Elysian Cafe

I just happened to visit, and it was nice to have a half price menu on Wednesday! The mussels were a little fishy, but I just ate them. I liked the fries because they were crispy. The draft beer feels like it's more intense than regular beer. The staff who brought me the food was friendly

The lobster rolls were extremely disappointing—stale and unappetizing. The taste was so bad that it triggered my gag reflex, and I couldn't even swallow it. Definitely not what I was expecting. The French toast was overly thick and hard, with none of the fluffy texture I was expecting. It was a real letdown.

I have had mixed experiences at this establishment, but unfortunately, my most recent visit (02/08) was particularly disappointing. While I typically do not mind being seated in the middle of the dining room (towards the back past the bar area), our table placement made for an uncomfortable experience, as waitstaff and other patrons frequently bumped into us. Additionally, there was minimal space to place my handbag and our coats. When I politely inquired whether any accommodations could be made--especially since two available booth tables for two remained unoccupied--I was met with an unhelpful and dismissive response from our server. Beyond the seating issue, the service itself left much to be desired. Our server was noticeably less attentive to us compared to other tables, barely checking in, neglecting to offer us drinks or appetizers, and taking nearly 30 minutes to bring our check. Meanwhile, we observed her engaging with and accommodating other guests in a much more courteous and efficient manner. This discrepancy in service made our experience feel particularly frustrating and unwelcoming. To make matters worse, I felt uncomfortable and rushed throughout the meal, as the host was constantly hovering near our table, creating an unsettling dining experience. Instead of enjoying our meal at a relaxed pace, we felt pressured to finish quickly. Overall, while I have had bittersweet experiences here in the past, this visit stood out due to the lack of hospitality and professionalism. Given these concerns, I am hesitant to return.

Didn’t have a reservation, but a table became available quickly. The food was delicious, portions aren’t big but they are filling. The baked chicken was dry. Loved the salmon meal was incredible. Pricing is reasonable. Our waiter was great, the atmosphere was just good. The music wasn’t audible when sitting outside.

The food was mediocre at best, which is fine. But our server lost our bill (with the money in it) so we had to wait over half an hour for them to find our cash? It seemed like they were really short staffed today, so perhaps that explains why

French onion soup, chicken sandwich and the impossible burger were tasty. Fries were the standout. Unfortunately the service was really disappointing. The waitress never came by to check on us after the food arrived. We had to go up to order more fries and also to get the check.

Convenient meet up spot for bunch with folks in Jersey. Ferry ride from the west side to Hoboken 14th Street. The place was able to accommodate 10 in the back room. The service was very welcoming, attentive and quick. The food was very good. Had a really nice time here.

I have been a regular at this restaurant, but after today’s experience, I won’t be returning. Despite having a reservation, we were seated at a cramped table near the kitchen, in a high-traffic area, even though several better tables were available. The service was slow and dismissive, adding to an overall unwelcoming atmosphere. The only redeeming factor was the food, which was decent that why I give 2 stars. Unfortunately, the lack of hospitality and good service making this my last visit.

I came here with my friend for brunch on a Saturday morning. We made reservations for 10:30am. By 11:30am, the place was packed, so definitely plan accordingly! We sat outside because the inside of the restaurant was very cold, I had an egg white omelette, which comes with some fruit and the choice between lyonnaise potatoes or French fries. The food was delicious and reasonably priced, and the staff were great!

Elysian is our local spot and we LOVE it. The food is so good, they have a great Monday special and they're actually so fairly priced with hearty portions. The service is great. Everyone's very attentive and accommodating. The restaurant itself is extremely cute and homey. It has the best little French feel. We haven't tried the drinks but I've seen them and the cocktails look very very delicious as well

We really like Elysian so have been back several times trying different dishes. This time I finally tried the sea bass. They were able to make it plain with the hazelnut sauce on side. I thoroughly enjoyed! It was delicious. The fish tasted fresh and was cooked to perfection. My husband had the steak frites. He liked it a lot. The steak had no fat and it came with a good amount of fries. We also had the cheese board appetizer which is a great start to any meal. Adriana, our waitress was very good as well. The only complaint I had was I was being blown by AC and was cold. My husband switched seats with me so it all worked out. I would definitely recommend. We always leave happy with the food! .

