- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
McSwiggan's
Categories: Restaurants Nightlife Bars Pubs Restaurants, Pubs [Edit]
110 1st StHoboken, NJ 07030
(201) 798-6700
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- DJ, Live, Music Videos
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Jeremy W. said: "Great looking space, tasty food, and great selection of beer, whiskey, and tequila (though not cheap). Good specials great relaxed vibe during the week. Have heard the weekends are packed; would have thought the prices might have…" read more »
27 reviews for McSwiggan's
Review Highlights
"This IS the home of Red Sox Nation in 'boken."
(in 2 reviews)
"6) great pool table and darts in the back."
(in 3 reviews)
"Pre-Fire this was my favorite bar in Hoboken."
(in 3 reviews)
Loading...
27 reviews in English
-
Review from Holly N.
10/25/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Good times. Chill bar.
I liked this spot because it feels like a good 'ol neighborhood bar and avoids the pitfalls of other more modern places with harsh lighting and too many tvs. Instead, on a weeknight, McSwiggins feels like a strangely intimate spot for locals to sit back and enjoy a beer, a game, or a convo - or perhaps a game of pool - without the young overly enthusiastic fist-pumpers rearing their ugly heads and ruining the vibe. Happy hour is a must do, especially with the $3.50 house ale.
An enjoyable visit... I'd hit it up again!Listed in: Jerseylicious, 'O, Mc, and the Like, Sporty Spice
-
Review from Matty G.
9/30/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Yay! I'm a fan. A Boston fan that has found a sanctuary for all Bostonian's who want to watch their teams with other fellow fans. McSwiggan's is a sports bar that televises Red Sox games, Patriots games, and if there is a god, Bruins games. It gets packed on Sundays and Mondays when Football is on. Usually on Sundays the majority of the fans will be Patriots fans, however you will also find Bronco fans, Cowboy fans, and many others. It is like the bar that takes in all the fans who are displaced from their hometown teams.
The place is pretty large on the inside and can hold a lot of people. The place has ample seating at the bar and the tables that are positioned around the place. The place will get pretty loud on Football days because of everyone screaming for their teams, but I think it just adds to that cool sports atmosphere. The prices are just like any other bar in Hoboken and they almost always have a drink special going on.
The staff working there are very friendly and enjoy what they do. If they are not busy making sure everyone's glass is full, they will be cheering on their teams, talking with drunkies, or doing shots with people. some of the coolest bar staff I have ever met.
Overall I gave McSwiggan's four stars because of their great staff, good atmosphere and yes I am going to be biased and say that they are getting it because they show Boston sports games. I highly suggest it for anyone who watches Boston sports teams and finds themselves the only one doing that in the place they currently go to. -
Review from Louis R.
Updated - 9/28/2011
Happy Hours...gotta love em.
-I've never been in this joint when there's light outside. Its bigger than I thought, especially with the patio area open.
-Last time I was here the bartender with the Irish accent asked my name and used it whenever I ordered drinks, this time, he shook my hand as soon as I sat down. Keepin it classy, brah.
-$3.50 for McSwiggan's draughts....uh, yea, I'll have a bunch.
-Lots of TVs showing the BoSox blow it and miss the post-season. This IS the home of Red Sox Nation in 'boken.
You have to chaperone me again, Holly N(onsense).Listed in: Beat it Sinatra
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
2/15/2010
A. I liked the pre-fire McSwiggan's more; it had that old pub feel
B. The Bartender asks my name… Read more »
-
-
Review from Collin K.
Hoboken, NJ
1/12/2012
Go-to bar to have a good time. Staff treats regulars well which my friends and I are somewhat ashamed to admit we have become.
-
Review from Eddie A.
Los Angeles, CA
Came here for Sunday Football. If you get a seat towards the center of the bar you'll have a nice view of a bunch of games. The only thing they screwed up in my opinion was switching to the 4:15PM games before some of the 1:00PM games were finished which meant that the end of the Lions/Packers shootout was not on anywhere!! There was a nice crowd there throughout the day but nothing crazy and it got really crowded and lively for the Giants/Cowboys Sunday night game. The food I had was good too. I had the Chicken Curry and then BBQ wings later. Definitely wouldn't mind coming here to watch games again.
-
Review from Eric G.
9/10/2011
I went to McSwiggan's last night with a few friends and we all had a blast.
