The Kitchen Step

New American restaurant · Jersey City

The Kitchen Step

New American restaurant · Jersey City

5

500 Jersey Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302

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The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by Noah Devereaux
The Kitchen Step by Noah Devereaux
The Kitchen Step by Noah Devereaux
The Kitchen Step by Noah Devereaux
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null
The Kitchen Step by null

Highlights

Creative New American plates & cocktails in a rustic-chic setting  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Afar

500 Jersey Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302 Get directions

kitchenstepjc.com
@kitchenstepjc

$$$ · Menu

Reserve

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500 Jersey Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302 Get directions

+1 201 721 6115
kitchenstepjc.com
@kitchenstepjc
𝕏
@kitchenstepjc

$$$ · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 19, 2025

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@infatuation

Where To Eat Outside In Jersey City & Hoboken

"Kitchen Step is serving things like ricotta gnocchi, baked chicken with chive oil, and a great burger topped with onion compote and bacon on their outdoor patio from 5pm-10pm (11pm on weekends) every day except Monday. That same burger is also available during weekend brunch, when they serve things like cheddar grits and fried chicken with honey sriracha glaze." - hannah albertine, nikko duren, matt tervooren

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/hoboken-jersey-city-restaurants-outdoor-seating
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@infatuation

20 Spots In Jersey City & Hoboken Open For Indoor Dining Today

"Kitchen Step is from the same chef as Battello, and they both serve the same great bacon cheeseburger topped with onion compote, but Kitchen Step doesn’t wow you at first glance. Instead, it shows that it’s equally, if not more impressive by what it sends out of the kitchen, like root vegetable curry with crispy sushi rice, and short rib Bordelaise with carrot cavatelli. Like on their outdoor patio, indoor seating is first come, first served for dinner and weekend brunch." - matt tervooren

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/spots-where-you-can-eat-indoors-in-jersey-city-hoboken-new-jersey
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@infatuation

The 21 Best Restaurants In Jersey City 2024

"Kitchen Step is a warm, familiar-feeling spot that’s great for an intimate dinner with someone you’re close with, like a partner you’ve been seeing for at least four months, college friends you still like, or your parents when they’re in town for a visit. Mismatched plates and bowls look like they came straight out of a kitchen cabinet, and the menu includes classic comforts like pork chops, chicken breast, brussels sprouts, branzino, and mac and cheese. Try to grab a seat near one of the large street-facing windows or on the sidewalk near the fire pit for an upfront view of Jersey Ave. Make a reservation for dinner, especially on the weekends when your chances of snagging a walk-in table are slim. Brunch is a bit more flexible, but it’s best to book ahead if you want one of those spots outside." - matt tervooren, nisha vedi pawar, kendal nicole lambert

https://www.theinfatuation.com/jersey-city/guides/the-best-restaurants-in-jersey-city
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@infatuation

Kitchen Step Review - Jersey City - The Infatuation

"Kitchen Step is a warm, familiar-feeling spot that’s great for an intimate dinner with someone you’re close with, like a partner you’ve been seeing for at least four months, college friends you still like, or your parents when they’re in town for a visit. Mismatched plates and bowls look like they came straight out of a kitchen cabinet, and the menu includes classic comforts like pork chops, chicken breast, brussels sprouts, branzino, and mac and cheese. Try to grab a seat near one of the large street-facing windows or on the sidewalk near the fire pit for an upfront view of Jersey Ave. Make a reservation for dinner, especially on the weekends when your chances of snagging a walk-in table are slim. Brunch is a bit more flexible, but it’s best to book ahead if you want one of those spots outside." - Kendal Nicole Lambert

https://www.theinfatuation.com/jersey-city/reviews/kitchen-step
View Postcard for The Kitchen Step
@afar

Jersey City Is a Must From NYC - AFAR

"Third and Vine for good vibes, Archer for a dark and cozy ambience and great cocktails, and Kitchen Step because there are great dishes to share and lots of tables for two inside and out." - Annie Fitzsimmons

https://www.afar.com/magazine/jersey-city-is-a-must-from-nyc
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J L

Google
I love this place! The food is amazing and made with fresh ingredients. The staff are friendly and attentive. It gets busy on weekends and the service can slow down a bit, but it’s definitely worth the wait.

Samia Shahnawaz

Google
I booked this place for a birthday and Kelly (manager) was AMAZING at coordinating with me for a large party. We had custom menus and even before getting into the restaurant I felt so well received and well taken care of by her. When we got into we were greeted so warmly and were able to have drinks while waiting for our table. Once we sat down it was an amazing night with a beautiful space, attentive staff, and AMAZINGGGGG food. We had the calamari, Mac and cheese (it was spectacular), the kale salad, steak, cauliflower steak, and the salmon. Everyone enjoyed their food so much and literally all of it was high quality and amazing. I am definitely coming back again after this experience and the amazing food!

