Carli Clesmere No matter the weather, exploring a new town always brings that little hit of adventure we all need. Fort Lee, a lively borough in Bergen County perched along the Palisades just across the Hudson from Manhattan, packs a lot into its 2.5 square miles. Between the restaurants, cafes, scenic parks, skyline views, self-care spots, and local shops, this town makes for a very solid day trip or weekend wander. Keep reading for a local guide to things to do in Fort Lee, New Jersey.
A Little Fort Lee History
Nestled along the Palisades in Bergen County, Fort Lee is a vibrant borough with sweeping Hudson River views and a history that runs deep. Long before it became the bustling community it is today, the area was home to the Lenni Lenape people, with European records of the region dating back to Henry Hudson’s arrival in 1609. Fort Lee also played a major role during the Revolutionary War.
Read More: Fort Lee, NJ: The Birthplace of American Film + Its Hollywood History
In 1776, George Washington and the Continental Army established a fort atop the Palisades. Originally known as Fort Constitution, the site was later renamed Fort Lee after General Charles Lee. The area became a key defensive post overlooking the Hudson River, and its Revolutionary-era story is still remembered today at Fort Lee Historic Park and Monument Park.
In the 20th century, Fort Lee continued to evolve from a historic military site into a busy suburban borough with a strong connection to New York City. The George Washington Bridge, which links Fort Lee to Manhattan, is still one of the area’s most recognizable landmarks and a major hub for commuters.
Where to Eat in Fort Lee
Bada Story | 799 Abbott Boulevard
A hidden gem for sushi, udon, and Korean-style seafood dishes, Bada Story is a great pick for diners looking to try something a little different. The menu has plenty to explore, making it a fun spot for groups.
Baggios Pizza Restaurant | 212 Main Street
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Baggios is a reliable Fort Lee pizza stop for grabbing a slice, ordering a full pie, or settling into the tucked-away patio out back. Local move: go for the vodka sauce pie.
Cap’t Loui | 210 Main Street
Cap’t Loui brings the seafood boil experience to Fort Lee with Cajun-style seafood, bold sauces, and hands-on dining. The food is seriously good, but yes, prepare to leave a little messy.
Franco’s Metro | 1475 Bergen Boulevard
A Fort Lee classic that has been around for years, Franco’s Metro is a go-to family Italian spot with a great wine selection and some of the warmest staff around. It feels familiar in the best way.
Füdgarten | 1636 Palisade Avenue
Known for its clean approach to fast-casual dining, Füdgarten is an organic, seed oil-free spot that keeps things fresh without sacrificing flavor. The chicken Caesar wrap is a local favorite for a reason.
Hiram’s | 1345 Palisade Avenue
A Fort Lee classic through and through, Hiram’s is the place to grab a hot dog, fries, and a birch beer. It is one of those spots locals know and visitors should absolutely add to the list.
In Napoli | 116 Main Street
A classic Italian restaurant and banquet hall, In Napoli is a longtime Fort Lee dining pick for comforting Italian dishes. The chicken Marsala is a must for anyone craving an old-school favorite.
It’s Greek To Me | 1611 Palisade Avenue
It’s Greek To Me is a great spot for a nicer Greek dining experience in town. Expect classic Mediterranean dishes, a welcoming setting, outdoor seating, and specials worth checking out.
JJ Dak | 144 Main Street
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JJ Dak is a sleek Fort Lee spot for Korean fried chicken, with a setting that feels a little more elevated than the average casual chicken stop. Go for crispy, saucy plates and stay for the fun atmosphere.
LaNoma Italian Steakhouse | 2010 Hudson Street
A newer addition to Fort Lee’s dining scene, LaNoma brings a high-end Italian steakhouse feel with pastas, steaks, and a polished atmosphere. The martinis also deserve a mention.
Menya Sandaime | 1406 Bergen Boulevard
Cozy inside and known for warming bowls of ramen, Menya Sandaime is a solid pick when a noodle craving hits. It is casual, comforting, and ideal for a chilly day or low-key dinner.
Mood Food | 1224 Anderson Avenue
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A health-focused Fort Lee go-to, Mood Food makes eating clean feel easy. The salads and wraps are the stars here, with fresh smoothies rounding out the menu for a quick, feel-good bite.
Moru | 1629 Schlosser Street
Moru is a date-night sushi spot with a shareable menu, making it great for ordering a little bit of everything. The vibe feels polished but still approachable, which makes it an easy pick for a low-key night out.
Pizza King | 807 Abbott Boulevard
Around since the 1970s, Pizza King has long been a Fort Lee favorite for classic, no-fuss pizza. TLG insider tip: Carli from our team says her parents have been dining here since it opened, and it still lives up to that same taste.
