PJ Ryan's, a downtown sports bar /restaurant, currently has one location at 292 Barrow Street, but over the past several months, they've been hard at work building out their second location right by Journal Square.
The space (to be known as PJ Ryan's 2) is substantially larger than the original location, but we can expect the same kind of feel - casual, TVs for sports, and a pub-style menu with wings, burgers, sandwiches and so on along with a brunch menu on weekends. They do have quite a long beer list which I think we can expect to see expand even further.
While it seems like most of the actual construction work has been done, there's still a fair amount of work left to be done on the interior; however, they've made significant progress in a short amount of time. Initially slated to open right around St. Patrick's Day, it is looking more and more likely that PJ Ryan's 2 won't be opening until closer to mid-spring. Considering the response to just the idea of the expansion and it's convenient proximity to PATH, it will likely be a popular destination.
This is cool. Despite their very good food, their service at the original location in Van Vorst is god-awful. Both bartending & wait staff. Terrible.
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping the owners actually train employees at this new location and its massive investment.
Is this the ex-cook that got fired? Your "everything sucks but the food" attitude kinda gives you away.
DeleteLOL no! Ive only been there like 3x; but I remember distant service and numb bartenders.
DeleteWhen did the ex-cook get fired? Havent been there since the Fall.
Not exactly sure but there's a new guy now, At any rate, a PJs at Journal Square is an improvement to the current bar scene so I wish them luck!
DeleteHopefully management doesn't continue to allow/encourage their bartenders to get wasted to the degree of not being able to drive themselves home. But when your owners and management is drunk on the job you can't expect much.
ReplyDeleteWow, sounds like someone needs a drink
Delete^^ Wow, sounds like someone is a manager/owner of PJ Ryans. Have another drink on the job. Dont be so sensitive that the staff you hired is untrained, cold and/or "not with it"
DeleteLOL I work in an office.
DeleteIn all sincerity, I'm going to try the original PJ Ryans and the new location when it opens up based on your review. I hate bars when there management is so uptight that their bartenders can't enjoy a drink or a shot while on the job. To me, it's very impersonal. Part of the experience when going to a bar is the bartender and I love it when they let loose a little and get in on the action. It makes a great night. I'm not advocating for blackout drunk, but let the hair lose rather than being uptight. I realize my preference is likely a minority opinion, but wanted to share nonetheless. Thanks Anon9:59am!
Deletei agree! more fun when staff is a part of your visit. Heyyy bartender have 1 with us, :)
DeleteWhat a great addition to Journal Square
ReplyDeleteCrap beer list, stop bragging about it, get some real craft beers
ReplyDeleteI love PJ Ryan's and I have no affiliation except as a patron. I moved up to the Heights a few months ago and am in and oit JS all the time. Very excited!! Welcome PJ's2
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWas just there checking it out last week.
ReplyDeleteNice addition to JSQ. Was hoping it would be open for parade day; can't wait to stop in.
Good Luck MR!!
The "newer" downtown demands (or at least should) better overall establishments - service, beer, food. Etc. This is a fine addition to JSQ.
ReplyDeleteThank you JCEATS for the write up. I assure you. This will be one of the beat places you ever get to visit in JC, and in the JSQ area. Can't wait to see you all on the 13th. Happy Jersey City St. Patricks Day!
ReplyDeleteDefinately exciting! Hope you hire and train better waiters and bartenders in this location though! Van Vorst location has some of the nastiest & poorly trained employees at any bar in JC. Which is a shame b/c the food is pretty good!
DeletePJ RYANS is one of the truly Great Irish bars with a great touch of class...next to McSorleys..the irish aura is in the air Good Lck Mike Ryan your buddy Jimmy McSorley
ReplyDeletethe owner is no good and the place is no good I have other things to say but I wont you disrespected me
ReplyDeleteWow lots of haters! If you dont like dont go but I look forward to options in an area that needs some fun. I'll be going!
ReplyDeleteKnow they just hired a great bartender who knows her stuff! Not to mention, Great people skills. P.s. Ask her to refer some of her bartenders co-workers! They know there stuff and know how to make your customers want to keep coming back.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to JSQ!! The place should be booming want's all those highrise apartments for the area start opening up.
ReplyDelete