What is Beat Street: Named after the 1984 hip-hop movie of the same name, Beat Street is a collaboration between Transmission owner Howard Brunner, chef Darryl Harmon (executive chef at Slate and Clinton Hall in New York), and nightlife impresario KC Macias. The restaurant is an homage to 80s street art and hip-hop serving what chef Harmon calls “elevated street food” with an international and 80s spin thrown on top.
Interior: Walking into Beat Street is like stepping back into the 1980s. The space was designed by New York artist, Ivan Orama, whose work has been incorporated into designs by Adidas, the Hudson Hotel, and Hello Bklyn Bar/Restaurant, to name a few. For Beat Street, Orama created murals that showcase the best of 1980s New York street culture. You’ll see break dancers, boom boxes, and a mural of a New York City subway. (As a kid who was born in Manhattan in the 80s, I can say it’s an awesome look which made me very nostalgic for old-school New York). Orama also created a table in the image of a Wu Tang Clan cassette. As for the space, the restaurant has three areas including a 15-seat bar, a lounge area, and the main dining room (along with outdoor seating). In place of a chef’s table, Beat Street has a DJ booth with a counter so you can sit in front of the DJ as s/he does their magic. (Though be warned, the DJ counter gets loud).
The Menu: Food is divided into Lil Bites ($10 – $15) and S’Medium Bites ($10-$16). Two Biggie Bite items include a 42-ounce Reverse Seared Tomahawk Steak served with torched garlic flan ($60) and a Souse Vide 2-lb. Lobster Mac & Cheez-It (Market Price) served in a skillet with smoked paprika foam. In a homage to fast food, the mac and cheese is topped with Cheez-Its and served inside an empty Cheez-It bag.
We Loved: The Tostone “Mac” Burger Sliders ($13) are a must if you visit. The burger is accompanied by cold-smoked cheese, a thin slice of sweet maduros, and a spicy sofrito sauce sandwiched in between two perfectly crisp tostones. It’s messy, but incredibly delicious. Meanwhile, the Rocka’ Falafel Waffle ($12) is not your typical sweet waffle, but instead a falafel that’s been pressed in a waffle iron and served with mint frozen yogurt, harissa-infused syrup, raita (condiment from India made with cucumber and mint), and micro borage. The waffle has a nice, spicy kick thanks to the harissa-infused syrup, whereas the mint frozen yogurt gives off a nice cooling effect with each bite.
Could Be Better: We’d love to see more Biggie Bite options on the menu for those times you want a full entree. (None were available the night we went and many entrees — like the delicious-sounding avocado hummus — were sold out/not available). Strict vegetarians looking for a hearty salad are also limited to just a few items since a lot of entrees have meat, cheese, or bacon.
Go Now or Wait? Check it out now. The menu completely different than anything you’ll find in JC and the music — which will vary from jazz to classic 90s — is great. A huge nod to the wait staff as well, who were very attentive and on top of everything on opening night.
Beat Street | 150 Bay Street | www.beatstreetjerseycity.com
