Green Rock Tap & Grill

Hoboken is known for its hotspots and incredible nightlife, but for those with casual tastes and tighter budgets it just doesn't have the same appeal. That's why the Green Rock is a rare find in a yuppie town like Hoboken.

To be fair, I feel like I must start this review by being brutally honest. The bar isn't the nicest of venues. It has that odor of old wood that has been marinated in gallons of cheap beer, most likely the result of hundreds of spilled $1 drafts... but I digress. The bar has some tight spaces, and it can be ridiculously difficult to maneuver through the crowd . Also, the ladies room is tiny and is one of the worst that I have ever seen.

Yet the Green Rock does have some redeeming qualities. Most importantly, some fantastic deals. I have only been for happy hour on a Thursday night (actually, make that several Thursday nights) and have enjoyed the $1 drafts from 5-8, at which point the drafts increase to a shockingly high price of $2 a pint. On Thursdays you can also find a 2 for 1 appetizer deal that helps to make it a cheap night out.

If you like the fancy trendy bars and clubs, you will hate the Green Rock. But if you're a fun, go with the flow type of person, give it a shot.

Hoboken Italian Festival

Summer is drawing to a close and it's time to find some local things to do in NJ (yes, the Benny's have left the shore). Thankfully, it's time for the annual Hoboken Italian Festival!

The schedule is already set for next week's activities, so check it out and let us know what your favorite part of the Hoboken Italian Festival is!:

The schedule for the Feast.

MC: Johhny Maggio

THURSDAY 9/9

5:00 – 7:00:
Garden State Radio
www.myspace.com/ gardenstateradio/

7:00 – 10:00:
Johnny Drama
www.johnnydramanj.com

8:30-9:00:
Annual Pizza-Eating Contest

10:00 – 11:00
Live DJ

FRIDAY 9/10

5:30 – 7:30:
Monte’s Pythons – Great cover band opens the night…back by popular demand.www.myspace.com/montespython

8:00 – 11:00:
Asbury Fever
www.asburyfever.com
SATURDAY 9/11

12:30 – 1:15
Johnny Maggio sings Sinatra, Bennett, Martin

1:30 – 3:15
Alfio – The Voice of Passion
www.alfiomusic.com

3:30 – 4:15
Iliana Incandela
www.myspace.com/Ilianai

4:30 – 6:30:
R3 Bros. – The area’s Newest Italian American sensation
www.r3brosmusic.com

7:00 – 11:00
Opera 3000
www.webisto.com/opera3000/

8:30-9:00
Annual Cannoli-Eating Contest

SUNDAY 9/12

Sunday, 12 Noon – 12:30
Garden State Jazz Orchestra
www.gardenstatejazzorchestra.com

12:30 – 2:30:
Longtooth

3:00 – 4:45
“Krystal – Hoboken’s Own Rock Band”
www.myspace.com/krystalreturns

5:00 – 7:00:
Chiclettes
www.chiclettes.com/

7:00 – 7:30:
Annual Grape Stomp Contest:

8:00 – 9:00:
Jersey Sound
www.jerseysound.com/

9:00 – 9:25
Fireworks Extravaganza
Fireworks (Click image to view fireworks video)

9:25 - 10:00:
Jersey Sound

St. Patrick's Day in Hoboken is one of the biggest events in New Jersey each year, and this year's bash will be sure to follow in the tradition of the Irish spirit that has taken over the city for the last 24 years. While the St. Patty's Day parade isn't set to start until 1:00 pm, several bars are set to open their doors to the early rising party people at 9:00 am.


Yup, we're talking about 9 o'clock in the morning!So what can you expect to enjoy during St. Patrick's Day in Hoboken? A parade that starts on 14th and Washington at 1:00. Bars that open early and serve green beer, and lots of great friends.

Beware though, the police are out in full force and fines are as high as $2,000. So don't drink and drive, and behave yourself in public.

Hoboken Waterfront

Hoboken is known for many things. A rockin' nightlife, good restaurants, the birth place of legendary Frank Sinatra, and awesome views of New York City.

And this is where I come in with yet another idea of things to do in New Jersey. Aren't there times when you aren't interested going to bars or parties, yet you still want to be active? Hoboken has some fabulous piers with grassy areas designed for lounging, playing frisbee, and chilling with your puppy. Not your style? Try the benches along the brick waterfront paths.

An added benefit, this fun little activity is appropriate during the day or night! That's right. Enjoy the fascinating view of the NYC skyline with some of the most amazing structures of our time in the brightest sunlight. Or, watch the cruise ships and small boats as they lazily coast down the shoreline. Yet, my favorite is the view at night, with the Empire State Building lit with different shades of light and the beautiful twinkle of lights that emerge from building to building.

If you haven't already, I highly recommend a trip to Hoboken just to relax on the fringe while watching the city that never sleeps do its thang.