LocalBozo.com has sent one of our correspondents out for some field research, as our own Link Cromwell attempts to bar crawl his way through Hoboken, New Jersey- just a stone’s throw away from Manhattan. Check back for his adventures and travels every single Friday as LocalBozo.com attempts to do the unimaginable. And yes, it involves drinking.

When 3 Forty Grill first opened on Sinatra Drive, it was perhaps Hoboken’s finest dining establishment. As the unparalleled views of the river along the block have attracted thousands of patrons, other likeminded businesses and restaurateurs have been similarly allured, resulting in places like The Chandelier Room, Lua, and Xylo Steakhouse, as well as The Melting Pot, all vying for business on the picturesque block. While 3 Forty Grill may no longer be the ‘it’ spot on the river that it once was, the place remains as much of a hotspot as any in the neighborhood, even as it approaches its ten year anniversary.

The sleek black and red awning tells you everything you need to know about 3 Forty before even going inside- it’s one of Hoboken’s higher end restaurants and lounges, so you’ll need to bring your A-game. Upon entering, the left of the door features a lengthy bar, backed with every liquor imaginable, surrounded by a lounge area ideal for after work drinks. With plush chairs adjacent to several high top tables, an upscale happy hour at 3 Forty is highlighted by $4 domestic bottles, $5 imports, and $3 off all martinis, margaritas, and mojitos; unless of course, you head over on Thursday nights like we did, when martinis are half price.

Separating the after work crowd from the dining patrons is a silhouetted curtain. Again, 3 Forty sports one of the finest dinner menus in Hoboken so finding entrees priced between $26 and $36 should be no surprise. From the “Pan Seared Cider Glazed Chilean Sea Bass” ($36) to the “Garlic-Parmigiano Crusted Filet Mignon” ($36) served with a lobster mac and cheese, 3 Forty Grill is an excellent option for that special occasion. Rest assured though, the place also has reasonably priced sandwich and salad options, so it’s not essential that you break the bank here. But with an intricately designed interior as well as an Outdoor Café for seating on warmer days, you’re coming to 3 Forty Grill for the experience- one you’re unlikely to find anywhere else in the borough.

So here’s the rundown…

Preconceived notion – One of the neighborhood’s most scenic views with a very good lounge and restaurant to boot.

Bar Type – Upscale bar and lounge. Higher end for the area.

Crowd stereotype – Suited up after work types enjoying happy hour. A barren bar, unfortunately on a Thursday night even though it was on the earlier side.

Music – Music was on, but like white noise. The lounge area was energetic with happy hour conversation.

Value – Go on Thursday nights. 3 Forty has the aforementioned happy hour specials and half off their long list of martinis.

Good for a….

Date – 100%. Maybe not a first date if you’re trying to save some cash, but a definite if you’re not worried about spending.

Hookup – Definitely a chance. They are open til 3am on Saturdays with a DJ

Dance – Did you read what I just said?

Catch up with a friend – Certainly, just make sure to go before it fills up.

First or last drink of the night – Last. This is a destination not an in-between hub. Put on some black shoes and go have some fun for once. You don’t have to throw darts EVERY time you go out.

Overall – Having had several dates at 3 Forty Grill years ago, we’d always been impressed by the way they seem to reinvent themselves and continue to operate one of Hoboken’s finest restaurants. The lounge is a great spot to relax and be seen and if you’re eating, it doesn’t get much better than here. Obviously some of the New York City type prices are because you can see the skyline from right outside, but it’s been one of Hoboken’s best spots for years and despite the opening of some that are newer and some that are fancier, 3 Forty Grill still continues to hold its own admirably. 8.8.

-Link Cromwell

Completed Bars
Introduction
Halfway
Marathon Recap
Northern Soul – 9.3/10
Pilsner Haus and Biergarten – 9.3/10
The Clinton Social – 9.1/10
Cooper’s Union – 9.0/10
Havana Cafe – 9.0/10
The Turtle Club – 9.0/10
Bin 14 – 8.9/10
Court Street – 8.9/10
Hudson Tavern – 8.9/10
10th & Willow – 8.8/10
Elysian Cafe – 8.8/10
Grimaldi’s – 8.8/10
Madison Bar & Grill – 8.8/10
City Bistro – 8.7/10
Cork City – 8.7/10
Onieals – 8.7/10
Village Pourhouse – 8.7/10
1 Republik – 8.6/10
Mikie Squared – 8.5/10
Wicked Wolf Tavern – 8.5/10
Zack’s Oak Bar – 8.5/10
Black Bear Bar & Grill – 8.4/10
Moran’s – 8.4/10
Arthur’s Tavern – 8.3/10
Oddfellows – 8.1/10
Trinity – 8.1/10
Cucharamama – 8.0/10
Marty O’Brien’s Social Club – 8.0/10
The Dubliner – 8.0/10
East LA – 8.0/10
Scotland Yard – 7.9/10
The Shannon – 7.9/10
Carpe Diem – 7.9/10
Helmers’ – 7.9/10
Teak – 7.8/10
Mulligan’s – 7.7/10
Karma Kafe – 7.7/10
DC’s Tavern – 7.7/10
Louise & Jerry’s – 7.7/10
Brass Rail – 7.6/10
Hoboken Bar and Grill – 7.5/10
Four L’s – 7.5/10
Liberty Bar – 7.5/10
Texas Arizona – 7.5/10
McSwiggans – 7.4/10
Nag’s Head – 7.4/10
Eight Street Tavern – 7.3/10
Maggie’s Place – 7.3/10
Three A’s – 7.3/10
The Tilted Kilt – 7.3/10
Whiskey Bar- 7.3/10
The Quays – 7.2/10
The Melting Pot – 7.1/10
Tutta Pasta – 7.1/10
Sushi House – 7.0/10
Wilton House – 6.0/10