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Is there anything that makes summer more worthwhile than cold drinks and good conversation on a patio? Thankfully, Jersey City offers many opportunities for patio seating, often with the best skyline views anywhere around.
Back in 1996, before Paulus Hook was synonymous with sought-after real estate, the Iron Monkey opened to an otherwise barren neighborhood. Now a waterfront institution, the bar caters to craft beer enthusiasts and Exchange Place businesspeople. The rooftop patio offers a splendid view of Jersey City (and Manhattan in the distance), as well as four beers that are only available when ordering from the roof! If you fall in love with one of the drafts on the extensive two-page beer menu, you can take home a growler full of it. Trivia: The iron monkey that adorns the building was formed using an old muffler.
Best Feature: Late happy hour—1/2 off all craft beer drafts every day from 9 pm – 10 pm.
One block away from the light rail stands an unassuming building that is home to overflowing pitchers of beer and Bavarian bar fare. The kitchen is “self service” — which means they hand you an Applebee’s-style buzzer and let you seat yourself. This space is perfect for parties as people can easily come and go from the lengthy wooden tables as you await paper plates full of schnitzel, spaetzle, and bratwurst.
Best Feature: Pig roasts in the sunshine every Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm.
A Downtown staple, Skinner’s Loft is known for its popular filet mignon sliders and beautiful rooftop dining area. Brunch includes dishes like truffled lobster hash while dinner offers tapas-style small plates like fried stuffed olives. The roof has a Mediterranean flair with a beautiful tiled floor, and this spot is reasonably priced for the beautiful food and atmosphere it offers.
Best Feature: Can’t-fail weekend brunch menu with free bread basket and unlimited coffee.
76 Audrey Zapp Drive; 12 pm – 10 pm Tue – Thu, 12 pm – 11 pm Fri & Sat, 12 pm – 9 pm Sun, Closed Mon
This upscale waterfront wedding venue also operates as a restaurant. The patio here is truly spectacular, with open fire pits and a picture-perfect view of the New York skyline, including the new World Trade Center. There’s also a giant chess set, in case you get the urge to snap a surreal selfie or challenge a bridal party to a game of wits and strategy.
Best Feature: Private cabanas near the fire pits can be reserved for groups.
The outdoor sidewalk-seating here is not quite a full patio, but the breakfast burritos are some of the best you’ll find outside of New Mexico. Drinks are non-alcoholic but the space is BYOB, so bring your own champagne for al fresco cheap mimosas. On weekend afternoons Beechwood offers prime Grove Street people watching with a side of key lime pie.
Best Feature: The build-your-own omelet or burrito bar is the most affordable breakfast in town, starting at $3.95 and available every day of the week until 3:30 pm.
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