Anyone who hangs out in uptown Hoboken knows that for a good time they should visit the Bar at 10th and Willow. Weeknights are crowded with Team Trivia on Wednesdays and martini specials, and the weekends are packed. DJ Thomas keeps the beats pumping, and the ladies always come out dressed to impress.The Bar has become one of the mile-square city’s hotspots. Veteran bartender Amy Baird, an aspiring filmmaker, prepares fine martinis and quality mixed drinks, and charismatic proprietor Mario Steriti is always around the bar area talking to patrons, ensuring that they enjoy themselves.
The bar is on the corner of 10th Street and Willow Avenue. It has a spacious bar area with a half-dozen tables placed alongside its large windows. There’s a DJ booth and a lounge in the back with pool tables, a dart board and several TVs.
Steriti recently expanded his menu to include an array of appetizers from bruschetta to fried calamari and gourmet sandwiches. As the warm weather approaches, patrons will have the option of having their meals at the tables set up outside.
Steriti’s mission, and perhaps his secret to success, is to "be better than we were last year." Always striving for excellent service and maintaining a positive image, he mandates that patrons be at least 23 to enter on the weekends.
"We get a very attractive and intelligent crowd. We are the best place to get a number in this town," Steriti said. "Our goal is simple. Get fed, meet each other and have a good time."
If a group of people comes in and they seem shy or reclusive, Steriti walks up and introduces them to another group in order to spark a conversation.
"I love people I’m always introducing people to people," he said.
When asked why so many people visit the Bar on weekends, he explained: "It’s all in the candles."
Good burgers
During a recent Thursday night I stopped by the Bar to have dinner with a friend. Thursdays feature half-priced martinis, so I tried a very posh appletini. I began my meal with potato skins ($6.95). The classic skins were served with bacon, cheddar cheese and sour cream. Other appetizers include crab cakes, nachos, chicken fingers, garlic bread and fresh mozzarella.
Following Steriti’s recommendation, I ordered the half-pound sirloin burger ($8.95). Arguably one of the best burgers I’ve tried in recent years, it was prepared medium-well and served with lettuce, tomato and onions. The meat was fresh and juicy, and the bun was lightly toasted. I also tried the penne vodka ($13.95). The pink pomodoro was spiked with Absolut pepper sauce and served with prosciutto di Parma. All entrees are served with a side of salad, and French fries or a baked potato.
The Bar at 10th and Willow is located at 935 Willow Ave. in Hoboken. They are open Mondays through Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from 4:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. and Sunday brunch. They deliver and cater private parties. For information call (201) 653-2358. q