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La Bodega

@labodegajc

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🇩🇴 Dominican Kitchen
Cafe•Brunch•Lunch
Daily 8am-6pm
DM for Pop Ups, Venue Rental, Catering
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Aqui, another day at the office. One minute I’m serving customers, the next I’m washing dishes, restocking the fridge, or sweeping the floors. Some days you’re working on the business. Other days you’re doing whatever needs to get done in the business. No task is too small, and no day is exactly the same. The goal is to build a business that doesn’t depend on me doing everything. But until then, you’ll find me wherever I’m needed. Shot on @dji #djiosmonano
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At @labodegajc , the sound of dominoes hitting the table means more than just a game. It means tradition, memories, and a sense of home. 🇩🇴🎴 “It’s something that you grow up around, either your uncle, your cousin, somebody playing dominoes in the Dominican Republic,” said Neal Antigua, one of the restaurant’s owners. La Bodega first opened in 1995 as Maricarmen Supermarket. In 2023, Maricarmen Antigua and her husband, Neal Antigua, took over the business with a mission to preserve Dominican culture and continue the legacy of her grandparents and father, who previously owned it. Today, La Bodega is more than a restaurant. It’s a gathering place where Dominican culture lives on through its decorations, music, food, and vibrant atmosphere. And, of course, through dominoes. For many, the game is a connection to their roots. “Uno se siente como si estuviera en su país,” said Ramón Torres, a customer who plays dominoes at La Bodega. Just as dominoes are commonly played outside homes and grocery stores, known as “colmados,” in the Dominican Republic, the same tradition continues outside La Bodega. “My father-in-law and old-timers and old friends, and even customers as well, they come here, they grab the dominoes table, and they just sit outside, and it reminds them of the good old days,” Antigua shared. Those casual gatherings to play dominoes eventually inspired the owners to take things a step further. Last year, La Bodega partnered with @madeinjerseycc to bring dominoes tournaments to the community. They were looking for another way to bring people together, and the opportunity came at just the right time. On October 10, they hosted their second tournament, offering a friendly space not only for level players, but also those who just wanted to spend a good time. At La Bodega, it’s all about building community and meaningful relationships. And one of the most rewarding parts for the owners is seeing that love and support returned by the people who walk through their doors. “Definitely makes you feel good to see other people enjoying the space… something that you’re a part of makes you feel good,” said Neal Antigua. #labodega #dominicans #culture
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Important announcements from the founder 😂🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴 Link to the shop is in my BIO ❤️❤️ Events this month: 10/10- Bingo at @labodegajc 10/18- El mercadito @runninglattecafe , @osograzing and @balanced.shea_ will be there ! 10/22- Latina happy hour hosted by me @moquette_ny 10/24- Cosecha nocturna by @diningwithoscar #moderndominicanmomsclub #eventannouncement
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We're proud to partner with @AtacamaClayStudio for the Clay for Cats Gala, a fundraiser gala and auction for local cat rescues JC CatWatch and Tiny Tigers NJ Cat Rescue. Stop by and see cat-inspired ceramics by New Jersey artists, on display at 10 Heights businesses through Oct 14. 11 of the 41 pieces are open for early bidding at several businesses. Find the pieces at: - Atacama Clay Studio - Baddie Tattoos - Busy Bee Organics - Choc O Pain - Cocoa Bakery - Erin Kumpf Acupuncture - La Bodega - Meow Mini Mart - Riverview Wine & Spirts - The Hair Room See every piece and their location at: atacamaclaystudio.com/clay-for-cats The Gala - Saturday, Oct 17, 6–9 pm - Atacama Clay Studio, 273 New York Ave - Tickets $65 on Zeffy (link in bio) #ClayForCats #JerseyCity #JCHeights #CatRescue #AdoptDontShop Clay for Cats Gala, a fundraiser gala and auction for JC CatWatch and Tiny Tigers NJ Cat Rescue. Saturday, Oct 17, 6–9 pm, 273 New York Ave, Jersey City Heights. Tickets $65 on zeffy.com. All 41 auction pieces are on display at 10 Heights businesses through Oct 14, with early bidding on 11. See pieces and locations at atacamaclaystudio.com/clay-for-cats.
