(Drank 06/16/2024 SU @ 3:00pm): First of all, we certainly weren't looking for a ride with The Ferryman during this exploration of local Irish pubs!
On our walk home from brunch at the relatively nearby Zack's Oak Bar And Restaurant, we decided to roam downtown Hoboken for more drinks, and lo and behold we arrived at The Ferryman On 1st. I could never turn down some libations at an Irish pub, so I "dragged" my friend for some post-meal drinking. It was a calm afternoon when we first arrived, but soon enough the place started popping as it got later and revelers were out and about when we finally left. Would my first visit to The Ferryman elicit more drinking - and maybe eating - adventures!?
PURCHASE
Yuengling Brewery Traditional Lager Beer 16floz Draft ($7.00): 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?select=OA9z7Pq9Zd1h2c6JPYHzSA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery Doc's Draft Hard Pear Cider 12floz Bottle ($9.00): Pale yellow color, apple pear sweet aroma, low body, apple pear sweet flavor, crisp effervescent finish, and smooth apple pear sweet aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=CaNuE4Kj9NoY_4-RPz6aZw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
High Noon Vodka Seltzer Grapefruit 12floz Can ($10.00 x2): My friend's libation choice as I found it to be more of a refreshing palate cleanser with obvious grapefruit flavor and effervescence but low on the vodka. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=CDlggPXJg1K9r4vM4FQxDw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
[ONION RINGS/STRAWS/STRINGS ALERT - 3.0 of 5.0 STARS]
Beer Battered Onion Rings ($10.00): A small basket of eight rings of various sizes, these were hot, lightly golden browned, crunchy, and had some tendency to crumble when bitten into while the onion ring (not sweet Maui) stayed intact. These were decent, I was a fan of the spicy mustard aioli dipping sauce, but I wished the portion size was larger for the price. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=ZZfCve9gfmtk4AZ7xysvtw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Credit Card Fee ($1.84): Unaware of the percentage, I understand why more businesses are adding this as a matter of standard operating procedure; I just wished they made it more explicitly known prior to ordering.
SERVICE
We were greeted by a friendly young woman inside as we requested to sit outside on the sidewalk patio area. Although they had a QR Code ordering system, we opted for some human interaction. Our first order of drinks and a snack came out quickly. At this point, we were just chillaxing, people-watched, and enjoyed each other's company. When we finally decided on another drink, I went inside because we hadn't seen our server in a while. Eventually, we finished, paid the bill, and went on our way. It was a lazy Sunday kind of day which was fine with us - thank you!
PARKING (Street Only; N/A this instance)
We were walking back to my friend's relatively nearby place. Otherwise, as was the case for much of Hoboken, there were limited spots along the main drag of 1st St. and all surrounding streets if you were lucky enough to find an empty spot, or you took public transportation which stopped nearby - nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
This corner watering hole was your typical pub and sports bar while the Irish part was less obvious. There were several booths, tables, and stools inside to rest your arse while we opted for the aforementioned outdoor patio https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=3aOLe1hUHPenNB3MeHQDYw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw which was more calm and quiet except for the street traffic. Decent natural lighting entered inside while dim electric ceiling lights and the glow from the TVs filled in the rest. As you'd imagine, there was plenty of natural lighting outside in addition to the street electric lights, respectively. There were plenty of TVs inside and outside while a combination of both background music and volume from the TVs bombarded your ear space. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=vFqMLp6FI7zgLlZRK6RSsQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
The Ferryman On 1st was a nice place to grab a drink and would possibly return to experience more of their food and maybe a game with the local patrons. However, compared to the handful of other Irish pubs within walking distance, they were noticeably slow. They had decent drink and food menus with your usual pub and sports bar fare. The prices were comparable or a tad higher, the service straightforward, unsure they were pet-friendly outside, and everyone generally seemed welcoming. I found fairly good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $51.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 3.5 STARS read more