Jeff B.
Yelp
(Dined 06/27/2024 TH @ 2:00pm): Screw any drinks that have a cork; at this bar, order a draft beer, some food, and relax!
In my quest to explore the various cuisine scenes throughout Jersey City and specifically the Heights, I made my way to Corkscrew Bar. I've had this on my bookmark list since I started visiting my friend a few years ago when she moved out here. I always loved a neighborhood bar (sports in this case) that also served food so I could hang with the local people. Would I pop a cork and celebrate this bar or say "screw it"!?
PURCHASE
Hackensack Brewing Beach Badge Pale Lager Beer 16floz Draft ($6.00 HH): Hazy amber color, citrusy hoppy aroma, low body, citrusy hoppy flavor, crisp finish, and citrusy hoppy aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=T5lE5A5q6kI_tZ_0etPJjw
[ONION RINGS/STRAWS/STRINGS ALERT - 4.0 of 5.0 STARS]
Onion Rings ($11.00): A medium basket packed with many rings of various sizes, these were hot, lightly golden browned, crunchy, and had some tendency to crumble when bitten into while the onion ring (not sweet Maui) stayed intact. Although they were on the oily side, they were pretty good, and the spicy tangy dipping sauce was a nice touch. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=O3mNUsKqhYIzWo0oAYRe-w
Jersey Burger ($17.00): Their 8oz Pat Lafrieda burger topped with all-things Jersey - American cheese, with Taylor Ham, a fried egg and garlic aioli. This was a messy two-hander especially once you broke the yolk. I swore, the thick slab of ham was actually Spam and I loved it even more if it was! You better put a bib on! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=mt17Sw82EjWx8CJP5Uqb_g
Hackensack Brewing Musket Haze Hazy NEIPA Beer 16floz Draft ($8.00 HH): Hazy amber color, citrusy hoppy tropical aroma, medium body, citrusy hoppy juicy tropical flavor, drying finish, and citrusy hoppy juicy aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=FQ4j3wvgVKhfIqn2j9JJiw
Hackensack Brewing Pepper Coast American Pale Ale Beer 16floz Draft ($8.00 HH): Bright hazy amber color, peppery piney aroma, low body, juicy peppery piney flavor, dry hop finish, and peppery piney aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=SVCM6Q8-XKpjR5K9YfYG1w
SERVICE
I arrived shortly after they opened, and there already were a handful of people here - dang! Sadly, it seemed that the young woman behind the bar was the only staff on hand. As she greeted me, I immediately ordered and received a beer, took a menu, and grabbed a seat outside on the patio. Minutes later, she came by, took my order, and provided me with table settings and such. About ten minutes later, all of my food appeared. She periodically checked on me as she cleared away the empty plates and bought more beer. Once I was ready, I went inside and settled up. It was a chillaxing easy day - thank you!
PARKING (Street; N/A this instance)
This was an easy flat 20-minute walk from my friend's place. Otherwise, there appeared to be plenty of spots along the main drag of Congress St. and all surrounding roads - 'nu said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A tidy interior layout with plenty of stools lining the long bar, tall chairs/tables edged along the walls, and barely any decor aside from promotional posters. There was also a quaint sideway patio area https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=v-GXTsoT2Aw90p8sDd7QCg where I sat. Minimal natural lighting came through the patio windows and doors while electric ceiling track lights filled in the rest. There were several TVs inside only at the bar https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=KyyDnjx1IHJOpt6QYp5sfQ while music (and TV volume) played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=mcFsP7gS_iAhc52tsHyRKw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
I had a wonderful time as I chillaxed and hung out at Corkscrew Bar and would definitely return! I loved the vibe, the local beers on tap, happy hour, the food (minimal menu), the service (God bless this woman!), and the prices were very reasonable. And, I always loved supporting small businesses whenever possible. Frankly, this place RAWKED! I found total value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $53.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS