A new restaurant from a Top Chef finalist has officially opened in one of Jersey City's fastest growing neighborhoods, with the historic name Horseshoe Kitchen + Bar now open for business.
The restaurant space, located on the ground floor of Cast Iron Lofts at 839 Jersey Ave., was home to Jersey Social for about five years. That store closed earlier this year, but Brewshot's owner and his team were looking to introduce a new concept.
Horseshoe Kitchen + Bar has welcomed Top Chef finalist and author Chris Scott, the mastermind behind Harlem's Butterfunk Biscuit Company, to the endeavor. The restaurant also sought to delve into the history of the area, which is now called Soho West but was once called Soho West. Horseshoe.
The meaning of the district's name varies depending on who you ask, but many claim the nickname comes from the shape of the gerrymandered Second Ward. Areas north and south of downtown Jersey City were carved out for political purposes, creating a metaphorical horseshoe around wealthy neighborhoods.
Horseshoe Kitchen + Bar wants to pay homage to the international community that built Jersey City with a fusion menu with notable South Asian influences. Guests staying at the restaurant can enjoy complimentary pani puri on arrival. Pani puri is a deep-fried hollow breaded shell filled with cubed potatoes, onions, peas, and chickpea soup and is a popular street food in India.
The restaurant's small plates include black bean and dal croquettes and fried calamari with gochugon, black beans and green onions. The restaurant's menu features a variety of main dishes, including Calcutta Street Noodles with seasonal vegetables, Chicken Biryani, and Fish Taco Nachos Plate.
Horseshoe Kitchen + Bar also serves smash burgers and crispy fish sandwiches with Louisiana-style coleslaw, and has an extensive wine, beer and cocktail list. Highlights include the Cherry Ferry, a blend of tamarind margarita, brandy, Cointreau, cherry and pineapple juices, or the Carrot and Stick with Drumshanbo Orange Gin, Burrows Ginger Intense, orange, carrot, pineapple and honey.
Horseshoe Kitchen + Bar has just launched its website and is currently open Monday through Thursday from 4pm to 11pm. Opening hours Friday through Sunday are noon to 11 p.m.
You can follow the restaurant on Instagram using the handle @thehorseshoejc.
