With 15 televisions, two large bars, a dance floor, great food and a large dining room, downtown Jersey City’s P.J. Ryan’s has quickly become the talk of the town.
On the corner of Marin Boulevard and First Street for more than a year, the venue is rich in entertainment and features a top-notch Irish comfort menu.
"Whatever you want, we got it," said owner Mike Ryan during an interview at the bar. "We want everyone to be happy."
Upon entering the place, patrons walk into a large bar area that can comfortably fit approximately 40 people. There are a few high-definition televisions strategically placed for sports fans to watch various games. In the back of the bar area there’s a small stage set-up for local acts to perform, and for cover bands to play on the weekends.
According to Ryan, every Tuesday is DJ night. Wednesdays are for the very popular karaoke. Thursdays, the Eamonn Ryan band plays upbeat traditional Irish songs, and Fridays and Saturdays, area bands hit the stage. Sundays and Mondays, football fans can come, relax and watch the contests.
The bartenders are friendly and able to mix up a variety of drinks ranging from a tremendous screwdriver to a smooth Guinness draught.
The dining room is located next to the bar. Almost a dozen booths fill the dining room area. Ryan brought in the booths from the Plankboard Inn, a restaurant on Kennedy Boulevard that closed down. In addition, there are several tables in the middle of the dining area.
"We wanted to keep a little bit of Jersey City in Jersey City," Ryan said.
Executive chef Brian Burns, educated at Hudson County Community College’s culinary program, produces wonderful arrangements of pastas, meats, desserts and soups.
"We have a full scale kitchen," Burns said, smiling. "Our specials change daily."
Burns and his staff worked for several months on the menu to ensure only the best entrees are served at an affordable price.
Burns specialties include: Reuben sandwich ($7.95); open faced grilled cheese ($4.75); rigatoni with oil and garlic ($6.25); fettuccini with red or white clams ($7.50); penne Alfredo ($6.75); P.J. Ryan’s open faced steak sandwich ($7.95); and Caesar salad ($5.25).
They also feature a children’s menu which includes hot dog and fries ($3); chicken fingers and fries ($3.50); and a small plate of pasta ($3.50).
P.J. Ryan’s is an ideal place for a nice hangout with friends. Happy hour during the week is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
My meal
I began my meal with a delicious, chunky baked potato soup ($3) prepared fresh by Burns. The soup was creamy and had a touch of cheddar cheese, sour cream, nutmeg and pepper. Other soups include French onion ($3.95) and home made chili ($3.75). I followed the soup with a serving of potato skins ($5.75). The potatoes were served with bacon, green onions, melted cheddar cheese and sour cream.
Other appetizers include chicken wings ($6.25); mozzarella sticks ($5.75); onion rings ($5.75); stuffed clams with onions, peppers and bread crumbs ($6.75); pina colada shrimp, coconut crusted extra large shrimp with rum pineapple dipping sauce ($7.50); and crab cakes made with Maryland lump crab, fried to perfection ($7.50).
For the entrée I enjoyed a hamburger cooked medium well with cheese fries, mushrooms and American cheese ($7.75). The hamburger was big and hearty, enough to quell my appetite. It was truly one of the best hamburgers I’ve had; the meat tasted fresh and the toppings were delicious. I also tried the linguini with clams served with garlic and oil ($7.50). The garlic was not too spicy and the clams were terrific.
For dessert I had a very sweet piece of apple pie ($3) with a tall cup of cappuccino ($3.50) recommended by Burns. The presentation was fabulous and I highly recommend it.
P.J. Ryan’s is located on 370 Marin Blvd. Their hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. They accept all major credit cards. For more information, their telephone number is 239-7373.