The bright colors of excited gases in the Bud Light sign announces the established date as being 1958. This–much like it’s claim to good taste–is untrue. The favorite watering hole called Louise & Jerry’s (329 Washington St, Hoboken) came to be in 1959. That means it’s time for a party.
In a town with more bars per square mile than anywhere on the planet, to have one last this long is miraculous. To have it still feel like home is a blessing. That is if your home is a long, thin bar crammed with friends. And if in your home there are bartenders that make cheap cocktails that are flammable strong. And if those same bartenders understand the concept of a buy back.
For me, Louise & Jerry’s has always been a place to go when no other place felt right. When I was feeling alone or annoyed or angry and needed a pick me up. It’s the proof of truth behind the cliche “where everybody knows your name.” I often go there to sit at the end of the bar, have a few drinks and just chill.
There is never a set plan of action. My nights will evolve into a fun party or they won’t. My expectations are never exploited or abandoned. But, I’ll always walk out knowing that I had exactly the night I should have. No more, no less.
In this town of nightlife let downs and cultural disappointments, Louise & Jerry’s is a haven. It is a drunken utopia filled with social euphoria. Even when the overflow from nearby homogenized yuppie hot spots spills high-heeled girls and cologne-bathed boys thru the doors, someone will make me feel welcome.
That other set of distractions will come and go as always. And while it might be good for business to have the unbearably packed Friday and Saturday nights, it’s important to remember that any long-standing bar or restaurant has a loyal core. It has to. That’s what separates a fad from an establishment.
And Louise & Jerry’s is an establishment.
To celebrate their 50th, Louise & Jerry’s hosted a four-night extravaganza filled with music, memories and those flammable strong cocktails. Each night featured a local DJ spinning sounds of a different decade. I was there for the first night. 50s night. There were new, commemorative t-shirts. I forgot to get mine. I’ll have to take care of that. Lord knows I’ll be back there soon.
