Last week’s Affordable Eats blew up: Oysters for a buck each? Indeed!
Since then, many of you wanted to know where else to get the coveted delicacy for one dollar. We will repeat this week with another eatery that offers oysters for a buck each on Thursdays, plus 25% off bottles of wine: Hoboken’s Grand Vin restaurant.
Now, we’re talking! And in New Jersey of all places, not the cheapest state for food and drink aficionados.
Executive Chef at Grand Vin, Daniel Fleming, 43, got his inspiration at a young age from his Italian mother, Kelly Dunn.
“My mom taught me the heart of it all,” chef Fleming said. “I would watch her cook with a lot of heart, and I try to do the same at Grand Vin. Before working here, I traveled the world and worked at some amazing kitchens, then returned home to New Jersey. I can honestly say that we have become a neighborhood staple. I hear that from a lot of our regulars.”
Rigatoni with vodka and guanciale at Grand Vin, Hoboken, New Jersey. Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025.Provided by Grand Vin
Grand Vin offers an evolving menu with some tasty specials like the zucchini fries, ($12) with pecorino and lemon yogurt dip; eggplant rollatini, ($14) with ricotta stuffing, pomodoro sauce and pecorino Romano; black truffle whipped ricotta, ($18) with hazelnut, black pepper, honey, strawberries and toasted ciabatta; and the fried mozzarella and prosciutto sticks, ($15) with pomodoro sauce.
Founded in 2016, Grand Vin brings authentic Italian food traditions to Hoboken’s dining scene. Ingredients are sourced locally to ensure that authenticity for their diners.
“We believe great food starts with great ingredients, and that means keeping it local whenever possible,” chef Fleming said. “Sourcing from New Jersey farms and purveyors allows us to serve the freshest, most flavorful dishes while supporting our community. It’s a win-win, and our guests can taste the difference. We’re proud to champion sustainable and seasonal food that reflects the best of Jersey.”
As to savings on drinks, Tuesdays feature specialty cocktails for $10. Happy hour on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays offers tap wines for $9 and draft beers for $7. On Saturdays, brunch carafes of mimosa or Bellinis are $30, then on Sundays, (This one is my favorite!), wine spritzers go for $10, along with live music.
Grand Vin general manager, Amanda Viera, loves the view of New York city from Grand Vin in Hoboken, New Jersey. Tuesday Aug. 5, 2025.Karim Shamsi-Basha
Brazilian-born Amanda Viera, 29, is general manager at Grand Vin. She immigrated to the United States at the age of 19 with a suitcase full of dreams.
“Coming to New Jersey from Brazil was a life-changing experience,” Viera said. “What I found here at the diverse Hoboken food scene is a new kind of home. My Brazilian roots are a big part of me, and I hope those roots convey warmth, hospitality and joy.”
For Viera, working at Grand Vin is much more than a job. It’s a celebration of life.
“In Brazil, we celebrate life in a big way,” Viera said. “I try to bring that spirit here to Grand Vin. We work hard to make every guest feel welcome while here, then leave extra happy!”
There you have it. Whether you’re on the hunt for best deal on oysters, or any other decadent Italian treat or cocktail, give Grand Vin a try. And please email me about your experience.
What affordable restaurant is your favorite?
This is why we do this Friday feature at Mosaic, Affordable Eats, to give you a restaurant with the best bang for your buck. If you’re just now tuning in, click on this link to see the previous deals.
Karim Shamsi-Basha may be reached at kshamsi-basha@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter & Instagram.
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Dining and Cooking