(Drank 06/22/2025 SU @ 3:30pm): I didn't imbibe any grapes from unseen vines while in this tavern!…read more
In my quest to explore the various cuisine scenes and things to do throughout Jersey City and specifically the Heights, I finally found Grape Vine Tavern. If you knew me, I loved dive bars just to escape for a bit. Considered an Irish bar, historically, Grape Vine Tavern received the first liquor license https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=l17-ZJ4UsdlN0k4XmBbvJw in Jersey City on June 28, 1934 once Prohibition ended! Would the grapes on this tavern's vine lure me back for more libations!?
PURCHASE
902 Brewing Pale Ale True Hoboken American Pale Ale Beer 16floz Draft ($5.00): Rich amber color, citrusy hoppy piney aroma, light body, citrusy hoppy piney flavor, clean smooth finish, and citrusy hoppy piney aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=qxoEH91jwvq1rk5q0SFJhw
UTZ Sour Cream & Onion Potato Chips 1oz Bag ($2.00): A regional east coast snacks brand, I simply needed something to chomp on. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=Czlx2OdWh-jc23ZaUUnM4A
Guinness Draught Irish Dry Stout Beer 16floz Draft ($5.00): Dark brown chocolate color, robust coffee roasty aroma, heavy body, balanced chocolate coffee flavor, mouthcoating finish, and full coffee roasty aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=VLjWDFILZl2K245nNVJ2HA
Yuengling Brewery Traditional Lager American Amber Red Beer 16floz Draft ($5.00): Copper red color, malty sweet aroma, low body, malty sweet flavor, clean finish, and smooth malty sweet aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=-Yqu6eS-4CkoakuKccrI1A
Fritos Brand The Original Corn Chips 1oz Bag ($2.00): I've always been a fan of this salty snack and how it miraculously filled you up! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=ttMo5r3JHtTk-xe77DaZCw
Coors Brewing Co. Coors Light Lager Beer 16floz Draft ($5.00): Light amber color, faint malty aroma, light body, malty watery flavor, clean finish, and light malty watery aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=H5BAOfaO4qdt2QgF61Bl2A
Anheuser-Busch Budweiser American Lager Beer 12floz Bottle ($5.00 x2): Amber color, light malty aroma, light body, malty warm flavor, smooth finish, and light malty sweet aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=KX8xm3FirpQeG9C4dYT7xg
UTZ Barbeque Potato Chips 1oz Bag ($2.00): Now, I really needed something to absorb the alcohol! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=9xgNgriX06AAjld1wHY3zA
SERVICE
I casually walked in, grabbed a corner bar stool, and simply made myself at home for several hours. The gentleman behind the bar, Miguel, gave me the lowdown that it was a cash-only bar and pointed out the ATM. He quickly fulfilled each of my orders as I worked the beer tap and potato chips. Eventually, I joined the bar banter and bought a round of drinks - slainte!
PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance)
This was an easy flat 15-minute walk from my friend's place. Otherwise, there appeared to be plenty of spots (no known private lot) along the main drag of Newark Ave. and all surrounding roads - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
The true embodiment of a neighborhood dive bar, and I loved it! Everything was at its minimal best https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=UC8GMkpbJmd0suQKBhj4fg from the beer list, snacks, and decorations, to a surprising amount of liquor options, a small "back" room, plenty of stools around the bar, a jukebox that had banging songs, and an ATM in the corner. Minimal natural lighting came through the two small tinted windows while equally-minimal electric lights filled in the rest. There were several muted TVs while music only played in the background if someone fed the jukebox. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=zDQRpf0XuB7CqKDhfuT9fA
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
I've officially adopted Grape Vine Tavern as my area dive bar! The prices were cheap and the pace was relaxed, but it was the quick acceptance I felt with the four local gentlemen and Miguel when I first settled in. Plus, you were allowed to bring your own food. And, I always loved supporting small businesses whenever possible. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $36.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). Sadly, they were a cash-only establishment, so they certainly didn't accept my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS