Augustino's

There are lots of old-school red sauce joints in Hoboken, but Augustino’s is the best. The cash-only spot does all of the Italian American classics right, from Sunday sauce to linguine and clams to calamari to veal parm. The exposed brick walls and warm lighting set the stage for a romantic date, but you could also take your parents here for a meal that neither feels fussy nor too laid-back. Whatever you do, order the killer ice box cake for dessert. This is one of the toughest tables in Hoboken (in part because there are maybe five of them), so make sure to call ahead for a reservation.