Come for the burgers, stay for the all-day breakfast menu.
What: Buddy Who’s is a new neighborhood restaurant and bar in the former home of The Draper at 247 Washington Street. The restaurant is named after the owner’s late father — Bud Cate — who earned the nickname “Buddy Who” upon asking his future wife out for a date when they were both in high school.
Interior: The interior at Buddy Who’s is warm, inviting, and casual. Up front there’s a long wooden bar lined with stools and a small seating area. Further back you’ll find a more traditional dining area with candle-lit tables. Everything is spaced out nicely with enough room to move about — even when the restaurant is busy.
Completely Ridiculous Nachos ($13)
The Menu: The menu at Buddy Who’s has three staples: Breakfast, Burgers, and Pomme Frites. Breakfast and brunch entrees range from $4.25 for a 2-Egg Sandwich to $18 for Steak & Eggs. Lunch and dinner entrees range from $4 for Crock of Onion Soup to $32 for Steak Frites. However, most entrees are priced comfortably below $20. All cocktails are $12 each.
We Loved: Buddy Who’s has perfected the art of comfort food. Portions are generous, so make sure you arrive with an appetite. As far as starters are concerned, the Completely Ridiculous Nachos ($13) live up to their namesake and come loaded with beans, cheese, and guac. Buddy Who’s Tuna Burger is my new favorite in Jersey City. The restaurant uses sushi-grade tuna, which means you can technically order it rare if you like. We got ours medium and it was perfectly seared on the outside with a thick, meaty interior. All burgers come with an order of Pomme Frites and you get to pick three sauces with your dish. (The Wasabi Aioli was my personal favorite).
Buddy’s has an extensive brunch menu with some over-the-top options like Captain Crunch Pancakes ($11). We opted for the more traditional Smoked Salmon Benedict ($14), which is served atop a toasted English Muffin with Hollandaise Sauce and home fries. The salmon is sweet, salty, and not overly fishy with just the right amount of smokiness.
In addition to being genuinely friendly and helpful, the wait staff are also very attentive and great with recommendations.
Could Be Better: The kitchen and bar can get backed up at times. On one occasion the bar forgot our round of drinks, whereas on a second visit our dessert was delayed in coming out. Fortunately, the wait staff is on top of everything and delays are quickly rectified. It’s also worth noting that the restaurant is less than two months old, so these small hiccups are likely temporary.
Chips ($8)
Final Take: Buddy Who’s is an excellent addition not only to Paulus Hook, but to the downtown area in general. It’s a laid back, neighborhood restaurant/bar with friendly service and delicious food at reasonable prices. The all-day breakfast/brunch menu is icing on the cake.
Smoked Salmon Benedict ($14)
The Double Cluck ($12)
Milo’s Maple Bourbon Sour ($12)
Homemade Gelato
Warmer Daze ($12)
Buddy Who’s | 247 Washington Street | www.buddywhosjc.com
