Let’s face it: Dining out in Jersey City can get expensive. Fortunately, Hudson Restaurant Week is back to help lessen the blow on your wallet. (Albeit, just a little at some spots). For the next two weeks, 22 Jersey City restaurants will offer special prix fixe lunch and dinner menus.
The list includes trendy newcomers and old-school favorites. Rather than list every restaurant involved — we’re focusing on dishes we love and have purchased on more than one occasion.
New for Jersey City
Jersey City has the highest number of restaurants participating with a total count of 22. (Hoboken comes in second with 18 restaurants).
There are four new additions in Jersey City this summer. They include Ani Ramen, Barge Inn, Buddy Who’s, and Hudson Hall. In Hoboken, we’re big fans of Halifax, which is offering a $15 two-course lunch and a $35 three-course dinner.
Back in JC we recommend:
Ani Ramen
Get the: Ani’s buns (pictured) are out-of-this-world delicious and so are their ramen bowls. You seriously can’t go wrong with either of them. (Spicy miso is one of our favorites if we had to choose). Ani is also offering a Japanese Whisky Tasting — three 1-ounce pours for $20 (normally $36).
Available: Mondays through Thursdays only
Cost: $20 for a 3-course lunch/dinner
Hudson Hall
Get the: Hudson Hall’s pastrami sandwich is cured, rubbed, smoked, brined, and roasted in-house. It’s one of their signature dishes and one of our favorite pastrami sandwiches in the tri-state area.
Available: Weekdays and weekends
Cost: $20 for a 3-course lunch/dinner
Latham House
Get the: Latham House is one of our favorite restaurants in Jersey City period. We’re big fans of their Vegetable Green Curry (also available w/ chicken) and their Handmade Herb Gnocchi (pictured above). Top off your dinner with the Challah Bread Pudding with dulce de leche ice cream from Torico’s.
Available: Tuesdays through Fridays + Saturday (7/28)
Cost: $20 for a 2-course lunch; $40 for a 3-course dinner
Buddy Who’s
Get the: Buddy’s burgers are juicy, meaty, and all-around delicious. Although only two have made their Restaurant Week menu, we highly recommend a burger if you’ve yet to try them.
Available: Weekdays only
Cost: $12 for a 2-course lunch; $25 for a 3-course dinner
Piggyback Bar
Get the: If you want to eat light and clean, Piggyback’s Grain Salad (pictured) is big, delicious, and “heavy” enough to leave you satiated. For something meatier, their Piggyback Ribs are tender and one of their classic dishes. We also like their new Calamansi Custard Tart, which is light, tangy, and a refreshing summer dessert.
Available: Weekdays + Saturday (7/28)
Cost: $20 for a 2-course lunch; $40 for a 3-course dinner
In New York:
Socarrat Paella Bar
Get the: Socarrat is my go-to restaurant for Spanish food. The Paella de Arroz Negro (squid ink sofrito) and the Fideuá (vermicelli noodle paella) are both excellent picks that are on par with some of the best paellas I’ve had while in Spain.
Available: Weekdays + Sundays
Cost: $26 for a 2-course lunch; $42 for a 3-course dinner
Zero Otto Nove
Get the: Zero Otto Nove is a laid back Italian eatery in the Flatiron district. While their pizzas didn’t make the menu, their Radiatori pasta (short, ruffled pasta) is a solid pick that never disappoints.
Available: Weekdays + Sundays
Cost: $26 for a 3-course lunch; $42 for a 3-course dinner
