Home Food + Drink Amelia’s Bistro in Jersey City: A Local Favorite for Delicious Eats

Amelia’s Bistro in Jersey City: A Local Favorite for Delicious Eats

by Lauren
Attain Medspa
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Amelia’s Bistro on 187 Warren Street has been nestled in the Paulus Hook neighborhood on a cozy corner for 16 years and counting – close enough to the JC business district for a quick walk but far enough from the hustle and bustle for a charming dining experience. Featuring a large menu with something for everyone and a generous drink list, Amelia’s Bistro, owned by Frank Mandaro and named after his mother, is a popular place for a romantic evening out or brunch with friends. We recently visited this adorable spot, which has recently revamped its menu, for a prime dining experience. Read on to learn all about Amelia’s Bistro in Jersey City, a local favorite for delicious eats.

amelias jersey city

The Atmosphere

amelias atomosphere

Snap Fitness JC

The interior of Amelia’s features fun artwork, a granite-top bar {complete with large overhead wine rack} and cozy tables of four, with a basement for larger parties as well as a few outdoor tables. One visit to Amelia’s and it is clear that the diner will never go hungry – there are tons of options available, and particularly exciting are the many gluten-free options on the menu, which includes gluten-free bread for sandwiches and loads of menu items labeled as “gf” or “gfo” {gluten-free option available}, with labeling for vegetarian and now vegan items as well.

Tsujita

“A lot of customers were saying that there are no options when they go out {to eat},” explained general manager Joe Delle Fave, of the allergen-friendly dishes available.

Hobbs Inc

Read More: Cafe Michelina: Hoboken’s Authentic {+ Welcoming} Italian Eatery

The Food

amelias food

While noshing on the starter round of do-it-yourself hummus in the form of chickpeas served with a mortar and pestle {burn some calories before eating a bunch more, sounds like a nice deal to us} and getting cozy with the restaurant’s relaxed vibe, check out the appetizer menu.

yoga renew hoboken

Small plates range from chicken tikka masala meatballs {do not skip these} to roasted brussels sprouts with bacon, apple, and maple syrup {really, this is the only way to eat veggies}. The variety of cuisines represented on the menu “cater to the demand and diversity of the people in the area,” explains Stacie Eccles, manager at Amelia’s for the past 12 years.

Also available on the apps menu are delectable varieties of crostini {yes there is gluten-free crostini available}, which comes in sets of three or six pieces, and range from savory topped with, manchego, fig jam and almonds to sweet with bacon, peanut butter, and red chili. Other appetizers include truffle mac + cheese {the only way to eat mac + cheese, obviously}, ahi-tuna poke, and “crackling” calamari crusted with parmesan and topped with cherry peppers, capers, lemon juice, and garlic. When dining with a large group {or, let’s face it, even if it’s just you and one other person}, definitely order a bunch of small plates and taste everything.

Now on to the mains. The dinner and drinks menu has an assortment of sliders and sandwiches, including the braised short rib sandwich, lobster roll, and the chipotle club {anything with chipotle mayo on it = sold}. Entrée plates include lobster mac+cheese, Cuban ropa vieja, roasted “tandoori” cauliflower, and so much more.

amelias inside 2

Pairing that with the hefty wine list {30 wines available by the glass} and a creative cocktail menu {which has also recently been upgraded} makes for a pretty tasty night out. Cocktails include mix-ins with Misunderstood Whiskey Co. {Jersey City-based} and beer on tap from Hoboken Brewing Co.

“We’re trying to keep things local,” Delle Fave explained of the updated drinks menu. Not to be forgotten is the dessert menu – options range from vanilla bean crème brûlée to dessert crêpes. All of this deliciousness is made by the in-house chef that has been with Amelia’s since its inception, Abel Ruiz.

“The kitchen [staff] has been here over 10 years – we have a pretty solid staff,” Eccles adds.

Brunch

Weekend brunch is also a must at Amelia’s and is definitely the most popular time to go {so make reservations!} with pancakes, avocado toast, a variety of eggs bene {including Risotto Cake Eggs Benedict}, and several omelets to choose from. Breakfast burritos, brunch burgers, and fried chicken + waffles also top the list, with $4 mimosas, bellinis, champagne or Bloody Marys available. For something stronger, beer cocktails and “brunch-tails” are also available.

Read More: Skinner’s Loft: A Family-Owned Restaurant in Downtown Jersey City

In addition to its restaurant, Amelia’s has a large catering business for corporate events, residential street fairs, and events on “Willie Wall,” the Manhattan Yacht Club’s floating clubhouse {open to the public}. In-house events include LobsterFest every Monday — $19.99 for a 1 ¼ pound lobster with the. purchase of any specialty drink {so cancel your plans next Monday}, and weekday happy hour.

The Final Verdict

amelias inside

Overall Amelia’s is a great neighborhood place to get a quality meal with ample seating for large and small parties. Definitely worth checking out for a Saturday night date {and always good for holiday menu specials} or a casual lunch with co-workers.

Have you been to Amelia’s yet? Let us know in the comments!

RMA

also appears in

0 comment