Condé Nast Traveler in New Jersey: 3 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Hoboken

Must-try foods in Hoboken

• Roast Beef and Fresh Mozzarella (Mutz) Special
  Roast Beef and Fresh Mozzarella (Mutz) SpecialThe holy grail of Hoboken sandwiches found at Fiore’s House of Quality. This legendary special is strictly available only on Thursdays and Saturdays, featuring paper-thin warm roast beef, their famous house-made 'mutz,' and a rich, dark brown gravy (au jus) that locals often add hot peppers to for the perfect bite.
• Stuffed Guava French Toast
  Stuffed Guava French ToastAn iconic brunch staple at La Isla, famously featured on 'Throwdown with Bobby Flay.' This Cuban-style French toast is stuffed with strawberry and guava cream cheese, coated in a crunchy almond cornflake breading, and finished with a vibrant guava sauce. It’s the definitive sweet start to a Hoboken weekend.
• Coal-Fired Bread Pudding
  Coal-Fired Bread PuddingAt Antique Bar & Bakery, everything goes into their 30-ton, century-old coal-fired oven. The standout is the 'family-style' bread pudding—a massive, decadent mountain of caramelized, burnt-edged bread wedges soaked in rich crème brûlée and topped with Tuaca-infused caramel sauce.
• Largest Pizza Slice in NJ
  Largest Pizza Slice in NJBenny Tudino’s holds the unofficial (and often Guinness-cited) title for the massive, plate-defying slices that have fed Hoboken for over 50 years. A single slice requires two paper plates and is a rite of passage for any visitor looking for a classic, foldable New Jersey thin-crust experience.
• Chicken Parmigiana
  Chicken ParmigianaAugustino’s is a tiny, cash-only 'if you know you know' institution where reservations are nearly impossible to snag. Their Chicken Parm is widely considered the best in the city—thin, perfectly breaded cutlets with a sweet-yet-savory red sauce that tastes like a Sunday dinner in an Italian grandmother’s kitchen.
• Cinny Cinnamon Rolls
  Cinny Cinnamon RollsThe Hive’s massive, handcrafted cinnamon rolls have become a 2026 social media phenomenon, commanding lines around the block every weekend. Known for a 1:1 dough-to-filling ratio and a thick layer of house-made cream cheese frosting, they also offer a rotating 'flavor of the month' that sells out within hours.

Trip guide

• About Hoboken
  About HobokenHoboken, New Jersey, is a coastal municipality situated on the western bank of the Hudson River. Colonel John Stevens purchased the land in 1784 and established the Hoboken Land and Improvement Company in 1838, which designed the city’s grid system and street plan. The architectural landscape features 19th-century row houses and brownstones in Greek Revival, Italianate, and Romanesque Revival styles.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit Hoboken is from May to June and September to October, when the weather is mild and perfect for walking along the waterfront. Peak tourist season aligns with the warm summer months and major holidays, while the winter months (excluding December) offer the lowest rates and fewest crowds.
• Getting around
  Getting around Hoboken

  • PATH Train The PATH is the most efficient link from Manhattan, running 24/7 from World Trade Center and 33rd St. One-way fares are $2.75, and the ride typically takes 10-15 minutes to reach Hoboken Terminal.
  • NY Waterway Ferry Ferries offer a scenic 10-minute commute from Manhattan (Midtown/W. 39th St, Brookfield Place, or Pier 11) to Hoboken 14th St or the NJ Transit Terminal for approximately $8.00–$9.00.
  • Local Transit (Light Rail & Bus) The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail serves the city's western edge, while NJ Transit's 126 bus runs frequently along Washington Street; additionally, the city provides the 'Hop' minibus, a free local shuttle service.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Prioritize walking or using the PATH train and NY Waterway ferry, as the city is only one square mile and street parking is extremely limited for visitors.
  • Pay close attention to street signs, specifically avoiding 'Resident Permit Parking Only' zones and staying at least 25 feet away from crosswalks to avoid heavy fines.
  • Expect to tip between 18% and 22% for standard table service at local restaurants, which is the customary social etiquette in this area.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Hoboken

  • Maritime Park Construction: The first phase of the massive 8.7-acre waterfront project is underway, featuring a new skatepark and expanded walking paths.
  • City Fitness Expansion: The Philadelphia-based gym chain is opening two major wellness hubs in downtown and uptown Hoboken.
• Visit Clifton↗
  Visit CliftonThe official tourism site for Clifton, Texas, a joint project of the Clifton Economic Development Corporation and the Clifton Chamber of Commerce.