Sangria combines two incredible things—fruit and wine. It can provide the perfect sip for any occasion, and even has it’s own holiday, believe it or not. December 20. is National Sangria Day, so naturally we’re shouting out a few of our favorite places to celebrate. Traditionally, sangria is made with red wine, but there are white wine versions as well. Chopped fruit, such as fresh peaches, berries, pineapples and even pears are often stirred in or used as a garnish. Although the drink originated in Spain and Portugal, you can still find a refreshing glass—or pitcher—close to home. Here’s a list, in no particular order, of where you can get sangria in New Jersey.
1. Sagres Bar and Grill – Newark, NJ
Sagres is a popular Portuguese restaurant located right on Prospect Street in Newark. They serve fresh food with bold flavors and offer a fine dining experience. Plus, they say their sangria is the best in town! Pitchers of the sangria recipe they’ve served since 1982 are mouthwatering and totally worth it.
2. Sayola Restaurant – Montclair and Tenafly, NJ
Sayola aims to serve delicious food and celebrate Spanish culture. Each of their locations is an immersive experience with great ambiance. Their food is deliciously authentic, and of course, their sangria is wonderful.
3. Churrasqueira Europa Restaurant – Jersey City, NJ
Churrasqueira is a Portuguese cuisine lover’s dream. Their large portions are greatly appreciated, and their menu even includes options to order paella for three. The sangria they serve can also cater to groups because pitchers are available. Trust us, the sangria is so good—you’ll want to order a pitcher for yourself.
4. Orale Mexican Kitchen – Jersey City and Hoboken, NJ
Orale Mexican Kitchen has two locations, both of which offer great Mexican cuisine. Their menu ranges from duck nachos to vegetarian enchiladas. On weekends, they serve Mexican brunch! And, of course, their drink menu features incredible sangria to be ordered by the glass or carafe.
5. Cravings Tapas Bistro – Ridgewood, NJ
Cravings Tapas Bistro serves small plates for a wide range of tastes. From their salads to their charcuterie boards, there’s something on the menu for everyone. Order a variety of delectable treats to be paired with a delicious sangria.
6. MOMPOU Tapas Bar and Restaurant – Newark, NJ
MOMPOU is a lively tapas restaurant inspired by Spain. Their trendy vibe is complete with a patio, and they’ve been a staple in the Ironbound neighborhood since 2005. They serve a delicious sangria featuring red wine and lemonade, perfect for on National Sangria Day.
7. The Wharfside Seafood and Patio Bar – Point Pleasant, NJ
Although their patio bar has closed for the season, Wharfside’s waterfront restaurant is still open. Their seafood comes straight from local fisherman, ensuring freshness and quality. It’s truly sea-to-table! Go for a chowder, stay for some sangria. Their cider sangria has a seasonal twist—it’s made with whiskey and apple cider.
8. The Cuban Restaurant & Bar – Hoboken, NJ
The Cuban does not disappoint. Their atmosphere is inviting and their food is flavorful and authentic. Cheers with a glass of their House Sangria, available with white or red wine.
9. Clementine’s Restaurant – Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ
Clementine’s Restaurant is a hidden gem. Their Cajun and Creole inspired cuisine is prepared using traditional southern techniques, making for delicious and comforting meals. Clementine’s is the place to visit if you want a pick-me-up, because on top of the great food, there’s great service and great sangria.
10. Rumba Cubana – Multiple Locations
Rumba Cubana is a Cuban restaurant with four locations throughout New Jersey. They have an extensive menu with traditional dishes, and better yet, plenty of sangrias to choose from. Their Jersey City location serves four varieties; a red sangria, sparkling sangria, white sangria and blue sangria. Rumba Cubana’s sangrias are also totally customizable. You can add Hennessy to any variety, or switch things up with mango, guava and passion fruit flavoring.
11. Fire & Oak – Jersey City and Montvale
With a Jersey City location in the Westin on Washington Boulevard, Fire & Oak is a JC visitors’ favorite (during a year without a pandemic, of course). The menu for this American eatery includes both comfort food and sushi. The F & O sangria, their signature blend, features Granny Smith apples, cherries and oranges. It’s made in-house and can have a red or white wine base—your choice.
12. Flames Brazilian Steakhouse – Belmar, NJ
Satisfy your steak craving at Flames. Here, meat is served in the traditional Brazilian churrasco style—roasted on sticks and then brought straight to your table. It’s like dinner and a show, and it’s delicious. The sangria they serve is delicious too! Flames’ Portugues Sangria consists of a red wine base with triple sec, pineapple juice and berries.
13. Tapas de Espana – North Bergen
Tapas de Espana is an Iberian restaurant that has been a staple of the North Bergen dining scene for more than 20 years. Their menu is extensive and features both lighter tapas and filling entrées. Whatever you choose for your meal, their highly endorsed sangria is an ideal beverage.
14. The Hamilton Inn – Jersey City
The Hamilton Inn is a place for community. Their laid-back ambiance makes it a great place to catch up with friends or family over crab cakes, penne vodka and a glass of red sangria. The Hamilton Inn take on the classic includes gin, vermouth, pineapple, apple and ginger in the mix.
15. Spanish Sangria Restaurant – Newark, NJ
Spanish Sangria is a classic Spanish bistro serving both Spanish and Portuguese dishes. Their food is fresh and will make you feel like you’re dining in a Spanish grandmother’s kitchen. Try their lobster or shrimp, and be sure to start with a pitcher of their namesake beverage.
Will you be celebrating National Sangria Day at any of these New Jersey restaurants? Let us know in the comments below.
Main image via @mompoutapas
About the Author/s
Grace is a student at Boston University, a yoga instructor, and a beach lover. She is an editorial assistant at The Digest.
