Houlihan’s is a casual American restaurant and cocktail bar at 700 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ 07094, in the Harmon Meadow shopping, hotel, and convention district. Part of a restaurant brand founded in Kansas City in 1972, this location suits business lunches, family dinners, and drinks after an event at the nearby Meadowlands Exposition Center. Come for familiar American comfort food and table service rather than a quick food-court stop.
What to Expect at Houlihan’s
The Houlihan’s identity centers on substantial appetizers, burgers, salads, chicken dishes, and steakhouse-style mains. Its best-known starters include ‘Shrooms: breaded mushroom caps filled with garlic-herb cream cheese. Chicken fingers are another longtime brand staple, making the menu approachable for mixed-age groups. Start with a shared appetizer, then choose individual mains; that approach works particularly well when colleagues or families have different appetites. Check the Secaucus menu before committing to a particular dish, since selections and promotions change.
This is a sit-down bar-and-grill experience, with a dining area for meals and a bar for cocktails or a less formal stop. The drinks program follows the American restaurant-bar format, with beer, wine, and mixed drinks rather than a specialist brewery or tasting-menu focus. Smart-casual clothing fits comfortably, and formal dress is unnecessary. Vegetarian diners should examine the current salads and meat-free choices; vegan diners and anyone avoiding gluten should discuss ingredients, substitutions, and shared-fryer preparation directly with the server.
- Signature ‘Shrooms: Houlihan’s recognizable stuffed-mushroom appetizer pairs a crisp coating with garlic-herb cream cheese.
- Chicken fingers: A longtime menu staple offers a straightforward option for children and comfort-food fans.
- Burgers and substantial mains: The American grill format works for a full lunch or dinner rather than snacks alone.
- Cocktail-bar service: Order a drink with dinner or make the bar a meeting point after a convention.
- Harmon Meadow location: Nearby hotels, shops, and the exposition center make it practical without driving into Manhattan.
Houlihan’s at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 700 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ 07094, United States |
| Neighborhood / Area | Harmon Meadow; Meadowlands hotel and convention district |
| Operating Hours | Listed hours: Monday–Wednesday 11 a.m.–1 a.m.; Thursday noon–7 p.m.; Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–2 a.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.–midnight. Call about Thursday and holiday schedules; kitchen hours may differ. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$; moderately priced table-service dining. Food, drinks, tax, and gratuity are separate considerations; consult the current menu. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 60–90 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | NJ Transit bus 320 serves Harmon Meadow from Port Authority Bus Terminal; shared surface parking surrounds the commercial complex. |
| Official Website & Phone | Houlihan’s Secaucus; +1 201-330-8856 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
For a quieter meal, aim for an early weekday lunch or arrive before the main dinner period. Convention lunch breaks and evening event finishes can concentrate demand. Call ahead for a large party, seating requests, or a tight pre-event timetable; also establish whether the kitchen remains open as late as the bar. From Manhattan, NJ Transit route 320 connects Port Authority with Harmon Meadow. Check the day’s stops and timetable through NJ Transit; Secaucus Junction is not within an easy walk of this restaurant.
Drivers approach through Harmon Meadow’s internal roads and shared surface lots; follow posted restrictions rather than assuming every space permits restaurant parking. The restaurant occupies a ground-floor commercial setting, but wheelchair users should call about the step-free doorway route, accessible restroom, and suitable table clearance. Allow for curb crossings and parking-lot traffic when walking. Pair dinner with the Meadowlands Exposition Center, roughly 5–10 minutes away on foot, or browse The Plaza at Harmon Meadow nearby. The local ShowPlace cinema offers another easy dinner-and-film pairing within approximately 5–15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Houlihan’s open, and when should I visit?
Most listed opening times begin at 11 a.m.; Thursday is listed as noon–7 p.m. Confirm that unusually short Thursday schedule by phone, and choose an early lunch for a less rushed meal.
How expensive is it, and are reservations necessary?
Expect a moderate, $$ restaurant bill rather than fine-dining prices. Consult the official menu for current amounts, and call ahead for groups or convention-day meals.
How much time should I allow?
Budget 60–90 minutes for a seated meal. Allow longer for several courses, drinks, or a large group during an exposition-center event.
Is Houlihan’s suitable for families and wheelchair users?
The casual format and familiar dishes suit families, with no formal dress requirement. For wheelchair access, request details about the entrance, restroom, and seating arrangement when calling.
When planning your Springfield travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and american restaurant in Springfield, pair this stop with standout local spots including University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, CAVA, History Museum on the Square, and Angry Archies (4.2 km away).
