Always The VIP Lifestyle Blog - The Expert Source For Nightlife Trends
- Author:C. Nez Byrd
- Updated:
Nightlife in Jersey City (a.k.a “JC”) lives up to its moniker, “Chilltown,” with ample casual sports bars, trendy gastropubs, cheap dive bars, fun rooftop bars, a few hidden speakeasies, and unique restaurants among its many neighborhoods to choose from.
However, when it comes to parties, Jersey City has limited options. Despite popular belief, many of Jersey City’s top night clubs, like Talde, Miss Wong’s, and Red Lounge have shut down and been closed for years! Here are the facts:
As of 2023, there are currently 11 bars that throw parties in Jersey City on select nights. And, out of the 11 party bars in Jersey City, there are only 7 active nightclubs.
A nightclub is a venue that features music, a dancefloor, and food and/or alcoholic beverage service for nightlife entertainment. Popular modern nightclubs often feature live DJs, lighting effects, and cabaret artists.
C. “Nez” Byrd – Nightlife Marketing Expert
As a New Jersey local and leading club promoter, I have the inside scoop with the only up-to-date list of “The Best Party Bars, Clubs, and Nightlife in Jersey City” right now!
These aren’t dive bars like Lucky 7, Cherry Lounge, and Moore’s Lounge that other websites falsely claim to be clubs. These spots meet all the requirements for a legit party:
- Live DJs
- A dancefloor
- A high energy crowd of partygoers
So, get your NJ Transit app or Path Card loaded, ride-shares scheduled, and clubbing outfits ready to discover the best nightlife Jersey City has to offer!
The Ashford
Historic Downtown
145 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Yelp RATING: 3.5 Stars
Party Nights: Friday – Saturday
Party Times: 10 PM – 3 AM
Music Genres: Top 40, Hip Hop, Pop
Vibes: Hanging with friends, meeting singles
What To Wear: Casual wear, Urban fashion
Bottle Service: Yes
Hookah Service: Not Available
The Ashford is a modern American restaurant and co*cktail bar that throws the biggest party in Historic Downtown Jersey City when it turns into the 3-level mega nightclub every weekend!
Parties at The Ashford feature live DJs spinning Hip Hop, Top 40, and Reggaetón hits all night, lighting effects, and 2 dancefloors to explore. With 3 levels, 3 full bars, and 2 dancefloors this party attracts large crowds every weekend. The security is tight, scanning all guests with metal detectors, but there is no cover charge and the dress code is flexible – team jerseys are among the few restrictions. Although streetwear is the norm, if your goal is to mingle with the many singles that attend, then trendy urban fashion is ideal. Unlike most parties in Jersey City, The Ashford offers bottle service and the VIP sections are top tier, which makes it ideal for birthday celebrations, bachelorette parties, you name it.
The Ashford has the best overall party in Jersey City and is as close as it gets to a New York City nightclub experience in New Jersey.
PREVIEW PARTYBOTTLE SERVICE
Six26
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
128 Columbus Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07302
YELP RATING: 3.5 STARS
Party Nights: Friday – Saturday
Party Times:10 PM – 3 AM
Music Genres: Top 40, Hip Hop, Pop
Vibes: Hanging with friends, meeting singles
What To Wear: Casual wear
Bottle Service: Yes
Hookah Service: Not Available
Six26 is a modern rooftop lounge and gay bar located in Historic Downtown Jersey City that holds the title of being the only dedicated LGBTQ+ friendly nightclub in Hudson County, NJ.
Reminiscent of the gay clubs in Greenwich Village and Hell’s Kitchen, NYC, parties at Six26 feature live DJs spinning Pop and Dance hits, female and male go-go dancers, and the occasional drag performer. You will typically find a diverse crowd and a significant presence of the Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender community that you won’t find elsewhere in New Jersey. The security is tight, but there are no cover charges, and all styles from the casual to flamboyant welcome here.
Six26 is a true melting pot and the party is always popping – go with friends and an open mind and you’re sure to have a fun night.
PREVIEW PARTYBOTTLE SERVICE
South House
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
149 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302
YELP RATING: 3.5 STARS
Party Nights: Friday – Saturday
Party Times:10 PM – 3 AM
Music Genres: Top 40, Hip Hop, Reggaeton
Vibes: Hanging with friends, meeting singles
What To Wear: Casual wear
Bottle Service: No
Hookah Service: Not Available
South House is a Southern-inspired restaurant and co*cktail bar located in Historic Downtown Jersey City. which turns its main floor into one of the best dance clubs in the neighborhood every weekend.
