O’Connell’s Restaurant, located in the heart of downtown Jersey City, offers residents delicious fare with a sophisticated backdrop. With graceful lines, the spacious split level room is decorated in light shades of sage green, natural wood, and warm light.
This recently opened restaurant offers diners plenty of dining options with a separate front bar area, a back dining room, and an elegant upstairs lounge that can also be reserved for a private party. They are open seven days a week for lunch, dinner, and cocktails.
The atmosphere
There are two different entrances for customers. One leads to the cheerful bar area and the other opens to the elegant dining room. The custom designed amber lights glitter from every table and from the pillars in the center of the room. The light draws the eye up to the mezzanine level, which overlooks the first floor dining room.
The dining area gets plenty of appeal with the rust colored banquets that are tucked into the corners. The room is comfortable and attractive, making one want to relax and enjoy the night as it unfolds.
On the night we were there, we were promptly greeted by the friendly attentive floor manager, who was clearly visibly throughout the night.
After sitting down, we were immediately given fresh bread and tomato infused olive oil for dipping and glasses of water. We were off to a good start!
Cigars, salads, and more
We started with one of their signature appetizers – the edible O’Connell’s “cigars.” There are four different varieties including: braised short ribs, pulled pork, apples and currants, and shrimp and crabmeat. We chose the shrimp and crabmeat cigar, which came tucked inside a real cigar box.
The tasty shrimp and crab were rolled into a cigar shape and lightly fried on the outside. It was flavorful, similar to a crab cake on the inside, yet crispy on the outside. It was served with a spicy dipping sauce.
Next we sampled the calamari salad, which was lightly dressed in homemade citrus, sesame vinaigrette. The ample slightly sharp tasting greens were balanced by the diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and sweet bananas, giving the salad layers of flavors. The calamari was lightly fried and plentiful.
This is a perfect starter to whet the appetite.
Other appetizers include: shrimp and crab quesadillas, ham and cheese croquette, potato leek soup, squash soup, and steamed mussels.
Other salads include: mixed field greens, country salad, apple walnut watercress salad, and warm goat cheese salad. The appetizers are priced from $6 to $12.
The main course
For dinner, we ordered the ribeye steak and the pepper-crusted tuna.
The tuna was beautifully presented and served with wasabi mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach. The fish was perfectly cooked to medium rare and deliciously seasoned with the pepper crust. My companion loved everything about this dish – from the mouthwatering fish and the spinach that was cooked with a hint of garlic. The potatoes had quite a bit of kick to it with the hot wasabi, which might not be for everyone, but were tasty none-the-less.
The 12-ounce steak was a nice cut with very little fat. It was incredibly tender and had a slightly smoky taste from the grill. The steak came with a dollop of homemade sauce that melted into the meat, which was all meat lover’s will need to enjoy the steak. It came with roasted Yukon potatoes and more of the delicious sautéed spinach.
Both of the entrees were large portions that should satisfy any size appetite.
Other entrees include: pasta with fresh mozzarella and tomato, marinate chicken, medallions of lamb, salmon, trout, pork loin, Filet Mignon, and more. The dinners are priced from $15 to $28.
And…
We ended our meal with two of their homemade desserts – the carrot cake and the Bailey’s cake. Both were artfully arranged and looked almost too good to eat. The carrot cake had two round layers of cake stacked with the fantastic cream cheese frosting. The luscious cake was moist with a hint of spices. This was terrific.
Their Bailey’s “cake” had the consistency of a solid pudding and rested in a bed of raspberry sauce. This had a nice, light flavor to it and was served slightly chilled. Other desserts include: cheesecake, flourless chocolate, tiramisu, almond mousse and more. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner seven days a week. Lunch is served Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dinner is served Sunday to Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m. On Friday and Saturday the kitchen is open until 11 p.m. In addition, there is a late night bar menu available until midnight.
Also, the bar stays open until 2 a.m. and on Friday/Saturday until 3 a.m.
They accept major credit cards and reservations are recommended for large parties. Arrangements for large private parties in the second floor space should be made in advance. Upcoming events include: a Mardi Gras party on Feb. 20 and a “Practice for St. Pat’s Day” on Feb. 17.
O’Connell’s is located at 111 Montgomery St. in Jersey City. For more information, call (201) 333-3633 or visit: www.oconnellsbarandgrill.com.