The homemade lobster ravioli at Three A’s Bar and Grill in central Hoboken is one of the best in town – but the bevy of appetizers, entrees, and specialty drinks will satisfy hungry diners with any other craving, too. While the restaurant has “bar and grill” as part of its name, the sturdy bar area and seven televisions in the front are complemented by a more elegant dining area in the back. Maroon curtains celebrate the 15 tables in the back room from the hardwood bar area at the front.
The diverse and extensive menu offers no less than 19 appetizers, and that’s not including specials. When my dining companion and I stopped in on a recent Wednesday night, we enjoyed a feast of reasonably-priced, delicious food.
Appetizers
Appetizers range from grilled scallops ($10) to baked eggplant ($7) to standards like steak fries ($4). We had a special appetizer, the mussels fra diavolo (tomato sauce). We also ordered Portobello mushrooms with goat cheese on top ($9), and baked clams (7).
All three plates were delicious, with tasty tomato sauce on the mussels, and thick, juicy mushrooms in the Portobello appetizer. Then it was on to our entrees.
Entrees
We had to enjoy the homemade lobster ravioli, of course. The menu continually boasts lobster ravioli in vodka sauce ($14) on the menu, but there is a special homemade variety most nights.
Owner Cosimo Noto has owned the restaurant for eight years, and he loves to boast about the ravioli. We were thrilled with our order. The raviolis were thick and filling, and the lobster filling was fishy and delicious. Definitely one of the best lobster ravioli dishes I’ve had. In fact, this is the dish they gave out at last year’s Taste of Hoboken fundraiser, and it was eagerly gobbled up by fans.
We also ordered the homestyle pork chops, which are two thick breaded chops, mashed potatoes, and corn. We ate one and brought one home. A big, homestyle meal for $16.
Other entrees include various chicken dishes, salmon fillet with roasted potatoes ($16), Chilean sea bass with sautéed zucchini ($22), a turkey club ($7), a cheesesteak with mozzarella ($8.50), and a Porterhouse steak in mushroom gravy with sautéed zucchini and potato wedges ($22).
The entrée list also includes specialty pizzas ($5-$8), pasta dishes ($14 to $16), and seven salads full of good things. The “almost healthy salad” includes grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, black olives, and red onions over greens, with mango dressing. ($11).
Dessert and drinks
Hold onto your seats for dessert. One of the most popular selections is the Vesuvius cake, a dark chocolate cake with chocolate mousse, chocolate chips, and layers of caramel and cheesecake.
The traditional Italian sponge cake, tiramisu, is another offering, as well as tartufo (gelato in a dark chocolate shell). Not a chocolate fan? Try the lemon or orange sorbet, or apple crumb cheesecake.
As for drinks, there’s a full wine list, as well as a “Three A’s Martini Menu” including flavors like Dutch chocolate, candy apple, and key lime pie.
Sunday brunch
Sunday brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fourteen dollars will get you a bloody Mary or mimosa, juice or fruit salad, coffee or tea, and one of 16 entrees. Entrees include “Sinatra Eggs” (three eggs with home fries and toast); French toast and bacon, eggs Benedict, club sandwiches, and various salads.
Details
Three A’s is named after the owner’s wife and two daughters: Antoinette, Amanda and Adriana. There A’s Bar and Grill is located at 500 Grand Street (Fifth and Grand streets), right in the center of town. They even deliver during afternoon and evening hours!
For their menu, check out www.threeasbarandgrill.com.
For more information, call (201) 217-1650.