I can't believe it's been since 2013 since I last reviewed this place. Let me start off with Tommy the bartender as making this experience beyond expectations. The food, service and vibes make this French cafe a gem of Hoboken. Simply good food and a high quality ingredients make it exceptional. Note it's the oldest continually operated bar restaurant in Hoboken for a reason!

Steak Fries $36 Don't come here for steak, it's doesn't taste good... I ordered medium rare and came medium / medium well. I can't really get the beef taste, texture wise it's quite chewy, and it's not seasoned well, you have to add salt & pepper yourself. The thyme butter doesn't really add much.

One of my favorite restaurants on Washington Street in Hoboken. What's not to like about a Parisian-influenced restaurant featuring a casual ambiance in a historic space, great service, and freshly-prepared, tasty food that's very reasonably priced? Elysian Cafe is a modern neighborhood tavern that's very popular with regular customers from the neighborhood -- brunch outings with a fully-stocked bar and knowledgeable bartenders, families seeking a quick meal comprised of tasty and filling meals at a very reasonable price, or couples looking for a quick 'date night' in the neighborhood. Elysian Cafe has an extensive menu that strikes a rare balance with equal emphasis on simple, casual, and made-to-order dishes on the "Bar Menu" and upscale dishes on the "Premier Plat" and "Entree" sections of the menu served by genuinely friendly staff. My 'go to' dish at Elysian Cafe is the Grilled Chicken Sandwich ($17), a very generous serving of perfectly charred grilled chicken with bacon, lettuce, tomato, herb mayonnaise, and avocado slices served on rosemary focaccia with a side of french fries. YUM. My dining companion is a big fan of the Smoked Salmon Club Sandwich ($22), with what feels like a pound of smoked salmon and avocado served on focaccia with a side garden salad. One of my favorite places in the area and a great option for a casual meal with friends or family. Will be back soon. PRO TIP: Elysian Cafe doesn't have a private parking lot, but there is plenty of on-street parking off Washington Street. Bring change or use the ParkMobile app for the meters ($6 per hour) Monday through Saturday from 9am til 9pm; all street meters are free Monday through Saturday after 9pm and all day on Sunday.

The calamari was great. Loved that there was little breading and thick cut rings. We came in by recommendation for the lobster roll but saw that it was for brunch only. The interior was very cool though. Loved the mural on the ceiling and the windows. Unfortunately the service was lacking. We had to ask repeatedly for items and the main dishes took forever to come out at a time when it seemingly wasn't too busy.

We sat outside to enjoy the rest of the warmer weather and brought my little dog. My server immediately brought over a dog bowl and water for my puppy and I thought it was very kind of her. I ordered the steak salad and it was light, filling, and left me feeling satisfied. We also enjoyed a crème brûlée for dessert and it was just what I wanted. I would return for that steak salad!

My girlfriend and I came here for Valentine's Day 2024. It was a very pleasant experience. The first table we were at was a bit wobbly, so they let us switch tables. The service was wonderful. The waiter was very knowledgeable of all the menu options--from both the regular and V-Day menus. The food was also well-prepared in an historic, a well-maintained, and a romantic building. There's a bar next to the café, but the bar doesn't really interfere with the cafe's romantic ambiance because of a divide. Overall, would recommend and would go again.

Mami's Margarita & Mussels & Frites. That's all you need to know! Time and time again my husband and I come to Hoboken, with the intentions of going to a new restaurant. 9/10 times we end up back at Elysian. You just can't beat it! If the weather is good we almost always sit outside. It's decorated so nicely! Come in the evening and you can enjoy the string lights. The employees are always kind and service is prompt. We will always go back to Elysian Cafe!

Grilled Chicken! Garlic Parm Truffle Fries?!?!???! Yes!!!! Whether a private or business lunch or dinner or cocktail hour... this place delivers!!!

The experience is HORRIBLE. Normally, I don't leave reviews, but this place is exceptional. Service was non-existent. I waited for over 5 minutes, repeatedly raising my hand to get the attention, but they were too busy chatting among themselves to notice. It took another 30 minutes just to get the check and pay. Clearly, their conversation was much more interesting. As for the food, both the steak sandwich and the New York strip were cooked poorly--both were overdone, and I'm guessing "medium rare" is not even an option here. Oh don't forget the 20% fixed tip, thanks to the Monday's two for one. We really had fun.

