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Multi Cultural Dining in Jersey City
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Surprising options afford value, sophistication and adventure in Jersey City Dining
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SAIGON CAFE
188 Newark Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07302
201.332.8711
201.332.9005 FAX |
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One of the newest offerings in old downtown, the Saigon Cafe offers a taste of Vietnam right here in Jersey City. If you like Asian food, or if you've never had the pleasure of sampling Vietnamese cooking, do yourself a favor and hop on over to this reasonably priced gem.
I admit that I wasn't hopeful when I saw the fliers announcing the grand opening of this Asian bistro (my experiences with Asian fast food in Jersey City have been mediocre at best). Peeking through the windows, I was encouraged by the tasteful decor: open spaces with exposed brick walls and carefully placed Vietnamese accent pieces.
My first meal was a delicious surprise. For our appetizer, my companion and I shared a large bowl of Mussel Xao La Hung Que/Bo -- mussels in a delicious Thai basil sauce. As a main course I followed the waiter's recommendation: Com Tam Saigon is a special not listed on the regular menu. It includes marinated pork, shredded pork and a small crab cake on a bed of cracked rice with a spicy sauce to the side. This savory dish is surprisingly healthy with lean meat and a fresh salad garnish that is both crisp and tangy. All for less than $7.00...
Other offerings on the menu include authentic Vietnamese noodle beef soups, Banh Hoi Tom Nuong (charbroiled jumbo shrimp on rice vermicelli crepes), De Nuong Vi (marinated lamb grilled to taste at your table), and Cua Rang Me/Hay Rang Muoi (peppercorn baked or tamarind sauce crab cakes).
The atmosphere is casual at the Saigon Cafe, and the waitstaff extremely helpful and cheerful. Most dishes cost between $4 - $10, with the notable of house specialties such as the seafood and beef fondues which will run you about $20 (but looked well worth the price). Saigon Cafe will deliver orders that run $10 or above. Saigon Cafe is open from 10AM to 9PM Monday through Saturday, 11AM to 9PM on Sundays).
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Ibby's Falafel
303 Grove Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302
201.432.2400
201.432.8010 FAX
201.332.9005 FAX |
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Convenient to the PATH train, affordable and open late: what more can you ask for? home delivery? you got it (until 10:30PM). But all of that would be meaningless if the food weren't so good. Flavorful and fresh (they fry the falafel while you wait), Ibby's is a welcome ethnic alternative the the neighboring McDonald's on Grove Street stretch.
The small but pleasant space is decorated with a whimsical Arabian nights theme, and the service is efficient and respectful. During the summer, several tables are set up outside for sidewalk cafe dining. They've even provided reading material for those ordering food "to-go", i.e. the weary commuters returning from the salt mines of Manhattan (my favorite magazine is the Travel and Leisure featuring Paris in the Fall, circa: 1993 -- a real treasure).
The falafel (a vegetarian sort of meatball combining ground chic peas, fresh vegetables and imported spices) will make you believe that you're actually eating meat, it's so robust and, well, meaty. The baba ghanoush (baked eggplant, fresh parsley, lemon, tahini, seasonings and olive oil) is a thick, spreadable paste on the lemony side, perfect for dipping hot pita bread or meat dishes. Sandwiches are the big draw, running between $2.00 - $4.50. Dinner platters include salad, rice, hot pita bread and tahini sauce. Portions are generous and worth the extra few bucks ($5.00 - $10.00) and the wait (lamb or chicken is grilled on the spot for kebabs or gyros).
Ibby's is open from 10AM until midnight and delivers until 10:30PM on orders of $10.00 or more. Menu's stress that Ibby's T-shirts are now available!
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HARD GROVE CAFE
319 Grove Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302
201.451.1853
201.451.8964 FAX |
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Part 50's diner, part Cuban restaurant, part Havana nightclub, Hard Grove Cafe spices up downtown Jersey City.
This is not just another diner.
Overhead are golden palm trees and neon stars. Salsa music fills the air. The food is definitely Cuban; Arroz con Pollo, Picadillo (Ground Beef Hash), Chuletas (Fried pork chops), and Bistec Empanizado (Breaded Top Sirloin Steak). If you love seafood, Hard Grove can prepare it's "Grand Paella", but be prepared to wait a little longer, the prep time for this dish is 45 minutes.
At my sitting, I had the Pollo Al Ajillo (garlic chicken). This dish is made for garlic lovers. Half of a chicken smothered in garlic and very well done. All entrees are served with your choice of yellow rice or plain rice, and black beans or pinto beans. Compliment your meal with one of their specialty mixed drinks, featuring a generous Cuba Libre or a glass of wine from their modest wine list. For breakfast lovers, Hard Grove Cafe offers a simple breakfast menu - omelets, pancakes, French toast and breakfast sandwiches.
On weekends, the restaurant is packed with locals enjoying their weekend brunch. Best of all, Hard Grove Cafe is incredibly affordable - entrees run $6-$12.
SPECIAL NOTE ON ENTERTAINMENT
One of Hard Grove Cafe's best qualities is it's cultural contribution to Downtown Jersey City. They provide a place for local and international musicians to share their music. Salsa to Latin Jazz, the quality of entertainment is top notch. There is a suggested five dollar entertainment charge.
Late nights the tables go away, the lights dim, the music turns up and this small diner is transformed into a dance club
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