Ubu

For discerning diners in New Jersey with a penchant for high-quality Japanese and Korean cuisine, Ubu in Hoboken offers a truly exceptional experience. Tucked away on Hudson Street, this restaurant has garnered a reputation for serving some of the best sushi many patrons have ever tasted, extending far beyond the typical raw fish offerings to include an impressive selection of cooked sushi. Beyond its standout sushi, Ubu also delights with its authentic Korean dishes, providing a comprehensive and satisfying culinary journey for local food enthusiasts.

Ubu distinguishes itself with a commitment to both traditional flavors and thoughtful innovation. The inviting atmosphere, described by customers as intimate and cozy, provides a refreshing alternative to larger, noisier establishments, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed meal. This dedication to quality, variety, and a welcoming environment has made Ubu a beloved fixture in the Hoboken dining scene, drawing in both long-time residents and those discovering its charm for the first time.

What truly sets Ubu apart, as highlighted by numerous positive reviews, is the consistent excellence of its sushi. From classic rolls to creative cooked options, the attention to detail and freshness of ingredients shines through. Coupled with genuinely kind and accommodating staff, the dining experience at Ubu is often described as outstanding. It's a place where the food speaks for itself, leaving a lasting impression that encourages repeat visits, even for those who might typically venture into New York City for their Japanese food fix.

Ubu is conveniently located at 205 Hudson St, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA. This prime address places it within one of Hoboken's most accessible and charming neighborhoods. For New Jersey residents, particularly those in Hudson County and the broader metropolitan area, reaching Ubu is remarkably straightforward, whether by public transport or car.

Hudson Street is a well-known thoroughfare in Hoboken, easily navigable by foot for those exploring the city. For commuters, the proximity to the Hoboken Terminal is a significant advantage. The terminal serves as a major hub for PATH trains, NJ Transit commuter trains, and numerous bus lines, providing seamless connections from various parts of New Jersey and New York. This makes Ubu an excellent choice for a post-work dinner, a weekend outing, or a quick, high-quality lunch.

While parking in Hoboken can sometimes be a consideration, there are typically public parking garages and street parking options available within a reasonable walking distance of Ubu. The restaurant’s location off the busiest main streets often contributes to a more relaxed arrival experience compared to some other popular areas. The ease of access makes Ubu a highly suitable and practical dining destination for locals looking to enjoy authentic Japanese and Korean cuisine without extensive travel.

Ubu offers a comprehensive menu encompassing both Japanese and Korean culinary traditions, with a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients and diverse preparations. Their services are designed to provide a rich dining experience, whether you're dining in or ordering out.

• Extensive Sushi and Sashimi Selection: Ubu is highly acclaimed for its wide array of sushi and sashimi. This includes:

  • Traditional Raw Sushi Rolls: Such as Tuna Roll, Salmon Roll, Yellow Tail Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Spicy Salmon Roll, and Alaska Roll.

  • Large Selection of Cooked Sushi and Rolls: A significant highlight, featuring options like Eel Roll, California Roll, Boston Roll (shrimp, mayo, avocado, cucumber), Philadelphia Roll (smoked salmon, cream cheese, cucumber, avocado), Dragon Roll, and various Tempura Rolls (Shrimp Tempura, Chicken Tempura, Calamari Tempura, Lobster Tempura).

  • Specialty Rolls: Creative house rolls like Ubu I Roll (tuna, avocado, crab, spicy sweet sauce), Rainbow Rolls (with various fish and tempura options), Fivestar Roll, Fire Fighter Roll, and Trio Spicy Roll.

  • Sushi and Sashimi Combos: Offering a range of platters for individual or shared dining, including Sushi Regular/Deluxe/Special Combos, Sashimi Combos, and Sushi and Sashimi Combo platters.

  • Sushi A La Carte: Individual pieces of fresh raw and cooked sushi, allowing diners to customize their selections.

• Ramen: Ubu offers ramen options, including Chicken Ramen. While some prefer thicker noodles, the ramen provides a warm and comforting option.

• Korean Dishes: Ubu incorporates Korean influences, notably with their Donburi (rice bowls) which can feature ingredients similar to Bibimbap. They also offer "Soon Doo Boo Soup" (spicy soft tofu soup), a popular Korean stew, and "Ubu Bowl Specials" with spicy beef or chicken teriyaki and kimchi.

• Donburi (Rice Bowls): A variety of rice bowls including Fish Ubu Bowl (spicy mixed sashimi and veggies over rice), Beef Ubu Bowl (spicy beef teriyaki and veggies over rice with kimchi), Chicken Ubu Bowl (spicy chicken teriyaki and veggies over rice with kimchi), and various vegetarian options.

• Appetizers: Classic Japanese and Korean appetizers such as Edamame, Gyoza (fried or steamed dumplings), Shumai (steamed shrimp dumplings), Shrimp Tempura, and various Bao Bun options.

• Soups and Salads: Including miso soup (available plain or as part of combos) and fresh salads like the Avocado Salad.

• Beverages: A selection of soft drinks and traditional Japanese tea.

• Dine-In, Takeout, and Delivery: Ubu offers a cozy dine-in experience and is also very active with phone and online orders for takeout and delivery, providing convenience for the local community.

• Accommodating Staff: Customers consistently praise the staff for being pleasant and accommodating, willing to customize orders (e.g., "no sweet sauces," "minimal rice" for sushi).

Ubu stands out in the Hoboken dining scene due to several key features and highlights, frequently lauded by its loyal customer base:

• Exceptional Sushi Quality: This is arguably Ubu’s strongest highlight. Customers consistently describe the sushi as "amazing" and among "the best" they’ve ever had. The freshness and preparation are repeatedly praised.

