Sometimes nothing will do but the authentic pub experience. That’s how I felt when I decided to spend an evening at the Brass Rail in downtown Hoboken.
I went with my friend Pam Hepburn, president of the Tug Pegasus Preservation Project. We got to the bar early. This is a popular spot, and we wanted to get a good seat before the crowds. The Brass Rail has an extensive beer menu, both draft and bottled. Stella Artois on draft was very fresh, not like a lot of draft beers, which taste like they’ve been sitting in the keg for a century.
Speaking of which, the Brass Rail reflects its 19th century origins, with beautiful wood, soft lighting—but no more brass rail.
Very soon, we were joined by a jovial group of regulars and guests. The restaurant has a convivial feel but it’s not so loud that you can’t carry on a real conversation with your dinner companion. I decided to forego the bowl of slightly too-hot bar snacks and order something from the hardy bar menu. There was everything from burgers and lobster rolls to hummus and tostadas. We chose crisp fried calamari with a sauce to die for: sweet basil, garlic, and Thai-spiced dip.
Then we tried a stunt that I don’t recommend anyone doing unless you want to risk incurring the wrath of the chef. We had our sights set on the grilled file mignon. But we wanted to split it and Pam likes it rare, while I like it—I admit it—well done, but I doubt any chef would do that, so I settled for medium well.
We called over the bartender to get a reading on such a request. He was dubious, even a little nervous, but said he would ask. He seemed more shocked than we were that the chef agreed—and it turned out to be a superb choice. The meat was so tender you hardly needed a knife. It was served on a tasty mound of yukon whipped potatoes with carmelized onions and wild mushroom ragout.
The Brass Rail has a creative roster of special events. The night we were there, they were offering a free tasting of three Glenfiddich single malt scotch whiskies. They also have wine dinners, beer and wine tastings, happy hours, and special weekly offerings such as $5 brunch cocktails on weekends.
Planning a private party? Consider the Brass Rail’s casual bistro area or more formal upstairs dining room.
I know I’ll be back for the happy hour. I’ve got my eye on the Arrogant Bastard Ale.—Kate Rounds
The Brass Rail
135 Washington St.
Hoboken
(201) 659-7074