One of my favorite restaurants in Hoboken, I've been going here for years and the food is always great and consistent! love the old school vibe here too. definitely order the fries if you get the chance they're so good

Ambiance is so romantic but also has bar scene. Food is phenomenal and excellent aesthetic.

We were looking for a cute place to sit and eat in Hoboken and saw Elysian Cafe. I've always seen the name and heard people talk about so we decided to give it a try. We ordered the chicken Ceasar salad and the Elysian steak sandwich. The steak sandwich was really good, the bread was crispy and fresh and the steak seasoning was good. However it was far too much cheese and the steak wasn't cooked evenly. The chicken Ceasar salad was disappointing; the chicken didn't have any flavor, not even salt, and was chewy/rubbery. The restaurant was somewhat clean, the bathroom didn't have toilet paper. Overall service was quite slow to order and get the bill but the food came quickly.

Average food but the dishes need to be more clean. I just felt the staff does not maintain the cleanliness of everything well.

Totally cute and unassuming exterior with a huge pack of flavor inside! Very charming atmosphere. Watier was fantastic at telling us about the food and making recommendations. They said they didn't offer lunch only brunch so we almost left but the food was amazing! French onion soup was decadent. Lobster sub was fresh. Steak was cooked perfectly and the accompanying salad was light and tasty. The chocolate pancakes totally delivered on the chocolate front! Sausage was hearty and tasty. Fresh fruit was a perfect compliment to bringing the little bit of acidity to a savory meal for all. Totally recommend this place!

Elysian cafe is a wonderful little spot in Hoboken. This is the place you take your friends when they are visiting Hoboken, NJ, and they will be impressed. Now, as with most restaurants in Hoboken, it is a little bit pricey, an entree will be between $15-$25 depending on what you order. The cocktails are great, very delicious and gorgeously presented. The staff is great, and sometimes there is a long wait, but the wait is worth it. The food can take a decent time to get to you but trust me on this, the fries make up for the wait. I long for the Elysian fries at times, as there are literally times that I dream about those fries (how do they make them?). This is the perfect first date spot and I always make any guy I go out with in Hoboken take me here. It also makes for a great second date spot, and then a third great date spot. Basically, I used to come here every weekend and I miss those days. The building itself is gorgeously decorated, with lots of natural light and on one of the most walkable streets in Hoboken. Ambiance-wise it is top tier, very aesthetic.

Such a nice place! Service is little slow. But I really like Sunday brunch's here. And the food is always tasty.

Super cute cafe that gives Paris vibes. I had a lovely salmon Benedict and iced coffee. The staff is super kind. The outdoor patio is wheelchair accessible. There appears to be a step into the restaurant. Not sure if there is a ramp available or if restroom is accessible.

My go to place to eat any time of the day and affordable by Hoboken standards. The bar is great and the food is consistent.

One of the best places for espresso martinis! Always take guests here for brunch. Service is always quick and friendly, and the interior is super cute.

After being recommended by my friend's mom, we decided to have a late lunch at Elysian Cafe during our time in Hoboken. There were a couple empty tables indoors and plenty of available tables outdoors when we visited. Everything was pretty reasonably priced in my opinion and we ordered the smoked salmon club and the Elysian burger. My friend requested the burger to be done medium, but she commented that it was more medium well. The smoked salmon club was very large, with three layers of bread, a healthy amount of smoked salmon, avocado, lettuce and tomato. We were also given plenty of fries that we ended up having to taking home.

Our first visit! Belated birthday brunch!! Loved the decor! Great service! Brunch was yummy! Recommend! Free street parking on Sunday!

Stumbled upon this place while looking for brunch in Hoboken. The service was friendly. Outside seating was okay. Food was delicious, and price was reasonable.

Everything was delicious except the sautéed spinach. It was flavorless. The skirt steak was delicious as well as the au poive sauce. I had a bite of the ruben as well and it was also a very delicious, traditional ruben. Really enjoyed, would come back. It was a little cramped but it was outside seating on a busy night, so it's understandable. They were decently quick, kind and efficient. Great experience and great food!

The grilled cheese gave me food poisoning. The waitress acted nice but pressured us into getting more things. The restaurant is kind of a strange bar and restaurant hybrid that didn't fit the vibe. Avoid.

One of my favorite Reuben's around Hoboken was even good as takeout, also a must try is their French onion soup !

