HOBOKEN, NJ — Now that the former Malbu Diner in Hoboken — a beloved 24-hour staple near the city’s northern border — is being turned into apartments, residents have speculated about whether the restaurant would someday return as promised.
When the diner closed in late 2021, the owners always said they’d reopen someday, but as part of a residential development.
The diner was demolished in 2022 and new development began taking shape.
Find out what's happening in Hobokenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Signage that appeared in 2023 advertised The Constantine apartments, ready for rental in 2024. But what of the diner?
“Ownership is still finalizing these details,” said a representative for their real estate broker last year, promising further details.
Find out what's happening in Hobokenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
But new signage placed this month indicates that the future of the retail part of the building is unclear.
Retail Space
Click Here: SL Benfica soccer tracksuit
Real estate brokers are now advertising 1,513-3,200 square feet of retail space available in the building, which will also include 23 apartments.
The valuable property is located at 14th Street and Willow Avenue, near the northwest corner of the city and less than a mile from the Lincoln Tunnel entrance.
The diner had been perched at the northern entrance to the mile-square city since the 1940s. The Babalis family took over the Malibu in 1979.
Recently, news broke that another favorite Hoboken resident, Arthur’s Steakhouse downtown, would not be returning, and an Aberchromie and Fitch clothing store would come to the second floor.
The future of the diner seems uncertain as well. Patch reached out to the former broker, as well as Grid Real Estate, who is handling the property now. An update will be posted if details are received.
In the past, the diner owners had said they wanted to build a five-story apartment building. The diner would be on the ground floor.
Until the Malibu reopens, Hoboken is left without a diner, although the city has dozens of popular restaurants.
READ MORE: Malibu Closes On New Year’s Eve
Got business or restaurant news in North Jersey? Let Patch know. Email us here.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.