Jeff B.
Yelp
(Dined 12/03/2022 SA @ 1:00pm): Potentially a satisfying bistro for brunch!?
My friend's colleague/friend recommended Satis Bistro for brunch/lunch after a morning work activity at their nearby school. For my second trip to Jersey City to visit a very dear friend, I continued my cuisine caper and explored the eatery landscape. Sadly, the main "upstairs" area of this restaurant was closed for a private party, so we were relegated to the downstairs bar area. Was this a "beast" of a place to settle in for the afternoon!?
PURCHASE
Bellini ($8.00 x2): A proper way to begin brunch... sparkling wine and orange juice - cheers https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=2X20XTYRbfDM2FLUWta8ig&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
Crispy Golden Brussels Sprouts ($12.00): A lovely portion of flash-fried brussel sprouts covered in asiago shavings and lava salt, these were simply tasty https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=8HEYjSyz7n9y-53DVZd-hg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
Satis Lamb Burger & Frites ($18.00): A decent mound of moist succulent lamb with pickled cucumbers, frizzled shallots, and rose aioli between a brioche bun, this was a simple burger where the lamb was wonderfully prepared. The included side of frites were crispy, long, and nicely-seasoned https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=6NMVHQ0WgWjbPYAWhuNv6g&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Nutella French Toast ($14.00): Four triangle-cut pieces with warm banana foster syrup and cut banana slices, these fluffy and plump toasty treats were a hit and easily would've ordered another just for myself https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=0jDovfWeDQ2KbamL5g9TxQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
Aspall Dry English Cider 19.2floz Bottle ($12.00): Crystal yellow color, green apple aroma, low body, tart green apple flavor, crisp finish, and dry tart green apple aftertaste - pucker up https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=bPvUaYVGxx9oxhzv-K4IjA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
Charcuterie Board ($29.00): Chef's selection of meats, cheeses, olives, pickled vegetables, seasonal chutney, this was a beautiful assortment of goodies that paired well with everything https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=sOnv7ZRaqFl3DZBDrndsVg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Hendrick's Gin Cucumber Gimlet ($14.00 x2): Hendrick's Gin, Elderflower Liqueur, lime juice, muddled cucumber, this was purely sublime https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=D1C7rgkTBR7CdrQoChs4fQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Ginger Baker Whiskey Martini ($14.00): Misunderstood Ginger Spiced Whiskey, Lillet, lemon juice, and honey, this aperitif had me kicking and leaning back in my barstool https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=LS3iojlYsbHg3TovkwpdqQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
SERVICE
Warmly greeted by a woman whom I figured was the manager along with a male bartender, we easily nabbed three seats at the bar where we were immediately given menus. After we perused the simple menu, we went to town and ordered throughout our stay. Our drinks arrived quickly while the food came out in a spaced out procession. Empty dishes were cleared away while we were periodically checked on. After two hours, it was time to depart, to which our compliments to all for the fine service - thank you!
PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance)
We walked from my friend's school. Otherwise, there seemed to be plenty of spots along the main drag of Washington St. and all surrounding streets, or you took the light rail which stopped nearby - nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
We were in the downstairs quaint rustic modern bar portion of the restaurant with a row of barstools at the bar https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=niEHH7X9Qbj4hTUbMyHK4g&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw where we sat along with a small smattering of chairs/tables and an alcove like area in front of a window. Minimal decor adorned the space https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=0KTnKzRkeYQa02LmVlBH4A&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Decent natural lighting came through the front window and door while bright electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were a couple TVs while various music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=FXiLCd-6NrxG2ciM2jKjtg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops... if it weren't so freakin' cold and raining.
OVERALL
Satis Bistro fully satisfied my afternoon and would certainly return the next time I was in town; I especially wanted to dine in the actual restaurant. Sure, I felt things were a bit pricey; however, everything I drank and ate was blissfully wonderful with very good portion sizes. And, the service was perfectly fine. I found total value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $153.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit cards of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS