JSQ Lounge is one of the coolest bars in Jersey City right now. The recently revamped space looks like a dive bar turned 1980s rec room, complete with its own disco ball hanging from the ceiling.
But don’t let its casual atmosphere fool you. This two-floor bar has an excellent cocktail menu that’s as fun to read as it is to sample. Created by veteran bartender Eddie Isabella — formerly of Corgi Spirits and Cowan’s Public — the menu highlights seasonal drinks made with house-made syrups and fresh juices. Isabella also makes killer off-the-menu cocktails based on your taste.
Meanwhile, Hooked JC owner, Tory Aunspach, recently came onboard with a new food menu that’s just as good — if not better — than the type of food you’d find at costlier downtown bars. Along with chef Clarence Van DeMark, formerly of Del Frisco, the food at JSQ Lounge is hands-down the best value in town.
Jersey City Upfront was recently invited to try out the new menu and cocktails and below are our top recommendations.
Get the Wings, Share the Cheese Plate, Try a Panini
Hooked is our favorite seafood restaurant for a reason: It’s affordable and utilizes seasonal, local ingredients. Aunspach is bringing that motto to JSQ Lounge with a food menu that’s ideal for a casual date or a night out by yourself. And while many bars offer $1 oysters during happy hour, JSQ Lounge offers $1 oysters every night as they just expanded their happy hour to 7 nights a week.
The Daily Board
The perfect starter for any night, JSQ Lounge’s charcuterie plate ($19) includes a delicious mix of premium cheeses and salumi. The dish also comes with a generous amount of fresh berries, pecans, and walnuts.
Cuban Panini
Loaded with roasted pork, smoked ham, and melted gruyere cheese, you’ll think you’re in Little Havana as you bite into JSQ Lounge’s Cuban Panini ($15). It’s served on a toasty ciabbatta and comes with a side of house made chips. (All beef and pork is sourced from New York’s DeBragga).
Thai Basil Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are a staple at any bar, but the wings served at JSQ Lounge ($12) are made the second you order them (i.e. not frozen). We loved the Thai Basil Wings, which come with a deliciously addictive peanut dipping sauce. However, we recommend you bring some friends and get the wing platter ($24), which comes with two wings of each type (there are six types total) and all of the house made dipping sauces.
Craft Cocktails Sans the Cooler-Than-You Attitude
While JSQ Lounge is casual enough that you can order a beer and snack on the complimentary toasted chickpeas, we highly recommend you try a cocktail. Remember the cocktails Dullyboy was serving when they first opened? Yeah, that’s the kind of quality you can expect here.
The Canton
I’m a fan of Corgi and I love all things ginger, so I had to start with The Canton. It’s made with Corgi’s signature Early Grey gin, which is then mixed with ginger liquer, thyme-infused honey, and fresh lemon. It might very well be my favorite cocktail of the summer. Plus, I love that it’s a named after a popular (albeit now-closed) Chinese restaurant that was loved by locals.
Smoking Hot Mule
I’m normally not a big Mezcal fan, but this Mezcal-based Moscow Mule balances the spirit’s smokiness with the refreshing taste of a Goslings ginger beer. It’s dangerously smooth and delicious.
Why You Should Visit
Jersey City is changing a lot, and so is Journal Square. However, there’s something about JSQ Lounge that attracts both locals and newcomers. It’s a neighborhood bar that belongs to the people who live within walking distance of it, but it’s also a Jersey City bar, that makes you feel at home the minute you walk in.
JSQ Lounge | 50 Journal Square Plaza
