Food & Drink

In retail-related news, a Manhattan-based Venezuelan restaurant is opening an outpost in the heart of McGinley Square. Downtown, Novado Gallery is the first gallery to open in the artist spaces at Modera Lofts.

As Jersey City’s popularity continues to grow, more and more businesses are setting their sights on the city. High-end burger chain Zinburger is opening in Newport Mall, Cava Grill which LA Magazine dubbed "the fast-casual restaurant of the future" announced a new location, and more.

Barcade is planning to open a bar in Downtown Newark. The bar, which serves a wide variety of craft beers, sandwiches, and burgers, is known for the dozens of vintage arcade video games at each location.

World-renowned celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has signed on to open up a restaurant in one of downtown Newark’s most prominent buildings, adding another feather in the cap to both the city’s revitalization and to a historic landmark that’s undergoing a thorough restoration.

Food & Drink news for Jersey City, a new taco joint is coming to downtown, a sneak peak of Atlas Public House which plans to open tomorrow, and Ozu Foods in the Heights begins serving lunch.

While Newark has always been known for having great restaurants in its Ironbound district, the culinary bug seems to be spreading to the neighboring Downtown area, which is a healthy sign for the city’s continued revitalization.

By now you’ve heard about Kitchen Step – the former Thirty Acres spot that’s become a true neighborhood gem in Van Vorst Park. But you probably haven’t heard the story behind the name: why a piece of Portland marble was so significant in Jersey City in the 1800’s, and where Cory Checket found those insane Victoire Canopy Balloon Chairs in the window.

Two new restaurants, one an established brand and one an upstart, have started construction along Hoboken’s main drag and both hope to start serving customers this winter season.

A recently completed renovation project illustrates the changing tide in Lafayette. Featuring high-end rental units and two commercial spaces - one of which has drawn a popular downtown restauranteur to the area - the fully-restored building highlights Lafayette’s increasing popularity.

A round up of food and drink happenings in Jersey City. La Mexicana opens on 440, Pet Shop adds a wine bar, and The Hutton opens in The Heights.