Soup Dumpling Plus | 1550 Lemoine Avenue #109
Known for having some of the best soup dumplings in the area, Soup Dumpling Plus more than earns its reputation. Expect a wait on weekends, say yes to the soup dumplings, and do not skip the mapo tofu.
See More: Where to Get Hot Dogs in Northern New Jersey
The Gyro Project | 2151 Lemoine Avenue
The Gyro Project is a great stop for a fast bite, serving fresh Greek-inspired bowls, gyros, and casual eats that hit the spot without feeling heavy. It is easy, quick, and still flavorful.
Tsujita Artisan Noodle | 2034 Lemoine Avenue, Suite 5B
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Tsujita is a great noodle stop in a convenient Fort Lee location, perfect for pairing with a little wandering around Hudson Lights. Expect cozy bowls, rich broth, and a casual meal that does exactly what it needs to do.
VENTANAS Restaurant + Lounge | 200 Park Avenue
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An upscale pick for girls’ night out, VENTANAS brings stylish interiors, lively energy, and a menu with crowd-pleasers like sushi and shareable plates. Come dressed up and ready for a night out.
Wooga | 1296 Palisade Avenue
Wooga is a must-visit for Korean BBQ lovers, serving up a lively dining experience with seriously good meats and all the fixings. Be prepared to wait in line, because this spot has earned its reputation.
Where to Shop in Fort Lee
Blancsom | 1636 Palisade Avenue
Blancsom is a great stop for browsing clothing, accessories, and giftable finds all in one place. The shop has a polished boutique feel, making it easy to pop in for a quick present or leave with something for yourself.
Cosmos Boutique | 1642 Schlosser Street
A high-end Fort Lee shopping destination, Cosmos Boutique is known for luxury accessories, designer bags, jewelry, beauty finds, and more. This is the spot to visit when you are looking for something elevated or a little splurge-worthy.
KUUN | 200 Main Street
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KUUN is a trendy women’s boutique with versatile clothing that works for both everyday wear and dressed-up plans. Expect stylish pieces, easy outfit staples, and accessories that pull the whole look together.
LOIT | 2029 Lemoine Avenue #101
LOIT is a trendy clothing boutique with a high-end, multi-brand feel. The shop is a solid stop for fashion-forward pieces, elevated basics, and those finds that make an outfit feel a little more special.
Things to Do in Fort Lee
Barrymore Film Center | 153 Main Street
Fort Lee has a major claim to fame as the birthplace of the American film industry, once serving as a mini Hollywood before the West Coast took over. The Barrymore Film Center celebrates that cinematic history with exhibits, local lore, and a working movie theater, so visitors can learn about Fort Lee’s film roots and see what is playing that week.
PingPod | 2025 Hudson Street
Take a swing at ping pong at PingPod, a 24-hour table tennis spot that makes for an easy indoor activity any time of day. Book a pod, bring a few friends, and get ready for a low-pressure game night that is way more fun than it has any right to be.
Walk the George Washington Bridge | Hudson Terrace Entrance
For a very Fort Lee adventure, walk the George Washington Bridge and take in sweeping views of the Hudson River, Manhattan, and the Palisades along the way. Somewhere along the bridge, visitors can stand between New Jersey and New York with one foot, or half a body, in each state.
Fitness Studios in Fort Lee
Club Pilates | 201 Main Street
A known and reliable workout option, Club Pilates is a solid pick for anyone looking to get in a low-impact but challenging sweat. The studio has reformer-based classes, along with options like barre, TRX, and cardio sculpt for a full-body burn.
Figure8 Pilates Studio | 2024 Center Avenue, Suite R2
Figure8 Pilates Studio is a small Pilates spot that feels intimate and personalized. With semi-private sessions and a more focused studio setting, it is a great option for anyone looking for hands-on attention.
Impact Group Fitness | 1627 Palisade Avenue
Impact Group Fitness is the place to go for a heated mat Pilates class that will have you sweating it out in the best way. The studio also has a mix of group fitness classes, making it a strong choice for anyone who likes heat, energy, and movement in one workout.
The Nine Pilates | 638 Schlosser Street, Suite 6
Conveniently located just steps away from the main hub of Fort Lee at Hudson Lights, the studio sits near a collection of great coffee spots, lunch options, nail salons, and more—making it a perfect post-workout stop.
TBT Fitness Studios | 2035 Hudson Street
Get ready for a serious burn at TBT Fitness Studios, where HIIT workouts, group training, and high-energy classes are the name of the game. On nice days, the team may even take some of the fun outside, making the workout feel a little less like work and a lot more like a Fort Lee fitness moment.
Coffee, Matcha + Tea Spots in Fort Lee
Bean + Bean | 189 Main Street
A classic Fort Lee coffee stop, Bean & Bean is a reliable pick for a solid cup and a strong brew. It works just as well for a quick caffeine run as it does for settling in with something iced.
