33 Businesses to Check Out in Hoboken's Monroe Center for the Arts
In an area with so much artistic opportunity, Hudson County is a highly sought-after location for entrepreneurs and growing businesses. With such a bustling artistic community, it’s no wonder Hoboken had to create a center strictly dedicated to local artists — enter the Monroe Center for the Arts. This locale, which features some of the most unique Hoboken-based companies, opened in 2011 at 720 Monroe Street and remains a convenient space for residents all over the city. It has two main buildings, which add up to about 180,000 square feet of artist studios, offices, and retail space home to over 90 businesses. Its current owners, Basad Realty, renovated the center to adapt to Hoboken’s growing business community.
120 Degrees F is a unisex day spa providing natural wellness services, such as energy therapy, organic facials, natural face + body sculpting, pain management, and more. Through “holistic rejuvenating and healing techniques,” as per the business’s website, this spa focuses on the entirety of the system, including the physical body, psychosomatic system, energy system, and divine consciousness.
Brides-to-be can head to Adrienn Braun Couture at the Hoboken Monroe Center. This business provides a wide selection of pre-made wedding attire, custom services, and alteration services. For those looking for high-end wedding pieces, this spot offers the LuxEssentials Collection and the Bespoke Gowns Collection. However, Adrienn Braun Couture also sells affordable off-the-rack pieces for those on a budget.
Photo Credit: Attain Medspa
For those looking to rejuvenate, the Monroe Center is home to Attain Medspa, which provides a variety of beauty services. The spa boasts services such as Botox, fillers, PRP hair restoration, and skincare treatments to help fight the effects of time + sun exposure.
Artevino Studio is a space where Hoboken locals, regardless of age or artistic level, can get crafty. According to the Monroe Center website, its mission is “to create a comfortable and casual environment where attendees can enjoy creating art.” Artvino Studio provides BYOB art classes, private parties, corporate events, and children’s classes.
Photo Credit: Bounce Mkt
There are many local, sustainable shops for adults, but for kids, there may be limited options. However, Bounce Mkt is a store that is curated to sell pre-loved, gently used kids’ clothing. Parents have the option of selling their children’s items to give them a second chance at life.
Blue Skies is “a place where families, friends, colleagues, and passionate individuals can rub shoulders in an encouraging artistic environment,” as per its website. At Blue Skies, locals can engage in multi-week courses and one-time workshops that teach them the art of pottery.
Brew Watch Co. is a Hoboken-based watch brand. The name of the business was inspired by the feeling of relaxation that comes with a coffee break. Brew Watch Co. features eleven different handmade watch collections, some of them named after different coffees, such as the Retrograph Espresso.
Bricks 4 Kidz, which has been operating in Hoboken for over a decade, is a children’s center that provides camp, robotics, coding, after-school programs, and more. Using LEGO® bricks, kids will “learn S.T.E.M. in a creative way,” according to its website, as this spot promotes learning through play.
Photo Credit: Victoria Alcaca
Victoria Alcaca, the owner of Cheese + Wine, says her shop’s mission is to provide the world’s finest selection of artisan and farmhouse cheeses, hand-selected wines, gourmet sandwiches, and craft beers. The store, which opened in the building over 15 years ago, also crafts custom gift baskets and charcuterie boards in addition to hosting wine + cheese parties for any special event.
Photo Credit: Christina Andersen
Christina Andersen Floral Design has been in business for 20+ years in the same Monroe Center location. The company specializes in custom arrangements for events, gifts, and weekly flowers for corporate buildings or households. Passionate about handmade pottery, Christina also sells flowers in stoneware or porcelain vases created by local artists Daniel Bellow and Kevin Wilcoxson. Some of her most notable clients and events include Mayor Ravi Bhalla, Halifax, the NJ Symphony Orchestra, and the 9/11 commemorative flowers on Pier A.
Self-proclaimed as “the world’s best cycle class,” as per its website, Cycle Bar provides Hoboken residents indoor cycling rides guided by an experienced instructor and designed for all fitness levels. This fitness spot has classes every day, so those looking to join have plenty of options. See here for the weekly schedule.
For those looking to dive into the world of Martial Arts, check out David Branch Jiu Jitsu in suites C410 and C411 in the Monroe Center. David and his instructors are highly skilled in the art and are open to training anyone at any level. In addition to Jiu-Jitsu, you can explore Muay Thai, Judo, wrestling, yoga, and mixed martial arts.
Elizabeth Tokoly is the owner of EatMetal, which has been operating in Hoboken since 2011 in suite E511. She hosts jewelry-making classes, in-depth workshops, and fun DIY events for small groups in the EatMetal showroom. Recently, Elizabeth was asked to participate in the mystery box challenge hosted by the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America. The challenge involved making a piece of jewelry in four weeks using unknown materials, and the money raised from their art contributed toward scholarships for other jewelers.
Founded by the best friend duo, MJ Carlson and Chantel Gia, this jewelry brand calls the Monroe Center its home. Necklaces, bracelets, rings, and anklets are just some of the jewelry pieces sold at Electric Picks. This brand has been recognized nationally by outlets like Sports Illustrated, VOGUE, Forbes, Buzzfeed, E! News, and The New Yorker — and was even on the Tarte influencer Dubai trip in 2023.
Photo Credit: For Cup Sakes
Founded by Hoboken resident + entrepreneur Caroline Henderson, For Cup Sakes is serving up delicious, personalized cookies right here in the Mile Square. Caroline is originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, and moved to Hudson County with her two children about 10 years ago.
Founded by fitness trainers Jacey Lambros and Danielle DeAngelo, Jane DO provides total-body workouts that focus on women’s empowerment. As former professional dancers and Radio City Rockettes, they incorporate their artistic experience and athletic ability into each class. Classes are mixed-level, 55 minutes, and incorporate each part of the body. The schedule incorporates classes every day of the week in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
Hoboken has no shortage of workout studios, and inside the Monroe Center is no exception. Local Barre can be found at suite C300 in the center and is a barre studio that provides classes that both barre newbies and seasoned professionals can enjoy. The studio was founded by Jen DeMarco in 2010 and has been keeping Mile Square residents fit ever since.
The Local Thread is an apparel company specializing in screen printing, embroidery, sublimation, and promotional products. At this store, Hobokenites can order custom prints and shop for blankets, t-shirts, mugs, hoodies, and more, all featuring local gems and landmarks.
Lo-Fatt-Chow is exactly what its name is — low-fat Chinese food. The spot has all of your regular menu items, but made without MSG, essentially making the food a bit healthier than most spots. Whether you’re craving chicken and broccoli, dumplings, wonton soup, lo mein, or even stir-fry dishes, Lo-Fatt-Chow has it all. There are also unique menu items like Chinese food wraps, as well as a kids’ menu. HG recommends the orange chicken; it is one of the best in town.
Panello is a cozy, artisanal pizza restaurant in the Center. Prior to opening Panello, Chef Iggy Sciancalepore graduated from the French Culinary Institute and then went on to be sous chef for the French restaurant Bouterin in Manhattan. This spot boasts an authentic LePanyol wood-burning oven and a BYOB atmosphere. The menu features a variety of pizzas and some great choices for pasta and traditional Italian meat dishes.
Pilates lovers can flock to this fitness center in Suite E308. Pilates Fitness Boutique provides private sessions, semi-private sessions, and general classes that aim to sculpt the body in a fun yet relaxing environment. To see the weekly schedule of classes, see this link.
Prime Gourmet was founded in 2015 and sells all kinds of snacks and treats, such as ice cream, cereal, coffee, condiments, produce, and more. Prime Gourmet also provides pre-made lunches like chicken and veggie wraps and chicken and tuna salad sandwiches for those on the go.
This Taekwondo spot has martial arts classes for all ages, from toddlers to adults. Prime Taekwondo also provides its space for birthday parties and other events. To see the current schedule, click this link.
For any moms-to-be looking for fitness help, PUSH is a place that assists women pre and post-natal. Founded by Emily Claman, this organization helps women practice a safe fitness routine. There are also special programs for women who are not pregnant and virtual options to choose from if the in-person location is not accessible.
School of Rock is a performance-based music education school for ages three and a half and up. Owner Jeremy Pores takes a unique approach to practice through rock band-style group rehearsals and live shows. He says students learn faster, practice more, have more fun, and build life-long friendships while part of the group experience. School of Rock considers music, learning, and safety as a top priority for students who join their Hoboken community. All instructors are professional musicians currently working in the industry.
Açai, pitaya, and poké haven Shaka Bowl will have locals fantasizing about their next vacation in just one bite. After founders Kiersten and Krista moved from Hawaii, they decided to open a healthy and delicious eatery inspired by their travels. At this spot, customers can also find coffee, brunch, and tacos. The HG team recommends the buffalo shrimp.
This wellness spot has services like European facials, cemé de la cremé waxing, organic spray tans, Yoni V steam, and more. Skinn by KJO also provides a variety of men’s beauty services such as waxing. See the full list of offerings here.
Photo Credit: Somewear In Between
Somewear In Between is a boutique where locals can find unique, feminine, and classic clothing pieces. As per the business’s website, this spot “was established with the desire to create a curated marketplace for women who appreciate trends, but value timeless and effortless pieces.” Hoboken customers can shop the store via online or in person by appointment.
Whether it’s intricate drawing or a preschool art class, Urban Arts is a great outlet for self-expression and creativity. The studio provides age-appropriate projects, including early-age art exploration, comic book illustration and digital art, and even independent study classes. Founders Justine Uva and Patricia Morale are passionate about all facets of artistic expression and have put a lifetime of hard work into Urban Arts.
Victoria Balson Interiors is a high-end residential interior design studio. Hoboken locals can go to this spot for all of their design needs, as it provides services and products like architectural details and finishes, kitchen and bath design, and the remodeling of functional spaces with furniture. Victoria Balson Interiors also provides artwork and accessories to elevate any space.
Photo Credit: Yuki’s Coffee + Bakery
These days, finding a coffee shop is an easy feat — but finding one that serves babka, challah, and hamentashen? Much harder. Luckily for us, Hoboken’s Israeli bakery and cafe, Yuki’s Bakery, has been serving up just that for the past two years. Since its initial opening at the Monroe Center in 2021, Yuki’s has become a favorite among locals — so much so that it expanded into the space next door to keep up with customer demand this past August. Yuki (Aviyah) Levinson, a native of Israel, moved to the United States after finishing her time in the Israeli army. She has almost a lifetime of experience in cooking and baking, having managed kitchens and whole restaurants and having been a pastry chef for renowned NYC restaurants and cafes.
Photo Credit: Ken Zorovich
Zoku Home is well-known for its attractive and functional houseware products, including water bottles, barware, and ice cream makers. Company president Ken Zorovich says Zoku’s mission is to improve people’s lives through thoughtful design. In 2002, he launched his first business, a product design firm called Propeller, but opened Zoku Home in 2009 in an exclusive partnership with Williams-Sonoma. The company’s first product was the Quick Pop Maker, which freezes a popsicle in less than seven minutes. Ken says the Monroe Center provides a flexible workspace optimized for creativity, and it’s great for business-to-business collaboration.
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For some, taking a quick trip to the nearest convenience store will satisfy that late-night sweet tooth. For others, it’s a craving for the extraordinary taste of handmade chocolates and candies. Luckily, various local shops have been specializing in just that for decades. We’ve compiled a list of these old-fashioned gems located throughout Northern New Jersey.
Bromilow’s Chocolates is not only a local favorite but was also named a historic landmark by Woodland Park. Bromilow’s has been churning out a selection of homemade candies and chocolates for over 60 years. Upon entry, fill your box with a variety of bite-sized chocolates, truffles, and even sugar-free chocolates from the candy case, or choose from pre-packaged bags and boxes to take home. Bromilow’s also has a second location with more room to shop in West Caldwell.
Candy Connections in Clifton is a one-stop-shop for all things candy and baking. The sweet-tooth haven sells Mercken's chocolate, baking supplies, chocolate molds and special holiday treats. The kind staff is also available to guide shoppers through their unique stash of hard-to-find baking items.
Jumbo turkeys, Santa Clauses, hearts, jack-o-lanterns, and the Easter Bunny are among the specialty chocolate molds that can be found at Chocolates with Love. For over 40 years, customers have been indulging in homemade chocolates and chocolate-covered goodies. We’re thinking about the white chocolate peanut butter cups, chocolate and rainbow sprinkle-covered pretzels, and, of course, the classic chocolate-covered strawberries.