Udit Anand

Google
Our visit to The Kitchen Step happened by chance when we were looking for a place to eat while walking around the area on a Saturday. The experience was a fantastic one and we are looking to visit again. The moment you enter, you appreciate the cozy vibe and the unique artwork, including a fascinating piece on the ceiling. The menu had a number of innovative dishes, and we tried the Grilled shrimp and thai inspired salad, the Croissant French Toast, and the Semolina Zucchini Fries. Each dish was novel and we enjoyed it a lot. In terms of beverages, we tried the non alcoholic Rose and Peach Please, and enjoyed both of them. I also had a Cappuccino after my meal. While the Cappuccino was missing any latte art, the strength and flavor of the coffee was perfect and just what I was looking for. The service was excellent and the hosts checked in on us a few times to see how we were doing. All in all, this has been an excellent find and I'd highly recommend a visit to The Kitchen Step. We look forward to visiting for dinner the next time!

Larissa M

Google
We’ve been to Kitchen Step several times for dinner and recently for brunch, and I absolutely love this place. The food is consistently excellent, and the service is always on point. During our first couple of visits, we had the pleasure of meeting the chef, who was incredibly nice. Highly recommend!

Katie Jesionowski

Google
Incredible Easter brunch! The shrimp Thai salad, Hot fried chicken sandwich, Nutella pancakes, salmon and mozzarella app. Delicious. Great corner spot with friendly service.

Jena Wiest

Google
We went for the valentines préfixe menu tonight and it was amazing!! We had 2 apps, 2 entrees, and 2 desserts and what a treat! The filet was incredible. Scallops 10/10. Definitely coming back.

Tatum Thompson

Google
I dined at The Kitchen Step on a whim on a Saturday night. Despite it being packed when we got there we got a last minute res very easily. My table ordered their French Onion mac and cheese off the recommendation of other reviewers, the Buttermilk Chicken Breast and the Hanger Steak. The food was decent, both the meats were not cooked nearly as well as we either expected or in my friend’s case- asked for Medium and got a pretty bloody steak. My chicken was a little pale for my taste, felt very French in preparation which maybe I’m just not used to. Mushroom jus helped the dish and love a silky potato puree. As for the very highly recommended mac & cheese, it was tasty for sure but it let me down some. For a boast of french onion I would want much more onion flavor, maybe even crispy onions on top, and a saltier, more rich savory bite. My recollection of the service and environment was the highlight. The decor and warm lighting feels attractive and refined. The hostess who greeted us was very, very friendly and warm. Just off our one interaction she brought the energy that makes me feel excited and that you can only get from local spots owned by people with heart and passion for food and service. I wasn’t blown away by our dishes but I would come back to try the brunch options.

Sonali Salgado

Google
My husband and I held our wedding in Jersey City and chose The Kitchen Step as the venue for our rehearsal dinner - we are so glad we did! Kelly, the manager, and Chef Ozzy were a delight to work with. They helped us design a delicious event menu, featuring standout dishes from the regular dinner menu (including their fabulous zucchini fries, ricotta gnocchi and tiramisu) as well as passed appetizers made specially for the event. And Kelly went above-and-beyond to help us set up for the party, even designing a menu card on Canva that matched our wedding colors and floral motif We could not recommend The Kitchen Step highly enough, whether for a special event or a regular night on a town
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Katarina L.

Yelp
It's been almost exactly 4 years since my last visit (and review for) The Kitchen Step, so the update is: it's still fantastic. Gone are the days of Covid greenhouses on the sidewalk. While I miss the coziness and cuteness, the inside of the restaurant is just as dreamy. It's moody, intimate, and warm. We had a reservation and they seated us right away. It's not a huge space, so reservations seem like the way to go, especially on the weekends. What we got & loved: -shrimp gambas: This was like shrimp toast... kind of. We weren't sure exactly what it was, but it was very good. -burrata & fall panzanella -wagyu beef tartare -steamed pei mussels My favorite might have been the beef tartare. You never see it on a menu and it was just so so tasty. I don't think you can go wrong here. We also got a few cocktails and my fallen leaves (tequila) was sweet and the perfect pairing to my incredible meal. Truly a great spot for a date night, girls night, dinner with friends, etc.
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Alison C.

Yelp
I had been to The Kitchen Step years ago for a special wine dinner and had found the food just OK. However, I knew that set menu meals should not be utilized as a true judge of the chef's abilities, as the kitchen would just be cooking in bulk for a large group. So, I kept the restaurant on my list to try again at a future point. Well, my boyfriend surprised me with a birthday dinner there recently, and I was excited to give it another shot. When we walked into the warm, cozy restaurant on that rainy evening, we were greeted by a very sweet and friendly hostess, who took us to a nice table next to the windows with a view of Jersey Avenue. We tucked ourselves in and ordered cocktails from our similarly nice server. I selected the Chai Flyer, which included Tanqueray gin, Aperol, chai-infused vermouth, and a pomegranate cordial. The drink was boozy with just the perfect hint of sweetness from the pomegranate and seasonal spice from the chai. I thought it was excellent! My companion had gone with the Elote Pina, which was a blend of Mezcal Union, elote pineapple shrub, agave, lime, and bitters. He really enjoyed it, and I took a sip, finding it smoky and just lightly fruity. In addition to our entrees, we decided to order the Warm Ciabatta that apparently came from Balthazar Bakery, a favorite of mine. The $6 plate included 4 slices of bread, which were not thrilled we had to pay for, but did find enjoyable. We were not sure how fresh the bread had been, as it was toasted, but it was tasty nonetheless. While I typically do not butter my slices, theirs was served with a tantalizing roasted garlic herb butter that I could not resist. It was great! For my main dish, I opted for the Black Angus Hanger Steak, which was served over a delicious squash puree and cubes of braised celeriac. The steak itself was a bit under my requested medium preparation, which made some pieces a bit chewy, but it was otherwise tasty. There was also a creamy, peppery au poivre sauce poured over the meat that I really enjoyed. My boyfriend thought his Burger with an onion compote and bacon (he skipped the cheddar) was really good, and the accompanying herbed fries were thin and crispy. As I received my main dish, I also wound up getting another beverage, but switching to wine. I asked for tastes of both the 2018 "Kitchen Step" Pinot Noir from the Central Coast of California, as well as the 2022 Bodegas Escorihuela "1884" Single Vineyard Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina. I had selected these two reds based on their fruity descriptions. While I typically love Pinots from that region of California, I was not impressed. I thought the exclusive vintage was too light and watery. The Malbec, on the other hand, was organic, unoaked, well-balanced in its low acidity, and full of ripe, dark berry flavors. I asked for a full glass of that one, which was surprising, as I was typically not a Malbec fan. For dessert, we were enticed into each ordering a Hot Chocolate, his topped with a bruléed marshmallow fluff and mine without. We skipped the booze, though there was an option to include it. We went all in on the cocoa, however, by also ordering a slice of the Flourless Chocolate Cake, which was like a decadent, rich brownie, topped with a marshmallow whip frosting. The restaurant was nice enough to even put a candle on the plate. Lastly, they gave us an appreciative send-off as we headed out into the wet night. Our Kitchen Step experience was great, and I was so glad that I gave it another try.
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Danielle G.

Yelp
The Kitchen Step has really stepped it up! I came here many years ago and wasn't impressed. Now Ive come recently for both dinner and brunch were great! Definitely top notch's service and great dishes. A great local spot to support and enjoy a meal. Must make a reservation as gets filled up fast and is an intimate smaller setting. I recommend the crabby patty, it was so fresh, just be prepared as a little messy.
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Jason K.

Yelp
Came here for brunch on a Saturday and we really enjoyed our meal. We had the French toast, steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy, and the eggs benedict. The French toast was really good. It wasn't too heavy and the whipped cream complimented it well. The steak and eggs came exactly as ordered, so no complaints. The biscuits and gravy were tasty, but needed a little more gravy to even out the ratio. The eggs benedict was my favorite. Their truffle hollandaise sauce is really amazing. I could it eat it with everything. The inside is really nice and has a instagramable seating area in the entrance. Would have appreciated a little more space between tables, but I know that can be a tall ask in JC these days. Still recommend checking this place out.
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Josephine L.

Yelp
Cute spot for upscale American brunch fare. Definitely get the Semolina Zucchini Fries if you're 3 or more people (or 2 very hungry people). The Mussels are well done and flavorful, though we were eating with French friend who gave the obligatory, "France does it better" comment. ;) The Steak & Eggs are ample, as are the rich Biscuits & Gravy. In fact, portions here are very generous for prices that range from the teens to 20s, so it's almost like brunching in 2015 again. Remember those pre-inflationary days? Me neither.
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Christina S.

Yelp
Great little spot for dinner and drinks. The zucchini fires are a must every time I go! They are delicious!
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Jamie S.

Yelp
Was in town visiting and heard a lot of good things about this place. We came on the earlier side right when they opened and were seated right away. The place is very cutely decorated. We all started with a tequila drink which was awesome and visually cool as it had leaf art on it. We shared the mozzarella starter which was really very enjoyable. I had the burger, which was also really good. Everyone seemed to enjoy their food. Only thing I would say was it got a bit of a wait for the server to come over. Our glasses of water were empty quite oftentimes as well- besides that definitely recommend.
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David S.

Yelp
Food and service were excellent. The zucchini fries were particularly good, as was the General Tso's cauliflower steak. I was amused that the "steak" came with an actual steak knife; you could have easily "cut" the cauliflower with the edge of a fork. The general manager, Kelly, was particularly kind. When she heard it was my birthday, because we hadn't ordered dessert she brought me a votive candle and had me blow it out and make a wish. It was a very sweet gesture.
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Taylor E.

Yelp
Lovely restaurant with tons of outdoor seating to enjoy the beautiful fall weather. The service was a tad slow for my liking, especially the bar yet the waiter Michael provided excellent service and gave great recommendations. As an appetizer, I ordered the maple-chipotle bbq glazed wings which were cooked perfectly and had great flavor; definitely a must try item. The pink lemonade mocktail was incredible and I wished I ordered it for my drink as the lychee mojito was disappointing as it had no lychee. The shrimp po boy was a the perfect entree with so much flavor and the right portions. The fried pickles were a nice surprise. The Spanish mussels were delicious. I wasn't a fan of the large puff pastry that was served on top to be used to dip in the sauce, especially since I had no plate to rest the puff pastry on while I ate my mussels. Overall, good dining experience and great food.
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Niki C.

Yelp
The Food was SO delicious I cannot wait to go back! I had the Biscuits & Gravy and I really appreciated the size of the chunks of sausage. My friend had Eggs Benny & enjoyed it as well! Highly recommend for brunch
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Natalie T.

Yelp
This was such a nice spot with a great corner view of the block! The food was really tasty and came out quickly. I was so happy to see biscuits and gravy on the menu and it didn't disappoint! The steak and eggs was also cooked perfectly. Definitely a great spot- the music playlist added to the vibes. Our waitress was a little bit pushy considering it wasn't crowded at all and we would've loved coffee when she already handed us the check, but nonetheless they still provided good service!
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Brianne D.

Yelp
Nice spot for brunch. The dining area inside isn't huge, so the tables can fill up fast. I'd suggest making a reservation to avoid waiting. The was good and nice sized portions. Definitely recommend the zucchini fries!
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Leslie S.

Yelp
1st time @ Kitchen Step. The Food Ambiance + Service were all on point. 4 of us were seated at 6; our reserved time. there were several tables still open. Cocktails I had 2 (not my usual one) the nightly special was awesome an interesting cucumber seed mix, next was a fig cocktail (I love figs:) it was lovely. Hubby had his Espresso martini (I never understand how you can mix alcohol + caffeine) it came out with whipped cream which made it more a dessert he thought. Food: Small Plates - Crispy Brussels Sprouts - Excellent flavor mix said coconut carrot puree w/pomegranate - did not taste coconut - tasted really good. Bruschetta of Prosciutto + whipped burrata w truffle honey. Excellent! Charred Octopus - was Very Good - fingerlings w/a nice small plate. They got the right amount of Char without incinerating the poor octopus! Winter beets salad with whipped burrata - OMG Delish! The portion sizes were decent; Any less would have been too little but all satisfying. Next Large Plates 2 of us had the Lamb Chop Special - perfect medium rare a light lovely crust. Only thing chops were served atop a deep fried (I may have this wrong) crispy potato which did not affect the lambies seemed a bit oily but I ate it all! The asparagus not overcooked very good. Hubby had the salmon - OMG it was Delish he only gave up one bite - I was happy w the lamb so no jealousy. Other party had the Halibut + really liked it. I had a taste which seemed a bit bland but she loved it. Desserts! With such a good meal we had to try 2! Ricotta Zeppoles were Great! The nutella dipping sauce + cherry marmalade Delish! Much fancier then the ones @ the Italian feasts we'd get as kids! The Strawberry Shortcake was just right on. More scone like but delish w/a crumy almost crusty top then the bursts of not over sweetened strawberries.. the nutella sauce I could have drank - I usually dont like nutella. The cherry marmalade was a very tasty surprise. On most dishes the portions were just right although some like the beet salad (beautifully presented) looked smaller then it was. The ambience was a soft glow, a basic but warm non fussy interior. They had outdoor seating w/those fire heaters which look inviting. Our young helper was friendly + other then waiting once for a 2nd bottle of water all dishes were brought out appropriately paced. A manager came over to check in a couple of times - a welcoming personality. If any staff room for improvement was the hostess who was just a bit indifferent. All in all a 5 Star experience.

Susan ..

Yelp
Was ok. One of the better brunch places around. Can be a bit overpriced. Service has been good

Rajesh P.

Yelp
The Nashville chicken sandwich was filled with meat glue, it was literally inedible. I wish I took a picture before tossing it, I could not believe it. I had a drink and the zucchini fries while eating in and those were good so I thought I was in for a treat with the sandwich but my god that was so bad. It scarred me from ever going back
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Kyla B.

Yelp
Had a reservation so was sat very quickly. The server was very attentive and great vibes for a late morning brunch. Got the brunch burger and it was very tasty. I felt like it was a good size for the price. The cup of coffee I got was very standard. Some of the other things my friends got were a little on the smaller side but the quality was pretty high! Would come back!
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Jasmin L.

Yelp
Made a reservation for a weekend at The Kitchen Step! It was a warm day so we were able to sit outside and the ambiance was really nice both inside and out. Our server who's name I unfortunately forgot was very attentive and personable. The drinks we got were the rum punch and a mocktail (with a shot of vodka). Both drinks were delicious! Brussel sprouts were to die for!! 10/10!! Definitely get them. Crispy and delicious. The steak and eggs were good and cooked perfectly as requested. The eggs benedict... I would pass on this menu item. I felt the hollandaise sauce was too salty. Next time I'll try something else.
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Rosalie C.

