Restaurants | Jersey City Gal

15
Dec
2013

Best Pizza in Jersey City (Heights)

categories: Bakery/ Cafe, Central Avenue, Italian, Jersey City Heights, Neighborhood, Takeout

I came across this old article and thought it high time I give my opinion: Rizzo’s Bakery (208 Central Ave.) makes the best pizza in Jersey City. I will clarify this by saying “Heights,” as there are tons of pizza places downtown and I have not tried them all yet.

Before you knock me for not saying Pizza Masters or Gino’s (I have plenty of good things to say about them), hear me out on why this is my fave on the cliff:

I’ve eaten pizza at countless places in the metro area. I grew up in northern New Jersey; I lived, went to school and worked in Manhattan for a long time, and have been to Italy, where they really do make the best pizza in the world. I have yet to have a better slice in Hudson County when it comes to a delivery/take-out spot.

This is one of the best slices you can get, you just need to know what to order.

Instead of going for the regular pie-size slice at the counter (which is the size of 1/3 of a large pie—the pic below doesn’t do it justice; that box is the size of a large 16-inch pie)…

Order your own fresh pie with vodka sauce, fresh mozzarella and basil (be very specific). The personal size is 12 inches in diameter, so you can definitely share it if you’re not starving. (I’ll get some pics next time I order from there. Or share yours with me at jerseycitygia@gmail.com)

I think if you order this particular pie, you will change your mind about the other pizza places around here—I also actually believe it may cure hangovers.

My other made-to-order is this sandwich: Prosciutto, mozzarella, soprresatta, hot peppers and balsamic vineagrette. This pic is just a small portion of it (Again, send me a better pic if you have one!) with the house antipasto on the side.

The Salad al Michelle (shrimp, chicken and romaine dressed in a creamy calorie bomb; ask for the dressing on the side if you need to), Chicken Sorrentino (chicken, veggies and pasta in tomato broth), and the bruschetta are all delish. Try one of my suggestions if you’re going to give it a chance, because everything else isn’t worth it.

Other notes: Buy their dough to make your own pizza or buy their fresh bread. Some ingredient they use makes both addictive. Rizzo’s also has Italian cookies, cannolis and, in the morning, croissants or muffins until they run out…none of which I care about, but that’s just me.

Don’t knock it until you try it—using my ordering suggestions.

Buon Appetito!
JCG

10
Dec
2013

Skinner’s Loft

categories: Bars, Grove Street, Historic Downtown Jersey City, Restaurants

Skinner’s Loft (146 Newark Ave.) is one of my favorite spots. Choose your floor depending on your fancy.

The copper-ceilinged bar scene on the first floor is always bubbling and best suited for drinks and small bites with friends.

The second floor, which I most frequent, offers more intimate dining with its candlelit atmosphere, ever-present gorgeous fresh flowers, a fireplace, well thought-out antique decor and different place settings on each table (totes my style).

Skinner’s has a warm, welcoming feel on cold winter nights. While the ambiance is beautiful, you don’t feel the need to dress up or be well-versed in wine (or Italian beer that comes in a corked bottle, for that matter). It is an elegant scene, but while the restaurant’s servers are super professional, they also make you feel relaxed—nothing’s uptight.

I’ve been here many times since I discovered it and will continue to go. Now, on to the menu:

Skinner’s Loft changes its menu seasonally, but here are some of the things I’ve tried:

Click below to read on…

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27
Sep
2013

Monthly Comedy Night at Brightside Tavern Tonight! 9/27/13

categories: Bars, Comedy, Events, Historic Downtown Jersey City, Neighborhood, New American, Restaurants, This Weekend in Jersey City

The last Friday of every month (tonight!) marks a night of great comedy in Jersey City. I had the privilege of going to June’s show, thanks to finding out about this little gem by its organizer, Joe D’Allegro.

It featured performances by Aalap Patel, Chelsea White, David Foster, Ryan Rummel, Pat Bryne, Nate Fernald and Gordon Baker-Bone at the Brightside Tavern. My friend and I laughed our tails off.

Tonight boasts Calise Hawkins (Comedy Central), Justin Murray, Nhan Du, Krystyna Hutchinson, and Andrew Hayward. Up-and-coming star Gordon Baker-Bone is hosting.

Tickets are $10. Show is at 8pm; seating starts at 7pm. Reservations recommended. (201) 435-1234.

Go ahead and laugh,
JCG

15
Aug
2013

Orale! Mexican Kitchen

categories: Grove Street, Happy Hour, Mexican, Restaurants

Orale! Mexican Kitchen is a dining experience, one best enjoyed when you’re in a fun, upbeat, colorful mood. It’s a place to overload your senses: admire the art installations on the walls, engage your taste buds in innovative flavor combinations and talk loudly over the music while sipping on strong cocktails. Like a mini-party restaurant. Not that it’s a club—it’s definitely a restaurant—but you want to go there when feeling festive because the place just bleeds festivity.

Click below to continue reading and indulge in food porn…

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29
Jul
2013

Restaurant Week on The Hudson Starts Today

categories: BYOB, Exchange Place, Filipino, Financial District, French, Grove Street, Historic Downtown Jersey City, Italian, Japenese, Lebanese, Liberty State Park, Mexican, Neighborhood, New American, Newport, Outdoor Seating, Paulus Hook, Restaurants, Thai, The Waterfront

Hudson Restaurant Week is back!

Starting today, July 29th, and continuing until August 9th, get your discounted prix-fixe game on and discover Jersey City restaurants you have yet to try. Here are the Jersey City restaurants participating this time around: