Skinner's Loft

5 stars all around! Service, ambiance, FOOD, location! Our waiter Brady was GREAT! Very upbeat, knowledgable, helpful, and attentive. Will definitely come back. We got the salmon dish which was outstanding and the special halibut dish which was also out of this world. Also got the octopus salad as an appetizer which was great - it was servers as a whole piece which was very different from your typical octopus salad. Can't wait to try more stuff on the menu.

I like Left Bank which is located a couple of blocks from here. However, it had a 30 minute wait which is weird because I never wait there. So I Decided to walk to Burger Eatery, and it was closed, which is odd because it was supposed to open at 11am (and that probably explains why Left Bank was so packed). A lady that had also wanted Burger Eatery told us about Skinner's Loft after I asked her of a good place for a burger besides Left Bank. She said, "Skinner's Loft".

I have been by this place so many times and never went in. The ground floor is a bar, however we went up a flight a stairs to a nice dining area. It wasn't too crowded, or too loud. Although the background music ALMOST wanted to push itself into the foreground sometimes. But it was never annoying loud. It is just that some songs were more noticeable than others.

Our server was awesome. I can't remember his name, but he is from Kansas and has lived here for 8 years. Somehow in all of that time, he never became jaded. Good for him, I can't say the same for myself.

NOW for what you really care about, the food. WOW the food is amazing. I got a burger with mozzarella, and bacon for $14. I think in the future I won't get the bacon, not that it was bad, but it wasn't worth $2. If it was a buck, I'd get it. I usually don't do mozzarella on my burgers, but I'm glad I went that route. I had it cooked medium rare, and it was MEDIUM RARE! That is awesome. Too many times I get a medium when I order Medium Rare (Looking your direction 1 Republik in Hoboken.

There were three of us in our party, and one person got Salmon and Potato Cake, and she LOVED it. She said she wanted to come again next weekend to get the same thing. My other friend ordered Crispy Shrimp and Pancetta. She LOVED hers even more. She's a small lady, and finished her sandwich before I finished my burger. I don't think that has ever happened before. haha

To warm up our stomachs, they put an assortment of biscuits, and muffins on the table. I believe we had one blueberry muffin, two brownie muffins, and 4 biscuits. This was such an awesome surprise.

I do not really go out to eat often, because my work caters my meals, and I like to cook when I'm not at work; but I will go out for a burger from time to time because I find them too much work to cook, when I'm the only one eating them. I would HIGHLY recommend Skinner's Loft. It actually made me glad that Left Bank was too crowded yesterday, because now I've found an amazing place near the Grove St. station to have an amazing Brunch.

I echo another reviewer's sentiment that while Skinners is and had been a solid Jersey City venue something seems to be lacking lately. The character of the building is one of its strongest draws, as is its great service. The food is tasty, especially the arancinis; however, the menu may need a slight reboot to stay competitive. Perhaps a new beer or wine list. I'll continue to come here, but it won't be my first recommendation as it used to be. I'm hopeful that will change!

Went for brunch - most everything looked appetizing and my eggs Florentine were cooked perfectly. Staff were friendly and efficient. Coffee was disappointing - my cappuccino looked pretty but lacked flavor and was flat enough to be a latte. Also queuing on the narrow staircase didn't seem the safest way to wait for a table.

I have a love/hate relationship with Skinner's Loft. It has always been an iconic restaurant on Newark Ave but it feels like it is being left behind due to lack of innovation.

Drinks - I tried a great variety of beers here that I haven't seen offered in any other bar in Jersey City. Prices were higher than what I'd be paying for similar brew at other bars down the street, however.

Food - The food was above average but nothing spectacular for the prices you're paying. This is a sticking point for me.

Service - The bartender was nice and let me try a maple beer I wasn't sure about. I've never had a service problem at Skinners Loft at all

Environment - Skinner's greatest strength is its environment. The building has a lot of character but doesn't feel dirty and old. The rooftop seating is obviously a strong point in the warmer months.

Specials - There weren't any happy hour specials when I was there, which was really disappointing because I felt like I was spending so much money on the food and drinks as it was. This is whats hurting my opinion of Skinner's Loft the most. They're unapologetic for what everything costs, when so many other options in the area are beating them in various categories. I used to choose Skinner's as my go-to for dates or when my parents are in town, but it is quickly falling off the list.