SideBar Gastropub Introduce
For New Jersey residents, particularly those in Bergen County and surrounding areas, finding the perfect local spot that combines a sophisticated drink selection, an exciting food menu, and a vibrant atmosphere can feel like hitting the jackpot. Look no further than SideBar Gastropub in Hackensack, NJ. Positioned as much more than just a typical restaurant, SideBar stands out as a top-tier destination seamlessly merging the best aspects of a gastropub, cocktail bar, tapas bar, and, significantly, a quality wine bar. It’s an ideal setting whether you’re planning a casual lunch, a lively dinner, or a night out to enjoy live entertainment.
The establishment's identity as a gastropub highlights its commitment to elevated pub fare, moving beyond simple bar snacks to offer refined, yet approachable, dishes. Simultaneously, its classification as a dedicated wine bar, cocktail bar, and tap house assures patrons that their beverage experience will be just as exceptional as the food. The atmosphere is frequently described as both casual and cozy, while also maintaining a trendy, high-energy feel, making it versatile for any occasion, from a romantic date night to a fun group outing. Located in a historic building that once housed General Poor's Tavern for decades, SideBar preserves the integrity of the architecture while injecting a modern, appealing vibe.
The commitment to a diverse drink offering is evident, even within the structure of a full-service gastropub. For wine enthusiasts in New Jersey, SideBar ensures a curated selection is always available, offering choices that perfectly complement the eclectic food menu. Whether you prefer a bold red like the Baron De Ley Tempranillo Rioja or a crisp white such as the Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, the house wine and by-the-glass options provide excellent variety. This focus on quality and selection solidifies its status as a must-visit local wine bar destination. Beyond wine, the drink list is extensive, featuring craft beers, signature cocktails, and hard liquor, catering to every palate.
The food menu is crafted to delight, featuring a fresh take on classic bar fare and small plates perfect for sharing—a key element of the tapas bar experience. Appetizers like the Charcuterie Board ($18.00) with three meats and three cheeses, or the savory Marinated Olives ($8.00), are excellent wine pairings. Heartier options include gourmet burgers like the popular Side Burger ($18.00) with beer cheese and bacon, or the exotic Lamb Burger ($18.00). The menu also offers creative sandwiches, fresh salads, and comforting sides like the Poutine ($14.00) with short rib gravy, ensuring there is something for every craving at both lunch and dinner.
The dining scene here in Hackensack, NJ, is enriched by this establishment’s dedication to providing both quality comfort food and a fantastic beverage program, all within a comfortable setting. Diners often praise the delicious food and the attentive, friendly service, which contribute to a memorable experience for solo diners, couples, and groups alike. With options for quick bites, small plates, and full meals, SideBar Gastropub has become a staple for local New Jersey foodies and casual diners.
SideBar Gastropub is conveniently situated at 45 Main St, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA. This prime location in Hackensack's downtown area makes it a highly accessible spot for Bergen County residents and visitors. For those driving, the venue provides essential parking options, including both free and paid street parking, with local patrons noting free parking is available after 6 PM, which is a great perk for evening visits.
Accessibility is a high priority, ensuring that all members of the New Jersey community can enjoy the space. The location offers:
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Its proximity to other local landmarks, being just three blocks from the Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC), makes it a perfect pre- or post-show spot for arts and culture lovers in Northern New Jersey.
The service model at SideBar Gastropub is comprehensive, designed to accommodate various dining preferences and needs for New Jersey users:
- Dining Options: Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert are served, with available seating and full table service.
- Takeout and Delivery: Convenient options are available for those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home.
- Catering: Professional catering services are offered, ideal for events, private parties, or business gatherings in the Hackensack area.
- Reservations: The establishment accepts reservations, which is highly recommended for securing seating, especially during peak dinner hours or on nights with live entertainment.
- Payment: Multiple flexible payment methods are accepted, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments.
- Family Amenities: High chairs are provided for families dining with young children.
SideBar Gastropub provides a rich, multi-faceted experience that keeps New Jersey locals coming back. Key highlights that distinguish this local gem include:
- Exceptional Live Entertainment: The venue features live music and live performances several nights a week, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere that celebrates the New Jersey music scene.
- Outstanding Drink Program: Recognized for a great beer selection, a menu of inventive cocktails, and a dedicated selection of wines that cements its role as a premier local wine bar.
- Happy Hour Specials: Highly popular happy hour promotions on drinks and select appetizers, perfect for unwinding after a long workday in Bergen County.
- Fast and Attentive Service: Patrons consistently praise the fast service and friendly, helpful bartenders and staff, ensuring an efficient and pleasant experience.
- Sports Viewing: The bar is a great spot to catch a game, offering a space to enjoy sports with friends and fellow fans.
- Late-Night Options: Offering late-night food and hard liquor for those looking to extend their evening.
To plan your visit, make a reservation, or inquire about their wine selection or specials, you can easily reach SideBar Gastropub:
- Address: 45 Main St, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA
- Phone: (201) 820-2894 (also available via Mobile Phone: +1 201-820-2894)
For anyone in the New Jersey area seeking a high-quality, versatile dining and entertainment venue, SideBar Gastropub is an excellent choice. It is a true local resource that combines several appealing concepts into one seamless, welcoming space. If you're a wine lover, the accessible yet thoughtful wine selection provides the perfect backdrop for a refined evening. If you’re a foodie, the menu offers a delightful mix of comfort food classics and creative small plates, from the Charcuterie Board to the highly-rated burgers. The recurring and diverse live music program ensures the atmosphere is always lively, offering a vibrant alternative to typical neighborhood bars.
