Date Night in Hoboken
Forget the train into Manhattan -- everything you need for a romantic evening is right here in the Mile Square.
Spring is in the air here in Hoboken and so is love. From couples strolling down Washington Street hand-in-hand to sharing a snuggle in Pier A Park, that certain four-letter-word is everyone you look.
Whether you've already got a special someone or you plan on hitting up eHarmony tonight, a romantic date is an integral part in setting off that spark of love and keeping the flame alive. And sure, date nights in Manhattan are easy enough, but why trek across the river when everyone you need for a swoon-worthy evening is right here in Hoboken?
If you want to pull out all of the stops, you should probably pick up your guy or gal in style. Nothing is more of a mood-killer than hearing your date say, "Hey, jump on the back of my bike." So why not keep a little money aside and splurge on a fancy limo ride?
For $65 an hour, you can rent an 8-passenger Lincoln Towncar stretch limo from Limo Express, which serves Hoboken and the rest of New Jersey. According to the representative at their call center, special requests—champagne? chocolates?—will gladly be obliged.
You might want to surprise your date with a bouquet of fresh flowers, and if you do, head to Fresh Picked, for decent prices on roses and lilies. Sure, it's a little cheesy, but there isn't anyone who wouldn't appreciate the gesture.
They say that the way to the heart is through the stomach, so head uptown to Amanda's for one of the most romantic dinners in town. Nestled in the back of the restaurant, one cozy dining room overlooks a flowering backyard garden, while another is adorned with a large crystal chandelier. There are even hidden alcoves for private dining. With jazz classics playing softly in the background, the mood is classic and refined, but not at all stuffy.
Juan Mendoza, manager at Amanda's, recommends the scallops, served with fresh corn, grilled asparagus and a tomato-bacon vinaigrette ($26), or the grilled sirloin in a red wine sauce, served with blue cheese potatoes, string beans and carrots ($32).
While Amanda's does offer a range of tasty after-dinner treats, if you've still got that limo, make the most of it by heading down to The Melting Pot for a bit of chocolate fondue, arguably the sexiest dessert ever invented. You and your date can feed each other strawberries, cake and brownie bits dipped into warm chocolate concoctions such as the 'Cookies 'n Cream Marshmallow Dream,' 'Bananas Foster' or 'Chocolate S'more' ($18-36). The restaurant also features 'Lovers Lane,' three tables tucked into alcoves for completely private dining.
To work off that big dinner and dessert, try a fun date activity, something that you can both enjoy and do together. Tracy Everitt has been teaching dance for 40 years from his home-base in Hoboken, and offers private lessons for even those with two left feet.
Four one-hour private lessons (the minimum you will need to pick up any new dance) will run you $350, but as a bonus, Everitt will conduct lessons in your home and will devise choreography to any song you choose. From ballroom dance to swing and salsa (and every world dance you can imagine), Everitt will teach you all of the moves you need.
"People rediscover what they have in common as they move together," Everitt says of dancing.
After getting your dance on, why not unwind with a few fancy cocktails? (Or if this is a first date, let's call it "liquid courage.") There's no better place to get a handcrafted concoction than the W Hotel. Upstairs, The Chandelier Room has a gorgeous outdoor veranda with full service bar and heat lamps in case the temperature dips at night. Inside, it gets pretty dark, and there is usually a DJ spinning on weekends, so it might not be ideal for a first date. Although, The Chandelier Room does get bonus points for it's cozy fireplaces and couches.
Downstairs in the hotel, the bar at Zylo may be a better bet, with slightly dim lighting and views of the Hudson River. The cocktail menu features original and seasonal concoctions by Josh Beer, Zylo's own bartender.
For something sweet, try the Frangolina ($12), made with strawberry puree and Prosecco, or try a spin on a classic with a Ginger Sidecar ($14). For a truly decadent treat, nothing matches the Sogno Di Gianduta ($13), made with Dutch chocolate, white chocolate, Frangelico, Nutella and hazelnuts.
"We have DJ every other Saturday, it's usually very mellow. We also offer bottle service, and it's very reasonable," said Zylo manager Scott Aseltine.
After that dancing, wining and dining, you and your date will probably be exhausted. From here, you could probably just grab a room at the hotel... but that's not really recommended. If you've got the energy, head back uptown to City Bistro to take advantage of the views from their roof deck.
As Laura Lenoci, hostess at City Bistro says, "It's the only place you can get this view."
Manage to pull off an incredible night like that and there's no doubt that you've impressed your date. Just remember to invite us to the wedding!