Look, rooftop bars in Northern New Jersey are usually hit or miss. You either end up at a place that’s trying way too hard to be Manhattan—complete with $24 cocktails and a dress code that feels like a job interview—or you’re sitting on a glorified balcony overlooking a parking lot. Heights 27 Bar & Grille is different. It’s located in Union City, a spot that has historically been overlooked for "nightlife," but this place is leaning into that local, unpretentious energy while still giving you the Manhattan skyline views that people pay way too much for elsewhere.
Honestly, the first thing you notice isn't the menu. It's the elevator ride.
You’re heading up to the roof of a building that doesn't necessarily scream "luxury lounge" from the street level. But once those doors open, the scale of the space hits you. It’s huge. We're talking about a massive footprint that manages to feel both like a high-end lounge and a neighborhood sports bar depending on which way you’re facing. Heights 27 Bar & Grille has basically carved out a niche for people who want the "vibe" without the pretension.
What Actually Sets Heights 27 Bar & Grille Apart?
Most people go for the view. Let’s be real. If you’re at a rooftop in Union City, you’re looking East. You see the Empire State Building, the Hudson Yards cluster, and the glow of Mid-town. It's spectacular. But a view only keeps a place in business for a few months. After the first Instagram post, people want to know if the wings are actually crispy and if the bartender knows how to make a decent Old Fashioned.
The menu at Heights 27 Bar & Grille is surprisingly grounded. You’ll find the standard "New American" fare, but there’s a heavy tilt toward the flavors of the community. Think churrasco, empanadas, and sliders that actually have seasoning. It’s a mix. One minute you’re seeing a table share a massive platter of nachos, and the next, someone is diving into a steak.
It works because they aren't trying to be a Michelin-star restaurant. They’re a "Bar & Grille." The name tells you exactly what to expect.
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The Design and the Vibe Check
They went for an industrial-chic aesthetic, but they softened it up. There's plenty of wood, some greenery, and lighting that doesn't make you feel like you're under a microscope. It’s dark enough to be moody but bright enough that you can actually see your food. The bar is central. It’s the heartbeat of the place.
Wait times can be a bit of a pain on Friday nights. If you show up at 8:00 PM without a plan, expect to stand around for a bit. The crowd is a total mix. You’ve got the after-work crowd from the local hospital and businesses, groups of friends in their 20s looking for a pre-game spot before heading into the city, and families earlier in the evening. It’s surprisingly democratic.
The Indoor-Outdoor Dilemma
One of the smartest things about the layout is the weatherproofing. Jersey weather is unpredictable. One day it’s 75 degrees and sunny, the next it’s a torrential downpour. Heights 27 Bar & Grille has a significant indoor section with floor-to-ceiling windows. You don't lose the view just because it's February. This is a common mistake other rooftops make—they become seasonal businesses. Here, the "Grille" side of things keeps the place humming even when the outdoor terrace is too chilly for a t-shirt.
The Menu: What to Order and What to Skip
If you’re going for the first time, don't overthink it.
The Heights 27 Burger is the safest bet on the menu. It’s juicy, the bun doesn't disintegrate halfway through, and the fries are actually seasoned. A lot of places in this category serve frozen, tasteless fries. These feel intentional.
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Try the following if you're hungry:
- The Calamari: It’s not rubbery. That’s a win in my book.
- Skirt Steak: Usually cooked to a reliable medium-rare and served with chimichurri that has a legitimate kick.
- Wings: They do a traditional buffalo, but ask for them "extra crispy." Trust me.
On the drink side, the cocktail list leans sweet. If you like mojitos or passionfruit-infused vodka drinks, you’re going to be very happy. If you’re a purist who wants a smoky mezcal negroni, you might find the selection a bit limited, but the bartenders are generally skilled enough to go off-script if it’s not peak Saturday night rush.
Pricing and Value: The Reality
Is it cheap? No. Is it overpriced? Not really.
Compared to Hoboken or Jersey City, Heights 27 Bar & Grille is actually a bit of a bargain. You’re paying for the real estate, but you aren't being gouged. A cocktail will run you roughly what you’d expect in a metropolitan area, but the portions on the food are generous enough that you don't leave feeling like you need to hit a drive-thru on the way home.
The service is usually "neighborhood friendly." You aren't getting white-glove treatment, and honestly, you shouldn't want it here. The staff is fast, they’re usually local, and they know the menu. Occasionally, during a rush, things can slow down. That’s just the reality of a high-volume rooftop.
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Why Union City?
For a long time, if you wanted a night out in this part of Hudson County, you went to Washington Street in Hoboken. But Hoboken has become... a lot. It’s crowded, parking is a nightmare, and it can feel a bit "cookie-cutter." Union City offers a different energy. It’s more authentic.
Heights 27 Bar & Grille is part of a larger trend of high-quality establishments moving into the "heights" areas. They are betting on the fact that people are tired of commuting for a good view. If you live in Weehawken, West New York, or North Bergen, this is essentially your backyard.
Misconceptions People Have
One big misconception is that this is a "club." It’s not. While they might have a DJ on the weekends and the music gets louder as the sun goes down, it’s still a restaurant at its core. You don't need to buy a bottle of Grey Goose just to get a seat.
Another thing: people think parking is impossible. Look, it’s Union City. Parking is never "easy," but it’s manageable compared to the nightmare that is downtown Jersey City. There are local lots, and if you’re smart, you’ll just take a rideshare anyway so you can enjoy that second margarita.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Timing is Everything: If you want a sunset photo without 50 strangers in the background, get there by 5:30 PM on a weekday. You’ll beat the happy hour rush and get the best lighting.
- Dress the Part: You don't need a suit, but don't show up in gym clothes. "Smart casual" is the sweet spot. Think nice jeans and a clean shirt.
- Reservations: Check their social media or website before you go. Policies change, and for larger groups, you absolutely want to call ahead. Don't just wing it with a party of eight.
- Check the Weather: Even with the indoor space, the "vibe" is best when the terrace is open. If it’s a clear night, that’s when the Manhattan skyline really pops.
- Explore the Specials: They often have happy hour deals or mid-week specials that make the bill a lot easier to swallow.
Heights 27 Bar & Grille fills a very specific void. It’s a place that feels "expensive" without actually being elitist. It’s where you take a date when you want to impress them but still want to be able to hear each other talk. It’s where you take your parents when they come to town and want to see "the city" without actually going across the tunnel.
Ultimately, it’s about the balance between the grit of Union City and the glamour of the skyline. It doesn't try to hide where it is; it celebrates it. And that’s probably why it’s stayed busy while other flashy rooftops have come and gone.