Maxwells: Spirits in the Sixth Borough

LocalBozo.com has sent one of our correspondents out for some field research, as our own Link Cromwell attempts to bar crawl his way through Hoboken, New Jersey- just a stone’s throw away from Manhattan. Check back for his adventures and travels every single Friday as LocalBozo.com attempts to do the unimaginable. And yes, it involves drinking.

When I moved to the Hoboken area it was important for a few factors to remain constant: I needed to be close to good eats, bars, and live music. And as you’ve seen over the past year while there are plenty of great places for consumption, seeing a band live is extremely important to me. And when I found out about this week’s spotlighted joint I was thrilled. Could there really be a true bar that had a doubles as a rock venue in Hoboken proper? The answer was a simple yes, making “Maxwell’s” the subject of this week’s ‘Spirits in the Sixth Borough.’

Maxwell’s is located on the far end of Washington Street, separating itself nicely from the post-college scene without appearing snotty. Step through the doors and you will encounter a large front bar filled with a massive amount of seating both on the floor and up at the bar. Grab a seat at the bar to sample a great selection of beers and spirits as domestic bottles and drafts will run you $4. Craft beers will only run you just a buck more, which is a serious value. Hungry? Well, take a seat and order up some ‘Maxwell’s Mighty Fine Meatloaf’ ($13.95). The meatloaf at this rock bar may not have sang anything from “Bat Out of Hell,” but still.

But after you get your fill of both spirits and food, it’s time to head to the back and find out what Maxwell’s is really about. This is a serious music venue where tons of major acts have come through during its tenure. From punk to pop, and metal to jam bands, you can find it there seven days a week. Bands like “Ween” and indie darlings ‘Man Man’ have all graced this stage to sold out crowds. The sound system and space rivals venues across the Hudson, making Maxwell’s the real deal. And unlike Manhattan concert halls, this place won’t put you over a barrel when it comes to imbibing the stuff which always elevates a show!

So here’s the rundown…

Preconceived notion – Popular Hoboken concert venue with a front bar.

Bar Type – A large pub-style bar in the front paired with a well known concert venue in the back.

Crowd stereotype – Crowd varies by which band is on stage that night. But in general you will find a good amount of rock fans throwing back drinks before and after shows.

Music – Well stocked jukebox in the bar featuring deep cuts and popular tracks. In the bar you get bands like ‘Electric Six’ and ‘Civil Twlight’ tearing it up throughout the year.

Value – Domestic drafts like, Coors Light, Miller Lite and Yuengling Lager will only run you $4 a pint.

Good for a….

Date – Yes! Show that first date you’re a rocker in the know. Grab a few cocktails and head toward the stage to impress her with your indie prowess.

Hookup – Rocking out paired with reasonably priced drinks has led to hooking up in the past so why not?

Dance – If you’re not shaking your booty then you’re doing it wrong. Question answered?

Catch up with a friend – Yes, and stay for the show!

First or last drink of the night – Both. Whether you’re here just for drinks or to catch a band, Maxwell’s is great all night long.

Overall – Sure, there are other concert venues around the Hoboken area- yet none have as a rich history as Maxwell’s. The front bar area is huge and perfect for grabbing some good bar food and great beer for all budgets. But it’s the stage in the back that truly solidifies this joint as one of the best spots in the area. 9.2.

-Link Cromwell

Completed Bars
Introduction
Halfway
Marathon Recap
Northern Soul – 9.3/10
Pilsner Haus and Biergarten – 9.3/10
The Clinton Social – 9.1/10
Cooper’s Union – 9.0/10
Green Rock Bar – 9.0/10
Havana Cafe – 9.0/10
The Turtle Club – 9.0/10
Bin 14 – 8.9/10
Court Street – 8.9/10
Hudson Tavern – 8.9/10
The Chandelier Room – 8.9/10
10th & Willow – 8.8/10
3 Forty Grill – 8.8/10
Elysian Cafe – 8.8/10
Grimaldi’s – 8.8/10
Madison Bar & Grill – 8.8/10
Sushi Lounge – 8.8/10
City Bistro – 8.7/10

Cork City – 8.7/10
Onieals – 8.7/10
Village Pourhouse – 8.7/10
1 Republik – 8.6/10
Mikie Squared – 8.5/10
Wicked Wolf Tavern – 8.5/10
Zack’s Oak Bar – 8.5/10
Black Bear Bar & Grill – 8.4/10
Moran’s – 8.4/10
Arthur’s Tavern – 8.3/10
Oddfellows – 8.1/10
Trinity – 8.1/10
Cucharamama – 8.0/10
Marty O’Brien’s Social Club – 8.0/10
The Dubliner – 8.0/10
East LA – 8.0/10
Scotland Yard – 7.9/10
The Shannon – 7.9/10
Carpe Diem – 7.9/10
Helmers’ – 7.9/10
Teak – 7.8/10
Mulligan’s – 7.7/10
Karma Kafe – 7.7/10
DC’s Tavern – 7.7/10
Louise & Jerry’s – 7.7/10
Brass Rail – 7.6/10
Hoboken Bar and Grill – 7.5/10
Four L’s – 7.5/10
Liberty Bar – 7.5/10
Texas Arizona – 7.5/10
McSwiggans – 7.4/10
Nag’s Head – 7.4/10
Eight Street Tavern – 7.3/10
Maggie’s Place – 7.3/10
Three A’s – 7.3/10
The Tilted Kilt – 7.3/10
Whiskey Bar- 7.3/10
The Quays – 7.2/10
The Melting Pot – 7.1/10
Tutta Pasta – 7.1/10
Sushi House – 7.0/10
Wilton House – 6.0/10

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