A Paulus Hook eatery in business for almost two decades has launched a new seafood-themed space complete with outdoor seating and also have plans to expand their main restaurant into a neighboring building.
Light Horse Tavern was founded by restaurateurs Bill Gray and Ron Smith back in 2002 following the restoration of an 1850s-era brick building at the corner of Washington and Morris streets. The property, once used as a speakeasy during Prohibition, includes a mostly unused garage along the Morris Street side of the building.
That space is now being utilized by the restaurant as Lobster Garage, which offers a plethora of seafood options along with hearty side dishes. Launched over the weekend, casual counter service complete with beer on tap, cocktails and wine is complimented by outdoor seating for the summer months.
Starters at Lobster Garage include nautical favorites like Fisher Island oysters, New England clam chowder, lobster bisque, steamed mussels, and octopus salad. An “Off The Boat” portion of the menu sports lobster rolls, crab cakes, fish and chips, fried shrimp, and clam baskets, while sandwiches choices include a cod burger, a shrimp po’ boy, or a vegan burger made from chickpeas.
The launch of Lobster Garage was somewhat quiet and another low-key endeavor to expand the neighborhood’s dining scene is underway. Ownership behind Light Horse Tavern is looking to expand their restaurant space into the adjacent property at 201 Washington Street into another historic building that was constructed circa 1870.
Jersey City’s Historic Preservation Committee heard an application from the restaurant during their June 15 meeting that would significantly overhaul the property. A renovation at 201 Washington Street would remove cracked brick on the ground floor of the building and replace it with folding bistro bay doors and a new facade complete with sidewalk outdoor seating and a retractable canopy.
The renovations were drawn up by Debra David Architect of Montclair and they are set to give Light Horse Tavern about 1,000-square feet of additional indoor space. The proposal could be approved soon by the city’s planning board, as they are scheduled to hear the expansion application during their upcoming July 7 meeting.
For now, Lobster Garage looks like they will be open daily from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and will soon launch delivery service through Seamless.
