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🌟 FiNNBAR – Frenchtown, NJ
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Tucked into the charm of Frenchtown, FiNNBAR delivered a quietly satisfying evening. We began with a grilled purée eggplant appetizer served alongside warm, garlicky focaccia — smoky, smooth, and surprisingly comforting. I was all in from the first bite. My boyfriend, skeptical at first, gave it a cautious try... then nodded with a quiet “okay, yeah, that’s good.” I definitely enjoyed it more than he did, but it was a win.
For the main course:
🍗 He went with the roasted chicken leg and corn. It was fine — not bad, not thrilling.
🦐 I chose the scallops, which came nestled beside a carrot purée and dragon tongue beans — those gorgeous, streaked legumes that look like they were painted by hand. The dish was delicate, subtly sweet, and well-balanced. I’d order it again.
Presentation was serviceable, but I found myself wishing for a little more drama — a garnish, a flourish, something to match the creativity of the ingredients.
We ordered our drinks and waited a few minutes, but oddly enough, our appetizers arrived first — delivered by a different server. When our original waiter finally returned, it was with just one iced tea… and unfortunately, it came with a fly floating in it. We were sitting outside, though, and the night was beautiful — warm, breezy, and peaceful enough to soften the bumps. Still, we left a little hungry, and for the price we paid, that was the one thing that didn’t sit right.
✨ One thing that truly stood out: FiNNBAR supports Studio Route 29, a progressive art studio in Frenchtown that centers the creative practices and perspectives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The majority of FiNNBAR’s profits go directly to this incredible initiative — and that alone makes dining here feel like something more than just a meal.
I’m definitely planning to return. I’d love to explore more of the menu and hopefully see a bit more visual flair in the presentation next time. While I did leave a little hungry and felt the pricing was a bit steep for what I received, I understand and respect the concept behind it. Knowing that FiNNBAR supports the local art community and channels its proceeds toward a beautiful cause makes the experience feel meaningful.