The Kitchen Step

Excellent brunch. Not huge portions but great quality, friendly service and outdoor seating.

Good food and nice staff. We would visit here again.

Great neighborhood place, inspiring menu. Had the burger - very solid. Nice draught beer selection, unfortunately could not drink it due to personal reasons. Definitely recommend it to others and plan on being back.

A fun bar to be a regular. The bartenders are fantastic at their craft and very welcoming.

Last night I had THE most gastrorgasmic burger in my adult life. It was all public display of perfection at The Kitchen Step, a hidden gem that I want toute le monde to know about In Downtown Jersey City. Including the bar area, this corner bistro may be the size of a one-bedroom apartment on that isle across the Hudson, but the inspiring rustic-edged offerings are huge on flavor. And you will not be rushed through your courses, allowing your tummy ample time to make room for le dessert. Well, here is my account. Pardon the absence of any food porn pix -- I did not want to whip out my Smartphone and chance receiving special treatment. It all started during a gentle drizzle last night ... ahhh, I can remember it as if it were a half-hour ago.

I will never forget the lascivious expression of a male passer-by who nearly released his pooch's leash while he witnessed my culinary arousal. First I sucked the fragrant herbs off the french fries ... one ... at ... a ...time. As I licked my lips and fondled the fries' container -- a miniature version of a deep-fryer basket, complete with handle -- my hungry voyeur lingered beyond the misted bay window. Juices oozing upon dental impact, my 8 oz. burger -- a trifecta of superior cuts of beef, including short rib (ooohhh!) --was grilled to order and seasoned within reason. Dancing from tongue to palate was the savory sweetness of the onion compote and melted aged Cheddar cheese. Even the slender slice of dill pickle tickled my tastebuds. Mmmm ...

This memorable entree last night, amidst the friendly boho vibe of a resto in my beloved Plateau district of Montreal ("merci bien, P.J."), Quebec, was pleasurably sandwiched between an aromatic, richly textured, tomato-based soup and the exquisite finale of a pear tartin. Oh, and I was encouraged by a delightfully enabling waitress to try the slices of multigrain bread and white bread (the latter from a Jersey branch of venerated Balthazar!). Mademoiselle did not have to ask me twice, especially with roasted-garlic butter as a condiment.

Of course, I would be remiss if I omitted the refreshing beverages that enhanced my plats d'amour, such as the velvety Cabernet Sauvignon from a California vineyard with grapes of rapture and a bean-ificent cafe de la maison.

If you want a positive change of place -- locally sourced food in creatively upscale presentations and hipster-cool sincerity in tableside manners -- bring a hearty appetite or three to The Kitchen Step. This corner bistro is located on a picturesque stretch of Jersey Avenue in Downtown Jersey City, two blocks from historic Van Vorst Park, and is easily accessible from the Grove Street PATH station (three blocks away if you walk up Wayne Street from Grove Street/Jersey City's City Hall).

Bon appetit!