Several businesses are in the works and slated to pop up all around Hoboken in the coming months and while most of them will be new to the city, a popular café will also be having a much-welcomed homecoming.
One of the newer establishments will focus on Korean Barbecue. Replacing the short-lived Clem’s Steaks at 79 Hudson Street, Gogi Grill will feature char-grilled meats like boneless short ribs and spicy Korean bacon along with authentic Korean side dishes. Owner Inku Yo says diners can also look forward to a variety of Bibimbap, or rice bowls that feature sautéed vegetables with meat or tofu additions. They are currently hiring for several positions and hope to open up by early September.
Another venture long in the making that should be close to opening is Tutta Pesca at 155 3rd Street. The ground floor storefront, which housed the Von Holland Deli before undergoing a complete interior and exterior renovation, will serve as a fresh fish and seafood market while the second floor of the building will be a restaurant serving Italian and American seafood dishes. The owners declined to provide a timeline for opening their doors, but a makeshift “menu” at the site indicates that they may be pretty close.
Elsewhere in the city, steakhouse The Shephard & The Knucklehead announced that they are taking over the old Smokin’ Barrel BBQ space at 1313 Willow Avenue. Owner Joseph Schiavo told Hoboken Happy Hours that the restaurant, which looks to serve over 60 beers on tap, aims to open in the Fall.
And since all of these new food options will inevitably create a need to exercise more, Pavana Yoga is hard at work renovating space at 251 1st Street into their new studio. They are also looking to hire instructors, who can apply for positions on the group’s Facebook page.
Looking for a newfangled spot to hit up right now? A new Mediterranean eatery called Greek Town opened up a few weeks ago, taking over space at the intersection of Garden and Newark Streets. In a city lacking many Greek dinner options, the casual, BYOB restaurant has filled a void by offering customers many traditional choices like lamb dishes and Gyros (or Yeeros as their menu says).
Further north at 519 Washington Street lies the Aether Game Café, which opened up in April. It features an immense library of board games that includes everything from Scrabble and Clue to Ascension and Star Wars-themed games. For a $5 cover, visitors can challenge their friends while snacking on a variety of wraps, coffees and (so far non-alcoholic) drinks.
And finally, some good news is on the way for fans of Karma Kafe, an Indian bistro at 505 Washington Street. A devastating fire back in February forced the restaurant to close up following fairly extensive damage to the building next door. However, re-construction has picked up at both properties and the restaurant is hopeful that they’ll open back up for good in August later this year.
