Top 4 New Restaurants in 2016

Over the past year, Jersey City saw more than thirty new restaurants and cafes open their doors. Some sky-rocketed in popularity while others didn't last the year, but at the very least there's been a lot to try. Here are the Top Four New Restaurants of 2016:

Community News

• A "For Sale" listing has been posted online for Marco & Pepe. While it hasn't yet been confirmed by the owners, the listing is for the whole property, turnkey restaurant and event space included, for $3.7 million.
• A new restaurant, Nana Thai, is coming to Central Ave. There doesn't seem to be a website yet, but it seems like they just opened to the public and they'll eventually be open every day from 6am-10pm.
• Burger Eatery is celebrating their one year anniversary on Wednesday with a party and free classic singles from 3-5pm.

Friday Feature: Alcapurias from ME Casa

Welcome to weekly series,"Friday Feature"! The first Friday of every month will continue to be "Get to Know JC Eater" showcasing a local resident and their recommendations, but on all other Fridays, a specific dish or food find from around Jersey City will be featured on the blog.

This week, the Friday Feature is about the alcapurias from ME Casa, available both in the restaurant and on the trucks under the appetizer section (although I've certainly made a meal out of them). 

Last Minute Gift Ideas

Time is running short but if you're still looking for some emergency gifts, food and food-related items are always great options. Here are some of your best bets around Jersey City:

5 New Restaurants Opening Soon In Jersey City

As the end of the year approaches and a new one begins, Jersey City has several restaurants in their final stages of development. Here are five new restaurants to look forward to over the next few months.

New Years Eve 2016 in Jersey City

New Years Eve is right around the corner and there are parties all over Jersey City. Here's a round-up:

Community News

• Feed JC is collecting hats, gloves, and scarves through 12/22 to donate on Christmas Day. Pick-up spots include Base NJ, Whealth, Squeeze'd, Garden Steaks, World Boxing Gym, O'Leary's, Light Rail Cafe.
• Congratulations to The Hudson Kitchen on finding commercial kitchen space which will be available for lease beginning 1/3/17. 
• A new juice bar, Tropix Juice, has opened at 245 Central Ave. 

Friday Feature: Ahri's Kitchen Bone In Short Rib Soup

Welcome to a new weekly series,"Friday Feature"! The first Friday of every month will continue to be "Get to Know JC Eater" showcasing a local resident and their recommendations, but on all other Fridays, a specific dish or food find from around Jersey City will be featured on the blog.

This week's Friday Feature is Galbitang, a traditional Korean bone-in short rib soup from Ahri's Kitchen.

Where to Eat Christmas Eve 2016

Not up for cooking on Christmas Eve but still want a nice meal? Check out this round-up of places open and serving dinner in Jersey City.

7 Great Spots for Hot Chocolate in Jersey City

When winter coats start coming out and it takes more than a minute to delayer upon entering a building and then another minute to relayer upon preparing to leave, there's nothing left to do but embrace the season. One great way to do that? Hot chocolate!

The JC West Side Craft Fair 2016

The Jersey City West Side Craft Fair is this Saturday and Sunday, 12/17-12/18 from 12-6pm at the Gallo Center in Lincoln Park.

Community News

• Congratulations to Andrea Salumeria on being named the Best Sub Shop in NJ. 
• Sam a.m. is hosting Feast of the Seven Fishes, a 5 course benefit dinner for The York Street Project, this Wednesday and Thursday. Seatings are between 6:30-8:30pm and tickets are $60/person.
• Novello Cucina is starting up local delivery this week. Orders need to be placed by Tuesday at 8pm and deliveries will be made on Thursday or Friday. 

Transmitter Brewing+Cool Vines Collaboration

Cool Vines, 276 Grove, has teamed up with Queens-based brewer, Transmitter, for their very own unique beer. Available in limited quantities solely through Cool Vines here and in Princeton, the beer will be called CV1.

Andrea Salumeria Wins Best NJ Sub Shop

Yesterday, Jersey City's own Andrea Salumeria, was named NJ's Best Sub/Hoagie Shop by Pete Genovese of NJ.com after an exhaustive search throughout the state that originally started with over 350 nominees.

