SideBar Gastropub: Hackensack's Historic Venue Serves Up Live Music and Craft Drinks
Published on April 10, 2025
Hey, I’m Sal - but most people know me as Social Gal. I chase chaos, beauty, and big energy across New Jersey, turning late-night comedy sets, underground art shows, and hometown legends into stories that *hit*. If it’s weird, raw, or lowkey iconic, I’m already three steps ahead with a notebook and a hot take. I almost died after being diagnosed with heart cancer and documented it all on online in hopes I could leave something behind if I die. Surprisingly, I survived but my love for documentation never died. I came out louder, bolder, and more in love with life than ever. I believe the best stories aren’t polished - they’re real, messy, and full of soul. That’s what I bring to NJ Radar. Catch me wherever the vibes are real, the people are unfiltered, and the stories *actually matter*.
SideBar Gastropub is a Total Local Legend
If you’re looking for a spot that serves up great music, great drinks, and a side of Jersey history, you just found it.
SideBar Gastropub in Hackensack is a local legend in NJ.
Almost every night, this place turns into a full-blown live music hub, giving a stage to everyone from local rising stars to touring musicians who know exactly how to keep the energy high.
And the best part? The building itself has stories to tell.
A Historic Venue with a Rock ‘n’ Roll Soul
Before it became SideBar, this address at 45 Main Street had already lived multiple lives.
Back in the day, it was The National Hotel and Dance Hall, later becoming The National Cafe before transforming into General Poor’s Tavern, a Hackensack staple that held it down for nearly 40 years.
That’s right, this building has been serving up drinks and good times for DECADES.
In 2021, it was reborn as SideBar Gastropub, blending that old-school charm with a modern, high-energy vibe that fits the NJ music scene like a glove.
With General Manager Seth Bendian and Chef Danny Connell leading the charge, they’ve turned this place into a destination for people who love killer food, antique architecture, craft drinks, and live music that actually means something.
I’m not kidding when I say antique architecture BTW! They restored and preserved most of the original pieces so when you walk in you feel like you’re blasted back to the 1900s. It is absolutely STUNNING!
Music (Almost) Every Damn Night
Some places throw in a live band once in a while to shake things up, but SideBar makes it the main event.
Almost every night of the week, the stage lights up with a new act, spanning everything from rock, blues, jazz, and acoustic sets to full-blown jam sessions.
Let’s analyze our checklist:
🎶 Live music almost daily - you’ll never catch this place sitting in silence.
🎤 A rotating lineup of local & touring talent - you never know who’s gonna blow your mind next.
🔥 An intimate setting that puts you right in the action - no nosebleed seats, just pure energy.
YEP! PERFECT SCORE!
The Drinks Hit Just as Hard (AND the food!)
NOW LET’S GET TO THE BEST PART. Their tap selection is insane.
They have rotating killer craft beers, ciders, and unique pours that make every visit feel fresh.
Big shoutout to their cider options - a personal favorite that hits perfectly alongside the music…and also packs and punch lemme tell you.
AND IT’S NOT JUST THE DRINKS!
The food is phenomenal and they always have new specials going on.
Chef Danny Connell curates a menu that elevates gastropub dining while still keeping it casual. Regardless of whether you’re there for pre-show bites, a full meal, or just need something to soak up those drinks, you’re covered. They have creative takes on classic bar food, locally sourced ingredients (LOVE THIS) and perfectly crisp fries.
Ugh my tummy is rumbling.
Final Verdict: Why You NEED to Hit Up SideBar
If you love live music, good food, and a tap list that never misses, SideBar is the place to be.
🎵 For the music heads: There’s something playing almost every night.
🍻 For the drink lovers: The tap list is always fresh, always rotating.
🍽 For the foodies: The menu proves that bar food can be next-level.
📍 For the locals & first-timers alike: This spot is dripping with history, energy, and pure Jersey character.
Pull up, grab a drink, and let the music take over.
Because places like this? They don’t come around often.
📍 Address: 45 Main Street Hackensack NJ
Socials: SideBar GastroPub
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