Hybrid Coffee & Kitchen – Downtown — Restaurant in Jersey City

Have been curious why this place got such high rating so I came here for a one-person brunch on Sat. They really deserve the high rating.

1. coffee: most coffee shops just provide same level coffee as Starbucks, but this place is serious about their coffee beans and provide way better coffee than a Nespresso machine or Starbucks. Def tier 1 of the coffee I’ve tried. Besides, their latte price starts at $4.xx. I’m surprised at the lower price they are offering (vs $6.xx latte elsewhere) with such high quality taste.

2. food and service: I did not get a chance to try their “hot” food as the kitchen was closed 2 mins before I ordered. However the service made the whole experience beyond expectations: a) the waitress apologized for not letting me know the kitchen was closed 2 mins earlier. She did not have to apologize at all as I literally walked in 2 or 3 mins before I ordered - no difference would have been made even if she reminded me, but I appreciated her attitude. b) I saw they have “brioche sandwich” on the menu, knowing kitchen has closed I asked if I can just get a slice of toast. They gave me an exception and allowed me to order a brioche toast, what’s surprising was they also toasted it so it’s way more presentable and tasteful as a food itself. BTW the toast tasted great. And their price is reasonable.

3. very dog friendly: from the second I walked in with my dog, he was welcomed by the waitress. During my whole visit in the coffee shop, no one ever questioned, judged or confronted me. It’s actually not too common in JC. I usually would be prepared to answer questions like: “is your dog a service animal? What’s the specially was he trained for? Pls keep your animal on the floor all the time and be prepared to leave if other customers complained”. Their customers (mostly from near neighborhoods) were also super dog friendly, most of them petted him and smiled at him.

For the 3 reasons above, I will be coming back...

Before I delve into my 1-star review, let me preface it by saying that I’ve been a regular at this place since 2023—my credit card statements can back that up. I’ve also brought all my out-of-town friends here to enjoy the food. However, this place is no longer what it used to be.

There was a time when I’d come here to lift my spirits by enjoying my favorite dishes. But my last few visits, including today, left me feeling the opposite of comforted.

Today, in particular, was upsetting. The owner began loudly lecturing me about the butter on the brioche and insisted he had been making it that way for years—all because I sent back what I thought looked like a burnt egg-in-a-blanket. I’ve ordered this item many times, both in person and through Uber Eats, and never once did it come with edges that dark (almost burnt, dare I say) or with the egg fully cooked instead of soft or half-boiled.

I wish I had taken a picture before he took it back to make a new one, which unfortunately wasn’t great either. I felt uncomfortable as others stared while he loudly explained that it was butter, not burnt edges. After that, I received a mocha that tasted even worse, but I was too intimidated to send it back. I quietly sipped half of it while waiting for the egg-in-a-blanket.

This is my final visit to this place. I will no longer recommend it...

I just want to state the obvious… being a small business owner is tough work. You really rely on your community to ensure you are serving them to meet their expectations in order for them to continue visiting your establishment. I remember when DH was in the heights and was super bummed when it closed. I like there spot in downtown and visit it as frequently as I can. I enjoy the ambience that Evan has created and his staff are so kind and generous. They are so accommodating as I am particular about milk and each time they make the farina for me how I like it. So why wouldn’t I continue going to a place that sees/hears me. I remember going to work from there one morning as I needed a change of scenery and I made sure to not take up a lot of space to ensure the rest of the patrons had a place/space to enjoy their meal/coffee. That’s just considerate. I had a coffee and the farina and was planning to be there for a couple hours so I was cognizant of that. I’ve had a lot of their food items and have enjoyed them all. So creative with the donuts and the avo toast is insane. I’d say run don’t walk to visit this local cafe. It’s...