This Hotel Bar Isn’t Just for Adulterers & Out-of-Towners

With the growth of tapas bars in recent years, I feel it’s also become quite acceptable to go into a non-tapas restaurant and order several appetizers for sharing, rather than several entrees. And if I ever went back to The Harbor Bar and Brasserie, that is most likely what I’d do because their appetizers were what made them stand out on this evening.

Located on the Hudson River waterfront, in the Sheraton Suites in Weehawken, this trying-to-be upscale sports bar is taking full advantage of its locale with nearly floor-to-ceiling windows. I’m not sure if the windows are a result of the recent renovation, but it’s a great feature. We went there one winter evening, so there was no real desire to stand outside and enjoy the views unobstructed. Luckily, our meal had certain highlights –which I’ll get to — that would bring me back once summer rolls in.

First, overall ambience: the wait staff was very attentive and friendly, giving the place the air of professionalism and warmth it seeks. It was basically business casual/informal without the young NYSE brokers getting drunk and yelling at the t.v., like in similar spots in Downtown Manhattan. Located inside a hotel, t doesn’t seem like the kind of place most Hobokenites or Weehawkenites would simply stumble upon (unless they’re adulterers needing a nice hotel for their escapades), so most of the crowd were probably hotel patrons. But this doesn’t mean they’re the only ones who should end up here.

The entrees were simple and tasted as they should — my steak was perfectly medium (if quite fatty), as I had asked — but there was nothing particularly oh-my-god-wow about any of them; in fact, my steak’s Au Poivre sauce had so many peppercorns, it was hard to enjoy and the Swiss Chard the entrees came with were overly salted. However, other sides such as lentils, french fries and mashed potatoes were just fine.

We went during Restaurant Week which was truly opportune since their normal prices are more than what I’d pay during a night out in Jersey. They have entrees that cost the same price we paid for three courses ($23). So, if they participate in the July Restaurant Week, you should go. I’ll tell you why: The appetizers.

If you want something that makes this place stand out, don’t bother to browse, go directly for the Hot Artichoke Dip. It was honestly fabulous - a real meld of flavors and textures. The artichokes, cut into small pieces were firm and smooth, and were immersed in a light sauce of garlic, oil and (I think) cheeses, resulting in a creamy and hearty spread. (Vegans will want to double check if there’s cheese in it). It comes with plentiful, thick-cut bread whose crunchy crust and soft center created a sturdy base for the spread. The Caeser salad and Clam Chowder were also delicious, but were nothing compared to this dip. The rest of the meal - Roasted Salmon, Herbed Lemon Chicken Breast, and New York Strip Steak (there were three of us) were good - tasty, in fact - but this dip was the one thing that made me glad we came. The waiter even had to ask if the two of us who had the salad and soup had shared our appetizers since we were digging so heartily into our friend’s spread.

Two other things helped to carve a personality into this otherwise typical restaurant: its mixed drinks and one dessert. Their Chocolate and Passion Fruit martinis were truly delightful and way above what I was expecting. The latter was pulpy, fruity, and sweet but not lacking in alcohol and the former came with a stick of cholocate like a swizzle. Nice touches.

We tasted three different desserts: the Chocolate Cake, some kind of cranberry spice tart (not listed on its regular menu), and the Warm Sticky Toffee Cake. Two of us were anticipating the Chocolate Cake, really expecting it to be our favorite, but its creme fraiche stole the show. However, the surprise favorite was the Warm Sticky Toffee Cake with whipped cream. The chocolate cake appeared to be a flourless cake but was crumbly and not creamy, melt-in-your-mouth like other such cakes I’ve tasted. Its flavor was strong, though, which I like. The toffee dessert was warm, gooey and sweet, “tasting the way a candy shop smells” according to one of my companions. I’d love to try their Warm Chocolate Bread Pudding next time.

I am keeping in mind that we went during restaurant week, so our choices were limited and I don’t know if they necessarily choose “their best” for people who come during that time. Since it’s probably a chance for them to meet new customers who may not otherwise go there, they ought to choose their signature dishes, but who knows. So, maybe there are other dishes we missed out on that make this place shine. I sure hope so. Also, it has only been in existence since late 2006 I believe, - so they’re new enough that hopefully they’ll notice what’s so amazing about their stand-out dishes and rely on them for creating entrees that really bring together flavor and texture as well. I’d come back in a while and see how they’re doing. I’m tempted to try their Classic Mac & Cheese, Crispy Mushroom Bites, and Fried Calamari with pickled jalapeños. If you go, post a comment and give us your take.

For you New Yorkers, this place is quite easy to get to: the New York Waterway Ferry has a dock right there. Oh, and they have free parking. Another great feature for our generation? You can make reservations online at OpenTable.com

The Harbor Bar and Brasserie
500 Harbor Boulevard
Weehawken
(201) 348-4444

— by Donna M.
Donna is both a Jersey native and recent transplant from NYC. She is executive editor and a co-founder of GoOutJersey.

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