Cuban restaurant Hard Grove will permanently close on Friday, March 24. The announcement was made abruptly via the restaurant’s Instagram account on Thursday.
“After 25 years Hard Grove will be closing its days [sic],” reads the post. “We thank every single person that has walked through our doors!”
For those who remember, Hard Grove originally opened at 319 Grove Street (where the PNC Bank is now located). It was one of the very few restaurants in downtown Jersey City at the time. In 2017, they reopened at their current location at 286 First Street.
Interestingly, their post mentions a new venture by the name of Sophia Rooftop (https://sophiarooftop.com) located at 143 Newark Avenue (in the Pedestrian Plaza). Based on the website, it looks like the Sophia Rooftop is an events/catering space. Years ago when I spoke with Hard Grove co-owner Evelyn Padin, she mentioned plans to open a new restaurant at 143 Newark Avenue.
Hard Grove is planning a farewell party on Friday, so make sure to swing by for one last mojito!
