Jersey City, New Jersey, is an American region admired for its alluring artwork and outstanding food. Local artists and designers here harness the flare of the city to create innovative, attractive art. Similarly, with a variety of flavorful, natural ingredients at their fingertips, local chefs are able to create exceptional and original dishes found nowhere else in the States. If you want your brunch with a side of originality, inventiveness and unbeatable taste, then Jersey City is the place to be. From breakfast bites to light sandwiches and snacks, here’s our list of the 10 best brunch hang-outs in Jersey City, New Jersey.
More than just an amazing brunch spot, The Bistro at Grove Square serves the perfect meal for every type of person. Exuding an old-fashioned, traditionally English atmosphere, the restaurant is centered around a tall clocktower, and features outdoor candlelit tables and chairs, a wall-length open window which leads into the interior of the restaurant, and charming sphere lamps hanging from the ceiling. Renowned for its coffee as well as its famous truffle fries, Grove Square sits in a highly convenient location of Jersey City, directly outside of PATH Plaza. Open daily from 11:30am-2am, the restaurant often hosts live acoustic bands which infuse the venue with a relaxed and warm ambiance.
Featured in Zagat’s “New Jersey’s Top 50,” Satis Bistro is a classical Mediterranean restaurant, with an exclusive brunch menu served only on weekends from 11am to 3pm. Brunch chef Michael Fiorianti takes great pride in his signature dishes, such as the grilled chicken sandwich, which includes white bean hummus, avocado and sweet tomato jam, all served with fresh mixed greens. This two-floor, picturesque bistro is beautifully designed, with hardwood, rustic flooring, red-brick walls and ornate chandeliers, fittings which pair wonderfully with the natural lighting. Although there is an entrée minimum spend if customers wish to be seated on the terrace, the view and atmosphere are well worth the price.
One of the newer additions to the Jersey City area, Café Sole was opened in 2013 by owner and expert chef Jean Frank Maurice. The cafe serves everything from fish and grits to jerk chicken, with all of the bacon and egg essentials in-between. Seemingly small from the outside, the restaurant boasts a large and welcoming interior. The primary dining room emits cozy, local vibes, and is decorated simply. Jean Frank has added a peaceful outdoor garden area, as well as an additional dining room featuring an open dancing space, a place used mainly for art events as well as the restaurant’s spoken word and poetry night, held on the last Saturday of every month.
Called “sensational” by the New York Times and similarly described in the Huffington Post, The Kitchen at Grove Station is one of the most well-known and respected brunch spots in Jersey City. Creative director, interior designer and executive chef David Viana works diligently with his team to produce the highest quality customer experience, with regards to both the food and the atmosphere. A seasonal brunch menu is served on weekends from 10am to 3pm, now offering a mushroom, spinach and goats cheese frittata as well as a baked pumpkin spice doughnut. Another unique addition is The Kitchen’s famous artisan coffee, ModCup. It is clear that this restaurant has already reached high levels of success, and it is rightly elevated as one of the most attractive and appealing dining spots in New Jersey. Sunday brunch is BYOB, a perfect excuse to come, relax and enjoy with friends and family.
Light Horse Tavern is historically named after a horseman soldier of the Continental Army, Henry Lee III, nicknamed “Light Horse Harry” after leading his soldiers to a victory against British soldiers. The wholly American restaurant is set in a restored building, and features a charming combination of traditional and modernized decoration. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30am to 3pm, with a selection of delectable plates offered, tasty creations of esteemed chef David Drake. Don’t miss the chilled vegetable gazpacho and warm banana bread. Cool draft beers as well as mimosas are always available. The tavern prides itself on its airy outdoor seating, as well as its fresh oysters brought in daily right from the waters of Fisher’s Island.
Only at Amelia’s Bistro are $4 mimosas, bellinis and bloody marys served alongside an extraordinary and delicious brunch menu. Unfortunately, the menu is only offered on weekends from 10am to 3pm, so be sure to visit this homestyle hub on either Saturday or Sunday. Whether its the caramel crunch brioche french toast, the Belgian waffles or the breakfast flatbread, customers leave Amelia’s feeling like part of the family, with big smiles and full stomachs. This venue is set in a prime location, in the heart of the historic Paulus Hook. The bistro is surrounded by unique shops as well as the astounding waterfront. On a breezy day, when outdoor seating is not as preferable, the indoor dining room is extremely large, casual and welcoming.
Praised for its attentive staff, all of which offer expert culinary advice, Skinner’s Loft is a highly-underrated, top-quality brunch spot. Upon entering the loft, brick walls and a fireplace infuse the setting with a rustic atmosphere, and a grand wooden staircase adorned with lanterns leads visitors to an additional dining room. Downstairs hosts a full bar, and has mismatching tables and chairs of different textures and colors as well as comfortable booths with creatively-designed pillows. The upscale brunch menu offers various favorites such as truffled lobster hash and famous shoestring fries. Fine homemade drinks are offered daily, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic concoctions available.
With the entire menu made from scratch every day, Wonder Bagels serves everything from egg dishes to specialty wraps and salads, and boasts an extremely popular meat sandwich. The company operates in various different locations across New Jersey, with continued success allowing them to expand further throughout the area. The adjective “wonder” was used in their name for a reason; the process of making their bagels is remarkable, each one rolled and handcrafted using Pillsbury flour dough, then baked at an extremely specific temperature. The distinguished taste of these bagels comes from the rare gourmet spreads used on their outer layer.
Family-owned and operated by restaurant extraordinaires Alice Troletto and Mattias Gustafsson, Madame Claude Café is a lovely and authentic French bistro. Dimly lit and charmingly simple in its decor, the ambiance within is romantic and cozy. Featured on the satisfying brunch menu are French crepes, pastries, soups and sandwiches. Coffee and dessert are available, along with a notable fruit and cheese platter. A unique characteristic of this charming cafe is the BYOB practice, a custom which many customers enjoy regularly. Madame Claude’s is a truly delightful brunch spot, one which the New York Times has previously called, “a timeless taste of Paris.”
Inspired by Seville, the Spanish hometown of the owner’s father, Marco and Pepe wonderfully resembles a tapas bar, with royal blue outdoor tables and chairs, as well as bottles of wine romantically adorning the bar. Although European vibes encompass the cafe, the brunch menu offers mainly modern American cuisine. Marco and Pepe prides itself on using only organic, free-range eggs in its meals. Other health-conscious brunch options served are the flavorful kale salad and the seasonal fruit french toast. Serving brunch daily from 10am to 4pm, with private dining rooms also available for larger parties, customers are encouraged to come visit this intimate, amiable environment.
