You’ve seen the photos. Those floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Manhattan skyline like a high-definition postcard. It’s hard to miss blu on the hudson harbor boulevard weehawken township nj if you spend any time scrolling through North Jersey food feeds or driving along the waterfront. But let’s be honest for a second. Waterfront dining in Jersey is often a trap. Usually, you pay a "view tax" for mediocre steak and a cocktail that tastes like highlighter fluid.
I wanted to see if Blu was different.
The space is massive—30,000 square feet massive. It sits right in that sweet spot of Port Imperial, where the light hits the water just right around 6:00 PM. It isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a land grab of luxury. Blu on the Hudson is the brainchild of Blu Hospitality Group, and they clearly didn't skimp on the build-out.
The Vibe Shift at Harbor Boulevard
Walking into blu on the hudson harbor boulevard weehawken township nj, you realize immediately that this isn't a casual "grab a burger" spot. It’s polished. The interior design, handled by ICRAVE (the same firm behind some of the flashier spots in Vegas and NYC), feels like a futuristic lounge. Think deep blues, metallic accents, and lighting that makes everyone look like they just finished a skincare routine.
It’s loud. Not "I can't hear my thoughts" loud, but it has a pulse. If you're looking for a quiet, intimate corner to discuss your tax returns, this isn't it. You come here to feel the energy of the gold coast.
The crowd is a mix. You have the Port Imperial locals who walked over from their luxury condos, the Hoboken crowd looking for something "fancier" than Washington Street, and the Manhattanites who realized the ferry ride is actually shorter than a cross-town Uber.
💡 You might also like: Why Every Mom and Daughter Photo You Take Actually Matters
What’s Actually on the Plate?
Let’s talk food because that’s where these places usually fail. Executive Chef Jeremy Sowers, who spent years at places like Steak 48 and Quality Meats, is running the show. This tells you two things: the seafood will be fresh, and the steaks will be expensive.
The menu is "New American," which is basically code for "we have a raw bar, some pasta, and a lot of fire-grilled proteins."
The raw bar is the centerpiece. The seafood towers are architectural feats. Honestly, the shrimp cocktail is actually worth the price—the U-10s are snappy and actually taste like the ocean, not a freezer bag. But the sleeper hit? The sushi. Often, "steakhouse sushi" is an afterthought. Here, the rolls are tight, the fish-to-rice ratio is respectable, and they use real wasabi.
If you're going for the steak, expect the usual suspects. Wagyu, prime cuts, the whole nine yards. They use a high-heat infrared broiler, which gives that crust people obsess over. Is it the best steak in New Jersey? Maybe not. Is it a top-five contender for the area? Absolutely.
Why Weehawken is Winning the Waterfront War
For a long time, Jersey City had the monopoly on the "dinner with a view" scene. Then Hoboken tried to keep up. But Weehawken, specifically the area around blu on the hudson harbor boulevard weehawken township nj, has quietly become the most sophisticated stretch of the Hudson.
📖 Related: Sport watch water resist explained: why 50 meters doesn't mean you can dive
It’s easier to park. Well, slightly easier. Blu offers valet, which you should use because parking on Harbor Boulevard during peak hours is a special kind of hell.
The location is strategic. You are directly across from the Hudson Yards. At night, when the Vessel and the towers light up, the view is arguably better than what you get from Brooklyn or LIC because you’re looking at the density of Midtown rather than just the Financial District.
The Drink Situation
The cocktail program is led by beverage director Adam Moore. They have a "Blu Bar" and a "Land Bar."
The wine list is extensive. They have a massive glass-enclosed wine wall that looks like a library for millionaires. If you aren't a wine person, the cocktails are balanced. They don't lean too hard on sugar. The "Midnight in Paris" is a fan favorite, but if you want to test a bartender's skill, just order a classic Martini. They pass the test. Cold glass, proper dilution, no nonsense.
The Logistics of Visiting Blu on the Hudson
If you're planning a trip to blu on the hudson harbor boulevard weehawken township nj, don't just wing it. This isn't 2019. You need a plan.
👉 See also: Pink White Nail Studio Secrets and Why Your Manicure Isn't Lasting
- Reservations are mandatory. Don't show up on a Friday night at 8:00 PM expecting a table for four. Use OpenTable or call ahead.
- Dress the part. You don't need a tuxedo, but leave the flip-flops in the car. It’s "upscale casual," which in Jersey means "put on a blazer or a nice dress."
- The Ferry is your friend. The NY Waterway terminal is right there. If you're coming from the city, it’s a 10-minute boat ride. It’s much more vibe-appropriate than a sweaty PATH train.
A Quick Reality Check
Nothing is perfect. The service can occasionally feel "rushed" on busy nights. When you have a 30,000-square-foot floor to cover, even the best servers can get stretched thin. Also, the acoustics are tough. If you have sensitive hearing or want a silent meal, go for an early lunch or a weekday mid-afternoon.
Price-wise, it’s an investment. You are paying for the real estate, the lighting, the DJ, and the view. A dinner for two with drinks will easily cross the $200 mark before you even look at the dessert menu.
The Verdict on Harbor Boulevard’s Crown Jewel
Is it a tourist trap? No. It’s too well-executed for that label. A tourist trap relies on the view and serves frozen fish sticks. Blu is actually trying—and succeeding—at being a legitimate culinary destination.
It’s the kind of place you take someone you’re trying to impress, or where you go to celebrate a promotion when you want to feel like you’ve "arrived." Blu on the hudson harbor boulevard weehawken township nj has managed to bridge the gap between "clubby lounge" and "serious restaurant."
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Request a window table. When you book your reservation, add a note. They can't guarantee it, but it never hurts to ask. The middle of the room is fine, but the window is the reason you're there.
- Try the Octopus. It’s charred perfectly and avoids the rubbery texture that plagues lesser kitchens.
- Sunset Timing. Look up the sunset time for the day you're going. Book your table for 30 minutes before that. You get the "golden hour" for your photos and the city lights for your main course.
- Check the Event Calendar. They often have live music or specific lounge events. If you want a quieter meal, avoid the nights when the DJ is the headliner.
- Valet is $20. Factor that into your budget. It beats driving around the block for 40 minutes and missing your reservation.
The New Jersey waterfront is changing fast. Ten years ago, this stretch of Weehawken was mostly parking lots and potential. Now, it's a legitimate rival to any dining district in Manhattan. Blu is the anchor of that shift. Whether you're there for the sushi, the steak, or just to stare at the skyline with a glass of Napa Cabernet, it delivers exactly what it promises: a high-end, high-energy experience that makes the Hudson River feel like the center of the world.
Next Steps for Your Visit
To make the most of your evening, download the NY Waterway app if you're coming from Manhattan to track the ferry in real-time. If driving, aim to arrive at 1200 Harbor Blvd at least 15 minutes before your reservation to account for the valet queue. For the best experience, start with a cocktail at the bar to soak in the architecture before moving to your table for the main event.