The food hits all departments in terms of both quality and quantity. An unexpected treat as of late I've been getting accustomed to other spots shelling out smaller portion sizes. You won't find that here. I left satisfied. Jammed packed even at non brunch hours (after 2pm on a Saturday). No reservations or being asked to wait if we sit at the bar so we elected for that option. But I'd suggest you make a reservation if dining on a weekend. I ordered the croque madame. Note that as a side you get to choose from potatoes or fries, but luckily I saw pictures on Yelp that people get salad so that can be subbed instead as well. You get a big portion of salad and it's well tossed; perfect amount of dressing. I wish my sandwich was a bit hotter so the cheese could be more melted and ham and eggs a bit more warm but taste wise still good! Eggs florentine was also great if you like poached eggs. They give you a good amount of spinach! Opted for a side of bacon and it's the thick kind. Really enjoyed this brunch. Only improvement that can be made is the service. It was just hard to flag down a waiter to get their attention. Hard to ask for the check too. You might need to be more direct and walk up to them and ask or wave your hands or snap in a slightly more impolite way to grab their attention. It's because they are just super busy.

food was phenomenal.. service was great. The short rib with grits was delicious. Minus 1 star bc they only had corona light and no Heineken

Enjoy the menu, both for variety & deliciousness at the Elysian Cafe. It is a frequent choice when I'm in Hoboken. Great service, welcome atmosphere! Interesting to imagine what it was like on the late 1800's!

The name Elysian is probably to pay homage to the area of Hoboken named the Elysian Fields where baseball matches were organized in the mid 1800s. However, I like to think Elysian Cafe is taking the name as the final resting place of the souls of the heroic and virtuous in Greek Mythology. Cafe Elysian creates an atmosphere that has you feeling like a descendent of the Grecian gods with cherubs on the ceiling representing purity, grace, and attending to the Devine. We arrived on a Saturday as brunch was ending at 3pm. I was sad to miss the Croque Madame. But I quickly pivoted to the prime rib sandwich ($21), which was generous enough to share between two with the side salad option. The house dressing was a nice Dijon vinaigrette which lightly covered the largely portioned salad. I ordered a rosé ($12), but had to try the Amelia cocktail ($15) that my friend was raving about. Between the puréed blackberries and the lemon juice the vodka is cut with with a sour berry overtone. The presentation, as everything at Cafe Elysian, is classy and alluring. Our waiter was friendly and we were able to order ahead even though one in our party was running late. The food was prepared in less than 20 minutes. The prime rib sandwich was juicy and tender. The fried onion rings placed on the sandwich, offered just the right level of crunch and flavor when coated with a melted mozzarella. By the time my sandwich came out, our last friend arrived, so we split the sandwich and salad which sufficiently fed us both. La pièce de résistance though, is the key lime pie. I've loved this for over 8 years now. Every time I have this I'm surprised at how luscious and dense it is. The tartness is balanced by the sweetness in the crust. The homemade whipped cream on the side makes this $8 slice worth every bite. This also was enough that we could split it between the four of us and still have just enough pie to satisfy the sweet tooth. Cafe Elysian is the most classy casual place in Hoboken and I'm here for it!

Ambiance is outstanding inside and outdoors. Food is remarkably fresh and super tasty. I highly recommend the sirloin salad, the steak was cooked to perfection and the salad is dressed perfectly. We sat outside and felt like we could have been on a cobblestone street in Europe. The staff is very friendly and they certainly do not rush you.

Wonderful ambience and delicious food. We all enjoyed our meals. The dining room has such character. Would have loved a gluten-free option for the sandwich menu, but had the veggie burger without the bun and it was great!

Stayed in the neighborhood for the weekend and came here for dinner on a Friday night. Was able to get a bar table without a reservation, but recommend reservations. Our table ordered a Reuben sandwich, banh mi sandwich, and a salmon entree. We all enjoyed our meal. The fries were crispy shoestring but could have use more seasoning. The flavor was definitely delicious with the banh mi. Bread was fresh with a good amount of pickled veggies and pork. I also ordered the French onion soup, and we all agreed it needed some more seasoning/salt despite the good amount of cheese on top. Service was good.

Never disappointed at Elysian. The restaurant has become one of my favorite spots to go for dinner. Whether you sit at the bar in restaurant or outside it is always such a pleasure. The staff is above and beyond accommodating. I usually look forward to their specials because they are always so delicious. This time I went with staples. Mussels are best in town, no fishy taste whatsoever! Our waiter recommended the key lime pie for desssert, something I wouldn't normally pick off a menu. It was absolutely delightful! Big big compliments to chef, wait service and of course the fantastic bartender for keeping me to come back for more!

