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.

Uptown Hoboken is arguably where the classier parts of the neighborhood lie. From the cougars at Madison’s, to the newly erected beer hall, to the skyline views from City Bistro’s rooftop, you won’t find many frat boy bars on the north side. Ask anyone where to grab the best steak in Hoboken and the answer is invariably, again and again, Dino and Harry’s. Named one of the top 3 steakhouses in all of New Jersey, the historic spot has sat on this quiet area corner for years and years. Despite some turnover in name alone, the restaurant can still serve a medium rare cut with the best of them.

I sat bar-side after work one night with a couple of my compadres. It was still early so aside from a few tables- and surprisingly a few customers dining at the bar- Dino and Harry’s had not yet had its dinner rush. With Pandora playing some mid-90′s rock we inquired about the happy hour specials and slurped down some well-vodka club sodas from the serious yet amiable bartender- the stiff drink only matched by the manliness of being inside the classic steakhouse.

Inside, the place just has a classic Hoboken feel. It’s a difficult thing to describe, but just knowing the restaurant has been around for so many years and the little things it has- the grand piano as you walk in, an architecturally strange little nook of a room that fits something like three tables, dark wood paneling everywhere, the bright white tablecloths traditional in any steakhouse- all combine for this strange sort of opulence for the area. We only stayed for a few of the $4 drinks, but let’s be honest, you come to Dino and Harry’s for a prime cut of meat. Sitting at the bar only made us hungrier. But one thing is certain here, old school is definitely cool.

So here’s the rundown…

Preconceived notion – A historic Hoboken bar and restaurant and one of the best steaks in Jersey

Bar Type – Upscale as far as bars go, but typically you aren’t having a drink here unless you can afford dinner. Or unless you’re us.

Crowd stereotype – Some big family dinners, some couples, and some afterwork types dining at the bar solo.

Music – Pandora was killing it with Matchbox Twenty and Third Eye Blind

Value – Drink specials are just okay for Happy Hour. Half price drinks, but you aren’t coming here for cheap brews.

Good for a….

Date – Easy moneybags. Don’t go trying to impress her unless you can afford it. Or unless she’s worth it. But if a girl is bringing you here, start making wedding plans.

Hookup – No. You smell like a perfectly prepared steak and sides. Can’t you meet someone somewhere else?

Dance – Not likely.

Catch up with a friend – Absolutely. Not only that, but perfect for big groups, bachelor parties, or special nights out.

First or last drink of the night – I suppose for Happy Hour if you really wanted to.

Overall – One of the more refined spots in Hoboken, Dino and Harry’s is a special place. Indicative of the borough’s rich history, the place screams New Jersey. It’s a steakhouse. It’s a saloon. And it’s in a great location if you’re up for going out after. The bar alone is serviceable if you’re getting some drinks before dinner, but probably not for a destination. And that’s okay too- no knock on the food, but also not worth a trip uptown just for some drinks. I’ll give the bar a 7.9, but I’m coming back for the filet.

-Link Cromwell

Completed Bars
Introduction
Halfway
Marathon Recap
Pier 13 – 9.5/10
Northern Soul – 9.3/10
Pilsner Haus and Biergarten – 9.3/10
Maxwell’s – 9.2/10
The Clinton Social – 9.1/10
Willie McBride’s – 9.1/10
Cooper’s Union – 9.0/10
Green Rock Bar – 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
Leo’s Grandevous – 8.9/10
The Chandelier Room – 8.9/10
10th & Willow – 8.8/10
3 Forty Grill – 8.8/10
Elysian Cafe – 8.8/10
The Cuban – 8.8/10
Grimaldi’s – 8.8/10
Madison Bar & Grill – 8.8/10
Sammy’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill – 8.8/10
Sushi Lounge – 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
McMahon’s Brownstone Ale House – 8.6/10
Zylo Tuscan Steak House – 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
Biggie’s Clam Bar – 8.3/10
Lola’s Tapas and Wine Bar – 8.2/10
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