With more Downtown JC residents moving to Bergen-Lafayette, the need has increased for local spots to eat. Here are our top three picks that provide yummy bites without having to leave the neighborhood.
The Light Rail Café – 237 Randolph Avenue
In June of 2011, Jermaine Robinson opened The Light Rail Café on Randolph Avenue and Unions Street. He took over the property from his father and wanted to turn it into “a nice place where people could gather in our neighborhood. Up until that point, we didn’t have any.”
Now a staple of the area, LRC features American food such as a Cajun Chicken Sandwich or Shrimp Scampi. Entrees run between $8 – $16 and are large, flavorful and presented well! There are also live jazz nights and cigar rolling nights. Check their website to keep up to date.
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O’Leary’s Publik House – 788 Garfield Avenue
O’Leary’s, opened by Kevin Hennessey, a Jersey City native and firefighter, in 2014 is solid bar with a way-above-average menu. “I always wanted my own place and saw what a good spot this was and what it could offer for the neighborhood. We’ve got a great outdoor space and give you great quality for your dollar.”
Dennis, the kitchen-whiz, is an alum of the Hudson County Culinary Arts Institute and was given lots of latitude to “try something different” with the menu. While there is a standard menu, the daily specials are where it’s at! I ate an open-faced Pastrami with Swiss and mustard on a knish and it rocked. Dennis’ old-fashion was tasty, the 11 TVs offered all sorts of sports programming and the 9 beers on draft kept my thirst quenched.
Follow their Instagram for daily specials
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O’Lala Empanadas – 600 Communipaw Avenue
Founded 3 years ago, O’Lala Empanadas offers Puerto Rican-style latin food with a modern twist. They specialize in, as you can guess, empanadas with over 20 varieties. You can order a traditional flavor like beef or chicken or be adventurous and try El Coqui with roasted pork and sweet plantains, among others, all delicious. Also available are rice dishes, entrée sized plates and hot sandwiches. Add to that 12 side options, addicting dipping sauces and warm dessert empanadas and you have yourself a feast!
“We are excited that we continue to grow and may be expanding into Newark soon,” says Idalia Beteta who with her brother Edwin Rosario keep the place moving along. “We are also happy to give back to the community. We help raise money for kids with cancer and we also just awarded the Rising Star award by the Jackson Hill Main Street Corp.” In addition to eat-in, take-out and delivery, they also cater.