We got there a little after 11pm and had to wait in line for close to an hour, which was a little annoying because it definitely didn't have to be that long. Once we got in though, the bartenders were friendly and really attentive. I never had to wait more than a few minutes to get a drink. Beers were as cheap as $4, which isn't bad at all.
I thought the was really good -- it was a lot of new songs when we first got there, but as the night when on, the DJ started playing some throwbacks, which is always fun. The song transitions were a bit awkward at times, but good music nonetheless.
Lastly, the bathrooms were big enough to eliminate any sort of line (at least when I was there). Major plus. -
Review from Autumn P.
Jersey City, NJ
11/28/2011
Expensive.. But the bartender was on his game and he got me my drinks quick quick quick. I appreciated this very much haha. Kinda danced right in front of the bar not tooooo much space. Spent the rest of the night here and stayed after the bar closed with numerous people. You be the judge, but again if you're trying to save money and want doubles do not go here.
-
Review from Bill B.
4/7/2011
I lived in Hoboken for a very long time... most of my 20's (when Red Bull & vodka came out of my mouth as much as 'just a beer') and spent a lot of time here. Recently I was back in town for a wedding and some of the old crew got sitters and met us out.
The place is still great.
Patrick, who used to bartend down the block, is now here and somehow has more hair than before. Same Patrick... quick with a smile and a drink, also has his eyes on who needs another and ready to point trouble out to the bouncers.
Like I said, I lived in Hoboken a long time and experienced this bar at one time or another, every night of the week. Each night is different, but each is great in its own unique way. Will it get crowded on a Friday at 11:30? Sure, but most decent bars in Hoboken will (even the un-decent ones). Will is maybe attract out of towners who are less than cool? Sure... you can't prevent that, it's Hoboken. Honestly, like where I live now in San Diego, each bar has its time and place for everyone (at least I think so). If you're not having fun here, you're in at the wrong time.
But, 99 percent of the time this bar is fun all of the time, with good people, music, drinks and beer. You don't have to be Irish to enjoy McSwiggans, but when you leave, you may wish you were.
Keep up the great work guys. -
Review from Jamie P.
New Haven, CT
3/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
It was a pretty fun group, and got a bit busy-
but the bartenders rocked, didn't get in a frenzy.
Amanda was the best- her drinks rock hard core.
Can't wait till next weekend to have me s'more! -
Review from Matt C.
Denver, CO
12/23/2010
Pre-Fire this was my favorite bar in Hoboken. It used to border on being a dive, and it used to be far less crowded, two qualities that I liked about the place. I don't want to criticize the owners for all the work they did after the fire, as I'm sure it didn't make sense to just restore the bar to it's prior state. And the restorations really did make the bar far more attractive inside and out. But...this also made the bar far more attractive to other people...which...well, let's just say I never say any Ed Hardy shit in there pre-fire.
For the record, there would be a 4th Star. But they're a Pats/Sox bar. And that shit is unforgivable. -
Review from Greg W.
12/23/2010 11 Check-ins Here
This one could just as easily be a 2 star or a 3 star.
Most of the bartenders are lousy, drinks are steep for the type of place and mixed drinks are weak. One or two good bartenders mixed in, so try your luck I suppose.
Not sure what it takes to earn a buy-back here, but several hundred dollar tabs here have yielded none for me so far.
Not an awful place but better choices around. -
Review from Meghan M.
9/12/2010
Saturday DAYTIME review!! Please note that I wouldn't touch this place with a ten foot pole on a Saturday night.
Pluses:
TVs and plenty of them
Outdoor seating with view of said TVs
$15 buckets of Corona or Corona Light
Nice bathrooms
Cons:
Crowd (Saturday daytime is bearable since it's not packed)
Not-so-friendly table service waitstaff
Not great, not bad...I'd go again on a sunny Saturday afternoon to watch a game but can't say I'd go there when it's dark out. -
Review from Chrissy C.
Hoboken, NJ
7/2/2011
I was out with a friend last night and this place is super close to his apartment. It was a little crowded when we got there, but nothing ridiculous. (It was also about 11:30). You know it's a good one when they play "Stereo Love" when you walk in. The bartenders were super cute and looked like they were having as much fun as most of us drunkards. My Ketel and Diet was stupid strong (no complaints, no complaints) and the random spurts of dancing that broke out were fun!
-
Review from Brian C.
