The Clam Broth House Sign

Even if the restaurant has been closed for years, the Clam Broth House sign is once again located above the Wild Moose on the corner of River and Newark Street, much like it did decades ago. The Clam Broth House began operation in 1899 and was known for its “bone broth” which served many purposes, including recovering from severe hangovers. The floors were covered with sawdust and the language was “as salty as the peanuts.” The establishment drew in Hudson area’s workers from the surrounding trains and ferries. Frank Sinatra reportedly liked to spend time enjoying a bucket of “steamers” before and after his rise to fame, along with other well-known stars such as Marlon Brando, Rod Steiger, and Karl Malden.

In 1954, Lee J. Cobb was often seen at this spot during the making of the movie On the Waterfront in Hoboken. America’s twenty-eighth president, Woodrow Wilson addressed troops leaving for and returning from World War I from the Clam Broth House balcony.

In 2003, a few years after The Clam Broth House closed its doors, the building was showing signs of disrepair to the point that it was condemned. Since then, another restaurant called Biggie’s Clam Bar opened in the same location. Today, the famous pointing hand of the previous restaurant remains thanks to some restoration work.

“Having the historic sign restored after decades of being dark, reminds us all of Hoboken’s iconic industrial past and our connection to shipping and the sea,” Hoboken First Ward Councilman Mike DeFusco said. “I thank the new ownership of REIGN for their investment and dedication to making our downtown community a unique destination.”