When the weather is cold and you’ve pulled a long day at the office, probably the last thing you want to do is cook. Yet some nights, you might not want to get all decked out to get a meal. The Three A’s at Fifth and Grand streets in Hoboken caters to those who want to eat delicious family-style portions in a comfortable atmosphere.
The atmosphere
Three A’s is quieter than other restaurants in Hoboken, particularly since it is tucked on the corner in a residential zone. It is a great place to go to have a meal and conversation, as the music is played low in the background.
The dark wood and burgundy tablecloths add to the cozy feel. Diners have two choices depending on their mood. The back room, separated by velvet curtains, provides a more intimate meal. Or there is the more festive front bar area, which has a large horseshoe-shaped bar, which is usually packed with regulars. All of the tables in the bar, which are situated by the windows, have views of the flat-screen TVs.
The appetizers
Immediately after sitting down, a waiter came and filled our water glasses while we perused the menu. Shortly after, we were brought a basket of fresh baked Italian rolls. The bread was served with their own infused butter, seasoned with rosemary, olive oil, and salt and pepper.
The bread is terrific and addictive. I’d recommend that you limit yourself to one so you don’t spoil your appetite. We started with the fresh mozzarella platter.
The mozzarella was “buffalo,” imported from Italy that is lighter than the American version. The cheese has a springy texture that is slightly sweeter than the homemade Hoboken varieties. It came sliced in thick squares and was served on a platter with thin pieces of tomato that were marinated in a vinaigrette dressing. This dish is delicious with or without the hard Italian salami and marinated black olives.
Other appetizers include: steamed artichokes, fried calamari, hummus, blanched asparagus and goat cheese, grilled scallops, baked clams, and more. The appetizers are $7 to $10.
The entrees
For dinner we tried the homemade lobster ravioli and the chicken pancetta. The homemade lobster ravioli is a specialty of the house. The chef starts with the homemade ravioli, made with potatoes, flour, eggs, and seasoning. Then he steams the fresh live lobster, which is chopped and blended with diced plum tomatoes, celery, cognac, and dry vermouth.
For the sauce, which he calls a “creamy citrus blend,” he combines diced plum tomatoes, spices, a touch of cream, and fresh orange juice. All of which combines into a surprisingly light, fresh seafood dish. It has a sweet after taste and is topped with fresh lobster legs.
The chicken is a heartier dish for those with a bigger appetite. The lightly breaded and pan-fried boneless chicken breast is stuffed with fresh spinach, pancetta, and goat cheese. This delicious combination has a slightly sharp taste from the goat cheese. It is topped with the chef’s own variation of a Marsala sauce that is thick and rich and comes with a heaping portion of mashed potatoes. You won’t leave hungry after this dish!
Other entrees include: salmon, Chilean Sea Bass, crab cakes, pork chops, porterhouse steak and more. There are also many pasta dishes including: penne with shrimp, farfalle with chicken and mozzarella, tortellini Alfredo, and more. The entrees are priced from $13 to $22.
Dessert
For dessert we had their thick, rich cups of cappuccino and the Vesuvius cake. The Vesuvius combines a chocolate brownie layered with caramel, cheesecake, and chocolate mousse. If that wasn’t enough, it was topped with chocolate truffles, walnuts, and chocolate chips.
It is a chocolate lover’s dream! We couldn’t resist finishing every delicious bite. Other desserts include: apple crumb cheesecake, chocolate mousse, lemon or orange sorbet, tartufo, and tiramisu. They also have a selection of Grappa, and port wines for dessert.
More…
The full menu is available to eat at the bar and there also is a separate bar menu, which includes: sandwiches, burgers, salads, wings and specialty pizzas. They have happy hour Monday to Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. It includes all draft beers and house wine. Tuesday night is half-priced martini night. There are also specials on food and drinks for football. (Call for Super Bowl specials.)
The restaurant is open from Monday to Friday from 5 to 11 p.m. and on Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m. On Sunday, Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 3 to 10 p.m. All major credit cards are accepted and reservations are recommended on weekends.
Three A’s Bar & Grill is located at Fifth and Grand St. in Hoboken. For more information, please call (201) 217-1650 or visit: www.hoboken.com/threeas.