The first published instance of the word “brunch” occurred in an 1895 essay titled “Brunch: A Plea,” written by British writer Guy Beringer. In it, he issues a proposal for a late-morning breakfast on Sundays characterized by cheerfulness and sociability. Today, Beringer’s original vision for brunch has remained largely steadfast. Countless diners flock to their favorite joint every weekend to enjoy the warm, sweet aromas and comforting flavors typically associated with the hybrid meal. If you’d like to join the crowd this weekend, consider one of these four great local brunch spots in Jersey City, New Jersey.
The Kitchen Step
Located in the historic Van Vorst District, The Kitchen Step is a bistro that specializes in modern takes on American cuisine. The menus change regularly with the seasons, but we can take a look at the late summer offerings to give you a sense of the inventiveness you can expect. In the Snacks, Toast, and Small Plates sections of the current brunch menu, you’ll find dishes like French onion macaroni and cheese, yellowfin tuna tartare, and mango habanero glazed wings. Such lighter items cater to less voracious appetites or those looking to nosh while they wait for the main event.
The fourth section is for Large Plates, which features brunch staples enlivened with the Kitchen Step touch. There’s your classic eggs benedict, but with truffle hollandaise, whipped ricotta, and your choice of prosciutto or smoked salmon. There’s French toast, but enriched with the use of brioche, mascarpone whip, and caramelized bananas foster. Even pancakes receive a dramatic update with a Nutella swirl, whiskey-maple syrup, and a berry compote.
Keep in mind that brunch at The Kitchen Step is walk-in only. There may be a line, but it’s worth the wait.
Address: 500 Jersey Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07302
Availability: Brunch is available on both Saturdays and Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Contact: Email info@kitchenstepjc.com or call 201-721-6115.
Café Dolma
You might’ve guessed from the name that Cafe Dolma offers Mediterranean/Turkish interpretations of brunch classics. The Café Dolma Specials section of the menu probably best exemplifies what the restaurant has to offer. Here, the avocado toast is elevated with a sprinkling of za’atar along with the additions of green apple and pickled Turkish hot pepper, the eggs benedict gets kicked up with pastirma (thinly sliced cured beef) and a mustard hollandaise, and the poached eggs get some heft with mücver (zucchini fritters) or kiymali (a hearty beef ragu).
Elsewhere on the menu, there are Mediterranean takes on such dishes as omelets and breakfast sandwiches. If you’re not in the mood for fusion, you could always go all in on the Mediterranean side with moussaka or goulash, or else full-on brunch with the brioche French toast. Whatever you order for brunch, we’d recommend you save room for Cafe Dolma’s delicious pastries, or at least take some to go.
Address: 270 Grand St., Jersey City, NJ 07302
Availability: At Cafe Dolma, brunch is available seven days a week. Monday through Friday, the restaurant operates from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Weekend hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Contact: Call 201-433-6391 to get in touch with the establishment.
Sam A.M.
For good reason, Sam A.M. is one of the popular brunch spots in Jersey City. Part of its success is due to the quality of the ingredients, which the establishment sources locally. With eggs coming from Lancaster County, produce grown in state, and milk likely drawn the previous day from Battenkill cows, it should come as no surprise that the grub at Sam A.M. is so top-notch.
Then there’s the menu itself. Like at The Kitchen Step, the Sam A.M. menu changes seasonally. Generally speaking, though, you’re in for some hefty, hearty sandwiches along with a number of fork-and-knife items. A few representative dishes would be the Weekender (a plate of two farm eggs, potatoes, toast, and your choice of applewood bacon, sausage, or vegan sausage), the Atlantic (a breakfast sandwich on ciabatta filled with smoked salmon, cuke-onion cream, and lettuce), and the Celt Melt (corned beef and cabbage, melted Swiss cheese, and horseradish cream on marble rye bread).
Address: 112 Morris St., Jersey City, NJ 07302
Availability: Sam A.M. is another all-week brunch spot. On weekdays, the restaurant opens at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 3:30 p.m. Weekend hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Contact: Email samamcafe@gmail.com or call 201-432-2233. Alternatively, send a message through one of the restaurant’s social media pages, the links for which are available on its website.
Amelia’s Bistro
Finishing off our list is Amelia’s Bistro, where you can get the comprehensive brunch experience, plus some. Amelia’s actually has two brunch menus. The weekday menu, available from Monday to Friday, has all of the staples — pancakes, eggs benedict, farmhouse skillet — plus less-common items like lobster hash and eggs. Come Saturday and Sunday, though, the menu expands almost threefold. Two of the highlights of the weekend menu are a corn flakes–encrusted brioche French toast with a caramel rum sauce and Gaucho Eggs (chorizo, manchego, roasted peppers, chickpeas, and fried eggs with a flour tortilla and a smoked paprika hollandaise).
Amelia’s doesn’t skimp on the drinks menu, either. The weekend brunch menu alone offers three varieties of bloody mary, three beer cocktails, and three signature “brunch-tails.” That’s in addition to the myriad beers and mixed drinks on the regular menu.
Address: 187 Warren St., Jersey City, NJ 07302
Availability: Amelia’s Bistro serves brunch seven days a week. Weekday hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Weekend hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Contact: Email info@ameliasbistro.com or call 201-332-2200.
So, those are our recommendations for the best Jersey City brunch spots to try this weekend. If you’d like to cruise up to your next brunch spot on some new wheels, consider one of the numerous quality models in our inventory of used vehicles. Whether you’re looking for a coupe, SUV, pickup truck, van, hybrid, or electric, we’re sure to have what you want.
When you find a vehicle you like, let us know. Call or text 201-200-1100 or submit an inquiry form through our contact page. Once we receive your message, a representative will respond as soon as possible. Then come down to our dealership at 406 Sip Ave. in Jersey City for a test drive. Our expert sales staff can answer any questions you may have and get you the best deal on the model you’d like. Discover why we’re among the premier used auto dealerships serving central New Jersey.