The party at South House features live DJs playing Hip Hop, Pop, and Reggaeton all night, which keeps the crowd live on the dance floor. But, what makes this party unique, is its game room on the lower level! Downstairs, you will discover a speakeasy-esque room that is the perfect place to break the ice with singles over a game of billiards, table shuffleboard, or foosball. The security guards are easygoing and only check IDs, and there are no dress code restrictions or cover charges to worry about.
If you’re out with your crew and can’t decide on a dance club or a pub, South House offers the best of both worlds.
Porta
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
135 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302
YELP RATING: 3 STARS
Party Nights: Fridays, Saturdays
Party Times:10 PM – 2 AM
Music Genres: Pop
Vibes: Hanging with friends, meeting singles
What To Wear: Business Casual wear
Bottle Service: No
Hookah Service: Not Available
Porta is an Italian restaurant with a Victorian-era ambiance where you feel like you were whisked away to Europe to enjoy an authentic Neapolitan pizza pie.
Every weekend, Porta hosts one of the best parties in Historic Downtown Jersey City with live DJs spinning pop hits on its massive main floor and/or rooftop patio. Mature crowds typically congregate here and gravitate toward the rooftop lounge when it’s open. There are no cover charges or dress codes, guests typically wear business casual or streetwear. Although there is ample room for a dance floor on each level, one floor is typically selected to host the party while the other remains open as a lounge bar – often depending on the weather. So, don’t be deceived by a calm vibe when you enter, check each floor to find where the party is at for the night. Although Porta doesn’t offer bottle service, it is an ideal spot to hang with groups and an excellent place to find singles.
Overall, Porta’s offers a nice duality, switching between a dance club and a rooftop party that makes it a must-visit local nightlife gem.
The Factory
BERGEN-LAFAYETTE
451 Communipaw Ave, JC, NJ 07304
YELP RATING: 3 STARS
Party Nights: Thursday – Saturday
Party Times:10 PM – 2:45 AM
Music Genres: Latin Music, Pop
Vibes: Hanging with friends, Date night
What To Wear: Casual wear, Business Casual
Bottle Service: Yes
Hookah Service: Yes
The Factory is a modern Latin-American restaurant and sports bar in the Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood of Jersey City. There are only 3 Latin lounges in Hudson County, and The Factory is the biggest of them all.
Throughout the week, The Factory hosts parties featuring DJs playing all genres of Latin American music from Reggaeton to Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata with regular appearances by live Salsa bands and Reggaeton musicians to entertain its predominantly mature Hispanic audience. The doormen charge a $20+ cover for all guests. And although the dress code allows casual wear, Latinas often get sexy, wearing heels and bodycon dresses – so fellas, get fresh! Bottle service and hookah are available, and the kitchen stays open late so you can grab a plate of picadera to get ahead of the hangover. People tend to stick to their tables, but you can Salsa dance in the main lounge or grab a Bachata partner on its newly opened patio.
Although it is off the beaten path, The Factory is the biggest and best Latin nightclub and lounge you will find in Hudson County.
Phebe’s Reborn Nightclub
Journal Square
646 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306
YELP RATING: 2.5 STARS
Latin Party Nights: Thursday – Saturday
Party Times:10 PM – 2 AM or 3 AM
Music Genres: Hip Hop, Reggaeton
Vibes: Hanging with friends
What To Wear: Casual wear, Trendy streetwear
Bottle Service: Yes
Hookah Service: Yes
Phebe’s Reborn is a Latin-American restaurant and sports bar found in Journal Square, Jersey City, and one of the few Hip Hop nightclubs in Hudson County that is open late at night, throwing parties throughout the week.
Parties at Phebe’s Reborn Nightclub normally feature popular local Latin American DJs (e.g. DJ Pereira and DJ Camilo) playing Hip Hop and Reggaetón music, which attracts a diverse crowd of young locals looking to turn up. Security pats guests down upon entry, and checks purses as well as pockets. Phebe’s does not enforce a dress code, so most people come in streetwear; rocking tees, hoodies, jeans, baseball caps, and Jordans – yes the crowd tends to be ghetto. They charge both men and women $20 – $40 for admission on weekends. They even charge a cover for bottle clients, which isn’t standard practice in nightlife. If you arrive early you can catch cheap bottle deals, served by curvy Latina bottle girls. They also sell hookah, which is rare at bars in Hudson County. If you are looking to meet single ladies, expect a lot of competition; guys typically outnumber the ladies by 4 to 1 – so don’t be surprised if it’s a sausage festival.
Overall, Phebe’s Reborn brings a taste of the Bronx NYC Latin nightclub vibe – go with friends who love Hip Hop and you’ll have a good time.
