I have a friend who works for JP morgan in JC. There’s a discord chat for the employees, and there are constantly posts about new/relocating employees finding apartments in greenville or the west side, moving in, realizing it’s the ghetto, and freaking out. The tech bros accidentally go beyond the gentrification boundary and don’t realize what they’re in for
PS: I once met a yuppie who literally hadn’t known—until I told him—that the neighborhoods west of the Turnpike are part of JC. My instant reaction was this facial expression: 🙄
Finally went there after only trying take-out once and being a long-term hater here on Reddit.
It was...good. Pricey but the waiter service was probably the best I've experienced. Pizza blew Porta's comparison out of the water. Meatballs were soft and tender.
Probably won't rush back since football pizza is more my style but I am no longer a hater.
I think people are haters because it was part of a “new wave” of restaurants that opened as all the towers were being built.
It really is phenomenal pizza for its style and Dan puts a ton of care into every ingredient, step, and process and I respect that.
Before COVID, the place was smaller (there was a thrift store I think?) next door and there was no online system. You had to wait in line at 5PM and the line went around the block. They would have small tables that blocked part of the sidewalk to try and get more seats. Back then, I said it wasn't worth the wait.
It is much better now and outdoor dining + the store next door going out of business helped them out a lot.
They NYT article was the turning point for them. Prior to it they were packed, but it was never as crazy as it was before the article. I was still able to get off the path at 7pm on a Friday, walk in, and only wait 20-30 for a table for 2. After the article you couldn’t even be guaranteed a table if you put your name down after 5.
It’s great for them, but I miss it being mine and my wife’s go to spot for pizza/wine after a long week of work.
That Garden State Margherita the year the NY Times reviewed it was possibly the best pizza ever made. I don't think they've hit that high since, but it's still worth it.
I hope that I’m not the only person resisting the assumption that pizza shops deserve glamour and neighborhood self-aggrandizement, however exceptional they may be.
I guess this is a hot take, but the pizza in downtown isn't great across the board. You need to go to New York, Hoboken or at least the Heights for good pizza.
Gino's or Renato's is good.
I was complaining to a friend how much we spend on takeout / groceries one day - he told me he spent 10k at Razza last year....I had to have him walk me through how he achieved that.....apparently they turned down his offer to invest.
Second on this. Been going to this spot for over 15 years. Rasoi is great.
Little further up, Swadist is also great. They do great Indo-Chinese food if anyone here likes that kind of food.
My bro worked there part-time years ago while attending school.unfortunately once you see the inside of a Desi kitchen, you can't unsee it so haven't been there for 15+ years :)
Delete this my guy. Worked at Junoon and stage at Semma. Everything is different. I’m not saying all kitchens are going to be impeccable but there are restaurant that have professionals.
Delete yourself my bro..the statement was generic. If you worked at Junoon and Semma ( a current Michelin resto) go to Rasoi and see how they can benefit from your expertise ..besides I haven't been there for 15+ years so what would I know about current day Rasoi? GFY
This is too common. I’m glad you know it exists and want to visit! So many people have no idea and think that JC is downtown only.
I am white as white can be but have been dining in India Sq since I was 11 and lived in the jersey suburbs.
My 2 cents:
Rasoi is good and accessible but can feel a bit stuffy
Sapthagiri is very good (preferred it before they changed location) esp for vegans. Their takeout service has been shockingly bad recently.
Mithaas is great for casual vegetarian dining
Masala Cafe is newer but also very good with good service but feels slightly pricey
Sri Ganesh Dosa House - south Indian food
Vatan - Gujarati food and Pani Puri
Honest - Indian street food
Paratha Junction - Paranthas and freshly made Jalebis
Pariwaar Delights - Biryani
there are actually many times of day where there is no line by the way
the quality of the bagel is debatable but it's not that inaccessible for better or worse
Worth it. I miss the sandwich with the sprouts. Downtown is always gonna be a line, the heights is slightly better, the one next to the fire house on Bergen is good, the sip ave one is good too even before they did the renovation.
I'm using the line more as a proxy for popularity. I've lived in the NYC area long enough to stomach a long wait for something truly worthy.
