Harrys Daughter — Restaurant in Jersey City

Shame on you, Harry’s Daughter!! Shame on you!! Your location was chosen by my daughter and son-in-law because they had eaten at your restaurant and assured me the food was super delicious and, in addition, the menu offered Vegan options.

So, on March 23rd, I went on to your website, contacted your establishment to inquire about a large party gathering of about 12 people. I completed the form, giving all information – number of guests, date/time of the event. On the same day, I received a response informing me that large parties required a “prix fixe” menu. Okay, that works!! I gave a date of May 21st and time of 4:30pm. I was assured the date/time was good and secure.

On March 24th, I made my menu selections, and even added items (knowing the additional items would be an additional cost). I also explained that this was a very special event for my daughter, and how much I was looking forward to having my event at Harry’s Daughter.

On March 25th, I received an email from Ria, who thanked me for forwarding my selections and that I would receive an invoice and a credit card form. Also, that a 50% deposit would be required. Okay that works!! I acknowledged and waited to receive the forms. I did not receive the invoice or the credit card form.

On Monday, March 28th, I received an email stating that an invoice would be sent to me on Wednesday – March 30th.

On Thursday, March 31st, I followed up because I did not receive the invoice or credit card form on March 30th, as promised. On the same day, via email, I was assured that my reservation is in the system, however, the restaurant hadn’t gotten to the May reservations as of yet, but not to worry because my reservation is solid. My response was “Okay and sorry to be a pest!! I’m thinking you are probably super busy and you would get to me.

Friday, April 1st – Still no invoice or credit card form. Again, I reached out asking approximately when I should receive the invoice – I got no Response!!!

April 19th, once again, tried to make contact via email, and to this day, no response and I have not received and invoice or credit card form!

On May 1st, I checked my emails, since I was told on March 31st, that the May reservations had not been looked at and nothing in my inbox. So, crazy me, gave it some more time (again crazy me!) and honestly, kinda forgot about it, until my daughter asked whether I'd heard anything back. Looked in my inbox again on yesterday, May 10th, and still nothing. So, crazy me, called and spoke with one of the restaurant workers, who took down all of my information, name, phone number and email address. He told me that the manager is not in yet, he would be in by 3:30 and would reach out to me. NOTHING – ZERO – ZILCH!!!

Today is May 11th, 12 days before our planned event. Good thing we do have a Plan B, in place!

So, having said all of the above, Thanks but no thanks! I will move on. I, actually, should have moved on weeks ago – honestly!!! At one point, I felt like I was begging! I guess a part of me wanted this for my daughter. She requested your restaurant, gave it rave reviews so I didn’t want to disappoint her. Again, for me, I felt like I was begging and honestly, I think I was!!! As much as my daughter and I and the rest of my family was soooo looking forward to having our event at your establishment, I am truly taking this as a “sign from God”. Much success and I hope the administrative function of your establishment...

We were greeted by host Echo, pleasant and very friendly. I’d go back only because of his kindness and great hospitality. The Rum Punch was punching…maybe because I’m not a drinker but it was a great drink served in a very nice glass. I first ordered the Jerk chicken egg rolls, it wasn’t all that My daughter ordered the cod fish fritters…didn’t taste like cod fish. Then for the main dish, first I ordered Mac and cheese with jerk chicken and plaintains with sweet chili sauce. One taste of the Mac & Cheese and immediately disappointed. Back-step…the chicken looked like Tyson or some precooked frozen chicken. I expected the chicken to be shredded at least. Soupy flavorless Mac & cheese. The plantains…I ate 2 and shared with my family. None of us were impressed. I then ordered the banana rum French toast. It was soggy and not sweet at all. The sauce, like the unsweetened mascarpone should be served on the side. This will keep the bread from getting soggy. The DJ was ok, he didn’t play the music that went with the atmosphere, theme of the place. But I’m happy the music wasn’t real loud so conversations weren’t hard to have. A slice of birthday cake is a whopping $15!!!! That’s about 4 boxes of cake mix because that what it was. I make. I know cake mix from a box and homemade. I was going to say something, but it was a special day being celebrated so I let it go. Prices were definitely overpriced for the taste or lack there of. Unfortunately, the food was a big flop, at least the food we ordered. Less is better. In this case less is way better to keep with the tradition of Trini-Caribbean food and culture taste. Drinks on point. Host Echo definitely on point. Waitress, didn’t get her name, but she was good. I didn’t care for her reaching over my food, but due to the seating, I get it. Servers were good too. The food…well just don’t get the Mac & cheese with or without toppings. banana French toast or side of plantains with sweet chili sauce. …IMO. This place looks more vibrant at night. No phone reservations (that’s a bummer, truly miss out on customers) I mean if someone answers the phone it only takes 3mins or less to take a reservation; especially if you’re not that busy. Uses a reservation app, I haven’t heard of..but I don’t go out to eat like that and will seat you once your entire party is there to be seated. So the slowest person in your group tell them to be an hour and thirty mins early so they’re there...

Harry’s Daughter Restaurant Review

A visit to Harry’s Daughter in Jersey City revealed its aesthetically pleasing decor and inviting atmosphere, which is ideal for romantic or casual dining. Located at 339 Communipaw Avenue in Jersey City, it shows what to expect when you walk in. You are greeted with a waiter and a selection of great music in the background that accompanies the smooth Caribbean decor with clothed and lit candles on the tables. The kitchen is open for viewing chefs hard at work in the back of the restaurant.

Due to the restaurant being full, takeout was chosen. We sat at the bar and ordered beverages while talking to the bartender, who was very friendly. In the meantime, I spoke to the manager, and she was extremely friendly and informative about the history of the restaurant.

I ordered fish and chips with a side of lobster mac and cheese. It was somewhat disappointing due to slight soggy fries because the dark battered fried fish was put on top of them, and lack of seasoning. The lobster mac and cheese was underwhelming with only small cut pieces of lobster on top and no cheddar taste. I was looking for the lobster to be combined with the mac and cheese, which would have given it better flavor. Overall, I must say my order tasted good and I had no complaint about the portions.

The next order was Nachos. My friend who was born in Mexico said he liked them, but he said the spoonful of guacamole was in the corner of the box instead of in a nice small container on the side. In Mexico, food is cooked and prepared so much differently than we prepare them. The red sauce was also in another corner of the takeout box, which could have been in a separate container. He did say he enjoyed the taste of the Nachos, but when opening the container, its placement was a little sloppy.

Our overall thought about Harry’s Daughter is good according to what we ordered. I have friends who have been there and enjoyed their experiences. The manager asked that we would return and eat in, and I said yes. My rating from 1-10 is 7.5 because of the mac and cheese. when it comes to service 8,...