Cafe Alyce/ Bar Alyce

EDIT: Tory — Let me emphasize that my group arrived to a virtually empty restaurant, and let me again remind you that we were there for 1 hour. Of that hour, we spent 40 minutes waiting for our food. Your blind defense of your staff is twee but ultimately unjustifiable; it’s clear that you have a host of issues to address, but it’s not my responsibility to point them out to you.

As a point of emphasis to anyone reading this review (or Tory’s attempt at a justification), know that if you arrive to this establishment when it’s empty, and without a reservation, you will be seated directly next to the bathroom, and you will spend 40 minutes waiting for a burrito that you can prepare at home in 10 (assuming you know how to crack an egg).

Instead, I highly recommend the brunch at Frankie or Mathew’s for a more expedient, fulfilling, and satisfying dining experience.

Tory — I hope your next dining experience in Jersey City is better than the one you provide to your own guests.

- - -

I went here on Saturday, November 22nd; we were a group of 3 (I live in Jersey City, but my brother had driven for an hour to meet us), and we arrived at 9:15am without a reservation. The place opened at 9:00am and was completely empty, save for a single table of 2. For context, my brother and I had had breakfast here before; we always arrived within an hour of opening, and always without a reservation.

The gentleman host/server who greeted us (physical description: tall, lanky, longer dark hair) asked if we had a reservation, to which I said that we didn’t. I asked if we could sit at the lovely table in the corner, near the windows. He said that that table was reserved for a group that had made a reservation, and he “really wished that he could let us sit there” (his own words). Despite the place being virtually empty, he said that he could “manage” to seat us at the table furthest from the windows, directly next to the bathroom.

He then passed us off to another server and walked away from us. Visibly disappointed, we proceeded to sit down at the table, but our server said that we should sit at the table just behind it, because he felt bad seating us directly next to the bathroom. We expressed our appreciation for the gesture.

We were only there for an hour. During that hour, several small groups arrived and were seated, but the table where we had asked to sit remained completely vacant.

I had the breakfast burrito, which I had had before. It was satisfactory (as it had been in the past). We chose Cafe Alyce for the convenient location, but we won’t be returning.

To the host/server who seated us next to the bathroom: Kick rocks in an open-toed shoe. To the server who recognized that my group had been treated poorly, and directed us to another table: Thank you for the kindness. To the owner of this establishment: You’ve lost a patron in the neighborhood.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 1

We stopped by this quaint shop with a rustic feel. The bread was nice and warm. The beef was well marinated and mixed with the bell peppers over eggs. The lox was unexpectedly warm with a side of mixed greens salad.
The service was fairly fast - we ended up pouring our own waters

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Always enjoy my meal at Café Alyce. Recently, I had delicious shakshuka w/ grits + a biscuit when I met a friend there for lunch. Delightful!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Honestly, pretty poor experience overall. The food just wasn't good and was trying to be something it isn't. Go elsewhere.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 2

Had a great lunch here, the butter chicken was perfect. Also, the service was amazing! Our server Efraim was very nice and took good care of us.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Came here a few times, the food was ok. The sandwich i ordered was very cold and tasted like it was done in a hurry. The place was packed, so that might explain the rushing of preparing the food, but for a $22 dollar sandwich, you should expect better.
The service however wasn't so great. The main seating venue was very crowded so we need to go to the nearby venue, the person taking us there was very unprofessional and treated me and my friend like a nuisance, we were just asking about our seating options, but he was very agitated and looked very frustrated.
Overall this place is very expensive and doesnt offer great value in terms of food or quality of service for the money.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

This is truly a hidden gem. It's a tiny little place but still feels cozy. The staff is very nice and the food absolutely fantastic!! Since it's such a small place you might have to wait a bit or make a reservation. We got very lucky that we got a table right away.

First time there definitely not gonna be our last time, our server was very good. The biscuits were delicious, poached eggs. Ibrahim was very intentive.

Food is great no matter the time. But be aware that they don't serve pancakes after 4 pm. That was a bit disappointing

Ordered 2 dishes with corned beef, that was amazing! Really recommend to try “biscuit” as a side.

We ordered a bulgogi breakfast bowl and shrimps and grits, they were very delicious!

I like the atmosphere inside the cafe it’s cute and charming but the kitchens food smell all over the dining area when we entered . I understand it’s winter ,doors closed due the cold weather but still not something I enjoy. Egg amatriciana would be better if they add more pancetta and pecorino . I barely taste the ingredients.brunch menu didn’t impressed me . The menu is pricey !!!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Biscuits & Gravy

This is the best restaurant I've been to in a long time. Everything is homemade and locally sourced. For example George uses NJ scallops that are usually sold to Europe, they where amazing.The food is served on fancy old fashioned china, the kind you'd see at grandmas house He combines flavors from old world immigrants and new, my shrimp and grits had the best mellow spiciness.

He brought back the an old fashioned cocktail that is very strong but has a unique bitter lime flavor, the drink is filtered using milk, it's called 1884. The staff is attentive and very nice, tip them well!

Can't wait to go back for brunch.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Scallops, Shrimp & Grits

Definitely my favorite restaurant in Jersey City! Brunch is absolutely spectacular. Staff is always friendly and welcoming. Love it here!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Its not located in the main district or downtown,but its pricy.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 2