The Ashford Will Bring Gatsby Glamour to Newark Avenue

When The Ashford opens its doors later this spring, it will pay homage to the Gatsby age with 1920s decor and a menu of classic cocktails.

Named after a famous castle in Ireland — which was formerly owned by the Guinness family — the cavernous, three-level restaurant is being designed to bring sexy Prohibition-era glamour to the heart of downtown.

“We’re going to be unique and provide something that Jersey City doesn’t have,” says co-owner Kenny Caulfield, as he guides us through the 17,000-square-foot restaurant, most of which is still under construction.

Each level will offer a different experience, but no matter what floor you’re on — the goal is to make everyone feel comfortable from the moment you walk in.

Tucked in the back of the mezzanine level, for instance, you’ll find an area known as The Study. Intimate and cozy, here you’ll be able to order and sip on premium whisky as you sink into The Study’s plush leather couches.

Caulfield assures us that his restaurant is being designed with Jersey City and the neighboring community in mind.

“The dining experience will be the soul of The Ashford,” says Caulfield. Yes, the restaurant will have an amazing beer list and signature cocktails made with fresh fruits and juices, but it’s the quality and presentation of the food that will take center stage.

“Jersey City is all about diversity — so it doesn’t matter where you’re from. We want you to feel at home when you’re here.”

For that reason the owners are contracting a top New York chef to create The Ashford’s menu. We want to contribute to downtown’s restaurant row with our unique decor and curated food and beverage program, says Caulfield.

When the warmer weather kicks in, The Ashford will open its Rooftop and Raw Bar, which will offer diners a chance to enjoy premium seafood al fresco.

“The rooftop will be unique to Jersey City and the raw bar will be its centerpiece,” says co-owner Jeff Lam.

“You’ll be able to eat fresh lobster, crab legs, shrimp cocktail, and raw oysters while sitting in our beautiful rooftop garden,” says Lam.

“We want to be upscale, but comfortable. Jersey City is all about diversity — so it doesn’t matter where you’re from. We want you to feel at home when you’re here,” says Caulfield.

The Ashford is expected to open in late May and will be open seven days a week. Neighboring lounge Six26, which is also owned by Lam and Caulfield, will open shortly after.