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Play dominoes and eat good food, celebrate community at the Five Corners in Jersey City, enjoy a night out in East Newark + more!!! Swipe ➡️ to see what events are happening in Hudson County. Want a list of more events? Sign up to our biweekly newsletter for access to our community calendar!! 🔗Link in bio! ——— Graphic: @amandacurlss Design by: @ms_merakishots #hudsoncountynj
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EVENT DETAILS Saturday, October 10th 5-9 PM La Bodega - Jersey City Come for the dominoes. Stay for the music, food, games, and community.
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Dominoes Day is BACK! 👀🔥 October 10 • 4PM • La Bodega, Jersey City Round up your crew, bring your game face, grab a drink, and if not for Dominoes; for the Vibes ✨ 🏆 $150 for 1st place 🥈 $50 for 2nd place 🎟️ Raffles + local prizes 🍴 Food for purchase 🎶 Music + games 🍻 BYOB Whether you’re a dominoes pro or just here for the vibes — pull up. 🎟️ Tickets → LINK IN BIO #MadeInJersey #DominoesDay #JerseyCityEvents #NJEvents
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Y’ALL ASKED FOR ANOTHER ONE… SO WE HAD TO RUN IT BACK! 🁣🔥 And what better time than Hispanic Heritage Month to bring Jersey together for another night of dominoes, community, music, food, and a little friendly competition.🫶🏽 DOMINOES DAY: ROUND 2 is going down THIS SATURDAY at @labodegajc 🏆 $150 1st place / $50 2nd place 🎟️ Raffles + prizes 🎶 Music + games 🍽️ Food for purchase 🍻 BYOB 📍 La Bodega, Jersey City 📅 THIS SATURDAY, October 10 ⏰ 5–9 PM You asked for another one. We delivered. NOW COME OUTSIDE! Save your spot via link in bio 🁣🔥 🎟️ Raffles sponsored by: @chocopainbakery @boxcafejc @atacamaclaystudio @sparkplacejc @718beautybar @solspiritstudios @thehairroomjerseycity @erinkumpfacupunctureherbs @arcanegarments 🁣 Dominoes tables provided by: @jpdominotable #DominoesDay #HispanicHeritageMonth #JerseyCity #MadeInJersey #JerseyCityEvents NJEvents
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Going on vacation when you own a restaurant hits a little different. Before we ever took over La Bodega, Mary and I had one non-negotiable: We didn’t want to build a business that could only operate if we were physically there every single day. If we couldn’t eventually step away and the business continue to run, then taking it over didn’t make sense for us. We’re still working toward that vision. Our systems aren’t perfect. Our processes aren’t perfect. And there’s still plenty that depends on us. But this trip reminded me that we’ve made progress.
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🎃 O So Grazing is popping up at El Mercadito! Come spend your Sunday with us at Running Latte Cafe on October 18th from 10AM–2PM! 🧀🍇☕️ I’ll be there with some delicious O So Grazing goodies, alongside some amazing local vendors—including my girl @balanced.shea 🫶🏼 Come shop, grab a coffee, say hi, and support a few small businesses all in one place. 🤎 📍 189 N Washington Ave, Bergenfield 🗓️ Sunday, October 18 ⏰ 10AM–2PM Save the date & come see us! 🍂✨
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The early bird gets the deal! Get your tickets to the dining event of 2027 benefitting WomenRising!. Scan the barcode or head to bit.ly/tasteofjc2027 to get your tickets TODAY. #tasteofjc #eatlocal #goeatsomething Restaurants- interested in being a part of this event and supporting a great cause? Sign up at bit.ly/tasteofjcreg2027
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Recap: What a great way to walk into Fall!! Wonderful weather, the best bites and fun felt from friends new & old alike!! Until our next party, enjoy some LilCo highlights!
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