Barge Inn — Restaurant in Jersey City

Four years after my first visit, I can confidently say Barge Inn remains one of the most authentic, consistently outstanding Italian-American restaurants in Jersey City, NJ. Back in August 2021, I called it “Old school classic Italian-American at its best… I will definitely be returning. The food was VERY good and service was prompt and direct.” I’ve returned many times since — and each visit has only reaffirmed that first impression.

This is a place where tradition meets craftsmanship. The kitchen still turns out plates that feel like a warm embrace from another era — hearty, flavorful, and prepared with genuine pride. The Seafood Fra Diavolo is nothing short of exceptional: a bold, perfectly spiced red sauce layered over al dente pasta, brimming with fresh shrimp, mussels, and calamari. The Chicken Francaise is golden perfection — light, lemony, and delicately balanced. The Pork Chop Bitsy delivers that comforting, old-world richness that’s become a Barge Inn hallmark, while the Fried Calamari and Shrimp Scampi are executed with crisp precision and a level of freshness rarely found outside the shore.

The service remains exactly what it should be — professional, direct, and deeply respectful of both the food and the guests. There’s a timeless rhythm to the dining room: plates coming out hot, wine glasses refilled before you ask, and staff who know their regulars by name.

In a city evolving by the day, Barge Inn stands as a proud reminder that authenticity never goes out of style. Whether you’re a lifelong local or a first-time visitor, this is a must-visit landmark for anyone who appreciates genuine Italian-American...

This place is a treasure. It’s comfortable, clean, and like going back in time (loved the murals over the bar). Full menu with daily specials, including Thursday Pasta Night ($8.95 and includes a glass of wine. Not kidding.). Reviewing backward from the entrees...The veal piccata was delicious. So delicately dusted and seared, in a flavorful sauce and capers. Not garlicky—perfect. My husband had artichokes with penne pasta, which was every bit as good. Quartered whole artichoke, very lightly breaded, in white sauce. The fried calamari was crispy and light. They gave us a choice of regular or spicy, so we went with medium. Great red sauce on the side—had a little kick but not overpowering. The salad was just the right size, fresh greens, onion, tomato with a tasty homemade vinaigrette dressing. The waitress was friendly and attentive throughout the meal, gave us good suggestions. We didn’t have to wait for a table, although I suspect it was because it was later in the evening and a holiday week. Can’t...

I made reservations tonight for 6:30pm for 4 of us . We walked in and there was only 1 table sat . Whoever was the waitress tonight points to a table by the door and goes “ sit here “ It was very uninviting! My mom gets cold easily so we didn’t want to sit near the door so we asked to sit at the 6 top table in the back . The waitress goes to find I guess the owner an older gentleman and he goes no that’s for 6 and tried to sit us at a 3 top made into 4 right next to the bathroom . Meanwhile you can smell the toilets at the table . Bad Dream Barge it was tonight , never tasted the food and will not be returning. The food could be the best in the world but if you don’t Care about your customers and their experience it’s not worth it ! .I saw a similar review below 4 years ago about the smell and service seems like nothing...