AURA Restaurant & Bar Introduce
Located in the heart of Hackensack, New Jersey, AURA Restaurant & Bar stands out as a vibrant and sophisticated dining destination that seamlessly blends American restaurant traditions with a trendy, modern cocktail bar atmosphere. This unique establishment is more than just a place to eat; it is a full-service experience that caters to a diverse crowd, whether you are stopping by for a quick lunch, an elegant dinner, or a night out with great drinks and live music. AURA proudly identifies as both an Asian-owned and women-owned business, bringing a fresh and inclusive perspective to the Bergen County dining scene.
The cuisine is centered around American favorites but features an inventive and approachable menu that takes inspiration from global flavors, evident in dishes like the Seared Tuna Nicoise ($22.00) salad and the Cod Saffron Croquettes ($13.00) small plate. The atmosphere is best described as casual, cozy, and trendy, making it equally suitable for a family meal or a romantic evening. The versatility of AURA is reflected in its multiple designations as a Family Restaurant, Sports Bar, and Live Music Bar, ensuring there is a perfect vibe for every visit. Diners consistently praise the "exquisite" and perfectly balanced cuisine, alongside the elegant atmosphere and impeccable service, making AURA a highly recommended spot in Hackensack.
The menu offers a full day of dining, starting with Breakfast and moving into Lunch and Dinner. Small plates are a highlight, encouraging sharing and exploration of flavors, with options such as Grilled Octopus ($22.00), Wild Mushroom Arancini ($13.00), and Fennel Pork Meatballs ($13.00). Main courses are substantial and high-quality, featuring premium selections like the Heritage Pork Chop ($36.00), Hanger Steak ($42.00), and the Veal Chop Milanese ($39.00). Seafood lovers can enjoy the Grilled Branzino & Saffron ($34.00) or Pan Seared Salmon ($28.00). Pasta dishes are inventive, with options like Lamb Puttanesca Pappardelle ($28.00) and Gnocchi & Crab ($29.00), complemented by a variety of classic sides, including Creamy Risotto ($9.00) and Mediterranean Fries With Feta & Herbs ($12.00). The kitchen is also accommodating, offering a great Aura Burger ($24.00) and various add-ons like Grilled Chicken or Grilled Salmon to enhance any meal.
The physical address for this sought-after Hackensack establishment is:
159 Main St, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA
Accessibility has been a priority in the restaurant's planning, ensuring a welcoming environment for all patrons:
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
For those driving, the location offers the convenience of both Free parking lot and Free street parking, eliminating the typical hassle of city dining. For pet owners, Dogs are allowed outside, offering a great option for outdoor seating when the weather permits.
- Full-Service Dining: Enjoy the sophisticated ambiance with full Table Service, available for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner. Reservations are gladly accepted.
- Bar Service: A well-stocked Bar Onsite offers an extensive selection of Cocktails, Beer, Hard Liquor, and Wine, with dedicated Happy Hour specials for both drinks and food.
- Counter Service: Available for quicker transactions or bar seating.
- Takeout: Convenient options for ordering your favorite dishes to-go.
- Delivery: Includes standard and No-contact delivery options for residents in the surrounding area.
- Curbside Pickup: A hassle-free option for quick and efficient meal retrieval.
- Catering: Comprehensive Catering services are available, perfect for corporate events, private parties, and large family celebrations. Inquire directly to personalize a package for your next function.
- Late-Night Food: The kitchen offers a menu for late-night dining options, catering to the needs of the evening crowd.
- Exceptional Bar Program: Recognized for a Great cocktail selection and Great beer selection, featuring diverse offerings of Alcohol, Hard Liquor, and Wine to complement any meal.
- Happy Hour Specials: Regular promotions for both Happy hour drinks and Happy hour food provide excellent value for early evening visitors.
- Dynamic Entertainment & Sports: The restaurant offers a vibrant social scene, functioning as a Live music bar and a Sports bar, creating a lively atmosphere for patrons to enjoy.
- Diverse & Inventive Menu: The menu's focus on Small plates and global-inspired American cuisine allows for a culinary exploration, providing healthy, comfort, and unique dishes.
- Inclusivity and Comfort: The venue is highly accommodating, being Family-friendly (with high chairs and changing table(s)), LGBTQ+ friendly, and designated as a Transgender safespace.
- Fast Service: Known for prompt and attentive staff, ensuring a pleasant and efficient dining experience even during peak hours.
- Modern Amenities: Features like Wi-Fi and a trendy, chic yet rustic interior design create a sophisticated, comfortable, and modern environment comparable to an NYC spot, without the commute.
