The Brass Rail (Hoboken, New Jersey)

The Brass Rail is a two-story restaurant located in historic downtown Hoboken,^[1] at 135 Washington Street. Originally built and opened around the turn of the 20th century, it has for many years been known for its raspberry beer,^[2] as well as its French cuisine.^[3] Residents of Hoboken recommend the Brass Rail to visitors,^[3] although the restaurant does retain a local crowd.^[4] In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Brass Rail was frequented by many poets, during an emerging literary revival period in Hoboken. They met there, drank and discussed their art.^[5] The restaurant in the 1980s was owned by Michael Peters,^[6] and the building suffered a devastating fire.^[7] It was reportedly caused by a careless smoker; the damage forced the building to close down, and Michael Peters sold the restaurant and opened up another restaurant in Kinsale, Ireland.^[6]

By 1989, the Brass Rail was rebuilt with etched-glass doors, red velvet banquettes and painted cherubs along the ceiling.^[8] The first floor holds the pub,^[8] while formal dining in a French salon style is on the second floor.^[3] Hanging on one of the walls of the Brass Rail is a large oil mural depicting the history of Hoboken.^[4] It has been restored to its original 1900s' style,^[1] and a wooden spiral staircase wraps around the wall facing Washington Street, which along the ground floor has been revamped into a part of a lounge.

A New York Times review called the Brass Rail "very good."^[8] Zagat has rated it as excellent.^[9]