With its breathtaking views of the skyline, Lokal in Jersey City is definitely a place to know for brunch or dinner, or just to have a cocktail (or mocktail). Starting with these, they can make most of the mocktails you want, my favorite being the virgin mojito and the virgin lychee martini, their spirited version being less sweet and on top of my list. They also have classics like their Manhattan that was well balanced.

For dinner, they will bring you delicious homemade focaccia that is a bit dangerous as you cannot stop eating it although you know that some food is coming! They often change their menu, so the below has been over the course of few months. For dinner, we tried their whipped ricotta with truffled honey, that is always a crowd pleaser, where we dipped not only the bread that came with it, but also the delicious focaccia that they brought to tables. Another crowd pleaser is their cheese croquettes that were crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, the kind of appetizer you would keep eating over and over. But it is not the only shareable appetizers they serve: their crispy Brussels sprouts make you wonder why you did not like them when you were a kid (sorry, Mom!): they had variations since they opened and these, made with grapes and macron almonds were fantastic, as was the grilled octopus, served with mojo rojo, pickled chesno peppers and fingerling potatoes. Less adventurous is their hummus that was served with their homemade naan.

For the entrees, at some point they had a fantastic ribeye that was juicy, tender and deliciously fatty, probably the best I had outside of a steakhouse! Jodi got their margarita flatbread that was quite good as well and a good option if you are vegetarian.

For brunch, they brought to the table a little basket that changes every week, and I decided to try their cheeseburger, topped with white cheddar and smothered with a spicy mayo. It was ok for me, the patty being slightly overcooked and dry, and I did not like their home fries that lacked crispiness. No, I would more recommend their shashuka that was probably my favorite with the mascarpone pancakes that were fluffy and slightly crispy on the sides (we had to ask for more syrup). The mezze platter is a nice touch, served with hummus, tzatziki and a spicy feta, but the falafel were a bit on the dry side.

We also tried their desserts, but I admit that I was a bit disappointed: their tiramisu was not creamy enough and the cookies not soaked enough in coffee, and the flourless chocolate cake was dry.

Flourless chocolate cake at Lokal in Jersey City, NJ

Overall, Lokal is a great brunch and dinner spot, especially if you can get a table next to the window, so, not only you have some great cocktails and food, but you also get the splendid skyline view. Only negative for me is their desserts that are just ok and not memorable. I would still recommend it!

Enjoy (I did)!

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Lokal - 2 2nd St, Jersey City, NJ 07302

I Just Want To Eat!