In Jersey City, underneath scaffolding on the corner of Newark Avenue and Grove Street, “Cafe Corretto” is highlighted by the glow of a red neon light. Through the double doors at 123 Newark Avenue, guests are greeted by a friendly staff with a small stage spotlighting a lone microphone, and soft music playing. On a Saturday night, laughs echoed from inside as some of the funniest comedians in New Jersey and New York came together to tell well-crafted stories and jokes, and they’re looking to welcome a variety of live entertainment to downtown Jersey City. Read on to learn more about Jersey City’s newest comedy spot, Cafe Corretto.
Cafe Corretto’s Beginnings
The venue space is connected to Roman Nose, an Italian restaurant that has called Jersey City home for the last dozen years. Owner Frank Fiore says they originally used the space for private events, such as bridal showers, birthday parties, and weddings. Earlier in 2024, Frank decided to open the space up for more community events.
“My goal is to fill the space with programming that Jersey City could want, and that I would want as a long-time resident,” Frank told The Hoboken Girl. Instead of traveling outside of the city, Frank says he wanted to provide a space for Jersey locals to enjoy live entertainment. He says they’re starting with comedy and jazz nights and still experimenting with other live events.
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The name is a play on words, according to Frank. In Italy, an espresso ordered with a shot of liquor is known as a caffè corretto, or a “correct coffee.”
The space formerly housed WORD Bookstore, an independent bookstore. In 2023, the bookstore moved to its new location near Hamilton Park at McWilliams Place and continues to be a gathering place for book lovers seven days a week.
Sharing Some Laughs With Comedy Corretto
Photo Credit: @correttocomedy
Shows began at Cafe Corretto in late February 2024. Jersey City comedian Colin Armstrong started organizing the shows with other comedians after approaching Frank at Roman Nose. He says he used to organize shows at nearby Franklin Social, but put those shows on pause due to a fire at the restaurant.
“We’re trying to make [Cafe Corretto] a dedicated space. There’s not that many great rooms that are so close to Downtown Jersey City, so we see this as a really good opportunity to build a solid room,” Colin said. The venue’s location at 123 Newark Avenue is on the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza, just steps from the Grove Street Path Station and surrounded by other bars and restaurants. Colin’s goal is to continue hosting comedy nights here and make them more frequent in Jersey City.
Photo Credit: @correttocomedy
The 90-minute show typically features four to five comedians and one headliner comedian. Many of the comedians have been featured on or written for popular shows on Netflix, Comedy Central, and HBO, among others.
During the show, guests can enjoy a small menu from Roman Nose, such as a charcuterie board, meatballs, and a pizzette. Of course, drinks are available from a small bar. There is no drink minimum, but there is a suggestion to order two items.
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When’s The Next Punchline?
For fans of live entertainment hoping to catch the next show at Cafe Corretto, more shows are still being planned for the spring and summer seasons. The next Comedy Corretto show is on Saturday, April 13th at 7PM and 8PM. Derek Gaines, seen on Netflix, MTV, and Pete Davidson’s The King of Staten Island is headlining. Tickets can be bought in advance online. Also happening at Cafe Corretto: the Jersey City Comedy Collective is hosting a variety show. The comedy group’s next show is on Friday, April 5th at 7PM and 9PM. Ticket information can be found online.
