Jeff B.
Yelp
(Tookout 12/24/21 FR @ 11:30am): These cookies certainly had a bang to them!
On Day 5 of my vacation as I visited a very dear friend for the Christmas and New Year holidays, she decided to take me on a walking tour of Historic Downtown Jersey City, and our second stop was at Bang Cookies. The longtime marketer in me was curious and drawn by their humorous neon sign, "I Got Banged In Jersey City". Honestly, they should've sold t-shirts with this emblazoned on it! I loved cookies but rarely sought them out aside from the fun limited-edition Oreo flavors whenever I went to the grocery store. How would this out-of-character visit to a cookie shop be for this self-proclaimed cookie monster!?
PURCHASE
Stuffed Caramel Sea Salt Chocolate Cookie ($5.50): Large, thick, but sadly not warm, I broke off pieces that bled out gooey caramel and once in my mouth the explicit saltiness was tantalizingly tasty https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=fgc4T0KVn66ybmijs1yOBQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Deluxe Rocky Road Peanut Chip Cookie ($5.00): One of my favorite ice cream flavors, they emulated it nicely in a cookie form but felt it excluded an ingredient or two but couldn't exactly place which ones. Heck... maybe this should be an ice cream cookie sandwich https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=gsv_hFmU_pUYRP67UsVLqw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
Deluxe S'mores Cookie ($5.00): Nearly like the dessert we all made over an open campfire or threw together while at home, I broke off chunks that stretched out marshmallows along with small ribbons of chocolate. I recommended that this particular cookie should be reheated to try and recapture as much as possible the true s'mores experience https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=42Faz8H2AMfzQRshiF9e-Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Classic Macadamia White Chocolate Chunk Cookie ($4.50): Definitely a classic choice wherever you bought cookies, plenty of macadamia nuts and chocolate in every bite, this has been one of my favorite types of cookies and they amazingly did a good job https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=bPHtxLQl5B3SiGBc4zgv9Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
SERVICE
Greeted by one young woman behind the counter while the other attended to another customer, once I was ready I easily placed my order, paid, and simply left with my prized purchase. Sadly, neither employee seemed thrilled to be working on Christmas Eve, and I didn't expect these cookies to be prepackaged rather fresh out of the oven as the aroma of baked goods hit you when you first opened the door. Otherwise, all was fine.
PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance)
We walked, so this wasn't an issue. However, I didn't notice any private lots or structures but there appeared to be plenty of parking along the main drag of Newark Ave. and all surrounding streets - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
Barely a small box that at most accommodated no more than five people (less during these COVID-19 social distancing times), I believed they also had an outdoor order window, but inside it was all an order counter where they made cookie shakes, cookie sandwiches and bowls, and then prepackaged cookies with a highly visible price menu on the wall behind the counter https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=fp95KKfHmkx464Qty5cfMQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Absolutely no room for any indoor dining or any decorations. Plenty of natural lighting came through the large front window and door while minimal electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were no TVs while music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=7ZDovOBHNRMj2xhXynNmgA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
Temperatures were in the 40s, so I was bundled-up from head-to-toe. Otherwise, this place was totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Although I loved cookies, I honestly was swayed by Bang Cookies' neon sign "I Got Banged In Jersey City" (another marketing ploy that reeled in this long-time marketer). As I lamented to my friend, this was the highest price I've ever paid for a single cookie and surprised myself that I didn't just walk out without having bought anything. However, I was happy to try them albeit a one-and-done situation. Their cookies were lovely but I wished they were fresh and warm, and the limited service was all that was required. I was curious about their shakes and sandwiches. And, it was always a pleasure to support small local mom & pop businesses like this one. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $20.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS