Two Bars After Dark

Jersey City · 2–3 hours · evening

Two dim, grown-up cocktail bars three minutes apart on the downtown edge of Jersey City, one with a backyard patio and one lined with old books. Dullboy is closed on Mondays, so go any other night.

The route

1. Dullboy
Downtown Jersey City
Start in the dark. A dimly lit room with cool music and a crew that talks cocktails. Order the Corita, mezcal and a rum blend with red bitter and pineapple, and take the patio out back if the weather allows. Closed Mondays.
3 min walk to the next stop
2. The Archer
Downtown Jersey City
Walk over to Newark Avenue for the quieter, posher room. Order the 40 Winks, mezcal-forward, and ask about the small bites. The bar opens at 5pm and runs later on Fridays and Saturdays. Walk-ins, 21 and over.