(photos courtesy of Gail Schoenberg Public Relations)

The much-anticipated opening of Porter Collins (1426 Willow Ave.) is nearly a reality, with the uptown cocktail lounge and restaurant on Hoboken’s northern edge set to serve its first customers next Saturday, March 18th.

We had a chance to chat with the proprietor, Chef Anthony Pino—a fixture in Hoboken’s restaurant scene who has led from the front in driving the city’s hospitality industry ever forward over the past few decades with venues such as Anthony David’s and Bin 14.

Anthony Pino

hMAG: How long have you been around Hoboken?
Chef Anthony Pino: I’ve lived in Hoboken since 1994. Still live here with my wife & business partner Liz and our two kids.

h: How would you characterize the evolution of hospitality tastes here in town?
AP: Moving forward with overall good diversity. Everyone has their favorites.

h: What is it about the area north of the viaduct that’s so alluring to an established Hoboken restaurateur like you?
AP: It was a clean palate, I could do anything I wanted to do. No restrictions. Space.

h: What can patrons expect at Porter Collins, in terms of food, drink and atmosphere?
AP: Modern American menu, raw bar and wood-burning oven, grill specialties. A focus of the house: retro cocktails, mid-20th century inspired. A spacious feeling, like a hotel lobby in Palm Springs, for example—a little bit more grand; we’ll be offering amazing amenities. Table-side service.

Porter Collins opens March 18th on the corner of 15th & Willow.
portercollinsrestaurant.com
1426 Willow Ave, Hoboken, NJ 07030 –