The Whiskey Priest — Restaurant in Hackensack

Thought it'd be a great idea to stop and try a new spot on our way home from shopping, but man, how uncomfortable the managers make you feel by standing directly behind you pretending to watch TV as you pay your bill. It's 2025, people LOCK their cards and sometimes forget to UNLOCK it prior to a transaction taking place. Don't just assume people like "us" are going to dine and ditch. We had two drinks and split fries. Being someone whos been in this industry and has ran a full bar and restaurant, there was absolutely no reason for the not-so-casual walk-bys. Not to mention I had my card on the bar as soon as we sat down.

The bartender's drinks were phenomenal but she was not friendly whatsoever. No conversation, barely a smile, not even a laugh after trying to engage in conversation. The glasses were dirty too 🤢. It wasn't even busy, wipe your glasses down 💁🏽‍♀️. Maybe the manager should walk by the dishes and see if that needs more attention than two grown women who don't even fit the script of whatever he pictured in his head before we unlocked the card. If the bartender or management themselves actually spoke to customers, you'd have a better idea of who you are serving. Especially new faces 😒.

I'd maybe come back but honestly am very disappointed at a place that has such high regard in Belleville....

I can definitely see the potential in this spot—its location right on Main Street is prime real estate for Hackensack. From what I understand, both locations of The Whiskey Priest are owned by some savvy local businessmen who clearly know their way around the bar scene. And it shows.

They nailed the vibe at the Hackensack location. The interior strikes a perfect balance between laid-back and stylish, and the energy was just right. The food? Solid bar grub—exactly what you'd want while sipping something cold. But what really elevated the experience was the staff. Friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. You can tell they care about creating a good time for everyone who walks through the door.

And shout-out to the DJ—he was absolutely on point. The mix was smooth and kept the energy flowing without ever overwhelming the room. As someone who used to promote in NYC’s nightlife scene, my expectations for chill hangouts are set a little high—but this place held its own.

I’ll definitely be back. The Whiskey Priest in Hackensack is a great addition to the neighborhood, and I’m excited to see it grow into the hotspot it has the...

I had a burger with fries and a raspberry martini. I sat at the bar and Lauren took care of me. The burger and fries were good even though my burger was overdone. I asked for it medium well. As a result of the error, it was dry. I ordered some lemon pepper wings to go and they were very good. But the thing that stood out the most was my cocktail. Lauren did her magic on that martini and I loved it! The mix she used made the consistency different and gave it an elevated taste and mouthfeel. Kudos to her for taking something average to higher level. I hope to return and have more. The next time, I will stick to the wings though or maybe try something else from their menu. There were other options that stood out to me. I don't mind spending a lot of money on a burger and fries but at minimum it has to be juicy. The atmosphere was nice. I enjoyed the music, the lighting and the ample seating. The bar is long and is my preferred place to sit if I'm alone. However, I went early in the day because its a sports bar and I didn't want to risk having a long wait to be seated. Looking forward...