*UPDATE AS OF 8/1/17: We are told that Beat Street is now under new ownership as of today {literally}, and the menu + name have changed, although the chef is still there.* We cannot speak to new ownership/restaurant until we’ve visited! See below for our past review:
Eat, drink, groove. It’s not just a way of life, it’s now a restaurant.
Picture the days of Kangol hats, track suits, the word “phat” {serious #tbt} — and giant boom-boxes blasting Run DMC — while being served Fritos with ground beef. If this image is giving you all the nostalgic feels, then you’ll be happy to know it’s being recreated at Beat Street — Jersey City’s new hip-hop-themed eatery located at 150 Bay Street, which recently had its grand opening in late June.
Upon entering, the décor and vibe instantly transport you to a time when cassette tapes were music currency and gold chains were all the rage. Black and white paisley wallpaper adorned with cut-outs of old school rap terms, like “baby freeze” and “b-boy language,” provide an educational experience as you are seated by an Adidas tracksuit-clad waitress looking fresh out of a hip hop video. Bringing this vibe to 2017, old school meets new at Beat Street in JC. Here’s a bit more about this new hangout spot and its #eeeeeats:
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First, let’s talk about the cocktails. Beat Street keeps it simple here {like the good ol’ days}, offering classics like a Manhattan or Caipirinha {easier to drink than to spell}, all available at a large bar in the corner of the restaurant that is perfect for an after-work happy hour. For an experience with more ambiance {if you decide to be fancy}, the bar is also surrounded by small cocktail tables and cozy, plush chairs set next to the front windows, while a DJ spins in the nearby corner booth. A selection of wine and beer is available as well as wine pairings to complement your eats.
Beat Street’s menu, which is best described by the restaurant as “elevated street food” {created by celeb Chef Darryl Harmon}, takes your dining experience to a new level, offering a variety of Lil’ Bites {app-type dishes}, S’medium Bites {big enough for a crowd to share, or for you to make a meal out of}, and Biggie Bites {’nuff said}. Under the Lil’ Bites section you’ll find the not to be missed tostone “mac” burger sliders, which are burgers layered with spicy sofrito “secret” sauce and in between — wait for it — two plantains {and seriously, it is as good as it sounds}. Other small bites of note include the bite-sized lollipop chicken wings topped with a fennel salad, the fresh octopus ceviche with plantain chips, and the Philly cheesesteak sliders, and so, so many others.
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After gorging on the Lil’ Bites, make sure you save room for the S’medium Bites, which are even more fun and delicious. Medium bites include the loaded up “trash can” tater tots {adorned with bacon, cheddar cheese, and onion} and “cafeteria tray” Frito nachos {with ground beef, tomatoes and lots of cheese, complete with a bag of Fritos}. Let’s not forget an HG personal fave, the mash attack three ways: mashed potatoes of varied types including garlic whipped, s’mores sweet potatoes {with a hint of orange zest}, and potatoes adorned with pork, smoky bacon and aged gouda {we’re lookin’ at you, carb lovers!}. Ordering about three of these medium sized meals are more than enough to make you {and a friend} feel full, but for the really ambitious, there are the Biggie Bites, which include a full lobster or a steak.
^DJ spinning beats — because that’s the only way to enjoy your dinner.
^Your food will be served atop some street table art including this classic by Jay — all created by local JC artist Ivan Orama.
When all is said and done, Beat Street will leave you feeling full, satisfied, and ready to try some break dancing on your way out {if your stomach allows}. Wednesday night is ’80s and ’90s hip hop night — so make sure to plan to stay a while if you head over on hump day. And just FYI for the music lovers who want a specific ambiance every other day of the week: Tuesdays it’s jazz music, Wednesday it’s funk/hip hop, Thurs = Salsa, Friday it’s 90’s – 00 classics, and Saturday’s it’s House.
When you go, share your visit with us Instagram @HobokenGirlBlog and #HobokenGirl! Have you been to Beat Street? What did you think?
