For the Hoboken girl or guy looking for a more “personal” experience, we’re going with extra cheese for this post. Enter Grimaldi’s {located at 4th and Washington}, a Hoboken pizza spot that has been a staple in Hoboken for years — originally called Patsy’s, located on Clinton Street. Go ahead and sip on some Prosecco while you wait for your personal pizza pie to crisp up in the oven — and we’ll share a little bit more about this *must-try* Italian restaurant.
The idea for Grimaldi’s was first sparked not long after Sean McHugh came to the United States with the skill set of an accomplished carpenter. After rising to the top ranks of the construction company he worked for, he decided to try out working for himself, putting a small ad in the local penny saver. That ad was seen by Patsy Grimaldi, and after one call from Patsy — Sean took on the job of building the restaurant {along with the custom coal burning ovens}.
Once the pizza spot was opened, Sean spent his free time working behind the pizza counter learning the trade {and we all know this trade isn’t something that just *anyone* can do}. After five years of learning, Patsy approached Sean with the opportunity he had been waiting for: a partnership and a restaurant of his own.
Together they set their sights on Hoboken, New Jersey — at the time, a city quickly transforming itself along the NYC skyline. They began construction in the spring of 1994, and their Clinton Street location opened, called Patsy’s. Soon becoming a go-to pizza spot in town, the duo then secured the Washington street location and opened their second location {now known as their sole location as of late 2016}.
^Freshly sliced Mutz @ Grimaldi’s
Today, after some legal disputes concerning the name, the establishment goes by the name of Grimaldi’s. Sean and his wife Bernadette are still hard at work ensuring that every pie that comes out of their custom built, coal burning, thousand degree oven — channeling Sean’s roots and skills learned from Patsy Grimaldi 20 years earlier.
Grimaldi’s might be known for their pizza, but once you try their appetizers you’ll be sure to fall in love with them too. All the apps are finger lickin’ good, but the antipasti and fried mozzarella {you can never have too much cheese} are some of the best in town.
Antipasti
Fried Mozzarella {this looks [and tastes] way better in person – promise — it’s literally like fried crack [is that PC say?]}!
For entrees, opt for a hot-out-of-the-oven classic pie like the Margherita {their famous sauce + mutz} — or be adventurous and with an order of the Eggplant & Ricotta pie. Grimaldi’s also boasts one of the BEST gluten-free pies in Hoboken. It is seriously hard to tell the difference {this is coming from a gluten and gluten-free eater, promise}.
Margherita
Their pepperoni pie is a MUST TRY. Best pepperoni in town, IMHO.
Please note: they don’t do slices to go, just personal and large pies to share — but when your pies are this good, who wants to each just ONE slice? As far as beer and wine, they have a variety on tap — as well as a small bar near the coal-fired oven.
Their menu is relatively small — but don’t let that fool you. It’s as robust as any Italian restaurant you could ever hope for. Simple and delicious, isn’t that what it’s all about?
Have you been to Grimaldi’s on Washington? What did you think?