Jersey City Wine Fest Coming Soon

Earlier this year, Harborside Craft Brew Fest came to town and now the organizers are back with the Jersey City Wine Fest, coming next year, 1/28/17.

Here's the press release for more information:

Pasta Dal Cuore Wine Dinner + New Years

Full disclosure: I attended this dinner free of charge at Pasta Dal Cuore's invitation, but with the understanding that any review I posted would be honest and unbiased. All opinions are my own and are an honest reflection of my experience. 

Earlier this fall, Pasta Dal Cuore and Cool Vines collaborated on Autumn in Northern Italy, a five course dinner featuring regional Northern Italian recipes paired with Italian wines. It was a wonderful night, complete with an excellent menu and some truly delicious wines. For the diners and organizers alike, there was a sense of excitement and anticipation that paid off so well, Pasta Dal Cuore has already planned their next event (hint: midnight and drinks are involved! More details below).

It felt like the theme of the night was elegant simplicity. As guests came in, they were started off with a light prosecco, a nice touch. As each course was presented, we'd hear a couple of notes about the dishes and the wine and what went into them from Elena, owner of Pasta Dal Cuore and Amy Ezrin from Massanois Merchants who worked with Cool Vines to select the wines. There wasn't a wine I didn't like and it was a great way to learn about and experience some I might not otherwise try. While there were a couple of moments of off-timing as wine got poured and dishes were served, overall, the evening flowed very well and the portions were perfectly sized - not just bites of everything so everyone's still hungry but made with an awareness that five courses can be a lot to get through.

Community News

• Congratulations to Latham House and The Kitchen Step for being named as two of the 10 Best New Restaurants in New Jersey. 
• Krispy Kreme is estimated to be opening across from Grove Plaza on Marin Blvd. in January. 
• O'Leary's is having an Ugly Sweater Christmas party on Sunday, 12/18 beginning at 4pm. 

Get to Know JC Eater: Matt

Welcome to "Get to Know JC Eater" where, every week, I post a profile of a local resident sharing where and what they love to eat in Jersey City. If you'd like to be featured, please leave a comment below or email me directly.

This week's JC Eater is an overall food enthusiast who knows exactly which classic Jersey City spots to take out-of-town guests to.

Photo courtesy of Matt

Holiday Markets in Jersey City

The holidays are a busy time in Jersey City, but there are lots of markets around so you can shop while drinking, eating, and having a good time. To help you stay organized, here's a rundown of the markets happening over the next several weeks.

Jersey City Fish Stand Turns One

Jersey City Fish Stand, 508 Jersey Ave, is coming up on one year in business and to celebrate, they're extending their menu and hours, and offering specials in the store from 12/2-12/17.

Giving Tuesday

Today is what has become known as "Giving Tuesday", an extension of and counter to the shopping-filled days of Black Friday, Shop Small Saturday, and Cyber Monday.  

If you're able to give, there are a lot of great organizations working to protect the rights of food workers, addressing hunger, and helping keep people fed. Here are some options, both in and out of Jersey City.

Midnight Market JC Returns

Midnight Market, which debuted last month, is returning on Friday, 12/9 from 7:30pm-midnight. The market, located at 147 Harborside Financial Center (next to NY Sports Club), will feature a few logistical changes as well as an expanded roster of vendors with music by Chilltown Collective and an official after-party at Porta.

Community News

• Jersey Girls Food Tours is offering 15% all December food tours if you book with code CELEBRATE2016 before Tuesday at 11:59pm including the three special holiday tours they having coming up. 
• Jersey City Ties is hosting their 6th Annual Holiday Toy Drive and Happy Hour beginning at 2pm at Lucky 7's. 
• Tea NJ has a new spicy vegan double-stacked non-chicken sandwich. 

Thanksgiving Part II

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and if you need information on where to go, where to shop, or where to volunteer, check this post out.

However, if you're looking for info on before and after, who's open, and what's happening, keep reading.

Photo courtesy of Bucket & Bay

Community News

• Whealth will open their pop-up shop at Harborside tomorrow, Monday 11/21, for a soft open from 7am-10pm with complimentary coffee and oatmeal. 
• Congratulations to LITM on celebrating thirteen years in Jersey City. 
• 6th Borough Market is teaming up with Harborside to start a Holiday Bazaar which will run every Tuesday beginning this week. 
• Beginning tomorrow, Carmine's Pizza Factory will carry whole wheat and multi-grain pizza options. 