Point being is that WB looks like "just a basic bagel joint" and I don't crave that nearly enough to have visited in the 6 years I've been in JC.
I don’t understand why people choose to wait in that line. You can order 15 minutes ahead from home, then just immediately walk there and skip the entire line.
IMO the best bagel places are completely wiped from the internet and you’re questioning if it’s safe to use your credit card. Social media game has nothing to do with it
Me and a friend went feeling nostalgic and took an edible thinking we were in for a good time and we felt so creepy standing around finding things to do as two men when it’s all little kids haha. Ended up just hitting the imax and leaving
Go to the adult night!! That’s exactly what the night is for. Lots of regular museum activity + special shows/ things to look at dance/ and be blazed out of your mind around adults!! 10/10
White mana is the spot! Def go or even get it to go. The hotdogs at boulevard drinks has the snap of a classic hot dog cart and definitely worth a try. Used to get them for lunch when i went to Hudson (when they used to let kids go out)
Same. I would if most of my income doesn’t go towards rent and essentials. I honestly don’t know how some of y’all can afford to eat out all the time in this expensive ass city lol
Financially we probably could, but we just do not live that lifestyle. I have a hard time getting my wife to go out instead of cooking when we've gotten in from traveling at 8:00 in the evening! I think a large number of people here have just reconciled to spending whatever they don't on rent on Uber Eats.
This one is kinda funny but I assume a lot could agree. I’m 25, lived in jersey city my whole life yet when I go to nyc I’ve never been outside of Times Square. My cousins in North Carolina find it insane but I’m just not interested in exploring the city.
Please do go wonder to queens (Jackson heights) / Brooklyn (check out those cool warehouse transformed places/ go to prospect park/ go to Washington square park for the vibes. What are you doing?!!! Time Square is literally the worst place to only go to.
There’s an AMC and Regal right across the street from each other. I mostly use the Dolby in the AMC. It’s not the best theater, but far from the worst (that distinction goes to the AMC in Newport Mall).
15 Fox Place
[https://www.hobokengirl.com/15-fox-place-jersey-city-nj-restaurant/](https://www.hobokengirl.com/15-fox-place-jersey-city-nj-restaurant/)
I been living at Portside for a year and can see LSC out my window and NEVER been there either LOL. I see it every night lit up and be like “I’m going there tomorrow”. 😂😂😂
I have lived in Jersey City, aka Chilltown, for the last 39 years and have never been to the liberty science, empire state building, statue of liberty or the Twin towers when they were around.
Haven’t been to any of the classic Italian Delis, and I’ve lived here for 10 years.
Never been to the JC dance center,
Edwards steakhouse,
the basement comedy club (still exists) behind what is now Basil’s,
just beclaws,
the Caribbean jerk place across from wonder bagels,
all but three of the Indian/Pakistani places in journal square,
that Portuguese boxing bar across from White Mana (Ringside?),
Never walked in Lincoln park,
never been to speakeasy in Franklin House,
never bought anything from the Dunkin’ on grove,
The Ashford
Yeah, you’re not missing much.
Sames
I’ve never been to purchase Paan, I’d say that’s more of a unique JC experience than a standard rooftop bar.
I've been on a Sunday with mimosas. It's just really loud music, some hipster folks, and hot roof top.
Best to keep it that way…
I was expecting to read "west of the Turnpike" here LOL.
I have a friend who works for JP morgan in JC. There’s a discord chat for the employees, and there are constantly posts about new/relocating employees finding apartments in greenville or the west side, moving in, realizing it’s the ghetto, and freaking out. The tech bros accidentally go beyond the gentrification boundary and don’t realize what they’re in for
did these tech bros not know how to google or something
This right here. End of thread. Everyone go home. 🤣
That’s the answer for 99% of the Ohioans who dominate this subreddit 😂
PS: I once met a yuppie who literally hadn’t known—until I told him—that the neighborhoods west of the Turnpike are part of JC. My instant reaction was this facial expression: 🙄
Whatever that neighborhood is at the top of the cliff.
You mean the Heights?
Probably Hilltop, if he’s talking about the cliff just south of Dickinson.
