What: Ohlala Dessert Bar is a new French bakery/cafe located at 688 Bergen Avenue.
Interior: Cafe or flower shop? Ohlala Dessert Bar offers a bit of both, which only adds to its charm. It has a cozy, rustic interior complete with exposed brick walls and a big open kitchen. Yet despite its pristine looks, the cafe offers a relaxed atmosphere and is the perfect spot to chill by yourself, with friends, or with a date.
The Menu: Ohlala offers a mix of sweet/savory crepes and waffles ($7.95 to $12.95), salads ($10.95 to $12.95), tartines ($7.95 to $9.95), and croque sandwiches ($7.95 to $12.95). There’s also coffee, mocktails, tea, and daily house-made pastries and ice cream. Prices do not top $12.95.
We Loved: The staff at Ohlala are awesome. They’re genuinely friendly, helpful (they’ll answer any food question you may have), and efficient. While we love the decor, it’s the food that really shines. The Croque Provence is crispy and cheesy in the all the right ways. You can taste every ingredient in the sandwich, from the basil pesto to the sharp, creamy gruyere. Meanwhile, the French Donut (Paris-Brest) has a crispy exterior, but a deliciously smooth, praline-stuffed interior.
Could Be Better: Be warned: Ohlala Dessert Bar is tiny. There are four small tables and an even smaller counter where you may be able to enjoy your matcha. Arrive at a busy hour and you’ll either have to wait or take your food to go.
Final Take: Cozy, friendly, and 100 percent delicious — it’s spots like Ohlala Dessert Bar that give Jersey City its charm. I can’t recommend it enough.
Ohlala Dessert Bar | 688 Bergen Avenue
