For those who are Italian {and even if you’re not}, you know what it’s like heading to your nonna and nonno’s house for Sunday dinner. From the outside, you could easily miss it — a small bottom floor restaurant with a white awning proudly boasting its name: The Barge Inn. Take a step inside this JC gem, and you are instantly in the dining room of an Italian family. Dark, wooden panels line the walls and lace curtains decorate the windows. The restaurant is cozy, comfortable, and welcoming; it’s like being home. Read on to learn all about The Barge Inn in Jersey City {located at 324 3rd Street}, plus the details on their all-you-can-eat pasta Thursdays — yes, you heard that right.
The History
The Barge Inn planted itself, nearly fifty years ago, right in Historic Downtown Jersey City and is actually in the neighborhood where the Marto Family {owners of The Barge Inn} grew up. Linda’s family opened shop in 1969 and have been going strong ever since. Being the oldest Italian restaurant in Jersey City is a lot of pressure but trust us, they live up to the hype. With a full authentic Italian menu that will leave you drooling, you are sure to get the full Italian experience here.
The Menu
Really, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but might we suggest a few favorites: Lucia {waitress + Barge Inn menu connoisseur} brags about the Pork Chops Bitsy {inch and a half thick chops with vinegar, potato, onions, and sweet or hot peppers}.
Read More: Great Food + Company: The Recipe for Porta Jersey City’s Success
The Veal or Chicken a la Barge, boneless breasted chicken or veal with prosciutto, mozzarella, mushrooms, and roasted peppers in a marsala sauce is literally on our top list of things we have ever eaten.
And let’s talk about Thursday nights. The Barge Inn is cooking up something special every Thursday — All. You. Can. Eat. Pasta. You can thank us later. For $8.95 a person, indulge in pasta until you explode, a glass of house red or white wine, and good company. Your choice of linguini, angel hair, penne, or rigatoni with Sunday sauce or marinara. Extra hungry? Add a meatball, sausage, or a house salad for $5 — SO worth it.
In addition to all of that delicious goodness, The Barge Inn also cooks up Blackboard Specials each day. You can always find fish specials, like The Seafood Fra Diavolo {loaded with shrimp, clams, mussels, + calamari} but other favorites include the Veal Piccata and the Eggplant Rollatini as well. This is the perfect date night spot, especially if you want to make it a regular thing. Let your hair down, girl, and eat that pasta!
See More: 15 Fox Place in Jersey City: 10 Things to Know Before Eating at This Hidden Gem
No Italian mama would turn down anyone asking for food. The restaurant boasts a fully loaded bar where you can drink to your heart’s content. With a full bar, wine list, and bottled beer — make sure to enjoy a drink with dinner. Trust us on this one, there’s no place quite like it in Jersey City.
Hours
So, let’s talk logistics. The Barge Inn’s kitchen is open from 11:30AM to 9:30PM every day. Lunch is served from 11:30AM until about 4:00PM and dinner from 4:00PM to 9:30PM.