Yelp
I came with a friend on Saturday for brunch. We didn't have a reservation but only needed to wait about 10 minute. While we were being seated the host, who I think was the manager mentioned that the kitchen is short staffed so service might be a little slow. My friend and I weren't in a rush but we appreciated the heads up. To drink I had the don't be salty and my friend had the rock the boat (mocktail). I really liked the cocktail. To eat I ordered the French onion mac and cheese and my friend, the whole smoke maitake. After ordering the man who sat us informed me that the didn't have any pasta cooked so it'd be 20 minutes on top of the regular cook time and suggested an appetizer while we waited. We ordered the semolina zucchini fries. I wasn't expecting them to be shoestring; they were delicious! I was disappointed in the mac and cheese. The French onion flavor was subtle which was fine but I wanted the dish to be cheesier. It was good just wasn't great. My friend liked her dish but wasn't wowed. The service was great and the staff is extremely friendly. I really like interior. As a whole the food was just ok. Maybe I'd try more from the menu next time but for now I'd come here again for cocktails with friends or my boyfriend.

Yo M.

Yelp
Food was decent not the best but still good. Service was good, but a little slow. Only gave us 4 pieces of pita bread. We asked for more and it didn't come out until our entrees did. Restaurant was also on the smaller side.
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Benedict C.

Yelp
I ended up at The Kitchen Step with a couple friends on a Friday night when our prior dinner plans fell through. It was a bit late for dinner, around 0830-0900 so my friend was able to book a table for 3 online pretty easily. Like any other place in Jersey City, finding parking is hit or miss and unfortunately that night was a miss for us. We parked about a 5 minute walk away from the restaurant. Since we had a reservation we were seated immediately. The staff was very friendly throughout the night. The 3 of us started off with drinks and I enjoyed mine very much. From what I could tell my dining companions liked their drinks as well. So far so good. I ordered the Kale Caesar Salad as a "small plate" and the Ricotta Gnocchi as a "large plate". They were out of kale that night so my salad came with mixed greens rather than kale; no problem. I enjoyed the salad. It was light and refreshing. Nothing mind-blowing but definitely solid. A good pretty good start to my meal. I was looking forward to the ricotta gnocchi and when it came out it looked pretty good too. It came with wild mushrooms, paprika butter, and carrot top pesto. It was...alright. I guess I was expecting a more pesto-y flavor but I was a little disappointed to be honest. It was a perfectly fine dish and the gnocchi had a nice chew to it. I just wasn't the biggest fan of the sauce. Now on to my main gripe, price. The cocktail prices seemed pretty par for the course at $16. My salad was $15 and while I enjoyed it, it did not feel worth $15 to me. The gnocchi dish was $26 and it's not like they give crazy large portions either. I didn't leave hungry, but I also ordered 2 dishes. To me it seems like every food dish is $5-10 more than I'd expect to pay for them. Also, there's a 2.99% convenience fee on top of your bill if you're paying by credit card (who isn't these days?). That rubbed me the wrong way. I didn't hate my experience here, but I'd have some qualms about coming back.
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Kyle R.

Yelp
Thought I was in a Brooklyn bistro until I realized k was still in Jersey. Cozy tone is set as soon as you step into the place - long narrow layout with a chic bar right in the middle. Intimate setting perfect for a little date night, cocktails or even a brunch outing. Nice bonus that it just so opened to be run by one of my favorite chefs in NJ who does some innovative flavor profiling on what would normally be a basic dish. The food was fantastic with a seasonal rotation. And the cocktails were crafted to perfection. Highly recommend checking it out
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Kristy C.

Yelp
Dropped by for dinner on a random weekday night as we were too tired to cook. There were a few tables filled but they weren't too busy. We ordered drinks to start, the chicory salad to share and two main dishes, the voodoo shrimp po boy and the rd burger. The drinks were okay - I felt they lacked depth and flavor, which is what would have made them a good cocktail. The salad was the worst - three large leaves of salty lettuce. The burger and shrimp po boy were decent, but wasn't too special. However, after the super salty salad they were absolutely what we needed to balance our taste buds. The service was phenomenal - we were taken care of very well. But the food could have been better. Not sure if they were having an off day or if the food just isn't my personal favorite.
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Craig L.

Yelp
Been here countless times and yet against compelled to write a fantastic review. Creative, innovative, delicious as always, with service and ambience as good as the food. Also, in warm weather, pet-friendly outdoor seating, and your pup will get a dog biscuit and water bowl :)
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Eric H.

Yelp
Great cozy place with a very homey feel to it especially on the inside. The menu is pretty simple and straightforward without being stuffed with too many options. The pork chop is always the go-to dish here for me. I also enjoyed the burger and fries. The mussels were also good but wasn't so sure about the spicy mayo-like dressing drizzled on top of the mussels and fries like chocolate sauce. Regardless, the food was good and I'd go check it out again since it's right in the neighborhood.
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Meaghan G.

