Halifax in Hoboken Serves Aperol Spritz Trees for Summer Send-Off

The patio at Halifax is buzzing on a late August Sunday. A group of friends, five of them, slide into a table overlooking the Hudson River. The waiter arrives with something that makes heads turn: a wooden contraption holding five glasses of bright orange Aperol Spritz, stacked like a cocktail chandelier. It’s called the Aperol Spritz tree, and it’s the kind of thing that makes summer feel like it’s not over yet.

Halifax, the farm-to-table restaurant inside the W Hoboken at 225 River Street, has been serving this summer-exclusive item for the rest of the season. For parties of five or more, each guest gets a complimentary spritz, presented in a tray that looks like a tree branching out with drinks. It’s only available during brunch, and once fall hits, it’s gone.

“This summer has been a whirlwind—Knicks games, World Cup parties, flash floods, heatwaves,” says a restaurant staff member, who asked not to be named. “People are holding onto those last sunny weekends, and the spritz tree just adds a little joy to the table.”

Halifax has been a Hoboken staple for a decade. It’s one of the few farm-to-table spots in the area, meaning the kitchen uses locally sourced ingredients, many from head chef Seadon Shouse’s own garden. Shouse grew up near Halifax, Nova Scotia, and his coastal roots show up in the menu—house-made breads, cured meats, and smoked specialties that have earned a loyal following.

But lately, the drinks have been stealing the spotlight. The bar team at Halifax has perfected the classic Aperol Spritz: Aperol, prosecco, and soda water over ice. Simple, yes, but sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to get right. The spritz tree takes it to another level—five drinks, one tray, zero arguments about whose round it is.

For Hoboken residents who’ve weathered a chaotic summer, this is more than just a drink. It’s a chance to gather with friends, sit by the water, and toast to making it through. The city’s streets flood when it rains hard, the heat can be brutal, but the river breeze at Halifax makes those afternoons feel a little more manageable.

It’s also a reminder of what makes Hoboken special: community spots that bring people together, even for something as simple as brunch. The spritz tree is designed for sharing—five glasses, one tree, a table full of laughter. That’s the kind of moment that makes a neighborhood feel like home.

“We love that it encourages groups to come out,” says the staff member. “You see friends catching up, families celebrating, people just enjoying the summer while it lasts.”

The restaurant also runs a happy hour on weekdays from 4 to 6 PM, which is worth noting if you’re looking for a deal. But if you want the spritz tree, you’ll need to book a brunch reservation soon. Fall is creeping up, and once September rolls in, the tree goes back into storage.

Here’s what to do if you’re interested: grab four friends (or more), call ahead, and make a reservation. Halifax is at 225 River Street inside the W Hoboken. You can book online through their website or just walk in if the weather’s nice and you’re feeling spontaneous.

Summer might be winding down, but it’s not over yet. And with a spritz tree in hand, you can make the most of those final warm days. Because sometimes, the best way to say goodbye to a season is with a drink that looks like it belongs at a celebration. And really, isn’t that what a Hoboken summer is all about?