While some of my high school friends have scattered across the country, two girls are just 1.5 hours away. I’d never been to Hoboken before, and needing a break from the usual routine, I made the trip on a Thursday evening. The visit was originally inspired by a first date one of my friends had lined up. When I asked to see his dating profile, we discovered — at the same time — he had unmatched with her, despite already setting a date and her making a reservation. Never one to pass up the chance to try a new restaurant, I immediately said, “I’ll go with you instead.”

We turned the night into a girls’ outing and invited another high school friend who also lives in the area. Our mission was simple: Get dressed up, eat great food and enjoy each other’s company … and that’s exactly what we did. Walking the 20 minutes to Metropolis may not have been the best idea given my shoe choice, but I was determined. Strolling down Washington Street gave me a true taste of Hoboken: a charming mix of shops, restaurants and apartment buildings buzzing with life.

At the restaurant we were seated on the rooftop, where fairy lights and skyline views set the perfect mood. I immediately suggested we order a bottle of wine for the table — and I got to choose. To be clear, I know very little about wine, I just know how to make a quick decision. I landed on a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand aptly named The Little Sheep of New Zealand. Unfortunately, they were out of pizza, but we pivoted easily to a charcuterie board — an appetizer classic. The real standout, though, was the steak frites, served with an herb butter I now want on everything I eat.

We capped the night with drinks closer to my friend’s apartment. Thankfully, we Ubered, sparing my poor feet. It was the perfect end to an impromptu night out with old friends. As we chatted with the bartender and shared how the evening had come together, she offered some solid dating advice and reminded us how important it is to keep your friends close.

— Fiona Stewart, account executive