Yelp
Brought a friend who was visiting JC to Kitchen Step for dinner on a Thursday evening. We didn't have a reservation, but were seated quickly in the cute outdoor area. For drinks, we ordered wine and a cocktail that I can't remember the name of. The cocktail was cute, but tasted a little watered down. We ordered the zucchini fries as an appetizer, and they were light and crispy and came with a sriracha aioli. The amount of sauce given for the amount of fries was too little, and we asked for a refill of the aioli. I thought it was ridiculous that they charged us an extra $1 for that refill especially because it couldn't have been any more than a tablespoon of sauce. The waiter was reluctant to allow us to order our main dishes after our appetizer (she wanted to put the order in all at once) which I've never experienced before. My friend and I ordered the ricotta gnocchi - it was good but the flavors didn't really stand out to me. My Italian boyfriend did say that the gnocchi texture was good. He ordered the scottish salmon, which was cooked well and tasted good. Please note that you will be charged a 3% surcharge for using your credit card, which is noted on the menu but very discretely.
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Felisa F.

Yelp
The Kitchen Step was not my group's first restaurant of choice for dinner. We were originally going to eat elsewhere but there was a kitchen snafu and thus.. We didn't have a reservation [there was four of us] but were seated quickly, first at a high top and then a regular table once it became available. The vibes are very Apartment Therapy with faux foliage on the wall and hanging ornate mirrors. The bar area is cute, very mid century modern with all the wood. It's not a terribly big restaurant but there is also seating outside. I wasn't overly blown away by the meal overall but there were certainly highlights. We shared the semolina zucchini fries [$14] and the burrata mac & cheese [$16]. The zucchini fries were outstanding. I wasn't expecting them to be shoe string nor I was expecting them to be so crispy and fry-like as they were. I probably could've eaten them alone without the sriracha sauce, which was also delicious. The mac and cheese was interesting but I didn't think it worked with burrata which is a more mild, less salty cheese. The addition of eggplant gave it a weird earthy flavor too. I will say, the pasta was perfectly al dente but I'll stick with the more traditional version. I had the mussels frites [$24] for my entree. The dish comes with a handsome serving of fries and a red chili sauce. The fries were delightful, everything a fry should be- crispy and salty. The mussels in a white wine sauce was fine. Maybe the sauce could have used the lemon already in it rather than on the side. The dessert, however, was phenomenal. We got the strawberry shortcake, the flourless chocolate cake, and the ricotta zeppole [all $10], the latter being my absolute favorite. The zeppole gave me life. They're almost like a funnel cake or a beignet. They were so fluffy and pillowy on the inside and slightly sweet. They were a dream. The sauce on the side- the Nutella and the strawberry marmalade- were great accompaniments. The strawberry shortcake was a second favorite, mostly because of the whipped cream and compote. The cake was light and airy and I don't think it would have been impossible to eat a whole plate by yourself. Lastly, the flourless chocolate cake. It's definitely a chocolate lovers delight. I found it *shock* a little too chocolate-y. I'm not entirely a fan of flourless chocolate cakes in the first place, so take that as you will. The marshmallow whip on top reminded me of a s'mores, the caramel sauce drizzled on the plate was a little too watery. Cocktails: I had the Tequila is like Duct Tape and the Grass is always Greener [both $16]. I was underwhelmed by them both. The former had a nice fruity note but I wasn't overly joyed by it, the latter drink tasted more...green. I was excited by the unique ingredients in each, zaatar and herbs de provence but they seem to have been lost in translation.. Service was speedy but not rushed, all the servers were friendly and we had a good time. The meal in total came out to around $250 which is shockingly less than I thought it would be. It came out to around $80-$85 per person after tax and tip.
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Mary K.

Yelp
Brunched here on July 4th and had a great meal! Usually they are closed on Mondays, but they were open for the holiday with the lunch/dinner menu plus a few brunch options. The restaurant inside isn't *too* big, but they have outdoor seating and a super cute parklette that at least doubles their seating capacity. Our waiter Hussein was great - super friendly and checked in with us a good amount. We shared the zucchini fries which were light and crispy. I had the croissant French toast with apple compote which was delicious; the portion size was just right. My husband was also very pleased with his choice - the biscuits with gravy, sausage, and two eggs (he ordered them over hard and said they were perfectly crisped on the edges). The waiter said the biscuits and gravy was the best "bang for your buck" on the menu and he was not wrong! Two things to note - you have to order starters and mains at the same time (instead of just starting with apps), and they currently charge a 3% credit card fee. That being said, brunch was fantastic, and the dinner menu looked great so I definitely plan to check that out.
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Lantz A.

Yelp
The service was great, each server and even the manager made sure that our table was taken care of. The food was excellent! I had the Hanger Steak Au poivre with frites. The hanger was cooked perfectly medium rare, and the au poivre sauce was a pepper sauce made without cream and was more like a well balanced super reduced au jus. The frites were cooked to perfection. The ambiance was warm, cozy and perfect for 5 friends to celebrate my birthday!
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A H.

Yelp
I'm going to give them 4 stars because the staff was super nice and patient enough to accommodate us when we were too indecisive, granted it was raining in and off. The apple French toast was amazing, my avo toast was great too. Great spot for brunch with friends. I loved the coffee too, no complaints here. Parking may be a bit inconvenient, it's in a very busy area.
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Isabella R.

