Hudson County is home to many different and delicious restaurants — we’ve got top-notch Italian food, savory sushi spots, delicious Cajun-style restaurants — the list goes on. In fact, there are so many good spots that it can be hard to pick just one to dine at on any given evening. One such restaurant that provides the intimate setting you might be looking for is Kitchen Step in downtown Jersey City {located at 500 Jersey Avenue}. From the unique décor to the intriguing and ever-changing menu, Kitchen Step offers the vibe, drinks, food, and expertise to knock your next date night out of the park.
The Atmosphere
When entering the Kitchen Step, the first thing guests will notice is the exquisite throne-like chairs bookending the front window. This regal aesthetic choice along with the name Kitchen Step itself celebrates Jersey City’s rich history. It is a nod to Cornelius Van Vorst — “courtly Cornelius” — who’s marble kitchen step originated from a statue of King Edward III taken down in revolt by patriotic Americans. The stoop came to be known as “the cornerstone of liberty” and it is with this spirit that the Kitchen Step welcomes all their guests.
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The Drinks
But enough about the history, let’s talk about the drinks. The libations menu, brought to you by mixologist Ray Keane, has a variety of beverages with local twists. Guests can’t go wrong with Bourbon Is Cheaper Than Therapy {bourbon, lime, hawthorn berries, hibiscus ice cube}, while those looking to mix things up should check out the Cold Toddy {Milagro tequila, spiced agave, lemon, cayenne bitters, cinnamon snow}.
The Food
{Photo credit: @kitchenstepjc}
This neighborhood bistro would not be complete without a faithfully seasonal menu and the talent to deliver it. Executive chef Ryan DePersio and chef de cuisine Grady Kaighn present flavorful interpretations of classic American dishes, from snacks to large plates. You may or may not want to {fight over} share the mac + cheese with bacon, wild mushrooms, cheddar béchamel, and citrus crumbs before diving into your mains.
For the vegetarians in your party, there is the melt-in-your-mouth celery root lasagna with cashew ricotta, spicy tomato, trumpet mushrooms, and cauliflower. And if you’re craving a burger, the RD burger with aged cheddar, onion compote, bacon, and herbed fries will be gone from your plate before you blink {and can be substituted as a beyond burger upon request}.
It’s hard not to fill up on starters and mains, plus the complimentary bread and butter, but diners won’t be disappointed in saving room for dessert. The ricotta zeppole with Nutella + powdered sugar will satisfy any sweet tooth. And for the cheese lovers in the group, you get a second chance to say yes to the artisanal cheese plate with Balthazar multigrain and fresh fruit.
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There’s Brunch, Too
{Photo credit: @kitchenstepjc}
Besides offering a cozy setting for date night, on Saturdays + Sundays until 3:00PM, diners can visit the Step for brunch. The smashed avocado toast with cilantro, jalapeño, lime on multigrain bread has major guacamole vibes for a post-Friday or Saturday night pick-me-up. Check out the Nutella-swirl buttermilk pancake or the fried chicken and waffles with honey sriracha, and make sure to cancel all plans post-brunch because a nap will be necessary after dining here.
Whether it’s the faux living wall adorned with mirrors that attracts guests or the deliciously focused menu of food and drinks, locals and tourists alike won’t regret visiting the Kitchen Step.
Have you ever dined at the Kitchen Step? Share your experience in the comments below!
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