The unofficial start of summer is here and there’s lots to do if you’re on staycation. From new places to dine to a Filipino street festival — here are our top local picks for Memorial Day weekend in Jersey City.
What: Drink on the Waterfront at Surf City
Open: Friday through Monday
Where: 1 Marin Boulevard
Fresh seafood by the waterfront. That’s the motto at Surf City, which just reopened for the spring/summer season. Their seafood-based menu includes dishes like the Fisherman Platter with shrimp, calamari, battered cod, french fries, and coleslaw ($24.95), Lobster Mac & Cheese ($22.95), and Steamed Clams w/ Toasted Bread and Fries for $21.95. Plus, don’t forget to swing by Surf City’s guacamole bar for a fresh bowl of guac.
* * * * *
What: Get Your Meats & Dogs Ready at Darke Pines
Open: Friday to Sunday (closed Monday)
Where: 332 Second Street
Local butcher shop Darke Pines is kicking off the long weekend with a meaty surprise. The shop currently has a limited supply of 5-week, dry-aged NY strips available for purchase. The shop is also stocked on beef, pork, lamb, chicken, sausages, burgers, and hot dogs. Don’t feel like cooking? Order a bunch of their sandwiches and take them to go.
* * * * *
What: Check Out Maritime Parc Jersey City
Open: Friday through Sunday (Brunch on Sunday from 11am to 3:30pm)
Where: 84 Audrey Zapp Drive
Newly reopened Maritime Parc will be open for dinner all weekend long. Plus, the restaurant will debut its new brunch menu on Sunday. Maritime Parc has undergone a few changes and now includes more meat dishes, in addition to seafood. Enjoy them while dining in the patio overlooking the New York skyline.
* * * * *
What: Treat Yo Self with Bucket & Bay’s New Captain Banana Split
Open: Friday through Monday
Where: 150 Bay Street
Bucket & Bay is debuting a new sundae this weekend — The Captain Banana Split. It includes scoops of Deep Dark Chocolate (made with 71% Raaka chocolate) and Captain Bananas (banana rum gelato) topped with locally grown strawberries, strawberry sauce, bananas, toasted almonds, and B&B’s house-made whipped cream.
* * * * *
What: Dinner & Music at Whealth Cafe
When: Saturday, May 25 from 7pm to 10pm
Where: Whealth Cafe at Journal Squared/615 Pavonia Avenue
Whealth Cafe is hosting another wood-fire dinner at its JSQ cafe tonight. The 3-course, farm-to-table dinner includes chicken satay, wood-fired grass-fed ribeye, wood-fired veggies, and more. The BYOB dinner is $55/pp. (Jersey Wine & Spirits is doing wine deliveries at the cafe).
* * * * *
What: 41st Annual Santacruzan Street Festival
When: Sunday, May 26 from 10am to 8pm
Where: Manila Avenue & Second Street
Get ready for some delicious Filipino food and entertainment during the 401st Annual Santacruzan & Flores de Mayo Street Festival. The all-day street fest will include plenty of eats, artwork, toys, and more. There will be live music/performers, a procession down Manila Avenue, and a 5K race that starts at 6pm.
* * * * *
What: Sunday Sade Brunch at Frankie
When: Sunday, May 26 from 2pm to 6pm
Where: 264 Grove Street
Enjoy an Australian-inspired brunch while listening to the smooth vocals of British jazz/R&B singer, Sade. Frankie’s Sunday Sade Party is back with music by DJ luvl1sa.
* * * * *
What: Rooftop Drinks at the Rooftop at Exchange Place
When: Friday through Monday
Where: 1 Exchange Place
Whether you go for the panoramic views, the potent cocktails, or the tasty food — the Rooftop at Exchange Place will be open through Memorial Day. The venue includes an indoor bar and rooftop terrace where you can enjoy your food and drinks while overlooking the Hudson River.
* * * * *
