McGinley Square - Jersey City, NJ Area Guide

McGinley Square, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Jersey City, is named after Monsignor Roger McGinley. Monsignor McGinely was an instrumental figure in the construction of St. Aedan's Church, a Roman Catholic church over 100 years old that still stands today.

McGinley Square serves as host to several art and cultural festivals, such as JC Fridays, that bring local art and music to the community. The McGinley Square Project engages residents and business owners who want to make the neighborhood a premier arts community that hosts various events and fairs.

Attend one of the many performances and live events at Saint Peter's University. The campus venues host a variety of affairs from jazz concerts to Shakespearean plays.

In addition, residents can enjoy being in close proximity to Jersey City's Liberty Science Center and the multitude of art galleries and events in Historic Downtown.

McGinley Square offers a variety of eclectic ethnic cuisine, such as Coconut Latin Caribbean Grill on Montgomery Street. The menu features authentic specialities such as tender oxtail, rice and beans, and jerk chicken. Sip papaya smoothies and try the mofongo, a traditional dish of mashed green plantains, garlic and pork rinds. You can also order mix-and-match grill plates, choosing from meats such as mango shrimp or steak served with sauces, including the guava BBQ or Argentinean chimichurri.

Local favorite Honey Bakery serves a diverse mix of Middle Asian, Russian and Korean cuisine and delivers in the neighborhood. Order the spicy carrot salad, borsch soup or handmade veal dumplings. Lamb proves a popular ingredient at this family-owned restaurant; the spicy lamb sandwich on toasted tandoori bread and lamb rice pilaf are two of the most ordered menu items. The eatery also offers an array of fresh baked breads and desserts, including cottage cheese cookies, cheesecake, Napolean cakes and the house speciality, chak chak.

Close proximity to both Downtown Jersey City and Manhattan make it easy to enjoy a multitude of exciting nightlife opportunities. If you choose to stay in the neighborhood, Astor Bar on Montgomery Street provides affordable pints and handmade pizza. Locals can be seen playing the jukebox and watching football at this favored local dive bar.

Within walking distance from McGinley Square sits Journal Square Transportation Center, a major transportation hub that services eight million commuters every year. The center houses multiple bus lines and the PATH train that connects Jersey City to Hoboken, Newark and Manhattan 24 hours a day. A quick ride on the PATH brings you into New York City from Journal Square in about 10 minutes. Cabs are readily available outside of the Journal Square Transportation Center, and Uber services the city.

Traveling in or out of McGinley Square by car proves quick and convenient with easy access to Route 1-9, the NJ Turnpike and both the Holland and Lincoln Tunnel. Parking in this busy area can be difficult, but the Square houses several public parking garages and lots that offer discounted monthly and commuter parking.

Named as the third-most walkable neighborhood in Jersey City, the streets of McGinley Square remain busy with residents running daily errands and commuting to work or school. Bicyclists should take caution in this heavily populated and high-traffic area. The Journal Square Transportation Center provides bicycle racks for cycling commuters.

Jersey City houses nearly 60 different parks with something for everybody. Spend the day at nearby Lincoln Park, a 273-acre park with walking paths, picnic areas and athletic facilities for tennis, basketball, soccer and running. Admire the park's four gazebos, public art, statues and the renovated 53-foot-tall fountain.

Your four-legged friends can burn off energy, run and play at one of Jersey City's several dog runs. Hamilton and Van Vorst parks provide plenty of playgrounds for high-energy children to enjoy.

Liberty State Park provides an urban oasis with miles of waterfront walkways that showcase stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty. You'll see locals utilizing the fitness parcourse, kayaking, flying kites or riding bikes or segways. The park also houses a heartfelt 9/11 memorial.

Visit the several annual festivals and events that take place in Jersey City's parks. Attend Summerfest at Liberty State Park for free outdoor concerts or the Hamilton Park Street Festival. Enjoy Shakespeare in the Park performances or outdoor film screenings at Van Vorst Park. Several of the parks also host farmers markets and flea markets that run during the warmer months.

The cost of renting a one-bedroom residence in McGinley Square averages $1,060.39, which is less than the city average.

A ride to New York City or downtown Jersey City on the PATH train costs $2.75, and gas prices are 5 percent higher than the national average. A pint of beer at a local pub typically costs $5.

For shopping, take a quick 7-minute ride on the PATH train from Journal Square to Newport Center mall, a large shopping center that boasts department and high-end stores alike. Shop the latest in fashion at stores such as Macy's, Kohl's, Coach and Michael Kors. While McGinley Square does not have any boutiques, a short drive or train downtown brings you to a multitude of trendy boutiques. For an impressive vinyl selection of classic and contemporary records, head to Stan's Square Records on Bergen Avenue. Boasting the motto "We sell more than records, we sell memories," the record shop also offers rare, hard-to-find collector's items. Neighboring Lee Sims Chocolates is a McGinley Square landmark that creates custom handmade chocolates, candies and gifts. The sweet family-owned shop has been serving its famous chocolate-covered cherries, chocolate Jordan crackers and French butter cookies for decades. McGinley Square residents can get their grocery shopping done at ShopRite, a large supermarket just over a mile away, or attend one of the several farmers markets throughout the city. The closest farmers market is outside of Journal Square Transportation Center every Wednesday and Friday from June until late November.