The Heights in Jersey City is full of hidden gems — and one of the nice things about going to brunch in the Heights is getting to explore the neighborhood while popping into different restaurants and trying some of the exciting cuisines there. With a rich history and a diverse and flavorful food scene, there are plenty of great spots to grab brunch with your friends or family. Plus, with the warmer weather upon us, many of these local eateries provide great outdoor setups for brunch outside. Read on to discover the best outdoor brunch places to check out in The Heights.
The Cliff | 38 Congress Street
This restaurant is conveniently located near the 9th Street elevator in the Heights, making it an easy walk for Hoboken residents over to the 9th Street Light Rail station. Here, you can find a backyard area, as well as tables and chairs in the front if you want to eat outside. The Cliff has many food options, including vegan and vegetarian dishes to choose from. They also sell freshly cooked fish that is eco-friendly and imported from Iceland. Some of the brunch items that you will find on this menu are brioche french toast, Nuevos huevos rancheros, tofu scramble, an omelet made with tasty goat cheese, a vegan burger, a fish sandwich, and delicious buffalo cauliflower tacos.
Read More: Your Ultimate Guide to Brunch Spots in Jersey City
Carvao BBQ | 686 Bergen Avenue
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Brazilian Barbeque is an exciting way to indulge in brunch (and to try a new experiential foodie item on your bucket list). Carvao means ‘charcoal’ in Portuguese, and the charcoal used at this restaurant is imported from Brazil to help make it some of the most authentic — and tastiest — BBQ around. On the menu, you can find things like wings, a whole chicken, ribs, bacon cheese fries, sausages and yuca, burgers, a crispy chicken sandwich, as well as domestic and imported beers that add a nice tangy addition to delicious BBQ. There is also a lovely outdoor seating area with flowers and nice tables to really up your outdoor brunch vibe.
Renato’s Pizza Masters | 278 Central Avenue
This is a locally-owned family restaurant that has an outdoor area with a beautiful garden that feels miles away from city life while dining. One unique thing this family business does is import the tomatoes they use from a family-owned farm in California. This locally loved pizza place started in 1959, and so much thought and care goes into the quality of the food at this establishment. Pizza is not the only specialty they have, though. You can also find amazing Italian food and appetizers here as well. Renato’s also gives back to the community by working with local causes, local teams, and local churches, which we love.
Fox + Crow | 594 Palisade Avenue
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This place has a large, wooden-covered outdoor dining area so you can enjoy the fresh air while brunching. The spot also has live music called “Live in the Parlour,” and guests can enjoy talented local artists during their visit. On the brunch menu, you can find delicious American dishes like eggs, bacon, home fries, ricotta and smoked salmon toast, sunrise tostadas, and more.
Lil Dove Cafe | 589 Palisade Avenue
Lil Dove Cafe is a quaint and relaxing place to sit down and get brunch, indoors or outdoors. The spot has an outdoor area where you can enjoy the sunshine, as well as a nice seating area inside that has a chill vibe. The tasty brunch menu items include avocado toast, roast beef sandwich, chicken and avocado sandwich, croissant French toast, and many other high-quality brunch foods. You can find gift items here, too — shirts, mugs, fun socks, candles, and more. You can also check out the gift shop on the website to see all the goodies available.
Paulie’s Brickhouse | 264 Central Avenue
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Paulie’s is the ultimate outdoor brunch spot in the Heights, with an outdoor bar area that boasts incredible views of Jersey City and beyond. The spot also hosts private events, which makes for an amazing view for your guests. Delectable brunch items include avocado toast, a Brickhouse burger, buttermilk pancakes, and even a carbonara pizza — which is a white pie base made with mozzarella, roasted potatoes, bacon, and two fried eggs. Yum.
The Hutton Restaurant + Bar | 225 Hutton Street
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The Hutton is a local pub with a dark wooden interior and a covered outdoor patio area that is as comfortable as it is classic. The Hutton also caters and hosts private events, and this is a spacious place to host your next gathering. The brunch menu here is incredible, and offers things like apple guacamole, marinated skirt steak and eggs, chicken or cauliflower wings, bourbon caramel french toast, and a fried chicken naan sandwich, made with fried chicken, arugula, street corn, and cheddar sauce.
The Franklin | 159 New York Avenue
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There is a nice outdoor seating area here that is a perfect setting to enjoy brunch. This is a BYOB place, and you can order exceptional items like chicken and waffles, wild mushroom omelets, ricotta pancakes, vodka chicken sandwiches, and more tasty brunch options to pair perfectly with your drink of choice.
Corkscrew Bar + Grill | 61 Congress Street
This place is a staple in Jersey City Heights, and has been around since 1976. Corkscrew is located only three blocks from the Hoboken elevator/Light Rail. You will enjoy the outdoor seating area here, as it is a spacious and nice place to enjoy some fresh air. The menu includes buffalo cheese fries, chicken wings, burgers, a fried chicken sandwich, pizza, and more.
Low Fidelity | 328 Palisade Avenue
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Low Fidelity has a sunny and spacious outdoor area that is a phenomenal spot for brunch. On the menu, you can find uniquely named cocktails with distinct ingredients that stand out from the rest. The Detroit-style pizza on the menu includes a selection of variations to choose from, as well as delicious salads, sides, sandwiches, and rice bowl options.
Corto | 488 Central Avenue
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Corto has a cute and cozy outdoor area that is lowkey and peaceful. The menu is small, but high quality and delicious. You can find unique Italian dishes on the menu that includes things like ricotta and honey toast, pasta, lamb, trout, and so much more.
See More: The Best Brunch Spots in Montclair
Saigon Bistro | 514 Central Avenue
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Saigon Bistro doesn’t have a large outdoor seating area, but there are two tables outside — still worth adding to your list because the food is superb. You can indulge in a Vietnamese brunch, which includes menu items like Vietnamese spring rolls, steamed dumplings, sugarcane shrimp, pho house specialty noodle soup, pad thai, shaken cubed steak, and a banh mi sandwich.
