It’s become clear that developers have rediscovered Jersey City’s historic center, but residents new and old are wondering when the restaurant scene around Journal Square might start to pop. The latest sign that amenities might be catching up to the neighborhood’s growth can be found at 586 Newark Avenue — a new Asian eatery is currently under construction in a revamped building.
The mixed-use property, which sports top-floor offices, is undergoing an extensive renovation, and one of the ground-floor storefronts will be home to Ling Long Xuan. Not much is known about the Chinese restaurant’s food, but a few teaser images they’ve put up on a website indicate dumplings, rolls, noodles, shrimp, and chicken dishes will play a big role on the menu.
Online ordering and delivery will be available at Ling Long Xuan, and their hours will run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. No word on when the restaurant will open, but construction has been moving fast at the storefront.
Just down the street, a space where renovation has been decidedly less speedy looks like it’s finally going to open soon. Choices Pasta & Salad Bar, at 578 Newark Avenue, is set to take over a former Villa Pizza outpost. Construction has been ongoing for almost a year despite the presence of a sign at the property that insists the eatery is coming soon.
However, the state’s Health Department officially signed off on an inspection report for Choices on June 1, and the restaurant is currently hiring a cook’s helper, a counter server, a cashier, and a dishwasher — positions locals can inquire about at the space. The start date of the positions is listed as immediate, suggesting that Choices might finally open soon.
It looks like Journal Square’s boom is starting to hit their culinary world, as both City Café & Bakery and Korai Kitchen opened in February and Flatbread Grill welcomed diners last month. Future additions to the area include JB’s Bake Shop on Sip Avenue and Sa-go-to Bubble Tea World, which is coming soon to 654 Newark Avenue.
