What’s better than brunch? Brunch all day, that’s what. And that’s exactly what Gussy’s Cafe, located at 292 Newark Avenue in downtown Jersey City, offers. This charming spot run by the husband and wife team of Gus Theodosiou and Nicole Pina opened in June 2022 and has been serving classic cafe vibes ever since. We recently took a trip to Gussy’s Cafe and couldn’t wait to share why this cafe should be on your radar, if it isn’t already. Keep reading to learn all about this community-focused cafe and how you can get discounted coffee daily (yes, you read that right).
Gussy’s Cafe Overview
Gussy’s Cafe is a contemporary American cafe at 292 Newark Avenue in Jersey City. The owners wanted to bring a classic cafe to the neighborhood and once they opened the doors in June 2022 their dream became a reality. Gussy’s is open Monday-Friday from 7AM-5PM and on Saturdays and Sundays from 7AM-3:30PM. Diners are welcome to order online for takeout or to order at the counter for dine-in.
The Hoboken Girl spoke with co-owner Nicole Pina in April 2022 before Gussy’s officially opened. During our conversation, Nicole said, “we are just in love with this area and we just feel like we want to give the people of Jersey City a very safe and warm space for them to come in and feel like they know us and that we’re part of the community.”
So far, they are living up to their plans. Aside from walk-in customers, Gussy’s is available for private parties, they occasionally host community events, and the On the Run running group meets here on Saturday mornings.
Read More: Your Ultimate Guide to Brunch Spots in Jersey City
The Menu
Gussy’s Cafe offers a full menu of breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner options. Whether looking for something lighter or are craving comfort food, there’s something for everyone on this made-to-order menu. This spot even offers vegan options and a kid’s menu.
Here are some highlights:
Brunch
- Homemade Pancakes
- Breakfast Grain Bowl
- Parisian Omelette
- Sausage Gochujang Breakfast Sandwich
Lunch + Dinner
- The Gussy Sandwich (fried chicken cutlet, bacon, cheddar, chipotle mayo on ciabatta)
- The Brekkie Burger (applewood smoked bacon, fried country egg, cheddar)
- Vegan Cobb Salad
- Chicken Waldorf Wrap
Gussy’s also features a full coffee bar with all of the classics plus seasonal offerings such as lavender honey matcha and vanilla rose cold foam. Pastries and smoothies are also available.
Remember when we mentioned discounted coffee? Don’t worry, we didn’t forget (and know you didn’t either). From 3PM-5PM every day, Gussy’s Cafe takes 20% off specialty drinks and select pastries.
The Vibe
From the outside, it can be hard to get a sense of just how spacious and airy this cafe feels. But once we stepped inside, we immediately felt like this was a cafe where we could relax with a good book or chat with friends for a while. When we walked up to the counter, the server was incredibly friendly and gracious. They walked us through the menu and even mentioned a few specials, like a smoothie made with sea moss protein.
We found a spot at the bar and enjoyed people-watching from the large windows. In addition to the window seats, the cafe features tables and a corner booth. There’s WiFi so it could be a nice spot to sit and work for a while .
See More: The Best Brunch Spots in Montclair
Out Thoughts
Overall, Gussy’s Cafe feels like a safe bet for a weekend brunch spot. We tried a flat white and The BEC-ky Sandwich — bacon, egg, and cheese on a croissant — and both were delicious. We got to the cafe around 9AM on a Saturday and, while there were plenty of other customers, we didn’t have any trouble finding a spot to sit.
We had a great visit to Gussy’s and we will be back soon — probably for a discounted afternoon coffee break.
15 Unique Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in the Hoboken + Jersey City Area
Since February is such a love-filled month (as in we'd love for it to be spring so we can get outdoors more), it’s a good time to plan a fun and romantic date night — or extended weekend — with your partner or pals. While local places have lots of Valentine’s Day specials, we've rounded up some of the unique date spots and ideas in our area, in addition to a few other venues if you want to think outside the box this year. Read on for fifteen unique date ideas for Valentine's Day in the Hoboken + Jersey City area.
Aerow Archery | 98 Forrest Street, Jersey City
Aerow is perfect for archers of all levels and a great option for a fun Valentine's Day date night. The spot delivers a unique and healthy way to move your body and features 24 lanes of tournament-style targets — ranging from 11 to 22 meters. If your Valentine is the adventurous type, this is the spot to go.
Bowling at Hudson Lanes | 1 Garfield Avenue. Jersey City
A long-standing bowling alley in Jersey City, Hudson Lanes is a staple. Three group packages are available, with the basic package starting with five people per lane for two hours of bowling and shoe rental. Higher-priced deals include food and soda. For more information, check out the website or call 201-432-5900.