Get to Know JC Eaters: The Recap (Part 2)

Instead of posting new JC Eaters, I wanted to look back at the twenty Jersey City residents who have been featured so far and talk about some of my favorite recommendations and the things I've learned. Two weeks ago, I recapped the ten most recent profiles and this week, we'll go over the first ten. 

So many people have told me they've found a new dish to try or a new favorite restaurant based off someone's profile and I've definitely pick up some great recommendations myself. I love reading through every submission I get and I'm so exited to have people share more about the food, neighborhoods, and scenic spots they love in Jersey City as well as their own personal passions and hobbies. 

Starting from the 10th and counting down to the 1st, here are ten JC Eaters sharing their favorite eats around Jersey City.

Whealth is Keeping Busy

Whealth and Co., founded by Chef David Trotta, has always been on the move and that's especially true of late. They've got several special events coming up, a new pop-up cafe opening soon, and construction is underway on their Journal Square location.

Photo from Whealth

Wurstbar

If you're looking for a place to do some serious beer drinking, Wurstbar is going to be your new favorite spot.

Community News

• Cafe Batata has started carrying gluten-free pastries from WHOS Gluten Free. 
• Ozu Foods will begin offering lunch this Wednesday and will have it available every Wednesday-Friday from 11:30am-2pm.
• Latham House will be closed next week, 11/21-11/24. They'll also have a cookie exchange soon so stay tuned for that. 
• Sam a.m. is hosting a "Being Grateful and Eating BBQ" this Thursday. $40/pp

Thanksgiving 2016

Thanksgiving is getting closer and Jersey City has a lot of options to help you celebrate. Here are some ideas on where to get all your essential Thanksgiving supplies, what to do, and where to go if you're not cooking.

Pause

Considering the events of Election Day, it feels inappropriate to put up typical blog posts for the next few days though I absolutely understand the need for distraction. I'm just simply not prepared to go back to business as usual.

Posts will resume Sunday, 11/13. In the meantime, some relevant and hopefully helpful links:

How the presidency can affect our food and our food workers:
http://www.eater.com/2016/11/9/12930812/donald-trump-food-policy

Two great lists of of organizations to donate time and/or money to if you're able:
http://www.racked.com/2016/11/9/13573936/donate
http://jezebel.com/a-list-of-pro-women-pro-immigrant-pro-earth-anti-big-1788752078

And finally, a thought from a favorite podcaster of mine:

I'm gonna wake up and keep trying to do good and so are you and nobody gets to vote on that.

— Justin McElroy (@JustinMcElroy) November 9, 2016

Atlas Public House Opening Next Week

The long-awaited opening of Atlas Public House, formerly Monty's, is almost here.

Vogue Cafe Now Open

Vogue Cafe, a French café at 177 York Street, opened their doors to the public late last week. Owned and operated by a French couple, they've created a casual but intimate feel with full coffee and tea service including a variety of specialized espresso drinks like a salted caramel mocha and a small menu comprised of sandwiches, soups, and bakery items. 

Community News

As part of Community News, here's a list of Election Night Specials that will remain updated from now through Tuesday:

• PJ Ryan's will be showing updates and the news all night long on their TVs. 
• Latham House is having Happy Hour from open until close with 2 for 1 cocktails and a burger & draft beer special for $11.08
• LITM will be airing the election on Tuesday with Happy Hour and taco and margarita specials all night. 
• McGinley Square Pub will be showing the election results on their projector and offering Bad Hombre, Nasty Woman, and Patriot shot specials for $2
• Liberty Prime is featuring a list of special election day cocktails. 
• Madame Claude Bis will be showing election coverage on mute with live music from Manouche Bag and complimentary champagne. 

Community News

• Kraverie is running a 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway. You can stop in and drop off various donations to get entered into their giveaway. 
• The Archer is celebrating their one year anniversary this Thursday, 11/10 with live music and all night drink specials. 

Get to Know JC Eaters: The Recap (Part 1)

This week and next week, instead of posting new JC Eaters, I wanted to look back at the twenty Jersey City residents who have been featured so far and talk about some of my favorite recommendations and the things I've learned.

