This new café is a welcomed addition to the already delicious downtown Jersey City restaurant scene, bringing California vibes, Asian-inspired dishes, and an eclectic locally-sourced menu to the neighborhood. Although Short Grain is located in a prime location near the Grove Street Path station, the choice to open up in JC came from the owners’ desire to create an inclusive neighborhood café in the right community. Let’s take a peek inside the new digs and let you decide if they’ve succeeded.
Like the diverse JC community mixing the new with the old, Short Grain is a modern café and eatery influenced by its Asian roots. On the menu are Vietnamese sandwiches and Vietnamese cold brew {new obsession} combined with classics like avocado toast and kale salad. The interior vibe mirrors this aesthetic with a mixture of industrial chic that meets clean lines. The caged pendant lamps illuminate the colorful tiled counter, while details like the white-washed brick walls and the 19th century-style coffee grinder displayed in the front window add life to the small space.
Read more: Jersey City Restaurants With a Great Fall View
Although the space only seats twenty, Short Grain is the perfect cozy café to grab a cup of joe and people watch, or have an intimate dinner with a close friend. Not only is there seating along the window facing the street, but Short Grain also has outdoor seating — ideal for grabbing a quick snack {while soaking up this unseasonably warm weather}.
And now, what you’ve all been waiting for… the rundown on the tasty bites.
^Lemon ricotta pancakes
One of the many things we love about Short Grain is that their breakfast is served all day {who doesn’t want lemon ricotta pancakes for dinner?}. Although the brunch menu is small, Short Grain does not disappoint. Aside from the pancakes, other highlights include avocado toast {but not just your average avocado toast — see below}, and the green eggs and spam. {Yes, you read that correctly, but don’t be so quick to judge. They’re actually super delish.}
^Green eggs and spam
In addition to brunch, Short Grain also offers lunch and dinner options for under $11. On their menu is a variety of sandwiches including the roasted cauliflower, slow roasted pork belly, shrimp rolls, and coconut curry chicken, which are available in entrée form as well.
Moving to their drink menu, the Vietnamese cold brew coffee is a must-order. Blended with chicory and condensed milk, it is the perfect companion to any of their tasty menu options. Short Grain also offers five different matcha drinks, fresh pressed juices, and variety of other hot drinks — such as chai lattes — all brewed using Counter Culture brewers.
^Avocado toast {we love the feta and kick of red pepper}
Not only does Short Grain’s menu focus on using locally-sourced ingredients, they also try to accommodate everyone’s dietary needs including vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options. In fact, Short Grain tries to cater to everyone’s preferences. Yu, one of the owners, welcomes substitutions to any of their menu options.
Between the welcoming vibes, the healthy eclectic menu, and the on-point drink menu , what’s not to love about Short Grain? But don’t take our word for it — try it for yourself!
Do you love Short Grain Jersey City? Share with us what you ordered!
