You walk in. It’s dim, but not in that "we're trying too hard to be a speakeasy" kind of way. It’s just... dim. The neon light from a beer sign bounces off the dark wood of the bar, and for a second, you forget that Jersey City is currently turning into a forest of glass luxury high-rises. This is McGinley Square Pub Jersey City, and if you’ve lived here long enough, you know this place isn't just a bar. It’s a survival tactic.
Look, the "Sixth Borough" tag gets thrown around a lot. Downtown Jersey City has basically become an extension of the West Village, with $18 cocktails and menus that require a glossary. But if you head south, past the manicured lawns of Van Vorst Park and up the hill, you hit McGinley Square. It’s gritty. It’s real. And sitting right at the heart of it is this pub. It doesn’t have a PR firm. It doesn't have an Instagram wall for influencers. It has a massive craft beer list and a crowd that actually represents the people who live here.
People always ask me if it’s a dive bar. Honestly? Not really. It’s too clean for that, and the beer selection is way too sophisticated. But it isn't a "gastropub" either. It occupies that rare middle ground—the neighborhood local. It’s the kind of place where a Saint Peter’s University professor might be sitting next to a construction worker, and they’re both arguing about the Giants.
The Beer List That Catches Everyone Off Guard
You wouldn't expect it from the outside. The exterior is modest, tucked into a stretch of Bergen Avenue that feels decidedly un-trendy. But then you look at the chalkboard. They carry a rotating selection that would make most Hoboken bars blush. We're talking local heavy hitters like Ghost Hawk Brewing out of Clifton or Magnify from Fairfield.
They get the rare stuff.
Usually, when a bar has thirty taps, half of them are dead weight. Not here. They curate. You might find a heavy, chocolatey imperial stout in the dead of winter or a crisp, citrusy Gose when the Jersey humidity is hitting 90%. And the prices? They’re actually fair. In a city where a pint is creeping toward the ten-dollar mark, McGinley Square Pub keeps it grounded. They know their audience. They know that if they start charging Manhattan prices, the soul of the place disappears.
I’ve seen people come in for a Bud Light—which they have, obviously—and leave having discovered a dry-hopped sour they actually liked. That’s the vibe. It’s educational without being snobby. The bartenders know their stuff, but they won't roll their eyes if you don't know the difference between a West Coast and a New England IPA. They just want you to have a good drink.
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The Food: No Frills, Just Flavor
Let's talk about the kitchen. It’s tiny. You’d think they’d stick to bags of chips and maybe some frozen pizza. Instead, they’re pumping out food that hits the spot when you’re three beers deep and the sun has gone down.
The wings are the sleeper hit. They aren't those tiny, shriveled things you get at chain restaurants. They’re meaty. They’re crispy. The buffalo sauce has that specific vinegar-to-cayenne ratio that makes your eyes water just a little bit. It’s perfect. Then there are the burgers. They’re thick, juicy, and served on buns that actually hold up to the grease.
- The Classic Burger: Nothing fancy. Just beef, cheese, and a solid bun.
- The Rotating Specials: Sometimes they do tacos. Sometimes it’s a specialty sandwich.
- The Fries: Always hot. Always seasoned.
The menu isn't trying to win a Michelin star. It’s trying to be the best possible version of bar food, and it succeeds because it doesn't overreach. You won't find truffle oil here. You will find a solid meal for a price that won't ruin your week.
Why the Location Matters (The McGinley Square Renaissance)
For years, people ignored this part of town. If you weren't going to the DMV or attending Saint Peter’s, you probably didn't spend much time at the intersection of Bergen and Montgomery. But things are shifting. The "renaissance" people have been talking about for a decade is finally sticking.
But here’s the thing: as the neighborhood changes, McGinley Square Pub Jersey City acts as an anchor. It keeps the area from feeling like a generic development project. Across the street, you’ve got the historic Loew’s Jersey Theatre, a palace of a building that’s finally getting the restoration it deserves. You’ve got new coffee shops popping up, and the art scene is trickling down from Journal Square.