Address: 159 Main St, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA
Phone: (201) 342-3444
Mobile Phone: +1 201-342-3444
Reservations are Accepted and encouraged, particularly for dinner and group outings. They facilitate easy transactions by accepting multiple payment methods, including Checks, Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
The restaurant’s greatest strength is its versatility. You can start your weekend with a refreshing Brunch, hold a business meeting over a Lunch featuring their excellent salads or a quality burger, and then return for a Dinner of premium entrees like the Hanger Steak or Veal Chop Milanese. The kitchen is highly praised for "balancing flavors perfectly," creating dishes that are both inventive and deeply satisfying. Even a simple dish like the steak is elevated with a delicious pesto risotto, showing attention to detail.
Furthermore, the extensive bar, recognized for its exceptional cocktail and beer selection, makes it a prime spot for happy hour or late-night enjoyment, perfectly complemented by the trendy, lively social environment. The attentive staff, with specific praise for servers like Evelyn, ensure that the service is "impeccable," rounding out a genuinely exceptional experience. The combination of a high-quality, globally-inspired American menu, a full-service bar with happy hour specials, regular live music and sports viewing, plus the convenience of excellent parking and full accessibility, solidifies AURA as a must-visit dining and entertainment hub in Bergen County. Choosing AURA is choosing an all-encompassing, high-vibe, and delicious culinary adventure right in the heart of Hackensack.
AURA Restaurant & Bar Food & drink
Salads
- Seared Tuna Nicoise $22.00
Potatoes/Green Beans/Tomatoes/Quail Egg/Kalamata Olives/Green Goddess Vinaigrette
- Aura Salad $16.00
Grilled Romaine/Tomatoes/Cucumber/Olives/Red Onions/Feta/White Anchovies/Red Wine Vinaigrette
- Burrata & Prosciutto $18.00
Tomatoes/Grilled Squash/Blackberries/Arugula Pesto/Sherry Vinaigrette
Add Ons
- Grilled Chicken $6.00
- Sautéed Shrimp $8.00
- Grilled Salmon $10.00
- 3 Grilled Prawns $12.00
Small Plates
- Aura Crispy Mozzarella $14.00
Robust Red Sauce/Crispy Soppressata
- Fennel Pork Meatballs $13.00
Zesty Tomato/Herbed Ricotta
- Herbed Polenta Cakes $13.00
Corn Salsa/Bacon Lardons
- Cod Saffron Croquettes $13.00
Garlic Aioli
- Gambas Al Ajillo $14.00
Citrus Garlic Reduction
- Wild Mushroom Arancini $13.00
Truffle Parmesan Fondue
- Sauteed Mussels $18.00
White Wine Garlic or Zesty Tomato Sauce
- Grilled Octopus $22.00
Pee-Wee Potatoes/Roasted Peppers/Fennel/Orange/Herb Vinaigrette
- Grilled Chorizo $15.00
Red Peppers/Onions/Fennel/Balsamic Reduction
- Mare Fritto $19.00
Calamari/Oysters/Shrimp/Black Squid Ink & Saffron Aioli/Tomato/Onion Relish
- Crostini Trio $14.00
Zucchini & Eggplant Caponata/Ricotta Berry Jam/Prosciutto & Roasted Tomato Aioli
To Share
- Assorted Bread Basket $7.00
Focaccia/French Baguette/Pita
- Aura Spreads $19.00
Lemon Herb Hummus/Olive Tapenade & Eggplant Tomato Feta
- Cheese And Charcuterie $28.00
Assorted Cheese and Cured Meats/Fruit Jam/Pickled Vegetables/Crostini
Burger
- Aura Burger $24.00
Brisket, Short Rib & Beef Blend/Smoked Provolone/Onion Jam/Garlic Aioli/Lettuce&Tomatoes/Fries
Pasta
- Lamb Puttanesca Pappardelle $28.00
Eggplant/Olives/Mushrooms/Herm Tomato Ragu
- Linguine And Clams $30.00
Slow Roasted Tomatoes/Parmesan Garlic Arugula Creme
- Gnocchi & Crab $29.00
Asparagus/Summer Squash/Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- Bolognese Rigatoni Mezze $28.00
Classic Italian Bolognese/Burrata
- Seafood Risotto $30.00
Shrimp/Calamari/Mussels/Chorizo/Saffron
Entrees
- Pan Seared Boneless Half Chicken $28.00
Israeli Vegetable Couscous/Chardonnay Au Jus
- Heritage Pork Chop $36.00
Garlic Lemon Mash/Grilled Vegetable/Pepper Onion Sofrito/Chimichurri
- Hanger Steak $42.00
Creamy Basil Risotto/Grilled Asparagus/Frizzy Onions/Port Wine Reduction
- Veal Chop Milanese $39.00
Arugula/Grilled Summer Vegetables/Sumac Vinaigrette
- Grilled Branzino & Saffron $34.00
Potato Corn Hash/Chorizo/Saffron Broth
- Pan Seared Salmon $28.00
Herb Polenta/Grilled Asparagus/Cucumber Tomato Relish
Sides
- Creamy Risotto $9.00
- Israeli Couscous $9.00
- Seasonal Veggies $9.00
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes $9.00
- Sauteed Italian Long Hot $12.00
- Mediterranean Fries With Feta & Herbs $12.00
- French Fries $9.00
AURA Restaurant & Bar Details
From the business
- Identifies as Asian-owned
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Checks
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- Has changing table(s)
- High chairs
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
AURA Restaurant & Bar Photos










AURA Restaurant & Bar Location
AURA Restaurant & Bar
159 Main St, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA
AURA Restaurant & Bar Reviews
bartenderDJbrunchsecurityhappy hourslidersentertainmentlobstercrowdsalmon
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1This was my first time dining at Aura. The drinks were really good and the bartender made me a delicious drink based on what I was craving.For appetizers we got the fried mozzarella and the meatballs. I wish the mozzarella sticks had more marinara sauce but they were good. The meatballs were extremely dry and I did not like it.I really wanted a burger but a couple items on the menu they ran out of. I ended up getting the steak with mashed potatoes. It was very delicious and I loved the pesto risotto that came on the side.