I started doing this in order to hear more about the places and food in Jersey City other people love and it's been great. So many people have told me they've found a new dish to try or a new favorite restaurant based off someone's profile and I've definitely pick up some great recommendations myself. I love reading through every submission I get and I'm so exited to have people share more about the food, neighborhoods, and scenic spots they love in Jersey City as well as often their own personal passions and hobbies. 

Starting from the most recent and counting down to 11, here are the past ten JC Eaters sharing their favorite eats around Jersey City.

Third & Vine is Hosting Wine Dinner

Third & Vine, 353 3rd Street, is hosting a special winemaker dinner this Thursday, 11/3.

Square 1 Now Open

Another new restaurant is set to open! After months of renovations and more recently, several weeks of staff training, Square 1 Community Eatery ready to open its doors to the public.

La Mexicana Sets Opening Date

As previously posted, a new Mexican restaurant called La Mexicana has moved into the former diner on Route 440, but at the time, they were still working on updating the space and doing menu tasting.

FastBoy delivering treats

FastBoy Delivery is celebrating Halloween!

Community News

• Per Erin DeLaney, a new deli on Summit Ave called Grub Mutz will open on Tuesday after having had their soft open over the weekend. 
• Koro Koro and their new food truck will now be at the Hamilton Park Farmer's Market every Wednesday from 3pm-7:30pm.
• Ozu Foods will be closed this Tuesday and Wednesday, but will be launching lunch service shortly after that in Mid-November. 

Get to Know JC Eater: Jenna

Welcome to "Get to Know JC Eater" where, every week, I post a profile of a local resident sharing where and what they love to eat in Jersey City. If you'd like to be featured, please leave a comment below or email me directly.


This week's JC Eater is an enthusiastic neighborhood supporter who loves the water. 

Exploring Van Hook Cheese & Grocery

Van Hook Cheese recently opened at 528 Jersey Avenue to the excitement and relief of many - most specifically me.

Vogue Cafe Opening Soon

 A new French spot, Vogue Café, is opening soon in Jersey City.

Community News

• Congratulations to The Grind Shop who will be celebrating the Grand Opening of their second location tomorrow, 10/24 at 234 Suydam Avenue inside The Baker Building. As an added note, they've now started carrying organic matcha lattes and Milk Sugar Love's matcha brownies. 
• The HDSID Farmer's Market at Grove is looking for more bakers for the holiday season. 
• Congratulations to Pet Shop on the soft open of their basement wine bar focusing on natural wines and join them on Thursday, 10/27 for their ribbon-cutting. 
• Wurstbar has been busy: They recently launched a happy hour menu from 4pm-7pm every Monday through Friday and they've started offering desserts. Don't forget they now deliver too. 

All About the Midnight Market

A new event, Midnight Market, is coming to Jersey City!  Find out when, what to expect, and where to eat. 

Get to Know JC Eater: Erin

Welcome to "Get to Know JC Eater" where, every week, I post a profile of a local resident sharing where and what they love to eat in Jersey City. If you'd like to be featured, please leave a comment below or email me directly.

This week's JC Eater is a long-time Jersey City resident and fellow ice cream lover who's been enjoying and photographing the hidden pockets of nature around Jersey City for years.  

Celebrating Halloween 2016 in Jersey City

Halloween is always a lively time in Jersey City and this year is no exception. Celebrations begin this weekend so read below to start making your plans.

La Mexicana To Replace Colonette Diner

Jersey City is getting another Mexican restaurant!

After Colonette Diner closed their doors, the space on Rt. 440 sat empty for quite some time but now it looks as though La Mexicana, a new restaurant and lounge, has moved in and is bringing it back to life. 

Community News

• On Wednesday 10/19, Jersey Girls Food Tours is presenting a special one-time tour, A Taste of Italy, where participants will learn about Neapolitan certifications, Italian cheeses, homemade pastas and more. 
• There's still time to help kickstart Baonanas.
• Wurstbar and Van Hook are teaming up to offer an evening of cider and cheese-tasting on 11/2 for $40/person. 
• Speaking of Wurstbar, they've now started offering delivery online. 
• Cocoa Bakery has started offering sweet potato pies both by the slice and whole for the autumn. 