Conrad's Confectionery has been creating homemade candy since 1928. The long-standing ice cream and candy shop in Westwood is a North Jersey staple with old-school vibes. From holiday specialties like chocolate covered strawberries to mobile sweet treat events, Conrad's is a classic go-to for all of your sugary needs.
This family-owned and operated business has been serving the Clifton community since 1912. Dayton has assorted boxes of chocolates available for purchase. Gourmet truffles and sugar-free chocolates are other alternatives to try out. For the holiday season, hot cocoa bombs, Santa-shaped chocolates, and peanut butter holiday-shaped chocolates are sold. Dayton’s catalog can be viewed here.
Enjou Chocolat is a luxurious chocolate experience in Morristown. The chocolate shop serves up specialty selections such as chocolate covered pretzels, nonpareils, sea salt caramels, and more. In addition, Enjou Chocolat is known for its curated gift baskets and unique molds.
For over 50 years, Gary's Sweet Shoppe has been an iconic part of Jersey City. The cozy spot serves more than just popular candies too as locals can stop by for coffee quick bites, and other convenience items. The shop is open from 3:30AM to 7PM daily for a candy fix nearly any time of day.
Customers describe Genevieve’s Chocolates as “a chocolate lovers paradise” and home to the best chocolate on the planet. Since its opening in 1944, Genevieve’s has been family-owned and operated, producing the finest handcrafted chocolate. Some of the everyday favorites include chocolate-covered marshmallows, Oreos, and nuts. Celebrate special holidays with loved ones from afar with a gift from Genevieve’s, which can be shipped via USPS between November and May.
Kilwins has been a staple in the ice cream and chocolate game since 1947. The business is rooted in strong family values dating back decades. Now, Kilwins has expanded with locations all over the country serving high-quality ice cream, chocolate creations, and confections.
Known for its famous chocolate-covered strawberries made fresh daily, Krause’s Homemade Candies has been a staple for the chocolate lover since 1929. Whether for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or a simple thank you, Krause’s has everything to make the perfect gift. For those who can’t make it to a store, place orders online throughout the fall and early spring (before it gets too hot) and have them shipped to a loved one… or your front door.
Laurie Walker’s story began just over fifty years ago when she opened her chocolate store after following her passion in the kitchen and studying candy making. After walking into Laurie’s, the shopper’s senses are bombarded by the chocolate scent in the air and the entire wall of assorted Jelly Belly jelly bean flavors and jelly fruit slices. Laurie’s Homemade Candies can also be found at various retail partners around North and Central Jersey such as Demarest Farms in Hillsdale and Richfield Farms in Clifton.
The family behind Lee Sims Chocolates is now in its fourth generation of ownership and operates from the same storefront where it all started way back when. There is now a factory not too far away from where much of the chocolates are produced. No matter what the occasion or celebration, Lee Sims Chocolates is ready to make all the chocolate treats of your dreams come true. go for one of the pyramid boxes which has various assortments and try a little bit of everything!
Family-owned since 1980, this Hoboken chocolate shop is beloved by both Hudson County residents and people like the Sinatra Family. The owner got his inspiration from traveling and working in Europe, bringing what he learned to Lepore’s. The chocolates are made on-site each day, and the shop has all kinds of custom chocolates, gift baskets, occasion favors, and more to customers.
The Chocolate Nook in Fair Lawn is known for its specialty selection of truffles and custom favors, baskets, and platters. The chocolate-centric business has unique holiday molds for every occasion and even has same-day delivery.
Vesta Chocolate is owned and run by hospitality veterans Julia Choi and Roger Rodriguez. The couple uses their food expertise to bring mouth-watering chocolate treats to Montclair. On Vesta’s menu, there are Vesta Bars that come in flavors like matcha, golden latte, and maca ashwaganda. For sweeter cravings, chocolate baked goods are available — ranging from brownies to cookies.
Zigarelli Chocolates | 34 Deforest Avenue, East Hanover
Originally from Belleville, Zigarelli Chocolates has been a family-owned operation for more than 55 years. The Gennarelli family pulls out all the stops for handmade chocolates like chocolate-covered strawberries and pretzels, truffles, and hazelnut bark. Consider a hot cocoa bomb, which makes for the perfect dessert, especially during these cold winter nights.
