Join us for a beautiful summer evening in Hoboken, mostly by the Hudson River. But first we'll get a delicious and inexpensive dinner at world-famous Mamoun's Falafel.
Mamoun's Falafel is outstandingly good and nicely inexpensive. Longtime New Yorkers can tell you about the continual line streaming out of the place, at any time of day or night, from their original location on Macdougal Street in Greenwich Village. Founded in 1971 and featured in the book 1,000 Places To See Before You Die, it is New York's original falafel restaurant.
Mamoun's has expanded with locations throughout the Tri-State Area. They seem to particularly focus on college towns and scenic towns, with locations (among many other places) in Hoboken, New Brunswick, New Haven and Princeton. As good as the New York locations are, the non-New York locations are even better. Why? Larger menus (with more menu items) and more-and-better seating space.
One item I particularly love that is their "Pickles" (pickles, pickled turnips and olives). It's my favorite pickled dish anywhere in the world, and it's a perfect accompaniment.
Of course, what made Mamoun's a New York legend was their falafel sandwiches. These are served to eager Macdougal Street patrons (who make a line out the door day and night). Mamoun's of course has the Middle Eastern standards: hummus, baba ghanouj, tabouli, plus lentil soup (so delicious!) and grape leaves (my favorite grape leaves) -- all perfectly made and all inexpensive! Their side order of hummus, served with plentiful "pita ends", is just about a meal in itself. (Tip: you can ask for extra pita ends. They are free!)
I love tamarind drinks - tamarind seed, sugar and water. They can be hard to find, but I have tasted several. Mamoun's is the best I've tasted. Also on the drinks menu: mint lemonade, mango juice, and Mamoun's spiced tea (hot or cold).
**Vegan & Vegetarian Warning: Mamoun's serves meat.** But they seem to be excellent at keeping and cooking their meat dishes separately. **Check their menu for the many items marked vegan, and ask the counter person if you have a question about the vegan-ness of any dish.** Generally speaking, all the dishes that seem like they should be vegan are vegan.
While this Hoboken location has sit-down tables, there is no waiter service. You order your food at the back of the restaurant, and then bring it yourself to your own table.
**Hoboken is known and loved for its outstanding views of the Hudson River and New York City.** Walking along the Hudson in Hoboken is a summertime pleasure not-to-be-missed. **Stop Two on our itinerary is Pier C Park (directly on the Hudson).**
**Pier C Park is a magnificent structure and an architectural wonder. It literally juts out into the Hudson River, with beautiful walkways and greenery, and gives the most breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline. Take in the views as you stand on a beautiful walkway, with the water of the Hudson River underneath your feet.**
**Directions:** Take the PATH train or NJT train to Hoboken. From the Hoboken train station, walk to the corner of Washington St. & 3rd Street. Mamoun's is on the corner.
**Where to Meet:** You will see us sitting at the tables in front of Mamoun's (outside).
Join us for a delicious vegan dinner at Mamoun's, followed by a stroll on the Hudson River featuring the magnificent Pier C Park -- an architectural marvel with breathtaking Hudson River and Manhattan skyline views. And see what can only be seen from Hoboken at night!
