Something that nobody tells you as a kid is that Thanksgiving is a two-day holiday, much in the way that Christmas is. There’s Thanksgiving Day, which is a day to show gratitude through delicious eats and quality time with loved ones — but lurking in anticipation of the food-filled celebration, there’s Thanksgiving Eve (affectionately known as TGE), a night spent with people from your distant past at a local hometown bar.
As Montclair + North Jersey locals flock to the suburbs for Thanksgiving, we’re here to give you all the scoop on where to celebrate TGE in North Jersey this November 23rd. Of course, we’ve included a few classic Essex County spots, but in the spirit of being home for the holidays, many of these bars are North Jersey suburban staples. Read on for the best bars to visit on Thanksgiving Eve in North Jersey.
Essex County
Brook Tap House | 811 Passaic Avenue, Fairfield
(Photo Credit: Brook Tap House’s website)
Owned + operated by locals, The Brook Tap House is a bar and restaurant loaded with hometown charm. It has 30 beers on-tap and an expansive menu, including the famous thiny-thin pizza sourced from its sister restaurant, Angeloni’s. On Thanksgiving Eve, The Brook Tap House will be open from 11:30AM – 1AM, and the Whyte Cadillacs band will be performing.
Bonds Tavern | 643 Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange
Bonds is a modern tavern that offers specialty alcoholic milkshakes, among other beverage + food items. The space also boasts a full bar and on TGE, it will operate under its normal hours, which are 4PM – 12AM.
Read More: Where to Order Thanksgiving Pies in Montclair + Beyond
Grasshopper | 292 Grove Avenue, Cedar Grove
The Grasshopper is a local favorite, complete with a draft beer menu (with seasonal options included), specialty cocktails, and lunch + dinner specials. The space is populated primarily by tables, so its perfect for a chill night with friends. It will be open from 11AM – 2:30AM on TGE.
Just Jake’s | 30 Park Street, Montclair
Thanksgiving Eve almost always means a run in with an old acquaintance. Just Jakes is playing into the holiday’s nostalgia with its TGE Nine Deez Night party. In typical Just Jake’s fashion, there will be live music + dancing. The party will begin at 10:30PM and last until 1:30AM. We suggest you dress in theme.
Porta Montclair | 499 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
If you’re looking to spend your Thanksgiving Eve with a non-stop dance party, Porta Montclair is the place for you. There will be live performances from DJ Purari + Chris Spirito in the Main Dining Room, and DJ Philip Nasty + Hakim in the Monk Room, beginning at 10PM. The only requirements are: eat, drink, and be honest (per Porta’s Instagram).
Ringside Pub | 379 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
A true dive bar, Ringside is *the* TGE spot if you grew up anywhere in the West Essex area — and we speak from experience. There will be a live DJ performing upstairs, as well as dart boards + a pool table on the first level. Ringside will operate on its normal hours, 12PM – 2AM. Pro tip: be sure to order a tequila shot. You won’t regret it (well, you might).
The Rock Bar + Grill | 414 Main Avenue, Clifton
With a kitchen that stays open until 2AM, The Rock Bar in Clifton is perfect for anyone in search of a late-night bite. The menu is packed with staple bar items, like wings, sliders — and there’s darts scattered throughout the space, too. The Rock Bar will be open from 11AM – 3AM, and promises a jammin’ good time.
Thatcher McGhee’s | 31 Passaic Avenue, Fairfield
(Photo Credit: @thatchersfairfield)
This Irish pub is a true gem in the Essex County area. With a square bar in the center of the space and private tables lining the perimeter, Thatcher’s is great for extroverts + introverts alike. There’s also a separate gaming room, complete with pool tables, dart boards, and more. This Thanksgiving Eve, Thatcher’s will be open from 4PM – 2AM, and is definitely worth a visit.
Verona Inn | 624 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
Verona Inn is a cozy restaurant + bar popular among locals. With classic bar food like potato skins, mozzarella sticks, and more, its a great place to casually snack and sip, while still have tons of fun. This spot will be open on Thanksgiving Eve from 4PM – 12AM.
Hoboken + Jersey City
Birch | 92 River Street, Hoboken
If you’ve been trying to coordinate a Friendsgiving this year, look no further than Hoboken’s very own nightclub, Birch. Birch’s Friendsgiving party will take place on TGE, with music from Dugspin and a special drinking power hour from 9PM-11PM. Tables are limited, so be sure to make a reservation — spoiler: limo packages are up for grabs.
Fat Taco | 32 Newark Street, Hoboken
Fat Taco is joining on the Thanksgiving Eve fun this year, with special deals on beers, green tea shots, margarita buckets, and sangria towers. The deals will last from 9PM-12AM, and there will be no cover fee at the door.
Madd Hatter | 221 Washington Street, Hoboken
Madd Hatter is one of the most lively spots in the Mile Square, and is known for bringing the party any night of the week. Thanksgiving Eve, of course, is no exception. Madd Hatter will be hosting what it calls “the #1 party of the year,” complete with live music. The party kicks off at 8PM and will go until 3AM. Tickets can be purchased here.
Mike’s Wild Moose Salon | 30 Newark Street, Hoboken
As one of Hoboken’s only country bars, the Wild Moose is a popular hangout spot for those looking for a bit of Southern charm here in NJ. Mike’s Saloon’s TGE party will feature music from DJ Big Country, and a variety of drink deals including $5 picklebacks (IYKYK). Doors open at 6PM with no cover fee — now that’s what we call Southern hospitality.
Wicked Wolf Tavern | 120 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
This waterside sports bar is popular among Hobokenites + visitors alike. HG has the inside scoop that drink deals will be released closer to TGE, but as of now, we can confirm that Wicked Wolf will operate under its normal hours, 10AM-2AM.
512 Quantum Sound | 512 Paterson Plank Road, Jersey City
This JC eatery has deep musical roots, a rooftop, and spans three levels altogether. This year, 512 Quantum Sound is hosting its own Thanksgiving Eve Party, with special guest Felix Manuel giving a live performance. The part will go from 8PM to 3AM — and is sure to be a good time.
See More: Thanksgiving Catering in Hoboken + Jersey City
Morris County
Homestead Bar + Kitchen | 10 Dehart Street, Morristown
Homestead is a trendy bi-level bar in the heart of Morristown that offers craft cocktails, beers, and bites. On TGE, there will be two live performances: DJ Danny Gee at 4PM, and DJ Jason Farella at 9PM. The bar will be open until 2AM.
Iron Bar | 5 South Street, Morristown
(Photo Credit: Iron Bar’s website)
Iron Bar is somewhat of a local legend in the North Jersey area, and for Thanksgiving Eve, its certainly living up to par. This year, the Morristown bar will be hosting a TGE party, with live performances from Frankie Steel, Dario Valli, + DJ T-MO. Guests are encouraged to arrive early — the party starts at 7PM and closes at 2AM.