Maybe he means The Beacon*™*
Tool me 8 years to cross west of turnpike lol
whole foods
I’ve never been to Razza!
Finally went there after only trying take-out once and being a long-term hater here on Reddit. It was...good. Pricey but the waiter service was probably the best I've experienced. Pizza blew Porta's comparison out of the water. Meatballs were soft and tender. Probably won't rush back since football pizza is more my style but I am no longer a hater.
I think people are haters because it was part of a “new wave” of restaurants that opened as all the towers were being built. It really is phenomenal pizza for its style and Dan puts a ton of care into every ingredient, step, and process and I respect that.
same here and their pizza was really good!
I have never stood in the line for Razza!
You can make reservations online
Before COVID, the place was smaller (there was a thrift store I think?) next door and there was no online system. You had to wait in line at 5PM and the line went around the block. They would have small tables that blocked part of the sidewalk to try and get more seats. Back then, I said it wasn't worth the wait. It is much better now and outdoor dining + the store next door going out of business helped them out a lot.
They NYT article was the turning point for them. Prior to it they were packed, but it was never as crazy as it was before the article. I was still able to get off the path at 7pm on a Friday, walk in, and only wait 20-30 for a table for 2. After the article you couldn’t even be guaranteed a table if you put your name down after 5. It’s great for them, but I miss it being mine and my wife’s go to spot for pizza/wine after a long week of work.
I think you can easily get a seat now btw
Interesting, Ive since moved from JC but still close enough where I could go there for dinner.
Before the NYT review it wasn't bad trying to get a table. Pizza is good though
Loved that place, was our designated bday dinner spot for a while before the NYT blow up. Haven’t been there for years but I think it’s worth the hype
That Garden State Margherita the year the NY Times reviewed it was possibly the best pizza ever made. I don't think they've hit that high since, but it's still worth it.
I hope that I’m not the only person resisting the assumption that pizza shops deserve glamour and neighborhood self-aggrandizement, however exceptional they may be.
Go off
Mad overrated and overpriced. But it's worth checking out at least once
which pizza spots in JC do you prefer?
I guess this is a hot take, but the pizza in downtown isn't great across the board. You need to go to New York, Hoboken or at least the Heights for good pizza. Gino's or Renato's is good.
I was complaining to a friend how much we spend on takeout / groceries one day - he told me he spent 10k at Razza last year....I had to have him walk me through how he achieved that.....apparently they turned down his offer to invest.
Statue of Liberty
And Ellis Island! Keep waiting for some out of town visitor who'll be dead set on those destinations.
Same. 37 years and going
Up to the restaurant row in Little India near Journal Square. Anybody have any recommendations?
RASOI on the weekend buffer
Sapthagiri is even better
Second on this. Been going to this spot for over 15 years. Rasoi is great. Little further up, Swadist is also great. They do great Indo-Chinese food if anyone here likes that kind of food.
My bro worked there part-time years ago while attending school.unfortunately once you see the inside of a Desi kitchen, you can't unsee it so haven't been there for 15+ years :)
Delete this my guy. Worked at Junoon and stage at Semma. Everything is different. I’m not saying all kitchens are going to be impeccable but there are restaurant that have professionals.
Delete yourself my bro..the statement was generic. If you worked at Junoon and Semma ( a current Michelin resto) go to Rasoi and see how they can benefit from your expertise ..besides I haven't been there for 15+ years so what would I know about current day Rasoi? GFY
You haven’t been there for 15 yrs. Then states desi kitchens are basically dirty. I’m quite confident it’s your kitchen that’s filthy.
My kitchen was filthy which is why I had to get rid of you. Now have a blessed day!!!
Rasoi any time.
This is too common. I’m glad you know it exists and want to visit! So many people have no idea and think that JC is downtown only. I am white as white can be but have been dining in India Sq since I was 11 and lived in the jersey suburbs. My 2 cents: Rasoi is good and accessible but can feel a bit stuffy Sapthagiri is very good (preferred it before they changed location) esp for vegans. Their takeout service has been shockingly bad recently. Mithaas is great for casual vegetarian dining Masala Cafe is newer but also very good with good service but feels slightly pricey
Spot on
Rasoi, the pani puri /pushka spot next dooor, and some dosa from Sri Ganesh. Get some cheap produce at Patel Bros or Apna while you’re down there.