Yelp
Very underwhelmed with my experience here, but I'll go through it from the moment my husband and I entered to the moment we left. The Kitchen Step has a very cute and cozy vibe. The wallpaper is very cute, the soft seating by the entrance is very cozy. I loved the Golden Girls and Schitt's Creek pillows. We had a 12:30 reservation for Sunday brunch, the host let us pick where we wanted to sit and we chose a cute little spot by the window. A few minutes after we were seated, we ordered a peach Bellini and Italian baked egg for myself and a steak & eggs and a cold brew for my husband. We shared the prosciutto & ricotta bruschetta. The drinks and toast came out promptly. The Bellini was delicious and the bruschetta was fantastic. I'd even say the bruschetta was dreamy. No complaints here. I do wish they had cut the toast to share, but it was not a big deal. From getting there at 12:30 and ordering a few minutes later, we did not get our main courses until about 40-45 minutes later. No one had checked in with us during those 40-45 minutes asking if we were okay, acknowledging the wait time, or letting us know our orders were almost coming out. My husband had to ask another waiter if our food was almost ready after we had realized it had already been 40 minutes without a word from anyone. The restaurant wasn't that slammed or busy either, there were a handful of empty tables. A few minutes later, another waiter came with our food. My husband was disappointed to see the small portion of steak & eggs, especially considering the price. As for my Italian baked egg, the pastry on top was delicious but the egg didn't seem baked at all. Part of me questioned if there was any egg in it, it seemed like a very watery tomato soup. Our food was also lukewarm, nearly room temperature when we got it. After finishing our disappointing meals, our original waiter finally came back to our table and asked if we wanted to see a dessert menu. Hoping to salvage our experience, we said sure. Ten minutes passed and she hadn't shown up with the dessert menu. We just asked for the check, paid (a bit more than what the quality of the experience was worth), and left. Although there were a few highlights, we left very disappointed especially since we were very excited to try this spot.
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Michelle R.

Yelp
I've been here a few times and it's always a good experience. The service is always great. They have a nice amount of outdoor seating and heaters. We recently went for brunch and I had the truffle eggs Benedict with bacon. It was so incredibly delicious and the thick cut bacon is amazing. My husband was so jealous.
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Ali R.

Yelp
Good food, decent service, and nice ambience. Love sitting at the bar sipping on a nice glass of wine. Really cool neighborhood spot. Hosts try to be as accommodating as possible but it's best to call ahead and make a reservation.
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Alan L.

Yelp
Comfort food in a comfortable room. The restaurant is small, it is best to make a reservation. The staff is attentive and helpful. We enjoyed sharing the cheese board and the duck was delicious. Parking in the area can be a challenge.
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Anthony S.

Yelp
My wife n I enjoyed another fine dinner. We started with wings, and my wife had the burger. She loves the display but wanted a simple lettuce tomato red onion. She was tired and wanted a regular cheeseburger. However, she made no mistale she liked it, and other times, she would prefer that burger. I had the duck over grits and a fig jelly that was very unique and delicious. We have gone a few times love the service n food. Wanted to give them a shoutout because this has been a nice find in Jersey City.
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Kassity H.

Yelp
I came here for my friend's Birthday. The breakfast and the drinks were so delicious. I requested a breakfast burrito without the wrap since I can not eat gluten and they made me a wonderful deconstructed burrito plate with hot sauce. It was so delicious!! I would totally go back for the same. The portion was large too. Highly recommend this wonderful neighborhood restaurant.

H C.

Yelp
Food was okay. Service was okay-ish. They allowed dogs in the room. Not even service dogs, just random pets. It's unsanitary, weird, and nasty. and ILLEGAL
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Ellen C.

Yelp
Was walking my dog. Decided to check it out. Happy Hour cocktails. Then. Wings. Mac and cheese and bread. Not a diet menu. The small plates are generous. The French mac and cheese divine. Too much to eat. I'm taking it home. I recommend the Dont be salty cocktail. Outdoor seating divine. Great atmosphere Very good service! Vegan options and treats for my dog. Five stars no six because they charged my phone!
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Kenny Y.

Yelp
Review for the brunch. Got the biscuits and gravy, the breakfast burrito, the French onion mac and cheese, and the fish tacos. Biscuits and gravy - the biscuits were overdone and hard to cut and chew through. The gravy was ok. I personally would've preferred a little more sweetness. Breakfast burrito - was really missing protein. It really needed sausage or something. Egg, rice and beans doesn't really cut it. Mac and cheese - decadent, tasty. Star of the show. Fish tacos - simple but good. A little too much spicy mayo. I like that they still have ample heated outdoor dining that isn't in personal igloos. Price point was on the high side.
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Michelle T.

Yelp
It's been a long, long time since we've been out for brunch. I was looking at bubbled or enclosed outdoor dining and The Kitchen Step came up on a list of places in NJ. They have a limited amount of greenhouses, so make sure you book in advance! I made a reservation for 2 about 2 weeks in advance for Saturday brunch at 11:30am. When we arrived, our greenhouse was empty, so we were seated immediately. There's a heater inside the greenhouse as well as a blanket for each seat. There's a button for you to press once you need assistance and a QR-code menu. We split the beef tartare, eggs benedict with smoked salmon, and croissant French toast. Everything was absolutely amazing and the staff were very nice and friendly.
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Hala I.

Yelp
Let's start this review with one word, Joe. We had an awesome experience because of his service: He is as an awesome, patient and friendly waiter who waited for our larger party to be seated and gather our orders for dinner. The food was amazing. I had the kale Ceasar salad with grilled chicken and it was amazing! Other people in the party got burgers, pork chop and gnocchi. Everyone was satisfied. The outdoor dining has a calming backyard ambiance and was comfortable to sit. I will say that one portion of the floor is unleveled so that should be fixed.
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Jessica W.

Yelp
I stopped by this establishment due to being in the area. The Ambiance was very pleasant. The service from the staff was excellent. The food was excellent as well.
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Jane L.

Yelp
Had an amazing time at Kitchen Step - they have beautiful greenhouses to accommodate for outdoor seating in the wintertime. Each greenhouse has a heater and blankets so you are comfortable during your meal; and a button so you can alert the waiter when you need help. Food was amazing! We ordered the Mac and cheese for starter - super indulgent, tasty, lots of bacon and mushrooms. For entrees, we ordered the short rib grilled cheese and the ricotta gnocchi. WOW. The grilled cheese is smothered with butter, and the chips accompanied with it are amazing and crunchy. The gnocchi, like another reviewer said - little pillows of heaven! Dessert, we ordered the bread pudding and the flourless chocolate cake. Both were well-done and flavorful. Must have for both! Finally, you must come for the service. While we were waiting for our table, the staff set up a fire outside so we'd stay warm. Everyone that we came across was amazing and accommodating. Definitely recommend coming here for a date night, it's private, secluded and romantic!
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Jon B.

Yelp
Came here for cocktails and apps . Surely one of the more upscale , cool vibe places in JC with plenty of indoor / outdoor options . Large sprite and wine options with a posh comfort food type Menu . We ordered wings / Brussels with wine and hot toddies ( the later went down way too smooth) . Food was very good tho I must admit I'm a classic Buffalo wing guy. The other plates coming out looked stellar . I will be back to try more !! Oh and the fire pits are really nice !!
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Caroline G.

Yelp
I've been to Kitchen Step one time prior pre-COVID and I probably would have given it a 4 at that time. However, the creativity and innovation during COVID times are really applaudable. They have created these personal heated greenhouses to help diners feel completely safe and at ease. It was the first time I've been out for brunch in a very long time. I got the burger, an apple cider Bellini and a Bloody Mary extra spicy. My bf got the wings, eggs Benedict and the redhead from holidays past (cocktail). Pros: The burger was cooked perfectly. So juicy. Perfect size bun with the cheese, onions and bacon. The spicy Bloody Mary - perfectly spicy The eggs Benedict - he ate them so fast that I almost didn't see him chew. The meh: The wings. Not flavorful enough. The apple cider Bellini. Also not flavorful enough. I hardly detected any apple in it at all.
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Desiree F.

Yelp
I had this place on my list for a while and was eager to give it a try. When I arrived I was able to find parking on the street nearby. I walked into a small, cute restaurant. I was greeted at the door and was able to find a seat at the bar. Ray was my bartender and he was super nice. I started with a couple of mimosas and they were good. For my meal I got the fish tacos. When they came out it looked good. When I dug in they were just ok. It needed a little more seasoning. My 4 stars goes mainly to the service, ambiance and mimosas.
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Miriam I.

Yelp
Came for a casual Sunday brunch and it was so cute and cozy! The biscuits and gravy were a little too salty for my taste. The breakfast burrito lacked flavor without the salsa verde. The Nutella pancakes and croissant French toast were both delicious!
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Michael T.

Yelp
First and last time there. They ran out of several menu items, including oysters, by 6:30pm. Two glasses of wine took 30 minutes to arrive. By this point I was so disappointed that the rest of the evening was ruined.
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Kylie N.

Yelp
I absolutely love the greenhouse installations to enjoy outdoor dining at The Kitchen Step! Revisited after a couple years to enjoy a nice dinner with my boyfriend. I would encourage you to make a reservation if you're dining during the weekend because a lot times were reserved already. We came a little early and were able to sit at their Adirondack chairs and enjoy some drinks until we were seated. We ordered the Fruit Ninja and The Mildred. The Fruit Ninja was cool because the waiter used an actual slingshot to break the candy in the drink. We were finally seated and the staff was so nice. One even offered to take a photo of us before we ordered food. The greenhouses were pretty tiny but still decorated very cute. I loved the ambiance. It would have been cool if music was playing though. For our appetizers we ordered the fish tacos and they were so tasty! I usually don't like fish but decided to give it a try and was surprised by how well it all tasted together. For our entrees we both got the RD Burger. It was cooked nicely and juicy. The fries were good too. Overall it was a nice and enjoyable experience. I'd definitely come back again.
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Eugene Y.

Yelp
I was really impressed by the selection and quality of food items here. I only got starters and drinks, but the entrees looked pretty good as well. Would definitely be interested in coming back and trying more!