We arrive at Jack and Co. early on a Wednesday evening, just before the dinner crowd starts to roll in. The décor is a happy medium between urban chic and rustic elegance, with exposed brick walls, distressed wood floors, and hip metal bar stools at every table. It seems like the perfect spot to spend a low-key night with friends, away from the hustle and bustle of the weekend bar scene.
That’s not to say that Jack and Co. doesn’t fit into the weekend bar scene. In fact, the beautiful bar is one of the highlights of this restaurant, along with a creative menu of signature drinks. The friendly bartender, Lorena, presented us with a pair of “Jack and Jill Bloody Marys.” The “Jack” is made with bacon infused bourbon and the “Jill” with cucumber infused vodka. We also had the “Strawberry Basil Mule” a refreshing mojito-type cocktail made with vodka and ginger beer instead of tequila. There is also a variety of local craft beer on tap, with names like “Bolero Snort Ragin’ Bull Lager” and “Weyerbacher Merry Monks.”
The bar certainly has a lot to offer, but the real showstopper here is the food. The menu has gourmet takes on American classics, like the Lobster Mac & Cheese, or the Jack and Co. Burger served with pepper jelly. We ordered the Fried Chicken BLT, which was a hearty sandwich topped with pickled veggies (coleslaw and peppers) on a brioche bun served with sweet potato waffle fries. Yes, I said sweet potato waffle fries—yum! Our server, Greg, brought this big beauty out on a wooden cutting board.
Along with the traditional bar food, there’s a lot of international influence on the menu as well. From tuna tostones (chopped tuna with fried wontons and avocado) and mini gyros (chicken with fried potatoes and chipotle aioli) to the Tuscan kale and sausage soup, there’s a nice mix of flavors. At the owner’s recommendation we tried the Mediterranean-inspired grilled octopus, which was surprisingly delicious. The octopus is crisp and smoky, served on a bed of roasted potatoes, olives, and hummus.
After the small plates (not so small) we were ready for dinner. There’s something on the menu for everyone, like the pan-seared salmon with saffron coconut sauce and basmati rice, or the stuffed filet mignon with roasted potatoes in a red wine sauce. We had the Cascabel honey glazed pork chop served with a creamy potato gratin and pickled cherries. The portions here are hearty, which I never complain about. While there’s a lot to please the meat-eating crowd, there are a few vegetarian options as well, like the Veggie Alfredo with asparagus, artichoke, and truffle or the vegan quinoa salad. The Roasted Cauliflower appetizer with curried almond sauce and cashews sounds truly amazing.
To finish off a great meal, Greg brought us a real one-of-a-kind dessert—strawberry kumquat crumble. The tangy warm fruit blends perfectly with the crunchy topping and cool ice cream. It’s the perfect size too, not too large—we were quite full—but big enough to satisfy. When you visit, be sure to ask for this by name; they do not have a dessert menu.
Whether you’re looking for gourmet or comfort food, it’s all here at Jack and Co. The bar selections will please the most discerning drinkers. This place is sure to be the next big thing in midtown Hoboken. Grab a friend or a date or even your kids and come see for yourself.—07030
Jack & Co.
700 Clinton St.
(201) 239-0063
jackandconj.com