5 Best Places to Eat Brunch in Jersey City
by Payal Patel (payal on SALT)
Jersey City is a city on the rise and word about its exciting restaurant, bar and art scene is spreading throughout the East Coast. Jersey City is located just across the Hudson River from NYC and has a growing nightlife. The weekends in Jersey City are all about brunching and catching up with friends over mimosas, lattes and Bloody Mary’s.
With so many new restaurant openings in JC , where does one go for brunch? Here are some of my top suggestions.
KITCHEN STEP 500 Jersey Ave., Jersey City, NJ
Lists to add to: Farm to Table, New American, Date Nights, Great for Brunch
Kitchen Step, a name derived from the historic writings of the notable Jersey City resident, Cornelius Van Vorst. The restaurant has a beautiful rustic space and its light and airy ambiance is welcoming. It has become one of the area’s best neighborhood spots, serving both savory and sweet dishes from the mouthwatering breakfast burrito stuffed with Manchego cheese and salsa verde to a croissant French Toast, which is a must-try. Other brunch favorites include: chicken & waffles, mussels frites and Nutella-swirl buttermilk pancakes. But what sets Kitchen Step apart from the others is their cocktails and the personal touch that well-known mixologist Ray Keane provides. Tell him what flavors you like and he will craft you a perfect cocktail.
sam a.m 112 Morris Street, Jersey City, NJ
Lists to add to: Neighborhood Favorite, No Reservations, Great for Brunch
sam a.m. is a hidden gem, nestled in a beautiful part of Jersey City known as Paulus Hook. The café is cozy and serves locally sourced items, but keep in mind it’s only open for breakfast and lunch. Weekend brunch at sam a.m. gets crowded and there is often a wait but I assure you it’s worth it. Literally everything on the menu is delicious including their espresso drinks, and their version of soy lattes is a hard match to find elsewhere. Now that the Fall season is upon us, try the seasonal Autumn Frittata with squash and caramelized onion. Another favorite is the Pimento Sandwich and the Biscuit and Gravy entrée is out of this world.
Hamilton Inn 708 Jersey Ave., Jersey City, NJ
Lists to add to: Perfect for Groups, Great for Brunch
Hamilton Inn is located in a quiet part of JC near the footsteps of Hamilton Park. It’s been a local favorite for years, and it was established way before the hype that is downtown Jersey City. The brunch menu has a range of filling eats, including the Inn Burger, filet benedict, steak frites, and the decadent brioche French Toast with Nutella. A brunch-specific cocktail is a must; choices include El Borracho with Kahlua, Bacon Bloody Mary and their famous house cocktail with St. Germain.
Latham House 299 Marin Blvd., Jersey City, NJ
Lists to add to: No Reservations, Outdoor Space
A rustic-chic restaurant with big windows serves up a twist on American classics and global fare. The menu is varied with American, Asian, and Mediterranean options. Their Ridiculous Egg sandwich is sure to satisfy your taste buds filled with scrambled eggs, bacon, cheddar, and sriracha mayo. The cocktails here are creative and colorful with 3 distinct mimosa options — my favorite is Autumn Pear Mimosa. Some other standout entrees are: Rabbi Revenge — Eggs Benedict with corn beef, Cuban Reuben Sandwich, and the classic Latham House Omelet with goat cheese & chive.
Dullboy 364 Grove St., Jersey City, NJ
Lists to add to: Date nights, Great Cocktails
This exposed brick-walled speakeasy bar best known for its inventive complex cocktails also serves brunch. The brunch menu ventures outside of the norm, offering non-classic items like truffle soft scramble with smoked Gouda and white truffle oil. The dish is creamy and rich and cooked to perfection. Also on the menu: duck fat tater tots and brisket skewers. Dullboy features brunch drinks like the Punch №2, which includes rum, pisco, and dry curacao (a bittersweet orange liquor) and a Bloody Mary with a choice of vodka or mezcal.
SALTers, treat yourself to a meal outside of NYC at one of these brunch spots, indulge in a specialty cocktail, and take a stroll around downtown Jersey City to kick off a great weekend!
