4 1/2 stars
I don't think my top tier chum and I would have ended up here if it wasn't for The Iron Claw, a good but incredibly depressing movie playing nearby in Rockaway. As the credits rolled, we looked at each other and said, "We need a cocktail." This was the number one option for cocktails in the area, and my chum was dubious. "It's in...downtown Dover? Are you sure?" It was, and we'll be back.
We came here around dinnertime on the Saturday before Christmas; I suspect the downtown area was more crowded than usual as a result. We were able to secure street parking about two blocks away, but then had an adventure crossing the street to get over here - minimal crosswalks, so be prepared. The menu actually instructed patrons to park in a specific parking lot across the street, so that's definitely good to know going forward as I don't have a ton of interest in recreating my own version of Frogger to get a meal/drink.
It was bustling inside as well, but we secured seats at the bar towards the back of the establishment. There was a live musical act that seemed to be setting up in the front, so I wasn't unhappy about our location (we're getting old and cranky). That said, I don't even remember hearing them so the acoustics were either very favorable to us or we dodged a bullet - who can say?
The bartender was excellent and clearly knew his mixology, both in terms of overall drink quality and presentation. He was attentive throughout our time there and we never had to look around for him for anything. We each had two drinks. I initially went with an item from their specials menu, which I'm pretty sure had coquito in it (and included a fun, dramatic flair where the bartender basically incinerated cinnamon as he sprinkled it on the top; it was very good but after trying my chum's mule, I decided to pivot to that for my second beverage based mostly on palate preference. Very well made with a nice, mule zip to it. Also a plus? He gave us free shots at the end; I really can't remember a bartender doing that after only two drinks, but I'll take that pretty much every time. A classy move in my book.
The food was very solid as well. Really my only nitpick (and the reason I can't commit to a full five stars here) is that we ordered tostones with pernil but it showed up with guac instead, making it considerably drier. But we also were distracted by the other food and never bothered to push back on that when it arrived, so that's for sure partially on us. The tequenos were the highlight for me; flavorful, with a great dipping sauce that emphasized the sweeter nature of the dish without being overwhelming. Hard to do, but that item disappeared quickly. We also got the bacon mac and cheese; honestly I don't think it did anything to set itself apart from other above average macs (not a complaint), but I did like how the bacon was broken up/dispersed on top of it.
The fact that I seriously considered giving this a perfect rating despite one of the food items not being correct should tell you a lot. This was also a situation that reminded me favorably of a recent visit to pastaRAMEN in Montclair, where the staff clearly enjoyed working there and with each other - we saw a lot of smiles behind the scenes and good-natured laughter, which contributed overall to a positive experience. Frankly, I want to go back at this point just so they can slightly redeem themselves and I can unequivocally declare it a perfect meal. Glad to find a high quality spot like this in the...
Read moreI recently visited ONE11 Bar & Kitchen on a Saturday evening for some drinks and a quick dinner. The interior had a lively, energetic vibe, with a distinct sports bar feel-perfect for the college football games playing on the screens. What stood out most was the surprisingly diverse crowd, with people ranging from their 20s to 40s and even older, giving the place a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
We started with a few drinks: La Passion, the ONE11 Old Fashioned, and the ONE11 Mule. La Passion was a delightful, light, and fresh summer drink-not too strong but just right for a warm evening. The ONE11 Old Fashioned, on the other hand, was classic and smooth, delivering exactly the kind of robust flavor you'd expect. The ONE11 Mule, one of my go-to cocktails, hit all the right notes with its refreshing ginger beer and smooth Kedel One vodka. All of the drinks were well-made and hit the spot.
For appetizers, we opted for the Firecracker Calamari, which truly exceeded my expectations. Perfectly seasoned with a great texture, it quickly became one of the best calamari dishes I've had in New Jersey. It's definitely a standout dish that I highly recommend.
For our mains, we tried the Guacamole Burger with Jalapeno Mayo and the Skirt Steak Burger. Unfortunately, the Guacamole Burger was a bit of a letdown. The combination of ingredients created a mushy mess that made it hard to enjoy. My girlfriend ended up abandoning it halfway through and shared my meal instead. The Skirt Steak Burger, however, was a different story. Cooked perfectly to medium, it was juicy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying with every bite. The seasoning was spot-on, making it a must-try for anyone visiting ONE11.
To finish, we shared a Creme Brulee for dessert. It’s a classic, and they executed it flawlessly. It was a sweet and simple way to wrap up the meal.
Overall, ONE11 Bar & Kitchen is a great spot to hang out, have some drinks, and watch a game, with solid food options for a casual night out. Just steer clear of the Guacamole Burger, and you're in for a...
Read more⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ONE11 Bar & Kitchen is a standout in Dover, NJ. This place is a must-visit for anyone craving exceptional food and a vibrant vibe! The menu, crafted by Chef Andrés Ferreira, is a delicious fusion of Latin American, Italian, and American flavors. Every dish pops with bold, fresh tastes. My favorites include the juicy Bacon Jam Burger, Shrimp Ajillo, Tostones with Churrasco, Chimichurri Sirloin and the Firecracker Calamari with its spicy kick never disappoint. The food quality is consistently top-notch, making every bite a treat. Our servers Alan and Juli were excellent and attentive, A1 service !!
The drinks are a major draw, especially on weekends when the bar buzzes with energy. The signature cocktails are next-level, and the craft beer selection is perfect for pairing with a game or a night out. The bartenders, like Jorge and Lalo, are friendly and make you feel right at home. Sundays are a highlight for me—watching NFL, MLB or fútbol games on their big screens during the summer and fall sports seasons are a blast. The atmosphere is electric, with fans cheering and a lively crowd that makes every moment fun.
Whether I’m grabbing drinks at the bar, dining with friends, or soaking in the outdoor patio’s vibes, ONE11 always delivers a great time. The service is fast and welcoming, even when it’s packed, and the modern, rustic decor adds to the inviting feel.
As a local, I’m proud to have this gem in Dover, it’s the perfect spot for a casual hangout or a night out. Highly recommend stopping by to experience the food, drinks, and fun...
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