Choosing SideBar means opting for a place where you can enjoy great food and drinks, fantastic live performances, and a cozy yet trendy setting—all in one convenient Hackensack, NJ location. The positive customer feedback, which often highlights the fun atmosphere, delicious food like the wings and quesadillas, and friendly service, confirms its status as a valuable part of the local community. It is a spot built for enjoying the best of New Jersey’s local scene, making it a truly worthwhile destination for your next lunch, dinner, or night out with friends.
SideBar Gastropub Menu
Salads
- Roasted Beet And Arugula Salad $14.00
Goat cheese, pecans, red wine-shallot vinaigrette
- House Salad $10.00
Romaine, tomato, cucumber, scallion, shredded carrot
- Caesar Salad $12.00
Romaine, parmesan, anchovy-lemon vinaigrette, croutons
Sandwiches
- Short Rib Sandwich $17.00
Cheddar, sautéed onions, horseradish cream on toasted brioche
- Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich $16.00
Lettuce, tomato with homemade bleu cheese
- Marinated Pork Banh Mi $16.00
Pickled daikon, carrot, onion, cucumber, jalapeno, cilantro, mayo
- Crispy Or Grilled Chicken Sandwich $16.00
Lettuce, tomato, (spicy, herbed or regular mayo) on toasted brioche
- Pulled Pork Sandwich $16.00
Pickled onions, drizzle of house BBQ on toasted brioche
Sides
- Fries $5.00
- Polenta Cake $5.00
- Sauteed Spinach $8.00
- Sweet Potato Fries $7.00
- Mashed Potatoes $5.00
- Seasonal Vegetables $9.00
- Extra Sauce $0.50
- Cole Slaw $3.00
Burgers
- Side Burger $18.00
Beer cheese, bacon, sautéed onions, house BBQ
- Classic Burger $16.00
Lettuce, tomato
- Chipotle Burger $18.00
Cheddar, bacon, pickled jalapeño, house chipotle sauce
- Lamb Burger $18.00
Feta, arugula, tomato, cumin/coriander mayo
- Black Bean Burger $18.00
Cheddar, lettuce, tomato, avocado ranch
- Truffle Burger $18.00
Swiss, sautéed mushrooms, white truffle aioli
Appetizers
- Wings $13.00
- Charcuterie Board $18.00
Three Meats and Three Cheeses, Accoutrements, Toasted Baguette
- Korean Pub Chicken $13.00
Hand battered, fried crispy, house sauce
- Fried Green Beans $9.00
With house horseradish sauce
- Finkel Fries $13.00
Side Rubbed French Fries, House Pulled Pork, Three Cheeses Blend
- Garlic Shrimp $14.00
EVOO, Garlic, Chili, Parsley, Toasted Baguette
- Mussels $16.00
Choose from: Marinara, Fra Diavolo, or White Wine with shallot, tomato or thyme.
- Hand Battered Shrimp $13.00
Tossed in your choice of Wing Sauce
- Marinated Olives $8.00
Chili, orange zest, garlic, rosemary, paprika
- Chicken Satay $12.00
With peanut ginger dipping sauce
- Chicken Fingers $12.00
Plain or tossed in your house of wing sauce
- Poutine $14.00
Fries, short rib gravy, Wisconsin cheddar curds, pickled jalapeño
- Giant Hot Pretzel $10.00
With horseradish mustard
- Chicken And Lemongrass Potstickers $9.00
with citrus ponzu sauce
- Fried Wisconsin Cheese Curds $12.00
With house ranch sauce
SideBar Gastropub Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Live music
- Live performances
- 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
- Comfort food
- Dancing
- Food
- Food at bar
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
SideBar Gastropub Photos










SideBar Gastropub Location
SideBar Gastropub Reviews
bartenderatmospherechicken sandwichhappy hourlamb burgerbandshort ribwingspoutinelive music
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Singer/guitarist was fun. Drinks and burgers are overpriced. Wings are a good deal on Wednesdays. Bartenders are friendly and helpful
May 08 · David GFirst time here- and will definitely be back soon. I went on a girls night out , there was live music, attentive service, affordable drinks and delicious food. We shared chicken quesadilla, fries and mozzarella sticks. So yummy! They have an outdoor patio as well, I didn’t get to fully explore but have already set a date for my next visit.Parking was free after 6pm as well.
August 23 · cynthia rodriguezCozy venue, my server Andrew, was very attentive, big plus. Pretty spacious venue, so it's comfortable for groups of various sizes they have happy hour from 4pm-7pm on weekdays, extra plus. The happy hour bites were really good. I had one of each. I recommend checking this place out.
June 13 · Travis PierreAwesome bar! This place has a chill vibe perfect for a solo lunch break, friendly business drink, or a friends get-together. I saw all kinds of people when I popped in for a quick bite. This is obviously a neighborhood spot, but one you can feel comfortable in pretty much no matter who you are or where you are from.The bartender JoJo was exactly what you want in a bartender, eager to get you a beer, give a recommendation, and put your food order in and friendly with conversation if you wanted it.The food is approachable bar food, but not typical food (especially considerinf we were in Jersey). With a Canadian influence, the poutine is delish! With a Mediterranean influence, the lamb burger was flavorful and exactly what I wanted. From typical bar bites to unexpected international snacks, SideBar delivered on the comfortable vibe promised on their website.Highly recommend if you are in the area. Parking is a bit wonky, but worth searching for the spot to pull up to this Hackensack gem.
November 09 · Kate StephensonSuch a good vibe! Went in for a date night with my boyfriend and had such a good experience from the food to the service. We had the crispy chicken sandwich and crab cake special. I had the Mexican Fizz cocktail and my boyfriend had the Musket haze beer from Hackensack brewing. We will definitely be coming back! Thanks
July 16 · Ally Eisenberg
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