5/24/2010
Went here on a Saturday night. Place was a packed. Music was good. Had to wait on line to get in, but it moved at a pretty good rate. Bouncer even let me leave to make sure my gps was hidden without going back on line. I wouldn't say they did anything wrong to get 3 instead of 4 stars, but the place is essentially a big room, with loud music, with 4.5 bud light bottles. Nothing special there.
FYI
If you open a tab, there is a 5 drink minimum.
Might try again, but wouldn't go all the way to Hoboken to come again. -
Review from Arian A.
New York, NY
12/14/2010
I really can't think of any cons for this place other than the fact it's kind of a pain to get to for Manhatanites but I can't hold that against them.
I've been here twice for Sunday football games. This is a Patriots bar so be forewarned about that. I'm going there to watch the Patriots so this works out well for me. I usually get there with some buddies well before game time to make sure I have a table.
They serve pitchers of beer and you never have to look for your waitress. Brunch is served all day which is always a big plus for me. The food I have tried there has always been excellent. Though mostly standard bar food, they have some other items as well. The wings are perfect, the waffle nachos are a great indulgence, and the pizza is awesome too (not great but perfect to satisfy you craving). We were there for so long we even got some shots on the house.
There are plenty of TVs and they show almost every game, but will always have the sound on for the Pats, so make sure your team isn't playing when they are. The upstairs bathroom is also very clean which is a HUGE plus for anywhere around here. Though it's a pain to get to for NYCers, it's worth it if you plan on parking it for a while and don't feel like dealing with the crowds of the city. -
Review from Thu V.
New York, NY
3/31/2009
Ever since the renovation, this place has been more packed than it's original building. And even more so when the weather is nice and they open the windows to the outdoor seating (but they have to close those windows and have everyone come in by 11pm).
It's really nice, they did a great job in the design of the place. The inside looks very ski lodge-y and all of the windows open up into the outdoor seating during nice weather.
The food is good too. The sliders are one of the best mini-burger appetizers I've ever had. Curry fries are awesome. Wings are good.
But because this place gets WAY too packed especially late night, I want to give it only 3 stars. Come on, it's friggin' Hoboken, there shouldn't be any kind of WAIT at the door. LAME.Listed in: Somewhere over the Hudson
-
Review from Mike V.
4/23/2010
Where do you go on a rainy monday night in Hoboken? McSwiggans.
(1) there were actually women
(2) there was a solid live band
(3) the bartenders took care of us like we were their own (thank you ladies for helping us build a scotch castle btw)
(4) they let us sit in with the band (I sang, extra instrument for by wingman. Thanks guys)
(5) plenty of sports on flatscreens
(6) great pool table and darts in the back.
'nuff said. -
Review from Miss M.
New York, NY
4/11/2010
Went out for a friend's bday. Nothing special. No place really to dance, but they played good music. Prices were okay I guess -- a beer, 2 vodka clubs for $31? Seemed a little NYC to me, but Hoboken likes to pretend they are.
The male to female ratio is insane and def. the best reason to go here. While Positive K may have said, "I got a man", my friends sure don't and I left and grabbed a cab back to my favorite island just as they were all starting to talk to prospective suitors. -
Review from Hugo E.
Elizabeth, NJ
6/28/2010
So I happened to land here with a few friends during the day to watch the world cup game and I was pleasantly surprised at this shot in the dark.
OWTR!!!!
Decoration:
Pretty much your standard Irish pub type of decor with flat screen tvs, bar stools, tables and a lot of beer decoration. Outside area was simple and had an added touch of privacy from the street thanks to a separation made by wall made of garden bush.
Location:
About one block away from Washington street away from the water, keeping you close to that frenzy but still out of the way and resting right on a corner.
Food:
Here is where I was definitely surprised! The food was very very good - the Swiggans "nachos" were great (even though they were actually waffle fries) - HUGE potato skins. Its all standard pub food - but all of it was done very right.
Drinks:
Again - Pleasantly surprised. Good selection and their specialty drinks were actually good. Nice tough on the "Ghetto" sangria (ghetto because it contains no fruit) as it tastes good, and I come from Sangrianation.
Price:
Affordable and will not break your pocket. Standard prices and even the specialty drinks were not crazy, considering their size.
Staff:
Ok - here is where there was a bit of a screw up. The staff was VERY VERY courteous - but VERY VERY inattentive - and VERY VERY Irish. If they were not understaffed, then something was not right. There was not a significant amount of people to cause a few disappearing acts by the waitress, but I do state that later on, she did remember us. Again - this area takes a low score because her service was slow - but not lacking courtesy.