Read More: Restaurants With the Coolest Interiors in Hoboken + Jersey City
Café Archetypus | 266 Old River Road, Edgewater
This one-of-a-kind eatery in Edgewater is set up with several private dining “caves” carved into the wall, perfect for an intimate night out. Featuring casual dinner fares like quesadillas, French bread pizzas, and salad bowls, the major draw here is dessert, with a whole page of ice cream, cheesecake, and Ghirardelli brownie sundaes to choose from. With sundaes like the Coyopa — banana and vanilla ice cream with fudge, caramel, and crushed potato chips — get two or more varieties and share. HG pro tip: this restaurant is a BYOB so you be sure to bring your honey’s favorite beverage.
Comedy Show at Dorrian's Red Hand | 555 Washington Boulevard
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Dorrian's is a local staple for those in search of a good weekend laugh. The Laugh Tour Comedy Club has shows every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, featuring a different lineup of talented comedians each week — and it's the perfect option for a couple who loves comedy. You can find tickets here.
dineDK Private Dining
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This boutique private dining company uses seasonal, on-trend menus and Michelin-star chefs to create food for anything from a large dining event at a venue to a charming dinner party for two right in your own home. Picks off the seasonal winter sample menu include items like tuna carpaccio, American waygu short rib, crispy rosemary polenta, and maple soufflé — check out the website here for more info on how to book your next date-night dinner.
Gaia's Cavern | 140 Wayne Street, Jersey City
Gaia's Cavern is an all-natural day spa in the heart of Jersey City. While Gaia's may be best known for it's recurring win for Best Facial in Jersey City from 2019-2023, the spa also has a Signature Blue Moon Foot Bath for couples (or solo). The Blue Moon Foot Bath features Butterfly Pea tea, Ylang Ylang, lavender, and neroli essential oils. Plus, it's paired with a relaxing hand, arm, and foot massage. To reserve a spot for Valentine's Day click here.
Gravity Vault | 1423 Clinton Street, Hoboken
Gravity Vault in Hoboken is hosting a Parents Night Out on Friday, February 14th from 5PM-8PM, allowing parents to drop off their kiddos (ages 5-13) for rock climbing, games, and pizza. Parents can enjoy a date night out, climb child-free, or truly whatever their hearts desire.
Ivy Mane Studio | 1012 Grand Street, Hoboken
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While this studio primarily sells handcrafted goods for the home, Ivy Mane Studio also hosts creative workshops for those interested in unlocking their creative sides. Experiences like Create Your Own ‘Drip Plant Pot’ and ‘Booty Planter’ — yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like — are always on the schedule at this local studio. Gift cards are also available and can be used towards a workshop or handcrafted goods.
Hudson Table | 1403 Clinton Street, Hoboken
Going out to eat is one thing, but preparing the entire meal together is an entirely different experience. Taking a cooking class at Hudson Table in uptown Hoboken is an interactive and fun date night. Upcoming events include a handmade pasta class on 2/7, an Italian desserts class on 2/11, and more.
Lokal | 2 2nd Street, Jersey City
City views, gourmet dining, and live music? Yes, please. This Valentine's Day Lokal in Jersey City is hosting a special five-course-prix-fixe menu with optional wine pairings. To learn more about the menu or make a reservation click here.
Maddy Rose at Liberty House Restaurant | 76 Audrey Zapp Drive Floor 1, Jersey City
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This elegant venue along the Hudson always guarantees a good meal and fine dining. Maddy Rose Restaurant at Liberty House will also have a three-course Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu for $90+ per guest. Some of the menu choices include tuna tartare, steak tartare, and of course, flourless chocolate cake. Also, for a post-Valentine's Day fun, there will be a "Boozy Brunch" event on February 22nd. It will feature a four-course brunch menu, with each course paired with a specialty cocktail. Purchase tickets here.
Painting Classes at ArteVino | 720 Monroe Street Suite C408, Hoboken
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This Hoboken paint + sip studio is constantly providing unique painting options at its Monroe Center studio. Painters can bring their own beverages and snacks, making it a customizable experience and you’ll get to bring home your artwork so you’ll have a memento of a great night.
See More: Valentine's Day Date Ideas in Montclair That Aren't Dinner
Tipsy Tie Dye | 155 First Street
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For the creative couple, Tipsy Tie Dye provides all of the essentials you’ll need to create your own tie-dyed goods. With a wide variety of dyeable merch including sweatshirts + pants, cropped hoodies, Turkish towels, scrunchies, onesies, dog outfits + more, this local spot is the perfect gift-able experience for that special someone on February 14th.
Rooftop at Exchange Place | 1 Exchange Place, Jersey City
Featuring a retractable glass roof and an awesome view of the skyline, Rooftop XP is located right in the heart of the Exchange Place area of Jersey City along the waterfront. Check out the tempting cocktails and menu selections like charcuterie, burgers, and tacos — as well as brunch selections, and enjoy occasional live music for beautiful dining with ambiance.
RPM Raceway | 99 Caven Point Road, Jersey City
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Adventure seekers can experience a rush of speed and fun at RPM Raceway in Jersey City . The immersive raceway and entertainment center has go-carts, arcade games, VR, and more. RPM Raceway even has a special Valentine's Day package for couples. For more information visit the RPM Raceway website or call 201-333-7223.
