We love you, New York City, but our tastebuds are tired of all the traveling back and forth just to feel like we experienced fine dining. Fortunately, the latest dine-and-drink scene is practically in our own back yard—Jersey City! Here are just a handful of restaurants with serious culinary cred that have opened up on our side of the Hudson.
Third & Vine (353 3rd St, Jersey City (201) 533-8309) Eclectic tapas-style dining. Highlights include a build-your-own cheese board (pick from 30 different cheeses!) and their famous deviled eggs with fillings that change daily. Extensive wine and beverage menu. (serving dinner 7 nights a week)
The Kitchen at Grove Station (299 Marin Blvd, Jersey City, (551)-222-4362) Cozy, intimate BYOB hidden in an office building that the New York Times has deemed “very good”- not a point we would debate. Hit this place with your squad and grab one of the velvet ensconced booths. Diners rave about Chef David Viana’s not-boring-at-all Boneless Chicken Breast and the Pacific Cod. (serving dinner Monday through Saturday, Brunch Saturday and Sunday and Lunch Mondays through Fridays)
Thirty Acres (500 Jersey Ave, Jersey City, (201) 435-3100) Don’t let the modest interior fool you, this place serves up some serious nouveau American food from Momofuku Noodle Bar alum Kevin Pemoulie. Offering exclusively a tasting menu with dishes that had Andrew Zimmern of Bizarre Foods America asking for seconds, the restaurant takes all of the decision-making out of your dining experience- save whether you go for the beverage pairing or BYOB. (serving dinner Tuesday through Saturday)
Talde (8 Erie St Jersey City, (201) 630-0077) Casual Asian-American restaurant with a killer cocktail menu. Enjoy outdoor seating, a trendy lounge complete with a live DJ, and a cozy, intimate atmosphere. (serving dinner 7 nights a week and Saturday/Sunday brunch)
Liberty House (76 Audrey Zapp Dr Jersey City (201) 395-0300) Think farm-to-table cuisine with an elegant dining room boasting breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Along with ample seating indoors, they offer a wide patio with plush chairs, live music, and fire pits. (serving dinner Tuesday through Sunday and Sunday brunch)
Satis Bistro (212 Washington St, Jersey City (201) 435-5151) This Spanish-fusion bistro offering tapas-style dishes exudes comfort and rustic charm, making it perfect for group outings. Or bring a date and order up one of their full-on entrées, which run more toward Italian-American. (serving dinner Tuesday through Sunday, Brunch Saturdays/Sundays)
Orale Mexican Kitchen (341 Grove St, Jersey City, (201) 333-0001) Orale’s atmosphere is extraordinarily vibrant, with artfully spray-painted walls and eclectic décor/lighting. Say olé to Mexican cuisine with a twist, such as guacamole with foie gras or their crowd-pleasing flan-battered French toast. (serving dinner daily, brunch Saturdays/Sundays and lunch Fridays)
Milk Sugar Love (19 McWilliams Pl, Hamilton Square, Jersey City (201) 984-0530) This gourmet ice cream parlor dishes out such imaginative flavors such as Chestnut Chip and their best-selling Lemon Olive Oil. Chocolate and vanilla are, of course, on the menu as well, along with a delicious assortment of ice cream cakes, sandwiches, and sundaes. Seating available only in the summer. (Open Tuesday-Sunday 11 am-10 pm)
Bucket and Bay Gelato (150 Bay St, Jersey City, (201) 503-5588) Hit this spot post-dinner for hand crafted gelatos like their Black Label Vanilla, Purple Sticky Rice, and Rose Latte. Or early birds can sip on their pourover Mod Pod coffee and breakfast pastries for a sweet start to the day. (Open 7am to 10pm daily)
