Court Street, tucked between Washington and Hudson streets at 61 Sixth St., is one of Hoboken’s best kept secrets. This quaint bar and restaurant has been keeping locals happy since they first opened in 1981 by serving quality food and drink at reasonable prices.
The atmosphere
Those unfamiliar with the plain brick exterior might pass it by, as the building blends in with the neighborhood. The bar area is decorated with dark mahogany tables and polished bar top. There are simple black and white pictures on the wall of famous sports figures, and movie stars that give the place a timeless feel to it.
The separate back dining room is colored in cool neutral shades of cream, and each table is set with silver, linen napkins, and candles. It is a quiet, intimate place. Service is friendly and efficient, whether it is the bartender, waiter, or hostess. Music is played low enough to have a conversation but loud enough to enjoy.
Appetizers
All diners are treated to a basket of bread with sweet butter and a serving of their terrific tapenade. The tapenade of olives and spices is blended until smooth. This spread has gotten so popular that now you can order a jar to take home! It adds great flavor to the bread, but be warned – stop yourself before you finish the entire basket of bread. You’ll want to leave room for the delicious appetizers.
We started with the tomato mozzarella salad. This appetizer was everything you want tomatoes and mozzarella to be. They paired hearty, juicy, thick slices of tomato with fresh, slightly sweet chunks of cheese that were lightly coated with olive oil and basil.
Next, we tried the duck salad that was a special that night. (Court Street offers delectable nightly specials in addition to the regular extensive menu.)
The crispy duck was paired with radicchio, endive, and goat cheese, which came with mustard dressing. This was nicely presented in a floral design. It had an interesting combination of flavors with the spicy, crispy meat, the sharp taste of the cheese and the sweeter salad.
In addition to a wide variety of appetizers there is also a selection of salads and soups. Other appetizers include: shrimp cocktail, hot wings, deep-fried brie, littleneck clams, New England Crab Cake, calamari, and crabmeat salad.
Appetizers are priced from $5.95 to $7.95.
Entrees
For our main course, we ordered the Filet Mignon and the Tilapia. The tender, juicy steak was pure perfection. There wasn’t an ounce of fat on the meat that was slightly char-grilled on the outside and flavored with a Bordelaise sauce. It was so tender that we cut it with the regular knife. Diners are given a choice of potato (fried, mashed, baked), and served the vegetables of the day. We were given crispy green beans and cubed sweet potatoes.
The Tilapia was sautéed with garlic and almonds. The large filet was slightly crisp on the outside and had tender white meat on the inside. My companion described the fish as excellent!
Both portions were large; those with a smaller appetite will want to take some home.
Other dishes include: pasta primavera; angel hair with tomatoes, basil and cream; seafood pasta; fish & chips; salmon; shrimp scampi; lobster; rack of lamb; pork chops; porterhouse steak; burgers; chicken and much more. There is also a selection of vegetarian cuisine.
Dishes are priced from $6.95 to $25.95.
And…
One night isn’t enough to sample all of the fine offerings on the menu. There are many reasons to go back including “Wednesday night Lobsterfest” or Prime Rib night on Mondays.
Tempting desserts including, warm brownie Sundays and ice cream dishes are available as is coffee, tea, espresso, or cappuccino. They have a full bar plus a selection of soda and juice.
Court Street is known for its wine list which offers premium wines by the glass or by the bottle. In addition, they have a specialty martini list and pitchers of Sangria. The full menu is available to eat at the bar.
Reservations are accepted for large parties of 6 or more and walk-ins are welcome. All major credit cards are accepted.
They are open for dinner Monday through Saturday from 4:30 to 11 p.m., and on Sunday from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Brunch is served on Sunday from 11:30 to 3 p.m.
Court Street, 61 Sixth St. in Hoboken is open seven days a week. For more information, please call (201) 795- 4515.