• Extensive Cooked Sushi Selection: A notable differentiator is the "large selection of cooked sushi." This caters to a wider audience, including those who prefer cooked fish or are new to sushi, making it a very accessible Japanese restaurant.

• Complimentary Offerings: A delightful touch that enhances the dining experience, as evidenced by a customer receiving a complimentary 3-piece Seared Salmon sushi, which was described as "delicious." This gesture adds to the welcoming atmosphere.

• Intimate and Cozy Ambiance: Despite being a smaller space, the restaurant is described as "intimate and cozy." This allows for a relaxed and uncrowded dining experience, particularly on evenings when other establishments might be bustling.

• Accommodating and Kind Staff: The server and staff consistently receive high praise for their kindness, pleasantness, and willingness to accommodate special requests (e.g., no sweet sauces, minimal rice). This personalized service significantly contributes to a positive customer experience.

• Blended Japanese and Korean Menu: The inclusion of both Japanese (sushi, ramen) and Korean dishes (such as Ubu Bowls with kimchi, and Soon Doo Boo Soup) provides a diverse menu that appeals to a broader range of tastes and offers more options for exploration.

• Fresh and Tasty Ingredients: Beyond sushi, items like the Avocado Salad are noted for being "fresh and tasty," indicating a commitment to quality across the menu.

• Busy with Takeout/Delivery: While the dine-in area might be cozy and uncrowded, the restaurant maintains a strong presence through phone and online orders, indicating its popularity as a convenient option for locals.

While the ramen has been described as decent, some customers express a preference for thicker, chewier ramen noodles, and one mentioned the miso soup being slightly too salty. However, these points are often minor in the context of overwhelming positive feedback for the sushi and overall experience.

Ubu frequently offers a variety of promotions and special deals, particularly catering to lunch and all-day dining needs, providing excellent value for New Jersey locals. Based on publicly available information, here are some of the notable promotions:

• Ubu Bowl Specials: A popular offering, these include:

  • Fish Ubu Bowl (Spicy mixed sashimi and veggies over rice, with miso soup)

  • Beef Ubu Bowl (Spicy beef teriyaki and veggies over rice with kimchi, with miso soup)

  • Chicken Ubu Bowl (Spicy chicken teriyaki and veggies over rice with kimchi, with miso soup)

  • Soon Doo Boo Soup Ubu Bowl (Spicy soft tofu soup with choice of meat, with miso soup)

  • Vegi Donburi Ubu Bowl (Mixed greens, cucumber, avocado, and tofu with sauce over sushi rice, with miso soup)

  • Vegi-Crab Donburi Ubu Bowl (Mixed greens, cucumber, avocado, crab, and tofu with sauce over sushi rice, with miso soup)

• Lunch and All Day Ubu Specials (Monday-Saturday, typically 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM): These specials often come with soup or salad and are a great value:

  • Various Maki Combos (e.g., Tuna Roll & California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll & California Roll, Salmon Roll & California Roll)

  • Teriyaki Specials (Beef, Salmon, Chicken, Gyoza) served with rice, gyoza, and a California roll.

  • Sushi Specials (e.g., Sushi Hoboken Special with 5 pieces of sushi and a California roll; Sushi Ubu Special with 7 pieces of sushi and a California roll; Tuna Set, Eel Set, Veggie Set)

  • Sashimi Combo Special (10 pieces of raw fish with sushi rice).

  • Large Tempura Roll Specials (e.g., Spider Roll, Fish Roll, Chicken Tempura Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, Calamari Roll, Lobster Roll).

  • Udon Specials (Vegetable, Chicken, Shrimp, Beef Udon, served with salad).

• Lover Combos: Dedicated sets for fans of specific fish, such as the Tuna Lover Combo and Salmon Lover Combo, often including sushi pieces and a corresponding roll.

• Party Platters: Available for larger gatherings, with prices starting for groups of three to four people, offering a convenient option for entertaining.

These diverse promotions make Ubu an attractive option for various budgets and dining preferences throughout the week.

For those in New Jersey eager to experience the delightful cuisine at Ubu, here is the essential contact information:

Address:
205 Hudson St, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA

Phone:
(201) 222-2800

Customers can use this phone number to place takeout orders, inquire about the menu, or confirm operating hours. Given the restaurant's popularity, especially for phone orders, calling ahead for takeout or reservations (if applicable) is always a good idea, particularly during peak dining times.

Ubu is an incredibly suitable choice for New Jersey locals, offering a compelling blend of quality, variety, and an inviting atmosphere right in the heart of Hoboken. Its reputation for serving some of the best sushi, particularly its expansive selection of cooked sushi, ensures there's something to please every palate, from the seasoned sushi connoisseur to those exploring Japanese cuisine for the first time. This extensive menu, which also includes authentic Korean dishes and comforting ramen, means Ubu caters to diverse tastes within the community.

The intimate and cozy setting of the restaurant provides a welcoming retreat from the bustling city, making it ideal for a relaxed dinner or a quiet lunch. The consistently praised kind and accommodating staff further enhance the dining experience, ensuring that every visit feels personalized and pleasant. For New Jersey residents, especially those seeking fresh, high-quality Japanese and Korean food without the need to travel far, Ubu stands out as a convenient and consistently rewarding option.

Moreover, Ubu's accessibility via public transportation and its strategic location in Hoboken make it an easy destination for many across the state. With attractive lunch and all-day specials, as well as robust takeout and delivery services, Ubu seamlessly integrates into the busy lifestyles of its local patrons. It’s a true local gem, offering a slice of authentic Asian culinary excellence right here in New Jersey.

Ubu

205 Hudson St, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA