There's plenty of places like that in Hoboken. Pretty much any of the Irish pubs. Try McMahon's (Willow and 12th I think), DC's back on 8th just after Jefferson, Dippers is mostly regular folks, Liberty is during the week but not on the weekends. Kellys is a TRUE dive. Maxwell's gets more of an 'alternative' crowd, due to the live rock bands I guess. Louise & Jerry's on Wash. The Nags Head on 1st. Try Zacks or Ted & Jo's for a mix of people.
Dawn, I go out alone a lot too. Just because I don't know a lot of people doesn't mean I have to sit home every night. I've met some nice folks, too, sitting in a pub drinking a Guinness and having a bite. The more you do it, the easier it gets. It definitely is nice to become a regular somewhere, then you usually at least know the staff.