Get to Know JC Eater: Michael

Welcome to "Get to Know JC Eater" where, every week, I post a profile of a local resident sharing where and what they love to eat in Jersey City. If you'd like to be featured, please leave a comment below or email me directly.

This week's JC Eater loves finding good craft beer in Jersey City and checking out food trucks. 

Square 1 Jersey City Opening Soon

Photo submitted by reader

New restaurant Square 1 Jersey City is coming to Journal Square.

Baonanas Update and Kickstarter

From FB

Yesterday, Baonanas wrote a blog post detailing how far their small business has come over the past couple of years and especially over the past year, their first official year in business. They've grown a huge amount and it's both endearing and inspiring to hear their story from their side.

Event Line Up

There are a lot of great events centered around drinking and eating over the next couple of weeks, so it's time to start marking your calendars!  Here's what's going on:

10/12 - Liberty House is hosting a Fall Harvest Hot Toddy Cocktail Class at 7pm for $45/person. Appetizers will be provided.

10/13 - Jersey Girls Food Tours is hosting a reception for Behind the Plate, a photo exhibition and celebration of traditional and experimental Jersey City chefs with photos by Tatsuro Nishimura. Several of the featured chefs will be on hand to provide tastes of their food including Emma Taylor from Milk Sugar Love, Tyrone Greene from Dark Side of the Moo, Elena Cartagena from Pasta Dal Cuore, Alex Sartoga of Garden Steaks, Mike Casalinho from Broa and more.

10/15 - The Harborside Craft Brew Fest will run in two sessions on Saturday with more than 150 beers from over 75 breweries as well as food and live music. Use code Jceats for $15 off the ticket price.

Point Capital Development and RDG Hospitality (the group behind Satis Bistro, Raval, and Lucky 7) are throwing an Oktoberfest celebration at the Baker Building, 234 Suydam Ave, from 12-8pm. The restaurants will run a beer garden while food is being provided by Light Rail Cafe and food trucks Muttley Royale and Burger Warrior. Pacific Flea will also be there with some vintage and hand-crafted goods in case you're in a shopping mood.

10/16 - Departed Soles and Sixpoint Brewery have teamed up for a special fundraiser and celebration including the release of their recent collaboration, Bogan Barleywine. The event will run from 2pm-7pm and is the last in a weekend full of special releases from Departed Soles in honor of their one year anniversary.

10/18 - Pasta Dal Cuore and Cool Vines are collaborating on Autumn in Northern Italy, a five course meal inspired by the cuisine of Northern Italy and paired with Italian wines. Tickets are $75 each and reservations can be made through Cool Vines.

Edward's Steakhouse is having savory tapas and wine tasting beginning at 7pm. Reservations are required.

10/20 - The James Beard House Foundation Greens program is hosting an evening at Mana Contemporary with a tour of the museum and food and drinks provided by some of New Jersey's top chefs including Jersey City's own Clémence Danko from Choc-O-Pain, Ryan DePersio from Kitchen Step and Battello, Ruby Felix from Talde, and Michael Fiorianti from Satis Bistro. Tickets are $60 if you're a Greens member or $75 otherwise. 

10/25 - Coach House is hosting their next Tasting Series on Rock and Rye Whiskey. There will be three different spirits presented and the featured cocktail is a Philly Mule. Appetizers will be served and the class is $20/person if reserved and $25/person at the door.

11/4 - Jersey City's first Midnight Market comes to town, running from 6:30pm-midnight at Transmission Harborside. There will be 90s music all night, drink specials, and all food will be $5 or less. Vendors include Cholita Paletas, A Taste of Poland, and Venezuelan bites from Munchies by Antonio among others. Stay tuned for more details.

Community News

• Congratulations to Lisi Vasquez of Chilltown Kitchen who will be featured on the Food Network's Chopped on October 25th. 
• The Grind Shop announced they're expanding to a second location - they'll be opening inside The Baker Building later this month. 
• Sweets 4 Miles, a bakery formerly located on Ocean Ave, celebrated the opening of their new shop at 410 MLK Drive this weekend. 
• Congratulations to Squeeze'D who opened a pop-up spot at 8 Springs Studio, 300 Coles Street. 

Get to Know JC Eater: Charis

Welcome to "Get to Know JC Eater" where, every week, I post a profile of a local resident sharing where and what they love to eat in Jersey City. If you'd like to be featured, please leave a comment below or email me directly.

This week's JC Eater is a dumpling aficionado with a bit of a sweet tooth and a love of the views from Jersey City.

The Hutton to Open Soon

From FB

New restaurant The Hutton is gearing up to open soon in Jersey City Heights, possibly as soon as this Sunday, 10/9.

Bucket and Bay Now Delivers

Bucket and Bay announced they've started delivery service to most of Jersey City and Hoboken.

National Taco Day

Today is National Taco Day and while I'm not a big believer in food holidays (although love holidays with food), National Taco Day is something I can get behind.

If you're not familiar with all the choices Jersey City has to help you celebrate (there are a lot), here's a guide to get you started.

Community News

• Congratulations to the winners of the Jersey City West Side Chili Cook Off, Aaron van Dorn and the Wynn family.
• Orale MK has announced a line-up of events to celebrate Halloween.
• The Baonanas Kickstarter has officially launched. They're trying to expand their business and move into a larger kitchen space with the possibility of a storefront. 
• Satis Bistro, Lucky 7, and Light Rail Cafe have teamed up with The Baker Building to throw an Oktoberfest party on Oct. 15th from 12-8pm.  

Get to Know JC Eater: Becca

Welcome to "Get to Know JC Eater" where, every week, I post a profile of a local resident sharing where and what they love to eat in Jersey City. If you'd like to be featured, please leave a comment below or email me directly.

This week's JC Eater is a fellow blogger who understands the value of a good bodega meal. 

West Side Chili Cook Off this Sunday

Say hello to fall with the West Side Chili Cook Off this Sunday from 12pm-2pm!

9th & Coles To Hold a Closing Party Friday

From FB

As reported last month, 9th and Coles Tavern announced they were putting the business up for sale so they could focus on their animal sanctuary and farm in upstate New York. It appears they've already found a buyer and they will be closing down the restaurant at the end of this week.

Harborside Jazz Brunch with Whealth

From FB

Earlier this summer, Whealth started hosting a pop-up weekend brunch that has turned into a monthly Jazz brunch held at Harborside, complete with a live band, drinks, delicious food and a beautiful view. 

Community News

• Pasta Dal Cuore and Cool Vines are teaming up to offer a special five course Northern Italy Dinner and Wine Pairing on Tuesday, Oct. 18th from 7-9pm. Tickets are $75/person with tax and gratuity included. 
• Baonanas has launched a kickstarter to help them move into a new, bigger kitchen and expand their business. 
• The opening for the Jersey City location of Ani Ramen has been pushed back to November. No exact date has been announced. 
• Eighty Mag is throwing a party and fundraiser this Saturday, Oct. 1st to help nonprofit the Jersey City chapter of Church Worldwide Services, dedicated to helping newly arrived refugees find housing and employment. Food will be provided by Garden Steaks, Fox and Crow, Roman Nose, and Milk Sugar Love. 

Get to Know JC Eater: Sam

Welcome to "Get to Know JC Eater" where, every week, I post a profile of a local resident sharing where and what they love to eat in Jersey City. If you'd like to be featured, please leave a comment below or email me directly.

This week's JC Eater is an avid reader and taco fan.

Taste of Hudson 2016

Join the Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County on Thursday, October 6th from 6-9pm for their Taste of Hudson fundraiser with over thirty local restaurants and food vendors.

The Old Spot Now Open

After undergoing renovations and getting permits in order for most of the past year, The Old Spot Hot Pot & Grill is now officially open.

The Harborside Craft Brew Fest

On Saturday, October 15th, Harborside will host the first Craft Brew Fest with over 150 styles of craft beer, delicious food, and live music.

Tidal Pokē Co. and Lizzmonade Open at Harborside

Yesterday marked the opening of two pop-ups at Harborside Plaza: Tidal Pokē  Co. and Lizzmonade, both familiar names from events around Jersey City.

The Hamilton Park BBQ Festival 2016

This Saturday 9/24, is the 7th Annual Hamilton Park BBQ Festival. Put on to help benefit the Hamilton Park Conservancy, this event features barbecue vendors from New York, New Jersey, and beyond along with handcrafted goods, live music, and more.