Buddy's JC — Restaurant in Jersey City

Stepping into Buddies Jerseys City, you're immediately hit with the kind of ambience that whispers secrets of bygone eras in your ear, a place that seems to have perfected the delicate art of casual dining without sacrificing a drop of its soul. This isn't just another pit stop on the culinary highway; it's a destination, a place where the happy hour boasts $3 beers – a price point that feels almost rebellious in its generosity. In a city where the cost of living climbs ever skyward, finding such a haven is akin to discovering a hidden speakeasy that’s managed to evade the mainstream's clutches.

The appetizers, oh the appetizers, come at you with a gusto that’s half off but fully loaded. Each dish is a prelude to the main event, a symphony of flavors that primes your palate and whispers promises of what’s to come. It's a bold move, offering such quality at slashed prices, but then, Buddies Jerseys City isn't in the business of playing it safe. They're here to make a statement, to stand out in a city that's all too ready to blend into beige uniformity.

And then there's the burger, a contender that throws down the gauntlet in the battle for the best burger in the six boroughs. This isn't just a burger; it's a challenge, a statement, a culinary masterpiece that dares you to find its equal. It’s as if the chefs behind this marvel have taken the very essence of what a burger could be and elevated it to an art form. Each bite is a revelation, a moment of clarity in a world cluttered with overcomplicated menus and try-hard cuisine. Here, in the unassuming confines of Buddies Jerseys City, you find the heart and soul of culinary excellence, no frills needed.

Anthony Bourdain, were he to walk through these doors, would likely nod in approval, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his mouth. He understood places like this: the underdogs, the hidden gems that don’t clamor for attention because they’re too busy being exactly what they are. Buddies Jerseys City isn’t just serving meals; it’s serving memories, moments of connection over plates of food that manage to surprise and delight in equal measure.

So, if you find yourself wandering through the six boroughs, do yourself a favor and seek out this bastion of culinary delight. Sit down, order a beer for $3, and lose yourself in the kind of experience that’s becoming all too rare in the world today. Buddies Jerseys City isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a reminder of what happens when passion, quality, and a touch of rebellion come together on a plate....

It took me 3 weeks to be in the proper mindset to write this review. Firstly, I will say that the brunch vibe that we all are looking for is here. The space to have food drinks and meaningful conversation was definitely possible. However, my experience as a brunch reviewer turned absolutely sour once the manager was so unprofessional and rude to my guests and I. We all drove an hour each to check out this spot. We were told the wait was 40 minutes. We waited in our car for 45 minutes and our table was not ready. No worries because it's brunch. Chill time Sunday's right? WRONG. This is when the review goes left. The bar was available, so we all ordered a drink and sat down while we waited for our table. The manager came over and said that we had to get up from the bar because he had reservations for the bar. We all got up and had drinks in hand with no problem until we were standing behind empty seats. I proceeded to ask the manager if it made sense that I was standing up with a cup of coffee by an empty seat and he said the optics were not good if we were sitting there. That could mean so many things.....we waited about 15 more minutes total wait time 1.45 hours a young lady seated us and offered a complimentary carafe of Bellini because they understood that the manager was doing too much. By then, my appetite was non existent. I didn't want to make a scene. My only regret is that I was not treated well and I spent my money in this place. NEVER AGAIN. As a note, the bar remained open the entire time we were there. I was so uncomfortable and this has not set well with me since I left. I would encourage all to demand respect when you spend your hard earned money in an establishment . I brunch and review EVERY Sunday in NJ, NY, DC, PA, GA & DC and this has been the very 1st BAD SERVICE REVIEW. 👎🏾 The OPTICS here are no good for me. I guess I didn't look like their typical...

Prefacing this review by stating I’ve been coming to Buddy’s for the past 3 years and have always loved it, whether for brunch/lunch or dinner. Sadly, I was very upset with today’s brunch. Not only did they rush us out after less than an hour, but the food was not good and ultimately way too expensive for what was given. I felt pretty swindled.

Today, I ordered the avocado toast, which was $19. For $19, I received 1 piece of sad bread that was barely toasted, GUACAMOLE that looked and tasted store-bought from Sabra or a brand of the like, a sprinkle of feta cheese and 1 egg. That was it. No side, not even a bed of arugula. Not 2 pieces of toast. Not a thick toast like sourdough. A small 2x2 square toast that you would get in Whole Foods for less net carbs. Not 2 eggs. How do the full blown sandwiches (such as the tuna melt) WITH French fries cost less than this sad dish???? There was nothing on there and it was bland, felt frozen and/or store bought. That is unacceptable!

I also ordered turkey sausage on the side for extra protein. $7. My total brunch meal was $26– for that price, I could’ve ordered a half roasted chicken, a salmon dish, a delicious pasta, or a NY Strip steak in Manhattan…… for buddy’s? For it to taste gross and come with nothing??? This is outrageous.

On top of it, my boyfriend ordered 2 extra eggs with his Buddy’s Breakfast (also not worth it). The bill came and the 2 extra eggs came out to $4.

So you mean to tell me, that, if I subtracted my $2 egg from this avocado toast, that this bland piece of bread with Sabra guac and a sprinkle of feta with no side cost $17? Make it make sense…

I could’ve went to Toastique in Hoboken for a $14 gourmet avocado toast with allllll the fixings, meat/toppings.

To say I’m disappointed is an understatement. I will not be coming back here for a...