April 28 · Dena H.Aura offers an exceptional dining experience! The cuisine is exquisite, balancing flavors perfectly. Attentive staff, elegant atmosphere, and our server Evelyn provided impeccable service make it a must-visit. Highly recommended!
June 23 · Elsie PouchieHad an amazing time at this restaurant. The food was absolutely delicious, the environment was inviting, and the cocktails were both delicious and innovative. The vibes were fantastic, and the location is perfect. Definitely coming back soon!
May 23 · Mauren BorreroHad one of the worst experiences in recent times. Went with a couple of friends yesterday, and one of them had had a great experience here before, so we thought it would be good to try. Unfortunately, we had a completely opposite reaction. The ambience was good, and the Music they played was popping, if a little loud. And the positives end here.The table we were seated at was very wobbly, and they were not able to fix it. Even though there was an empty table (same seating) right next to us, they refused to switch us over. Only after requesting multiple times did they eventually agree to move us.Service was extremely slow. 30+ mins for Drinks and 40+ mins for Food. Most of the items on their Website Menu were not available (we were given a different Menu with way smaller selection). Drink options especially sucked for us since most Cocktails were Smoky flavored.All the items (Salmon, Lobster & Shrimp, Beef) were overcooked. I could barely cut into my lobster and ended up sending it back, but they still charged me for that. When we talked with the Manager regarding this, he wasn't the least bit apologetic and instead tried convincing me to order something else, and took the item off my Check only after a long discussion.Reviews for this place seem to be extremely mixed, so I guess it really depends on your luck or what's happening there the day you visit 🤷🏻♀️
January 21 · Hema KI recently dined at Aura Restaurant Bar and Grill, and I must say, it was a wonderful experience! This gorgeous restaurant offers a tantalizing mix of Italian, Mediterranean, and Latin cuisine that truly caters to a variety of tastes.Our lovely server/bartender, Lauren greeted us promptly and helped us begin our evening with cocktails, and I opted for the Dragon's Aura, a crafted tequila cocktail that packed a bit of spice and featured delicious dragonfruit, all beautifully complemented by a black lava sea salt rim. My mom chose the Summer Passion, made with Tito’s Vodka, passionfruit,lime, mango and club soda, a perfect summerdrink. For her second round, she tried the Lavender Haze, another Tito’s vodka drink, showcasing lovely blueberry and lavender notes. All three drinks were refreshing and set the tone for the meal ahead. I opted for a glass of cabernet with my meal.For starters, we couldn't resist the fennel pork meatballs, which were absolutely delicious, especially with the herbed ricotta sauce. The white wine mussels were super fresh and garlicky—just the way I love them! We also indulged in the crostini trio, which offered a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal appetizer.For our main course, we shared the linguine and clams. This dish was nothing short of stunning, with a perfect portion size, fresh ingredients, and a delicious parmesan garlic arugula cream sauce that left us wanting more.To top off our meal, we enjoyed a sweet treat: flan topped with blackberries for dessert. It was the perfect finish to an already wonderful dining experience.Beyond the food and drinks, the atmosphere at Aura is unique and lively, making it perfect for a date night, a girl’s night out, or any celebration. Chef Ceballos took the time to check on all the guests and introduce herself, which truly reflects the care and dedication that goes into the restaurant.I’ll definitely be returning to Aura! If you’re looking for a great spot for your next evening out, I highly recommend giving this place a shot!
August 19 · Alexandra VanRensalier
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