Boulevard Drinks

- 48 Journal Square Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07306

Boulevard Drinks: A Taste of Jersey City History in Every Bite

For residents and visitors of New Jersey seeking a true taste of local history and classic American comfort food, a trip to Boulevard Drinks in Jersey City's vibrant Journal Square is an absolute must. More than just a fast food restaurant, this location is an enduring institution that has been serving up its signature 100% all-beef hot dogs and unique homemade beverages since 1937. Amidst the towering, modern development of Journal Square, this iconic spot stands as a resilient and beloved piece of the city's heritage, maintaining its nostalgic, old-school atmosphere. It's a place where locals have gathered for generations, and the friendly, casual, and historic environment makes it a comforting stop for a quick, satisfying bite, whether you're a long-time New Jersey resident or just passing through.

Boulevard Drinks has earned a reputation that stretches far beyond Hudson County. Its dedication to quality, particularly its homemade recipes—most famously the chili and sweet onion sauce—has cemented its status as one of the state's most revered hot dog joints. The simple, focused menu ensures that every item is prepared with a mastery honed over decades. In a state that knows its hot dogs, Boulevard Drinks is often named among the very best, offering an experience that is authentic, quick, and incredibly tasty.

Location and Accessibility

Boulevard Drinks is perfectly situated to serve the busy New Jersey commuter and local community. Its address is 48 Journal Square Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07306, USA. This prime location places it directly across the street from the Journal Square PATH Station, making it an incredibly convenient stop for anyone traveling via public transit to or from Jersey City and New York. For those driving, the area offers a mix of both free and paid street parking options, although street parking in a busy area like Journal Square can sometimes be a challenge. The restaurant is easily recognizable by its small, classic-style storefront, which, despite the new skyscrapers rising around it, remains a welcoming beacon for hot dog enthusiasts. This easy accessibility via major transit hubs makes Boulevard Drinks an ideal lunch, quick bite, or after-work stop. The straightforward location means even first-time visitors can easily find this historic gem.

Services Offered

Boulevard Drinks prides itself on offering services that cater to the needs of a fast-paced urban area while maintaining a hospitable, local feel. Their service model is designed for efficiency and convenience, making it a popular choice for solo diners and those on a lunch break.

• Onsite Seating: The establishment features a narrow counter with nostalgic bar stools for dining in, offering a classic, intimate, and old-school hot dog joint experience.
• Takeout Service: A convenient service window is available for quick orders to go, perfect for customers running for the PATH train or grabbing a meal for later.
• Delivery Options: For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home or work, delivery is offered through popular third-party apps.
• Outdoor Seating: The restaurant provides outdoor seating, allowing patrons to enjoy their hot dogs and drinks al fresco, a pleasant option on nice days.
• Payment Flexibility: The business accepts both credit cards and debit cards for easy payment.
• Halal Offerings: The menu includes Halal-certified options, ensuring a wider variety of patrons can enjoy their signature hot dogs and sausages.
• Catering/Bulk Ordering: The ability to purchase raw hot dogs or spicy sausage by the dozen, along with rolls, suggests options for larger orders or catering to local gatherings.

Features / Highlights

The appeal of Boulevard Drinks lies in its rich history and exceptional, high-quality offerings. These features are what draw a diverse crowd, from long-time locals to tourists and families.

• Historic Jersey City Institution: Established in 1937, it is one of Jersey City’s longest-standing and most beloved fast-food spots, offering a genuine taste of the past.
• Signature Homemade Chili: The freshly made chili is a key highlight, often described as 'savory' and 'out of this world' by customers, providing a unique and highly-praised topping.
• 100% All-Beef Hot Dogs: The foundation of the menu is their quality 100% all-beef hot dogs, which are grilled to perfection, providing a satisfying snap and flavor.
• Spicy Sausage: A popular alternative to the classic hot dog, the spicy sausage is a customer favorite, often topped with the savory homemade chili and sweet onions.
• Unique Homemade Fruit Drinks: True to its name, the restaurant is equally famous for its refreshing, non-carbonated fresh fruit drinks, including classics like Lime Rickey, Grapeade, Orangeade, and Fruit Punch.
• Casual and Nostalgic Atmosphere: The small, 'hole-in-the-wall' style counter and counter stools exude a friendly, historic, and family-friendly vibe that promotes a sense of community.
• Women-Owned Business: The establishment proudly identifies as a women-owned business, contributing to the diversity of local entrepreneurship in the Journal Square area.
• Focus on Comfort Food and Quick Service: The menu focuses on classic comfort food items like hot dogs and potato knish, delivered with fast and hospitable service.

Contact Information

For New Jersey residents planning a visit or looking to place an order, here is the essential contact information for Boulevard Drinks:

Address: 48 Journal Square Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07306, USA

Phone: (201) 656-1855

What is Worth Choosing

Navigating the menu at Boulevard Drinks is simple, but the key is knowing which combinations truly capture the classic Jersey City flavor.

The undisputed centerpiece of the menu is the Grilled Hot Dog—or for a little extra kick, the Spicy Sausage—loaded with the homemade chili. This classic combination is the one most recommended by long-time patrons. Consider ordering a hot dog or spicy sausage with the Chili and Sweet Onions topping, a duo that perfectly balances savory spice with a caramelized sweetness. Customers consistently rave about the unique flavor of the homemade chili, which sets the Boulevard Drinks experience apart. The menu offers options for up to four toppings, allowing for full customization. A highly-recommended variation is the Cheese Dog with Chili, creating the popular chili-cheese combo that delivers on pure comfort food satisfaction.

Beyond the main fare, an order is simply incomplete without one of the legendary homemade fruit drinks. The name of the restaurant, Boulevard Drinks, speaks volumes about the importance of these refreshing beverages. The Lime Rickey (a fizzy soda with fresh lime flavor) and the Grapeade (a sweet and fruity grape drink) are particularly popular and provide the perfect, tangy contrast to the rich, savory hot dogs. Other fantastic choices include the Orangeade, Lemonade, and the Piña Colada drink. These non-carbonated fresh fruit drinks are as much a part of the institution's legacy as the hot dogs themselves.

Finally, don't overlook the simple, yet satisfying Potato Knish, a seasoned mashed potato wrapped in a crispy crust. It's the ideal side item to complete a classic, affordable, and deeply nostalgic fast-food meal in Journal Square. Whether you stop in for a quick lunch or make it a destination for a taste of local history, Boulevard Drinks is an essential Jersey City dining experience.

This women-owned establishment has managed to maintain its quality and friendly, hospitable service for over eight decades, a testament to its passion and resilience. For New Jersey locals who appreciate authenticity, a satisfying quick bite, and a touch of local lore, Boulevard Drinks stands ready at 48 Journal Square Plaza to serve up tradition with every chili dog and Grapeade.

Boulevard Drinks

48 Journal Square Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07306, USA