It was a sure sign of summer at the latest mixer at Cooper’s Union, 104 Hudson Street, on Thursday June 21. The mood matched the weather – it was the hottest place to be in Hoboken last night as crowds packed the front and back rooms of this cozy pub.

Perhaps it was the sumptuous fare graciously provided by Qdoba or perhaps it was one of the delicious craft cocktails that this bar is known for. The hMAG crew has their own favorites and we’ve sampled many of the pub’s signature drinks – ask Kevin about the El Diablo!

Cooper’s, which opened last summer, has recently revamped its interior – and from the favorable comments last night, it’s going to be a great move for the pub. They recently added a new bar to complement the rustic wood and exposed brick interior. The new bar is right by the entrance on Hudson Street.

Yes, you’ve probably grown used to the late night speak easy feel of the Court Street entrance, but this bar looks great. When open, guests will have the opportunity to choose their bartender and their bar. They will be able to enjoy the longer back bar, or the new front bar situated in the center of the action.

The mood was high and punctuated with laughter, so much so that Publisher Joe Mindak had a hard time getting the crowds to quiet down to do the raffle drawing.
When guests took it down a notch, Mindak thanked everyone for attending, including the co-sponsors, the Hoboken Volunteers.

Tim Occhipinti, 4th Ward Councilman and founder of Hoboken Volunteers, was on hand to talk about the next project, the Gateway Mural Project.

“If you drive into Hoboken from Jersey City under the ramp that says ‘Welcome to Hoboken’ you are in the area I work in – the 4th Ward,” said Occhipinti.

Occhipinti explained that there is a problem with graffiti, but they have come up with a solution for that – a mural project that everyone can vote on. The mural project is going to be a local competition where artists can submit their design and then the public will vote on the final design.

“Everyone can vote,” said Occhipinti. “Then sometime in the fall we will get out to paint it. I have to thank Joe and the whole hMAG team and NJ Transit for making this happen.”

Several local businesses donated gifts for the raffle, including Go Row Studios and Midtown Authentic. Rory Chadwick, owner of Midtown Authentic, also offered guests a deal that will run until the end of the year.

“If you are unemployed and going on a job interview, we will let you borrow anything for free,” said Chadwick.
Chadwick explained that he knows it is important to make the right impression when you are going on a job interview – especially when you are out of work.

After the drawing, guests got down late into the night. They were entertained by local favorite Tommy Moloney who played rock covers to an appreciative crowd.

So until next time Hoboken, keep up the good work. We hope to see you at our next mixer! For information on how you can get involved as a sponsor or host, please email: Diana@hmag.com.

Photos by Krista Kelly.