The pub is the bridge. It connects the old-school residents who remember when the neighborhood was different with the newcomers who are just happy to find a place with character. It’s a melting pot in the truest sense of the word. On a Friday night, the energy is electric. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it’s exactly what a city bar should be.
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It’s worth noting that the parking situation is... well, it’s Jersey City. If you’re driving, good luck. You’ll probably circle for twenty minutes or end up in a paid lot near Journal Square. Honestly? Take the PATH to Journal Square and walk the ten minutes. Or take the bus. It drops you off almost right in front of the door. Plus, you’re going there to drink beer—why are you driving anyway?
The "Third Place" Phenomenon
Sociologists talk about the "third place"—that spot that isn't home and isn't work, where you go to exist in a community. In many parts of Jersey City, those places are disappearing, replaced by sterile lobbies or expensive memberships.
McGinley Square Pub is a third place.
I’ve seen people working on laptops there in the early evening, taking advantage of a quiet corner and a cold glass of cider. I’ve seen first dates that started awkwardly and ended with a game of darts. I’ve seen retirement parties. The pub handles all of it because it’s a flexible space. It’s comfortable. The furniture is sturdy, the lighting is kind, and the music is never so loud that you have to scream at the person sitting six inches away from you.
Survival in the Age of Gentrification
It’s no secret that Jersey City is expensive. The rent is high, and the turnover for small businesses is brutal. Seeing a spot like this stay consistent for years is a feat. They’ve survived the pandemic, they’ve survived the shifting demographics, and they’ve survived the rise of delivery apps that keep people on their couches.
They do it by being consistent. You know what you’re getting when you walk through those doors. You’re getting a warm welcome, a great beer, and a sense of belonging. In a world that feels increasingly fragmented and digital, there is something deeply grounding about a physical bar where people actually talk to each other.
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Is it the "best" bar in Jersey City? That’s subjective. If you want a rooftop view of the Manhattan skyline, go to Exchange Place. If you want a $20 cocktail with a sprig of burnt rosemary, go to Newark Ave. But if you want to feel like you’re actually in Jersey City—the real, breathing, slightly chaotic version of it—you come here.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Don't show up expecting a massive dining room. It’s a pub. It gets crowded on weekends, especially when there’s a game on. If you want a seat at the bar, get there early. If you’re coming with a big group, be prepared to get cozy with your neighbors.
- Check the Chalkboard: The tap list changes frequently. Always look at the board before ordering your "usual."
- Happy Hour: They usually have solid deals during the week. It’s the best time to visit if you want to actually chat with the bartenders.
- The Crowd: It’s diverse. Be cool. This isn't the place for entitlement.
- The Vibe: Casual. Jeans and a t-shirt are the standard uniform.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to head to McGinley Square, make a day of it. Start by taking a walk through Lincoln Park—it’s one of the most underrated parks in the state, with its massive fountain and winding paths. It’s only a few blocks away. Afterward, walk up to the pub for a late afternoon drink.
Try a beer from a New Jersey brewery you've never heard of. Ask the bartender for a recommendation based on what you usually like. Order the wings—seriously, get the wings. If you're there on a night when they have live music or a DJ, stick around. The acoustics aren't perfect, but the energy more than makes up for it.
Supporting places like McGinley Square Pub Jersey City is how you keep the character of a city alive. When you spend your money at a local spot instead of a corporate chain, you’re voting for the kind of neighborhood you want to live in. You’re ensuring that Jersey City remains a place with a soul, not just a collection of luxury zip codes.
Next time you’re debating where to go, skip the downtown hype. Head up the hill. Look for the neon sign. Open the door, take a seat, and breathe in the smell of hops and history. You’ll see exactly what I’m talking about.
Practical Insider Tips:
- Transit: The 80 or 87 bus will drop you right nearby if you’re coming from other parts of the city.
- Payment: They take cards, but having cash for a tip is always appreciated in a neighborhood spot.
- Events: Keep an eye on their social media or the flyers near the door; they often host trivia nights or local community meetups that are actually worth attending.
The reality of Jersey City is that it’s always changing. But as long as the taps are flowing at McGinley Square Pub, the heart of the neighborhood is beating just fine.