One of the first questions I ask tenant clients is whether they have pets. There are plenty of pet-friendly rental options in Jersey City, with close proximity to green space, dog parks, outdoor dining, and more.
One of our first acts after we purchased our historic brownstone in the Harsimus Cove area of Jersey City was to sign up as a volunteer dog foster! We fostered many dogs alongside the wonderful team at See Spot Rescued, an all-volunteer, all-foster rescue based right here in Jersey City. As an enthusiastic pet parent to cat Meatball and dog Tofu, I've picked out 8 of my favorite spots to bring your dog as you explore downtown Jersey City. Although there are plenty of great local restaurants with outdoor dining, I've focused on the best covered outdoor dining setups so you can bring Fido even if there's rain in the forecast.
All the treatos for the goodest doggos. They always have samples, welcome all dogs with open arms, and carry the latest and greatest toys, treats, food, and accessories. They're also big supporters of area rescue organizations. If you have a reactive dog, they can even help you set up a private shopping appointment!
Yes it also showed up in my DTJC restaurant list, but this is our neighborhood spot. Great atmosphere, great beer list, great sandwiches. They have a heated and covered patio, dog bowls, and bottomless dog treats. Our dog Tofu likes to steal my crispy chicken sando, chicken tendies, burger, and fries.
Outdoor beer garden, lawn games, a variety of comfy seating options, food trucks, twinkling lights, dogs. Enough said.
1200+ acres of green space, wide open fields, and a fitness circuit. Amazing views of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. Easily accessibly on foot from downtown Jersey City via Jersey Ave. The perfect place for a rousing game of fetch.
Departed Soles brewery in downtown Jersey City
Craft beer, great environment, and doggos too! Fun rotation of new beers, both gluten-free and gluten-full. Trivia night, live music, running club, and more. Your dog is welcome inside, but we're partial the covered outdoor seating area they share with neighboring Prato Bakery. What could be better for date night?
Creative Mexican fare with great salsas, guacamole, and drinks. Their outdoor dining setup is a cute and spacious covered parklette with plenty of space between tables. Don't miss Taco Tuesdays, where almost all of the tacos are 50% off -- cash only!
The secret is out. This is one of my favorite spot for post-closing gifts in Jersey City. They have a great selection of home goods to show off your Jersey City / NJ pride. They not only welcome dogs, they are also huge supporters of local rescue organizations.
Beginner-friendly guided kayak tours on the Hudson River featuring views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Bring your dog for free on daytime tours. They'll even provide a doggy life vest (call in advance to verify availability)!
The second largest indoor shopping mall in the country is just 15 minutes away from downtown Jersey City: American Dream Mall in East Rutherford. Instead of the traditional big department stores, the anchor tenants at American Dream are mostly entertainment venues like the indoor ski slope, theme park, and water park. This mall has it all, with a wide variety of shops, multiple food courts, an H-Mart Asian grocery, a luxury shopping wing called The Avenue, and many sit-down restaurants. Although most of the attractions aren't dog friendly, the entire public area of the mall and many of the retail establishments welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs.