RC What was the idea for opening up the Turtle Club?
Cory We wanted to create the type of bar in Hoboken that we (and our friends) would like to hang out.

RC What are some of the things the Turtle Club tries to offer its guests that are unique?
Cory Our goal is to provide a classy, casual environment where our guests can experiment and discover exciting and new flavors, whether that be food, wine, beer, or cocktails….all for a fair price. We offer an unmatched wine, beer, and bourbon selection.

RC What is your crowd like on week nights vs weekend day and nights?
Cory Week nights are slightly more mellow and are much better nights for groups of friends to visit, or for romantic excursions.

RC Can you tell me a little bit about your extensive wine list and do you feel it is important to offer a wide array of choices to your customers?
Cory The wine list is extensive and is focused around VALUE and the promotion of family-owned and organic practicing vineyards. Our goal is to introduce people to grapes that they may have never heard of and wines from areas of the world that they may not have known produced wine. I would strongly suggest people interested in wine to join our Wine Club.

RC The Turtle Club menu is making me hungry, for those in the area that have not come to the Turtle Club yet, what would you recommend we try?
Cory I would suggest starting with some Bruschetta (most notably the Gorgonzola/toasted garlic and the Asparagus/Pecorino/Truffle Oil) or perhaps the Buffalo Chicken Dip, then I would strongly recommend the Argentinian Skirt Steak or the Ribs. But you really can’t go wrong. Also our new Spicy Turkey Panini is dynamite.

RC Is there any specific dress code on any given night at the establishment?
Cory We do not have a dress code at any time.

RC Tell my readers about some of your great bartenders and some of the great drinks they make please?
Cory ANY and ALL of our bartenders strive to provide well thought-out cocktails CUSTOMIZED to any patrons particular tastes. Just tell them what you like and they won’t disappoint.

RC For the sports fan in the community, are there TV screens for watching sports on a regular basis?
Cory We have 4 HI-Def Flatscreens and show all important sporting events. That being said, we are not a sports bar and rarely play the volume of the events. We encourage social gathering and discussion.

RC What are some of the specials offered weekly at the Turtle Club?
Cory Monday nights – entire food menu 1/2 price, Tuesday nights – $1 Buck Shuck ($1 oysters, clams, and shrimp….fresh as they come), Wednesday nights – Endless Happy Hour ($3 Domestic Beers, $5 House Wines and Well Drinks), Thursday nights – Wine Club (every other Thurs), 25% all bottles of wine (every Thurs)

RC Have you and your partner David always been involved in the food and beverage business or is this something that came to mind one day?
Cory We have always been involved in one way or another. I personally have always wanted to open my own place.

RC What are the pros and cons to owning your own restaurant in Hoboken?
Cory Pros – Vibrant city with wonderful people who like to eat and drink more frequently and more passionately than the average American. Cons – Parking

RC When you and your partner are not at work what do you like to do in your free time?
Cory I golf and David goes to the gym.

RC If you were in charge of Hoboken for 1 day what would you do to make Hoboken a better place?
Cory When portions of street need to be closed for construction purposes, I would put a sign alerting drivers 2 blocks before the construction begins so they could plan their re-route. Very easy fix to a very annoying problem.

RC Any advice for those out there that want to open their own restaurant/bar one day?
Cory You have to be there all the time. Its not a hobby.

The Bokenology highlights bartenders, waitresses, and owners in the Hoboken bar scene. In weeks to come, Bokenology will bring more diversity with regards to local establishments and introduce you to more people in town. If you would like to be featured, please contact editorial@hmag.com