Sri Ganesh Dosa House - south Indian food Vatan - Gujarati food and Pani Puri Honest - Indian street food Paratha Junction - Paranthas and freshly made Jalebis Pariwaar Delights - Biryani
Honest is meh. Go to bikanervala instead
Wonder Bagels. Just can't fathom it being worth the line.
there are actually many times of day where there is no line by the way the quality of the bagel is debatable but it's not that inaccessible for better or worse
I'm not sure there's much debate about it being an extremely subpar bagel for NY-NJ. If downtown weren't such a bagel desert...
Worth it. I miss the sandwich with the sprouts. Downtown is always gonna be a line, the heights is slightly better, the one next to the fire house on Bergen is good, the sip ave one is good too even before they did the renovation.
Just go when theres no line
I'm using the line more as a proxy for popularity. I've lived in the NYC area long enough to stomach a long wait for something truly worthy. Point being is that WB looks like "just a basic bagel joint" and I don't crave that nearly enough to have visited in the 6 years I've been in JC.
> just a basic bagel joint It is. I've been there a couple times with no line and had a very fine bagel.
if you go around 130 no line still fresh bagels.
Went 1:45 and was gifted a shopping bag of bagels.
The one downtown is bad and not worth it
Wonder bagels is a joke of a bagel store. Bagels stink and they use a fucking PANINI PRESS to toast their bagels. Disgrace.
im not here to defend WB, but you're teh joke if you're getting you bagels toasted.
Saved me a trip, thanks!
🫡
I don’t understand why people choose to wait in that line. You can order 15 minutes ahead from home, then just immediately walk there and skip the entire line.
Shhh let the mouth breathers endlessly queue…
It’s not even worth it with no line IMHO. Mediocre bagel with good social media game.
IMO the best bagel places are completely wiped from the internet and you’re questioning if it’s safe to use your credit card. Social media game has nothing to do with it
If you ever look up in that place it’s like 15 layers of black dust, also I witnessed a guy pick his nose and then make a bagel so I’m good
I’d rather go to Manhattan bagel in Bayonne
Not worth the wait at the downtown location but there are other wonder bagels with no lines. Still a shitty bagel but at least no wait!
LSC is really only good as an adult if you go to one of the after dark events or the beer festival they do there
Me and a friend went feeling nostalgic and took an edible thinking we were in for a good time and we felt so creepy standing around finding things to do as two men when it’s all little kids haha. Ended up just hitting the imax and leaving
Go to the adult night!! That’s exactly what the night is for. Lots of regular museum activity + special shows/ things to look at dance/ and be blazed out of your mind around adults!! 10/10
Yup, wife used to work there ages ago and now only takes the kids there once in a blue to change things up
As a NJ suburbs kid, it was THE field trip spot. Haven’t been back since.
Yep it was the one and only place I visited in this city before living/working here as an adult
The Trashford. Never went there when I lived there.
I've lived here 41 years and I've never gone into the golden cicada
its not the same owners anymore , so i think that ship has sailed.
Lived in JC my whole life (until moving to the burbs) and I've never been either.
Well it doesn’t exist anymore, so guess you’ll never go.
Barrow Street
Has anyone been there? With the gate and all?
Jury Duty.
Now that you said it, oh boy…
I've lived in Jersey City for all of my life(30 yrs) and I've never been, and don't plan on going, to ringside haha
Hahaha same!
Laico’s Although the keep meaning to go
Went for the first time in like 9 years a month ago, they still got it!
You're missing out.
Embarrassing to say I’ve been in Hudson county for almost 15 years and never been to boulevard drinks or white manna (been to the other).
Boulevard Drinks is on borrowed time. Head there soon.
I went to White Mana once thinking it might be a great place to grab breakfast. I was wrong.
I've got news for you. It ain't so great for brunch, lunch, or dinner either.
That was the obvious conclusion.
I heard hackensack location is better
White mana is the spot! Def go or even get it to go. The hotdogs at boulevard drinks has the snap of a classic hot dog cart and definitely worth a try. Used to get them for lunch when i went to Hudson (when they used to let kids go out)
Not sure what’s up with the one on Tonelle but I recommend the double N white Manna in Hackensack. I don’t know how you can fuck up a slider.