Ambience and Crowd:
I came here during a soccer game and it was pretty much your local restaurant owned by a friend. Big mix of people, even had a dog taking a nap in the outside area. Very casual, comfortable and enjoyable. Good soccer fans too. I'd have to return for a nightlife version of this category.
Overall:
Cool spot that is perfect for a mid day hang out with friends for eats, drinks and pre-game for a festivity. One can definitely hang out here for hours in a social foray of conversation, food and drinks.
Pros:
Great food
Good drink
Outside area
Good size
Great sports ambiance
Irish staff
Cons:
Disorganized service
Nowhere to park
H-Cane Final Spin:
Again -for a daytime kinda joint this was the perfect place. In the mood for some bar food and a beer? This is a good selection. Simplicity executed very well. Grab a Guinness, grab some chips, grab some friends and take a round of Jameson during your discussion about why there is only one female Smurf. -
Review from Anita J.
Hoboken, NJ
Updated - 3/19/2009
I forgot to update this late last year when it reopened and say that it looks more upscale than before Definitely the it place to be during nice weather since they now have plenty of outdoor seating.
I have only been in for a drink but the crowds are back and enjoying themselves with enough noise to have the neighbors complain.
Still have to try the food -- but friends say it is better than ever.Listed in: My Neighborhood Eats
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
1/11/2008 First to Review
A great no frills bar!! It is one of those bars that you either start your night or end your night… Read more »
-
-
Review from Joseph M.
Newark, NJ
4/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
I hate how when I'm out in Hoboken somehow my friends and I always end up here. There are much better bars to go to. First of all this place is kind of dump, but at least the bathrooms are nice and clean. Also the drinks are over priced, the service is alright, but my main problem is that the music is loud and there are people dancing, but this bar is not really that kind of bar, and there are much better bars to go to in Hoboken if you want to dance. It's not the worst bar out there, but I would try some place else
-
Review from Carla M.
Weehawken, NJ
12/12/2010
I happened to come here on a Saturday evening (7ish) for a few drinks. They played the same holiday playlist with the same 4 songs all night. Very annoying.
-
Review from Greg B.
Hoboken, NJ
10/11/2009 1 photo
Swiggs is a great pub for it's atmosphere and food. They have a glorious version of fully loaded chili nachos with waffle fries substituted for chips. Heaven in your mouth.
Cool patio space for the warmer months and the nicotine dependent.
For you sharks out there they have a pool table area all nights with plenty of stick room, unlike Hobson's.
Sláinte! -
Review from justin p.
Jersey City, NJ
12/7/2009
This place is always packed. I didnt know it pre-fire, but now its crowded and busy. The crowd is rowdy the dancing is random and sporadic and we can all take bets on which dood with geled hair will take home which girl with big hair. No it's not really my scene but its a good time. Drinks aren't terribly priced and the staff is polite. When I review a bar in Hoboken I need only compare it to green rock to find if its piss poor or not, since green rock is the epitome of crappy Hoboken bars. On that I give Mcswigggans C-
-
Review from Nicole M.
Hoboken, NJ
3/20/2010
ehhhh.... i always end up here for some reason, then never have that great of a time..
drinks are weak (not enough alcohol at all)... and the old blonde woman who bartends there is the most evil woman i have met in my life. always has a nasty comment towards my friends and i for no reason at all -- told us to "do her a favor and order from another bartender next time" because i didn't get out my debit card fast enough -- give me a break.
another time, i asked the bartender to please put more vodka in my drink -- it tasted like pure cranberry juice. to be facetious, he took the bottle of vodka and poured enough in to kill a 300-lb man. ridiculous.
anyway, head down the street to mulligans and skip the line AND this place. -
Review from Michelle L.
New York, NY
11/11/2008
I thought McSwiggan's was decent for a "dive" bar. It apparently burnt down about a year ago, and expanded their square feet in the renovations process, heightened the ceilings and added a pool table in the back. They have tons of large, flat screen tv's which is good for watching sports. It kinda has a log cabin-esque atmosphere which I liked!
-
Review from susan m.
Jersey City, NJ
2/3/2011
the patio at mcswiggans is the best place to relax during the summer for happy hour. fun staff. it gets kind of busy on wkend nights which is why it loses one star for me but count this as 5 stars if that's your thing.
