There are a slew of restaurants in downtown Jersey City that are serving up delectable cuisine, but very few give that cozy European feel. But after you’ve read through this post, you’ll have everything you need to take a quick little vacay to France for an intimate vibe {complete with some steak frites}. Located at 390 4th Street in downtown Jersey City, Madame Claude Bis is a hidden restaurant a bit off-the-beaten path serving up French fare and a beautiful ambiance. Here’s a bit more about this Jersey City restaurant and bar:
Walking into Madame Claude Bis {which is down a flight of stairs from the main street might we add}, you’ll think you’re about to walk into a deserted spot, since it’s hard to find. WRONG. The stairs lead to a full bar and massive, elegant space that will immediately make you feel at ease — all while feeling cozy at the same time {they have a speakeasy-like entrance}. The restaurant moved into their new digs last year {after several years downtown}, and it’s a major upgrade. On any given weekend night, it’ll be pretty filled with people.
Anthony, one of the bartenders serving up drinks, was friendly and willing to mix up whatever his patrons requested. Our orders: a vodka gimlet, a dirty martini, and one of his homemade concoctions with tequila and lime {yes, you’d think we were *not* at a French restaurant/bar, but he’s just thaaat good we had to order; he also now bartends at Third & Vine on Monday nights, FYI}.
Dirty martinis FTW
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On the menu, some items to order:
The cheese plate is a DEFINITE order. See below:
Just deeeeelish. And photo-worthy, to say the least.
Steak frites and ratatouille crepe sauce = amazing. For the wine connoisseurs, there is an incredible wine selection, and servers were very attentive when we asked some questions.
A word to the wise: If you’re vegetarian or vegan, this may be a tough spot for you. There was one vegetarian dish on the menu {vegan when we ordered it without cheese}. But hey, when in France, do as the French do — eat cheese!
The owner and chef, Mattias Gustafsson and his wife and co-owner Alice Troïetto {both from France, obvs} opened Madame Claude Cafe 15 years ago. They also own a wine store that has a huge array of wines {and they’re extremely helpful if you’re in the market for some vino}.
The prices for the menu items fair, especially for the high quality meats and cheeses. Most entrees are around $15-24 dollars {meat being on the more expensive side}, which is on-point with what other downtown JC restaurants are charging for the like.
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Meringue martini dessert
A few desserts to try: apple tart – hands down, and their hot chocolate is amaze. We also ordered the melted meringue dessert, which was really like a sweet butter martini, no joke.
While this post is a rave about dinner, word on the street is their brunch is delicious and the salmon eggs bene is a *must*.
On some Thursdays, there is a live jazz band — so make sure to add that to the calendar {but call ahead to confirm}. They also offer $25 pre-fixe 5-7PM on Tuesdays-Thursdays, which we also recommend calling ahead for a for a reservation as it gets busy. Madame Claude’s hours for dinner are from 5-10PM and weekends 5-11PM, with brunch from 10-4PM.
All in all, Madame Claude is fantastic Jersey City spot for a romantic date night, a dinner with family {that makes you feel on vacay}, and even a great post-work spot for some apps {read: cheese board} and cocktails. Mais oui!
Have you been to Madame Claude? What did you think?