Gorgeous interior space, outdoor seating, delicious onion soup and tasty bistro fare.

What's not to like at Elysian Cafe? The food is all delicious, some great cocktails, and the ambience both inside and out is perfection? In the mood for a French bistro setting? Make a reservation for the dining room? Prefer an intimate cocktail lounge? Have a seat in the bar. Want to enjoy the breezes on a beautiful day? Take a table on their sidewalk patio (tastefully designed with umbrellas, plants, and lights). Regardless, you're in for a treat!

We popped in yesterday for an early dinner to close out the week. The place was pretty crowded for a Sunday night. We had a very friendly waiter who was very observant and on top of things. The food was okay. Oysters were good, the west coast oysters (Kumamoto) were a bit smaller than usual. The French onion soup was alright, really heavy on the onions. The Caesar salad was very good. I was particularly fond of the poutine fries. They were probably the best poutine fries I've had to date. The Mac and cheese was meh. All and all I probably won't be back but I'm glad we got to try it. It's been on our list for a while.

Beautiful Halloween ambiance! We sat outside on an 80 degree October day & it was so peaceful & beautiful. My friend and I both ordered the eggs benedict (I got salmon and she got ham) & it tasted great. Not too pricey. Our server also did a great job keeping our waters full the whole time, which is always appreciated.

I've always really enjoyed the Elysian and their food. Although I've had many things on the menu, my favorite is their caesar salad with anchovies. The service is always friendly and fast. I'm giving 4 starts only because I wish the ownership did more to update the place to keep up with the booming restaurant market. Not so much the food but the space and vibe of the place? That said, the Elysian is a solid place for most occasions and I'll definitely be back.

The duck poutine is 10/10.. however recommend eating in house as it doesn't not travel well

Had brunch here recently and the service was so nice and welcoming! My fromage omlette was delicious and the fries were awesome! Love that they added some lemon juice to the side of mayo I requested to dip my fries in, it really elevated it! We came pretty early, around 10:30 and it wasn't crowded yet.

My favorite casual place in Hoboken. Can't go wrong with anything here - Banh Mi is one of the best I've had.

One of the best brunches I've ever had, and most reasonable. This place is an incredible value- the portions are generous and the prices are too. We had the chicken fingers as an appetizer because we saw so many tables ordering them and they looked good. The breading was phenomenal as were the fries. I had the cirque madame as my main and there was a huge side salad included. The sandwich itself was on perfectly toasted bread, and the ratio of egg to cheese to meat was perfect. I will definitely be back

During a visit to Hoboken, we came here for brunch on our friend's recommendation. I loved the history and the beauty of the building, as well as the French flare to the menu. I ordered a hot chocolate and was impressed that it came in a mini pitcher that I was able to get a little more than two mugs out of! The croque madame, French toast, and pancakes were good. The menu did say that the French toast was supposed to come with a strawberry sauce, and I also asked for the strawberry sauce for my pancakes, but it was purple and tasted more like a blueberry sauce. I also ordered bacon with my pancakes, and it was thick cut and tasty. The service was good.

Been here a bunch of times for breakfast and lunch and it's solid! Salmon Benedict is my favorite. BEST french fries ever! Have also had the mussels and the French onion soup and they're delicious. I'd recommend reservations but I can usually get in with a short wait or sit at the bar too. Food and atmosphere keeps me coming back.

My friend and I walked by and decided to stop for lunch. It was a great find! We were seated right away outside which was lovely, and the food was delicious. We both enjoyed our meals and the service was great. After we sat down, we heard the hostess telling people it would be a 45 minute wait! So keep this in mind if you're coming on a weekend. But it's definitely worth it to plan ahead.

Elysian cafe is a Hoboken staple and so I had to come back to try. It's a french bistro style spot. They have a dining room in the back and full bar in front. I think its a little tight up front so I like in back. Here is the review on the food: The caesar salad was ok and they serve it traditionally with anchovies. The duck poutine had nice flavor and tasted like disco fries. The pork chop was a little dry but skirt steak was better than the first time I had it. I would skip the charceuterie board. I am caught between 3-4 stars. Not dying to come back but its a respectable place.