In the game of chess, the queen has all the moves and in a city like Newark you might be thinking that there aren’t many places for women to make some moves, well fun ones anyway. I’ve been living in Newark for about two years now and I LOVE to have a good time. Believe it or not, Newark has a pretty cool night life, you just have to be out at night to see for yourself.
I often hear complaints that Newark just doesn’t have a night life or how inconvenient hanging out in NYC could be sometimes including at $14.00 toll or a cut-off time with public transportation. Truthfully, while hanging out in NYC can be tons of fun, I often enjoy hanging out in my own backyard: Newark. Some of my favorite spots to hang out are right in the heart of downtown. Check them out:
- Jimenez Cigar Lounge – Yes, I am a woman who enjoys a stogie and a scotch from time to time (I wrote about that experience here) but often I find myself relaxing in the sexy and charming lounge at Jimenez on a pretty regular basis. With their fully stocked bar, Victorian-style furniture and intriguing clientele, Jimenez has never let me down for a good time.
- Taste Venue – As a career woman and entrepreneur I love a place “where everybody knows your name.” Taste Venue (formerly known as Loft 47) is that great place for me. My favorite bartender knows that when she sees me I like a glass of cabernet sauvignon and great conversation. From the owner to the chef, Taste Venue is a little like home away from home.
- Center Stage Cuts – I know what you’re thinking, and yes I like to hang out at the barbershop. But Center Stage Cuts just isn’t any kind of barbershop. Every week they have something going on at the shop whether it’s an open mic or a full on concert. Between the friendly staff and cool atmosphere Center Stage Cuts is a place to enjoy some Cuts & Culture.
- Hotel Indigo – I was privileged to check it out while it was still under construction and I was blown away. The hotel has a beautiful bar on the lobby floor as well as a rooftop bar that will be opening very soon. The idea that Newark has a rooftop bar and restaurant is pretty cool to me. I recently went to have dinner and drinks with my best friend and enjoyed myself tremendously. The food, the atmosphere and the drinks were on point!
- Brick City Supper Club – No, technically this is not a restaurant or lounge, but it is a great way to meet new people while trying out new and old restaurants and bars. I’m pretty new to the Brick City Supper Club but my experience with this group of professionals who love to eat and have a good time has been exciting and fulfilling. We meet every other Monday at a different restaurant in Newark.
- Brick City Bar Crawl – The Newark Times and Have You Met Newark? plan a Brick City Bar Crawl every month. If you haven’t been, you must come to the next one to see how much fun it is. We “bar crawl” to different bars in Newark, enjoy some free apps or drinks and socialize until it’s time to “crawl” to the next venue. The next Brick City Bar Crawl is on January 22, 2015 where we will “crawl” our way to The Monk Room, Jimenez Lounge, La Rouge and Alva Restaurant in the Hotel Indigo. For more information, click here.
It’s easy to become attached to a routine or the idea that Newark doesn’t offer a fun night out. You can’t get what you want without asking for it or in this case trying out new things or scenes and meeting new people. So ladies, where do you like to hang out in Newark? Comment below!