Blue Angel Cafe + Bakery | 1640 Schlosser Street
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Blue Angel Cafe & Bakery is a sweet stop for good coffee, cakes, and Korean-French pastries. The dessert case is always worth a peek, especially for anyone looking to pair a latte with something sugary.
Branché Cafe | 1347 16th Street
Located by the Fort Lee Community Center, Branché Cafe is a welcoming neighborhood spot for coffee, pastries, and a great matcha. It is easygoing, cozy, and a solid place to swing by before or after errands in town.
Cafe Et Lait | 486 Main Street
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Cafe Et Lait is a charming Main Street spot for great coffee, matcha, and a casual cafe moment. It is an easy pick for a morning drink, an afternoon reset, or a quick catch-up over something iced.
Caffè AND | 470 Main Street, Retail #3
Come for the coffee, stay for the waffles at Caffè AND. This cozy Fort Lee cafe serves breakfast, brunch, and sweet bites, making it a great spot when a simple coffee run turns into a full treat-yourself moment.
Cheongsu NJ | 1644 Parker Avenue
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Cheongsu NJ feels like a little nature escape tucked into Fort Lee, with an aesthetic interior and a calming Korean cafe feel. It is known for its Korean tea set, which comes with tea and light bites, making it a very unique stop.
Mokafé | 223 Main Street
Mokafé is conveniently located on Main Street and has great outdoor seating for sipping something in the sunshine. It is the kind of cafe that makes grabbing a cup feel like a little main character moment.
Paris Baguette | 185 Main Street, #8C
Paris Baguette is a great place in town for coffee, pastries, and a work session thanks to its roomy seating and WiFi-friendly setup. It is reliable, convenient, and always has plenty of baked goods to tempt you.
Roast’d Coffee | 1666 Bergen Boulevard
Roast’d serves some of the best coffee around, with strong cups, quality beans, and a staff that keeps locals coming back. Go when you want a caffeine fix that actually does the job.
SunMerry Bakery + Cafe | 2024 Center Avenue
SunMerry has been a name in Fort Lee for years, known for Korean and Taiwanese-style pastries alongside classic coffee and tea drinks. It is a dependable stop for baked goods, sweet treats, and a classic brew.
Vera Caffe | 302 Main Street
Vera Caffe is one of Fort Lee’s more unique cafe stops, with fun specialty drinks, Instagram-worthy cups, and great pastries. It is an easy place to pop into when you want your coffee run to feel a little more special.
Where to Book a Self-Care Moment in Fort Lee
Aurora Spa | 1819 Palisade Avenue
Aurora Spa is a go-to Fort Lee spot for a good foot massage and a much-needed reset. It is the kind of place to visit when your body is asking for a little extra care.
Club Aesthetics | 2185 Lemoine Avenue #1B
Club Aesthetics is a high-end self-care spot known for great facials, a clean space, and a welcoming feel. It is a solid pick for anyone looking to book a polished treatment in a relaxing environment.
Four Seasons Spa | 2025 Lemoine Avenue
Four Seasons Spa is a great choice for a body scrub and sauna moment. Whether it is part of a full reset day or a quick escape from the weekly chaos, this spot brings the relaxing spa energy.
Kaie Head Spa | 1550 Lemoine Avenue #207
Kaie Head Spa is all about deep relaxation, with head spa treatments that feel like the ultimate reset. The 90-minute treatment is the move here: relaxing, soothing, and very much worth booking.
Kara Beauty Lounge + Medspa | 2011 Lemoine Avenue #201
Kara Beauty Lounge + Medspa is a Fort Lee self-care stop for great massages, facials, and beauty treatments. It is a good option when you want something relaxing but still a little elevated.
S + L Foot and Back Rub | 454 Main Street
S + L Foot and Back Rub is an affordable spot for a quick reset in Fort Lee. Stop by for a foot or back massage when you need something easy, effective, and low-fuss.
Soakbody Studios | 2039 Hudson Street
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Soakbody Studios is a gorgeous medical spa with treatments like body contouring and facials. The space feels polished and modern, making it a great pick for a self-care appointment that feels extra special.
Plan a Day in Fort Lee, NJ
Whether you are grabbing coffee, booking a spa reset, eating your way through town, or walking the George Washington Bridge, Fort Lee has more than enough to fill a day. Between its film history, skyline views, buzzy restaurants, and local gems, this Bergen County borough deserves a spot on your weekend list. Carli from the TLG team is a Fort Lee local and can confirm: a day spent here is always a day well spent.
Follow @thebergencountygirl on Instagram for the latest Bergen County updates, sign up for our email list here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 30+ events weekly to peruse.
