Things to Do in Downtown Jersey City
Downtown Jersey City, with a mix of hip restaurants, craft beer bars, indie shops, and arts venues, is a great place to spend time with friends and family. It’s an easy commute to all the action via the Grove Street Path station, multiple bus lines, Citi Bike docking stations, and a 24-hr taxi stand. (And of course, there’s always Uber!)
With outdoor markets and live music, great happy hour specials, restaurants serving delicious food, places to grab a quick ice cream cone or frozen yogurt, and many fun activities and entertainment to enjoy, it’s a great time to relish all that downtown Jersey City has to offer!
Below are highlights of some of our favorite things to do in Downtown Jersey City and places to go on an evening.
Jersey City Theater Center
Jersey City Theater Center at 165 Newark Ave, with entrance from Barrow St. is Jersey City’s professional live-event venue where progressive theater & arts programming is presented on an ongoing basis. JCTC has created two adjacent professional theatrical venues, giving wider exposure to local and regional artists and performers while also bringing to regional audiences artists of national and even international stature. Check out the lineup on their website.
Art House
Art House has established itself as a pioneer of artistic and cultural programming in Jersey City, producing new theatrical work, dance, comedy, and visual arts programming that is innovative, fresh, and multi-disciplinary. Art House Productions has established itself as a cultural landmark in Jersey City, attaining non-profit status in 2007 and presenting work at a professional level, but the spirit of community that led to the organization’s inception still guides its artistic programming.
Outdoor Markets & Live Music & Van Vorst Park
On Mondays and Thursdays from May to December, you will encounter the Historic Downtown Jersey City Farmers’ Market from 4-8 p.m. outside the Path station at Grove Street Plaza, where a variety of local farms sell produce, jarred sauces & condiments, meat, milk and cheese, fresh flowers, cookies, and pies. Other market vendors sell ready-made food and take-home meals, fresh bread/baked goods, grass-fed meats, seafood, pickles, nuts, Kettle corn, French macarons, and even homemade soaps and bath bombs! There’s sure to be something for everyone at this quintessential downtown Jersey City open-air farmer’s market.
If you enjoy live music, don’t miss Groove on Grove every Wednesday night from 6-9 p.m., May to September. Enjoy free live concerts at Grove Street Plaza in downtown Jersey City, featuring a variety of musical acts, bands, and performers representing a range of musical tastes and talent. This family-friendly event also features a lovely green turf/sitting area in front of the stage, where you can let the little ones dance till they’re ready for bedtime. Many local businesses sell food & drink(including adult beverages), making this an excellent way to spend a summer evening outside in downtown Jersey City.
Happening in conjunction with Groove on Grove, the Artist & Maker Market (AAM) runs every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesday, 3-9 p.m., May through September. Also located at Grove Street Plaza in downtown Jersey City, the market brings local artisans together and gives people an opportunity to buy one-of-a-kind arts and crafts. The AAM mission is to support handmade goods and cultivate small businesses in downtown Jersey City.
On Saturdays, definitely check out the Historic Van Vorst Park Farmer’s Market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m for fresh farm produce and local vendors. It’s a bit smaller and more intimate.
Van Vorst Park is a downtown Jersey City gem, beautifully landscaped with a great playground for younger children (ages 2-6) with adjoining sprinklers for those hot summer days or evenings. (Although please note that the playground and sprinklers do close at dusk!)
They also have a wonderful Films at Van Vorst outdoor film series every other Wednesday night at sunset. Check their Facebook page for more details. Location: Van Vorst Park is between Jersey Avenue and Barrow Street and Montgomery and York Streets in downtown Jersey City.
Places for Food & Drink
Good food will definitely be a major part of our list of things to do in Downtown Jersey City
There are so many wonderful places to eat a good meal in downtown Jersey City! Across from Grove Street Plaza, begin a leisurely stroll up the Pedestrian Plaza on Newark Avenue, where you’ll be in the heart of Restaurant Row in downtown Jersey City.
Roman Nose
For those who love Italian food, try Roman Nose, a family-owned trattoria with a relaxed atmosphere that is known for its simple yet high-quality food using the freshest ingredients. They also have an excellent brunch on weekends! (Location: 125 Newark Ave)
Or, you can always pick up a quick slice or pie at Two Boots pizzeria, which offers to-go and eat-in options with a selection of traditional and specialty pizzas, served with soda, beer & wine. Location: 133 Newark Ave.
For al fresco dining, there are so many places along Pedestrian Plaza in downtown Jersey City.
Skinner’s Loft
Skinner’s Loft is an early arriver to the downtown Jersey City scene. Located further up on Pedestrian Plaza, the restaurant is a downtown Jersey City institution and is known for its simple yet delicious food and cocktails, and its quaint rooftop bar. Location:14 Newark Ave.
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South House
South House opens up onto Pedestrian Plaza and has delicious food and drinks, and a lively night scene with live music and an adult “rec room” with pool table, dart boards, foosball, and shuffleboard (Location: 149 Newark Ave.)
Porta
Porta is a popular place to gather and is known for its farmhouse-style seating and amazing rooftop bar! Location: 135 Newark Ave.
The Six26
With a lounge that becomes a joyful and vibrant high-energy lounge and a chill garden-esque rooftop bar as the sun sets, The Six26 venue is an energetic and inclusive spot to spend the evening/night grooving to catchy music.
Orale Mexican Kitchen
Orale Mexican Kitchen is another restaurant in this area that you’d find interesting, not just for the great Mexican food but also its quirky “Day of the Dead” decor and big tequila menu.
Downtown Yogurt
Rocking good frozen yogurt, soft serve, vegan options, edible cookie doughs, warm brownie creations and over 50 toppings, Downtown Yogurt is a great addition to the area where customers can casually hang out with friends or grab a yogurt to-go.
Kua Fu Fried Skewers
If you are looking for an Asian Barbeque restaurant, you can step into Kua Fu Fried Skewers. They bring authentic Chinese street food flavors to Jersey City. Specializing in crispy, golden-fried skewers, they use a unique blend of marinades, seasoned frying oil, and seasonings to create an irresistible taste. Their menu features a variety of freshly fried meats, seafood, and vegetables. (Location: 109 Christopher Columbus Dr, Jersey City)
The Grove Station
Enjoy tacos, wines, margaritas, beer, and more at The Grove Station at 116 Newark Avenue, Jersey City. They have Karaoke night everynight and their kitchen is open till 1 am.
Indulge in a delectable breakfast or lunch experience at The Grove Station with our irresistible Breakfast/Lunch special, priced at just $8.95. Available daily from 9 am to 2 pm, this fantastic offer ensures that you can enjoy a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
There are so many great restaurants to try in downtown Jersey City, and summer is the perfect time to enjoy eating outside on a rooftop or along Pedestrian Plaza, where you can enjoy time with family and friends, and even catch an impromptu performance from talented musicians who busk here.
After dinner, or perhaps in lieu of dinner on a hot summer night, it’s time to enjoy a cool and refreshing dessert. Torico’s Ice Cream parlor is a local favorite, a family business soon to celebrate 50 years in downtown Jersey City. With over 60 premium ice cream flavors to choose from, along with various cones and sundae configurations, you will have endless possibilities to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Updated: 28 Jan 2026
