 12
Where: 364 Grove Street
Every Sunday night, Dullboy will be screening a movie in its patio. The movie will begin at 8pm. Make sure to give them a follow on Instagram to find out what movie they’ll show.

* * * * *

The post The Weekender: Downtown Art Crawl, Jazz night at Green Pear Heights appeared first on Jersey City Upfront.

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop announced the city’s new animal cruelty tip line. The number lets residents anonymously report animal abuse, neglect, or abandonment concerns to the Jersey City Police Department.

“Any violence on animals is deplorable, and it is important to do all we can to help these defenseless animals and stop such abuse,” said Mayor Fulop. “This tip line will provide a safe, anonymous service for people to use under circumstances where they may not otherwise feel comfortable alerting the cops out of fear the aggressor could turn on them.”

There are currently 38 police officers who have been certified as Municipal Humane Law Enforcement Officers (MHLEO). An extra 20 JCPD supervisors are expected to begin training next month.

Animal cruelty crimes can be reported by calling the tip line at 201-547-4999 or via email at animalabusetipline@jcnj.org.

The post Jersey City launches tip line to combat animal abuse appeared first on Jersey City Upfront.

East Rutherford’s Samurai Sushi is coming to Jersey City. The new BYOB restaurant will open in the former Hooked JC space at 467 Communipaw Avenue, as first spotted by TheFoundryGirlJC.

Samurai Sushi offers a mix of sushi/sashimi, rolls, and ramen bowls. You also have the option between four teriyaki dishes (chicken, salmon, beef, tofu) and unagi don. While they have yet to post their official Jersey City menu, their current online menu doesn’t appear to include liquor of any sort, which means it could be a BYOB restaurant like its predecessor, Hooked.

Hooked JC closed during the summer of 2022. The popular seafood shack was known for its no-frills, but delicious seafood. Since its closing, the restaurant owners have focused their efforts on Cafe Alyce.

There’s no word on when Samurai Sushi will open. However, you can follow them via their Instagram account for further updates.

The post Japanese eatery Samurai Sushi is taking over former Hooked space appeared first on Jersey City Upfront.

Enjoy an evening of live jazz and bourbon tastings at Skinner’s Loft or check out a few restaurants during Hudson Restaurant Week (which ends on February 3). All that and more happening in JC this weekend.

Ongoing Events

What: Hudson Restaurant Week
When: through February 3
Where: Hudson County
Hudson Restaurant Week comes to an end on Friday, February 3. This is your last chance to sample prix fixe menus from 15 Jersey City restaurants including Amelia’s Bistro, Lighthorse Tavern (pictured), Franklin Social, Satis, and more.

* * * * *

What: Zeppelin Hall Bacon Fest
When: through February 5
Where: 88 Liberty View Drive
From bacon empanadas to a bacon truffle sandwich — Bacon Fest is back at Zeppelin Hall. Through Sunday, February 5, you can order from various different bacon entrees that include dishes like bacon mac & cheese, a bacon Nashville chicken sandwich, and more.

* * * * *

Thursday Events

What: Barrell Bourbon Tasting + Live Jazz at Skinner’s Loft
When: Thursday, February 2 from 6pm to close
Where: 146 Newark Avenue
Louisville-based Barrell Craft Spirits will be at Skinner’s tonight offering bourbon flights. Plus, enjoy live jazz by the Hot Strings Alliance.

* * * * *

What: Full Moon Ceremony at Plant Base
When: Thursday, February 2 from 7pm to 8:30pm
Where: 370 Pacific Avenue
Zero-waste, vegan market Plant Base will host a full moon ceremony today with Khrystle Rea. There will be meditation, reiki healing, card readings, and more. Admission is $15/pp. Bring your own mat for meditation.

* * * * *

What: Jack Breslin Trio at Jazz at Fox & Crow
When: Thursday, February 2 from 8pm to 10pm
Where: 594 Palisade Avenue
Raised in Massachusetts, but currently residing in Jersey City, Jack Breslin will bring a night of jazz to Fox & Crow. Admission is $10/pp.

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Friday Events

What: Corgi Comedy Club
When: Friday, February 3 from 8pm to 10pm
Where: 1 Distillery Drive
Head to Corgi Spirits for a night of comedy and cocktails. Jersey City comedians Ryan Rummel and Alex Grubard will showcase stand-up comedians from all over the tri-state area. Admission is $20 per person.

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Saturday Events

What: Adam Najemian at Fox & Crow
When: Saturday, February 4 from 8pm to 10pm
Where: 594 Palisade Avenue
Adam Najemian draws inspiration from Delta blues, folk, country, and modern-day Americana. The Brooklyn-based musician will be at Fox & Crow tonight. Admission is $10/pp.

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Sunday Events

What: Froth on Franklin Pop-Up
When: Sunday, February 5 from 8am to 4pm
Where: 85 Franklin Street
Heights coffee shop Froth on Franklin is hosting its first artist pop-up of 2023. The coffee house will be showcasing the work of Jersey City artist @doodlealldayy.

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What: Movie Night at Dullboy
When: Sunday, February 5
Where: 364 Grove Street
Every Sunday night, Dullboy will be screening a movie in its patio. The movie will begin at 8pm. Make sure to give them a follow on Instagram to find out what movie they’ll show.

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The post The Weekender: Bourbon tasting at Skinner’s, Froth on Franklin artist pop-up appeared first on Jersey City Upfront.

RPM Raceway (99 Caven Point Rd), an indoor go-kart racing center, just unveiled its new, state of the art multi-level tracks. The new tracks can accommodate up to 16 adult racers and 12 juniors, which doubles its previous capacity. Combined, the two new tracks create the RPM Mega-Track, which RPM states is the world’s longest at more than 2,200 feet with a 72-second lap time.

“We are excited to officially unveil the future of indoor electric go-kart racing at our Jersey City location,” said Eyal Farage, Chief Executive Officer and co-owner of RPM Raceway. “This next-generation multi-level racing concept is not only incredible, it demonstrates our passion and commitment to improving the overall entertainment and hospitality experience of our guests. It’s fast, it’s fun and we are confident our guests will love it.”

The new tracks are part of a multi-million dollar renovation of its Jersey City location, cementing RPM Raceway as having the longest Mega-Track indoor electric kart racing experience in the world.

In addition to the new tracks, RPM Raceway also unveiled a new fleet of OTL Italian electric adult and junior karts with digital dashboards, paddle shifters, and speed boost capabilities.

A new trackside Bar & Grill is currently in the works and slated to open later in 2023. The eatery will offer 360 degree views of the racetrack.

The post RPM Raceway unveils its longest multi-level track appeared first on Jersey City Upfront.