Surf City
Paulus HOOK
128 Columbus Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07302
YELP RATING: 2.8 STARS
Party Nights: Saturdays
Party Times:10 PM – 3 AM
Music Genres: House and EDM
Vibes: Hanging with friends, meeting singles
What To Wear: Casual wear
Bottle Service: No
Hookah Service: Not Available
Surf City is a seasonal waterfront seafood bar and grill in Paulus Hook Jersey City, typically open during Spring and Summer months, and the only party in North Jersey that offers authentic Jersey Shore beach dance club vibes.
Every Saturday night, Surf City features themed EDM parties with live DJs in its huge rear section. You will typically find a mature crowd here, with ages ranging from 25 and up, which makes it a great option if you prefer to avoid the younger crowds that frequent Hoboken. Security checks IDs, but there is no cover charge or dress code – casual wear is the norm, and you rarely see gents in shoes or ladies in heels. Partygoers often come with groups of friends or as couples for a date night. If you are looking to meet singles, it’s best to scout near the fire pit and various full bars.
At Surf City you can dance, hit the food court, and sip frozen margaritas on the artificial beach with a view of the NYC skyline – it’s the best outdoor party in JC.
Bars with Music in Jersey City
The bars above have solid parties on any given weekend. But if you don’t seek big party crowds, here are some chill bars that play music in Jersey City:
- Grove Station Bar has a live DJ every night.
- Ohara’s Downtown has a live DJ on select weekends.
- Exchange Rooftop is a rooftop bar with a live DJ on select weekend nights.
- 512 Quantum Sound has a live DJ on its upper level on select nights.
Among these 4 bars, only 512 Quantum Sound has a dancefloor and is arranged like a nightclub.
512 Quantum Sound also recently launched a new LGBTQ-friendly Tuesday night party and weekend parties during the Summer of 2023, which are promoted as nightclub experiences. When I verify it, it may join the main list of parties.
Overall, these bars are ideal for a pregame before you club hop the other spots on this list, a pit stop between parties, or a last hail-mary effort at the end of the night to find tipsy singles to hook up with!
Interactive Map of Clubs In Jersey City
Most clubs in Jersy City are located in Historic Downtown Jersey City, with the rest scattered throughout remote neighborhoods. So, in case you are a tourist, a new resident, or unfamiliar with the area, I’ve created an interactive map of the best clubs in Jersey City to quickly find one near you!
Jersey City’s Nightlife Vs Hoboken or NYC
Admittedly, there are great alternatives to Jersey City nearby, in NYC and Hoboken. So, if you are weighing options between partying in Jersey City, Hoboken, and NYC, I’ll address some of the most common concerns:
Question: “Is Jersey City’s nightlife better than Hoboken?“
Answer: Jersey City’s nightlife is better than Hoboken’s if you want to avoid large crowds and yuppies.
Question: “Is Jersey City’s nightlife better than NYC?”
Answer: Jersey City’s nightlife is better than New York City’s if you want to avoid long lines, high cover charges, strict doormen, and exorbitant prices.
Question: “Is it better to party in Hoboken or NYC instead of Jersey City?“
Answer: If you want the most options for nightlife, then Hoboken and New Jersey both have Jersey City beat, hands down.
One final demographic fact that resonates with many, is that Jersey City is one of the most culturally diverse cities in America. So, you will rarely encounter discrimination under the guise of strict dress codes and fabricated business policies that commonly plague popular clubs in major cities.
Learn More Facts About Jersey City’s Nightlife
Parties End Early in Jersey City
Finally, if you are from a place like NYC where bars close late then you may be accustomed to getting to parties around midnight – this won’t work out well for you in Jersey City. Parties end early in Jersey City!
Bars in Jersey City are required by law to close by 2 AM or 3 AM at the latest, depending on their location. So, to fully enjoy a night out clubbing and partying in Jersey City, you should arrive at bars by 11 PM!
Furthermore, since most bars have Last Call and stop allowing guests to enter before 2 AM, you should never bar-hop in Jersey City after 1:30 AM. If you do, then you run the high risk of being denied entry to the next bar and having your night out ended prematurely.
Follow these tips and you are sure to enjoy Jersey City’s nightlife.
If you enjoyed this article, please share and bookmark it. And, connect with me on Instagram for a hook-up on the best parties around!
Cheers.
[This original content is copyrighted with all rights reserved. Unauthorized use by human or generative AI is forbidden.]
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About Author
C. Nez Byrd
C. Nez Byrd is a growth marketing expert, entrepreneur, and professional club promoter in NYC. In addition to leading marketing strategies for multi-million dollar enterprises, he is the CEO/Founder of the Always The VIP marketing agency and popular nightlife discovery website, carving a niche as a Hospitality industry expert, innovative event planner, and fashion producer. Nez has quickly become one of the country’s leading nightlife bloggers, renowned for authoritative technical articles and exposés as he passionately advocates for inclusion, diversity, and equity in his pursuits.
www.alwaysthevip.com/
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