Is It Paris? No, Hoboken

Not too many people, we suspect, have mistaken Hoboken for Paris, but with a fashionable assortment of romantic locations scattered about town, The Mile-Square City might resemble the City of Lights more than you think.

The Chandelier Room At the W Hotel, Hoboken.
Photo by Christopher Villano.

Couples looking for great food and a romantic vibe in a hip urban setting; now hear this: There’s much more to Hoboken than the Cake Boss and Carlo’s Bakery.

A special night out in this historic Hudson River town starts with a quiet dinner for two. You can’t go wrong with Elysian Café (1001 Washington Street; 201-798-5898, elysiancafe.com). Owned by Eugene and Joyce Flinn, the duo behind the nearby Amanda’s (celebrating its 25th anniversary this month), this meticulously restored, French-style neighborhood bistro is the oldest continually operated bar and restaurant in Hoboken.

Part of the restaurant’s charm is its location at the corner of 10th and Washington streets. “This particular corner is so quiet, you can’t tell where you are,” says Joyce Flinn. “You could even be on a romantic date in Paris.”

Elysian Café offers unobtrusive live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, which you can enjoy along with the steak frites—featuring perhaps the best french fries in Hoboken.

Later, you can stop by the nearby Maxwell’s (1039 Washington Street; 201-653-1703, maxwellsnj.com) for post-dinner drinks and more live music by up-and-coming musicians. Or take a stroll along Washington Street and then down to the quieter waterfront. At Pier C Park (between Third and Fourth streets), you’ll get a sensational view of Manhattan. Just behind you is the über-chic W Hoboken (225 River Street; 201-253-2400, starwoodhotels.com). Head inside to the swanky Chandelier Room, where you and your sweetie can sidle up to the bar or take a seat in one of the flirty prism chairs, which have plenty of room for two.

“It’s a great date-night spot, especially when the outdoor space is open,” says general manager Darren Conway of the venue’s impressive terrace. “You really can’t beat having the skyline as your backdrop for any date with a special person.”

You also can’t beat the Chandelier Room’s all-night happy hour on Thursdays or some of the club’s signature cocktails, including the mango-pom martini infused with sage. The Full Brazilian—made with rum, passion fruit and a kick of habanero—is also a nice choice for putting some spring into your springtime romance.

And if you should decide to spend the night at the W, plan on waking up to brunch al fresco at one of Hoboken’s vibrant Cuban eateries. Try the signature stuffed French toast at La Isla (104 Washington Street; 201-659-8197, laislarestaurant.com) or go for some small Latin plates and inspired egg dishes at Zafra (301 Willow Avenue; 201-610-9801, zafrakitchens.com). There’s nothing like super-flavorful food as the icing on your Hoboken visit.

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