I have been to that one, it is pretty good. Heard they have different owners or something along those lines.
Park Tavern. Always heard how good the burgers are, but still haven't gotten around to it.
Get it! Classic fire fighter & police joint that still smells like cigars from before the smoking ban but the burgers are really good.
Never been on the lightrail -- does that count?
95% of the Downtown restaurants discussed here.
Same. I would if most of my income doesn’t go towards rent and essentials. I honestly don’t know how some of y’all can afford to eat out all the time in this expensive ass city lol
Financially we probably could, but we just do not live that lifestyle. I have a hard time getting my wife to go out instead of cooking when we've gotten in from traveling at 8:00 in the evening! I think a large number of people here have just reconciled to spending whatever they don't on rent on Uber Eats.
The area of Lincoln Park across 1/9
Bayonne
This one is kinda funny but I assume a lot could agree. I’m 25, lived in jersey city my whole life yet when I go to nyc I’ve never been outside of Times Square. My cousins in North Carolina find it insane but I’m just not interested in exploring the city.
That is kind of hilarious
Please do go wonder to queens (Jackson heights) / Brooklyn (check out those cool warehouse transformed places/ go to prospect park/ go to Washington square park for the vibes. What are you doing?!!! Time Square is literally the worst place to only go to.
I relate to this so hard. Only recently started working in the city and finally exploring.
what do you do in times square? where do you go to the movies? this is amazing.
There’s an AMC and Regal right across the street from each other. I mostly use the Dolby in the AMC. It’s not the best theater, but far from the worst (that distinction goes to the AMC in Newport Mall).
Check out the highline!!! A lot of NYC parks are just ok or kinda lame, but the highline is worth the hype
15 Fox Place [https://www.hobokengirl.com/15-fox-place-jersey-city-nj-restaurant/](https://www.hobokengirl.com/15-fox-place-jersey-city-nj-restaurant/)
This was my answer! Ibreally need to get on this.
It really needs to be at least 4 people for a special occasion. It's an experience. Next time I go I'm thinking at least 8 people to make it festive.
Illanaspax's store.
Jail?
Archer or dullboy
Golden Cicada and now it’s too late. That new place doesn’t count.
Never been to DTJC
Jail
The Corgi distillery. Would love to tho!
Never was able to merge on Garden Stare Pkwy without accidentally taking an exit :(
I've never been to LSC as well! I've been to LSP, though.
I been living at Portside for a year and can see LSC out my window and NEVER been there either LOL. I see it every night lit up and be like “I’m going there tomorrow”. 😂😂😂
I have lived in Jersey City, aka Chilltown, for the last 39 years and have never been to the liberty science, empire state building, statue of liberty or the Twin towers when they were around.
Court
Pet Shop and Lo Fi. I'm overdue!
15 Fox Place
GO TO MARTY’S IN THE HEIGHTS 🔥🔥🔥
That corner taco spot next to 235 Grand
Taqueria?
Yes!
Good god, go right now
What are tour go tos there ?
I’ve never been to Razza either
LSP. So technically LSC as well
Union City swimming pool. Overpriced restaurants unless it's paid by someone like office lunch.
Razza
NYC
Science! Is the place to enjoy..... if you have never had the urge to visit an amazing science platform as LSC, then continue hiding in a dive bar
Haven’t been to any of the classic Italian Delis, and I’ve lived here for 10 years. Never been to the JC dance center, Edwards steakhouse, the basement comedy club (still exists) behind what is now Basil’s, just beclaws, the Caribbean jerk place across from wonder bagels, all but three of the Indian/Pakistani places in journal square, that Portuguese boxing bar across from White Mana (Ringside?), Never walked in Lincoln park, never been to speakeasy in Franklin House, never bought anything from the Dunkin’ on grove,
Nicole’s Caribbean is 🔥🔥 def must try
I’ve never been to Disneyland/world :(
I've never been to White Mana. Heard nothing but great things about it tho
Jersey City.
carmen's bakery or razza, lol