Carpe Diem located at 1405 Grand St. on the west side of Hoboken opened its doors last August, giving Hobokenites a new pub to discover.
This comfortable, streamlined pub has now expanded its offerings with the opening of their kitchen. The chef specializes in stick-to-your-ribs comfort food that is every bit as appealing to the eye as it is to the stomach. The restaurant is open seven days a week for dinner and on Sundays for brunch.
The atmosphere
This corner restaurant sits in a quiet neighborhood section of town and has gained a following from local dart teams and musicians. The butter-colored walls provide the perfect backdrop for the rich mahogany tables and the bar that spans one side of the room.
The separate back dining room is cozy, particularly when the beautiful stone fireplace is lit. Upstairs is another room with a separate bar and tables that can be reserved for private parties. Flickering candles grace the tables and the bar, giving the place the feel of a cabin hideaway.
The appetizers
The friendly bartender who greeted us gave us some recommendations. We started with the beef pasties and the harvest salad, which are favorites of customers. The popular harvest salad was a visually stunning display of colors and textures. The salad was heaped high with mixed greens, walnuts, raisins, dried cranberries, and cherries, baked Brie, tomatoes, and carrots. It was lightly drizzled with raspberry vinaigrette dressing. The salad was delicious with the layers of flavors and more than big enough to split.
The “pasties” are puff pastries stuffed with seasoned ground beef and potatoes and served with homemade gravy. This rich dish is a meat lover’s delight!
Next we sampled the winter squash soup, which was creamy and smooth and topped with toasted pumpkin seeds. It is seasoned with a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon that give it a slightly sweet and spicy finish. The winter squash soup is seasonal, so try it while you can.
Other appetizers include: wings, spinach pastry, house fries and homemade gravy, fresh mozzarella, grilled shrimp, and goat cheese bruschetta. The appetizers are reasonably priced from $4 to $8.
Sandwiches and more
Next we sampled the BLT and the “Katie’s Way” sandwich. All of the sandwiches come with a choice of fries, salad or soup, and are available in whole or half sizes. The BLT is piled high with plenty of bacon, lettuce, and tomato and topped with a creamy garlic mayo. We ordered it with the very crispy fries.
“Katie’s Way” is an open-faced turkey breast that is smothered with melted Gruyere cheese, bacon, and more of the homemade gravy.
We were told that this sandwich is a favorite – and I can see why! My companion declared it was fabulous! Everything is big at Carpe Diem; the half portion sandwiches are enough to satisfy someone with a smaller appetite.
We were stuffed by then, but were told that their Shepherd’s Pie is worth leaving home for. And it is! This traditional British dish had layers of ground beef, peas, carrots, and creamy whipped mashed potatoes on top. It was perfectly seasoned and filling. This rich dish is sure to satisfy even the Brit who might insist his mom makes it best!
Other sandwiches include: grilled chicken, veggie mash, and pulled pork, which are priced from $4 (for a half portion) to $10 (for a whole). There is selection of burgers including: the classic, Gruyere and mushroom, Gorgonzola and tumbleweed onion, and Brie and bacon, which start at $8.
Other entrees include: fish & chips, half chicken dinner with roasted potatoes, and pasta dishes, which are priced from $9 to $14.
And…
Carpe Diem located at 1405 Grand St. is open for cocktails and dinner seven days a week. The kitchen is open for dinner from Monday to Thursday from 5 to 10:30 p.m. and on Friday/Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m. On Sunday, the kitchen is open for brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and for dinner from 3 to 9 p.m. The bar is open every day from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. and on Friday/Saturday until 3 a.m. Every night Carpe Diem late-night pizza is available.
The second floor dining room can be reserved for private parties. Call for details or party planning. All major credit cards are accepted. For more information, call (201) 792-0050 or visit: www.carpediemhoboken.com.