Jeff B.
Yelp
(Dined 04/18/2025 FR @ 8:00pm): This "house" was serving up some mean Southern food along with drinks and beats!
In my quest to explore the various cuisine scenes and things to do throughout Jersey City and specifically the Heights, our large party moved from nearby Barcade to South House for dinner, drinks, and a DJ set from a colleague. South House has been serving up a blend of Southern hospitality and rock-and-roll energy since 2015 with a laid-back rustic vibe where people feel right at home while rubbing elbows with strangers. Would our time at this house go south or be elevated to cap our evening!?
PURCHASE
Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild IPA Non-Alcoholic Beer 0.5% ABV 12floz Can ($7.00): Rich amber color, slight citrus hoppy watery aroma, flavor and aftertaste, light body, and a clean finish. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=WYpHQKxBt8vBiS4a1uijug
Mac & Cheese ($12.00): A ton of chewy elbow pasta covered in a creamy four-cheese sauce topped with crispy herb crust and scallions, this gooeyness of near perfection (no bacon due to Lent) was a full meal as steam escaped one scoop at a time. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=PADnIkwMKVcZZ3MRxD66fw
Salmon Sandwich w/Sweet Potato Fries ($17.00): A thick piece of fish topped with mixed greens, tomato slices, an avocado crema, feta cheese, and a citrusy dressing between toasted wheat bread, this was a lovingly flavorful sammie that nearly filled me up! The steamy thick spud sticks were crispy and didn't need the provided ketchup. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=48&select=T25REZpE-QrcBYhNrQCO-w
Baby Back Ribs & Potato Salad 6pc ($26.00): Short but packed with meat and some fat lightly covered in a smoky sweet sauce, the pork slipped off the bone days later when Lent concluded. The potato salad was heavy with a slight tang flavor and stuck to your ribs in a good way. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=48&select=PTcVWpJiqwkCPv9WCPZ3hg
Fried Pickles ($10.00): A good portion of lightly-fried chips with a side of ranch dipping sauce, these had a nice crunchiness and tangy taste that paired well with my entrees. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=48&select=iZZ8dcmvz8LbHyjPYkdq4w
Samuel Adams Just The Haze IPA Non-Alcoholic Beer 0.5% ABV 12floz Can ($7.00): Deep amber hazy color, slight citrus hoppy watery aroma, flavor and aftertaste, light body, and a clean finish. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=48&select=SOhsI6WGJX7lWsERFSSsPA
Heineken 0.0 Lager Non-Alcoholic Beer 12floz Can ($7.00): Light amber color, slight malty thin watery aroma, flavor and aftertaste, light body, and a clean finish. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=faDll6KMtR2UlZUod61DwQ
Large Party Fee $20.00% ($17.20): C'est la vie!
Operations Fee 3.00% ($2.58): Used to help offset increasing costs...
SERVICE
Our party of ten had reservations, so while we waited for our tables to be ready, we huddled around the busy bar and ordered drinks which came out quickly as our table was now ready. Our servers kicked arse, where on top of everything, the food arrived quickly, we were constantly checked on, and empties were cleared away. The staff were da bomb - thanks!
PARKING (Street; N/A this instance)
This was an easy 25-minute walk from my friend's place. Otherwise, this was on a pedestrian-only section of town, but there appeared to be random spots (no known private lot) off the main drag of Newark Ave. and all surrounding roads, or best to utilize the very good public transportation light rail - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A high-ceiling brick-walled structure with an open spacious bar area, a few cramped dining areas, and a separate downstairs rec room, while an explicit display of rock music love https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=2d9Qy_YrwoutgDLrC1eCXw charmed the pants off of me! Decent natural lighting came through the tinted large windows and doors while low-lit electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were several TVs at the bar area while loud rock music blared in the background and drowned out everything else.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops... if it weren't so cold this time.
OVERALL
I'd return to South House for its chill vibe, very good food albeit kind of pricey, and wonderful service. They also had a weekday happy hour (4pm-7pm) and other promotional nights! And, I always loved supporting small businesses whenever possible. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $111.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS