Review: The Park Ave Bar & Grill
The Park Ave Bar & Grill, a brand-new addition to the commercial downtown area on the Union City-Weehawken border, is the first restaurant/bar in the area to cater to the newest wave of residents — the 20-something commuter set (i.e., me). It has zero competition for the demographic, and so despite being only six weeks old, it already boasts a substantial crowd of regulars.
The restaurant sits on the corner of Park and 35th, sporting a trendy brick/glossy black motif, in stark contrast to the extremely un-trendy (though friendly) neighborhood of hair salons, Dominican restaurants, apartment buildings, and Walgreens. A hostess sits at the door to greet you as you enter the dimly lit bar. There are a few tables in this area, but the main dining area is up a flight of stairs. Above that, you’ll find a third floor lounge, and then level four is a roof deck. Back on the ground level, you’ll find a patio with an almost-full bar in the back (bonus: this bar glows neon blue).
I visited Park Ave on a Monday night, and was surprised to find a fair amount of patrons having drinks and appetizers, since most of the neighborhood is pretty quiet on weeknights. I sat at the bar on the patio and ordered from their fancy specialty drink menu (most of these are around $10. Beers are closer to $5). Instead of a girly fruity cocktail, I somehow wound up with a Manhattan (Cough. Sputter. Okay, act like you drink bourbon all the time). I don’t like to make a fuss, but next time I will have to speak up when I notice the bartender pouring what I believe to be the incorrect ingredients.
As I nursed my drink, I chatted with the bar back, a college student who has been working there since before it changed hands and made its recent transformation. According to him, it used to be the local old-man watering hole. Now it’s bringing in big, young crowds, thanks in part to Latin Jazz on Thursdays and a DJ on Fridays and Saturdays.
The nouveau American/Mexican menu is also a draw. I only had a guacamole appetizer ($10), but everything was presented beautifully (lots of square white plates) and tasted fresh, although the chips did get soggy fast in the humidity. I would certainly come back to try the quesadillas, a steak, or a fancy hamburger, and if I liked seafood, I’d be pleased by the wide selection of dishes. It is unfortunate that the prices are on the high side, even if it does correspond to what you’d expect from such a hip atmosphere. But with no direct competition, they can pretty much charge whatever they want. I’m just glad I found a place to drink that’s close enough to stumble home from.
Park Avenue Bar & Grill
3417 Park Ave
Union City
(201) 617-7275
— by Nicole Little
Nicole, GoOutJersey's associate editor, is a Nutley native and recent Weehawken transplant. She loves dining out and imposing her opinions on others, which makes her a well-qualified reviewer.
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June 23rd, 2007 at 7:54 am
Discrimination at the Park Avenue Bar and Grill - Go to Mexico Lindo instead
I should start by saying that I am not a huge fan of gentrification. I have been a resident of Union City for 16 years and am not thrilled with all of the condos going up around my neighborhood, adding to the congestion and noise. I have to admit however, very excited when I saw the dilapidated building down the street from my house being renovated into an upscale bar and grill.
A couple of weeks ago, I called, Karl, the owner of the Park Avenue Bar and Grill, and explained that I would like to reserve the roof after work on a specific Friday to celebrate my 36th birthday. There would be about 20 people and we would be there from 5:30-9. He said the roof was not that crowded after work and there was no need for a formal reservation but he would let the bartender know to expect us. He also mentioned there is a cover charge after 9:30 and while I thought that was a little pretentious for my neighborhood, it wasn’t going to affect my group since we would all be early.
The awaited Friday arrived and I was having a really nice time with my friends and family. It was a great June evening and a lot of people had come in from out of town. One of my friends is moving out of Hudson County and thought she might have her party at the P.A.B.G. Our $6 drinks were served in plastic cups, but we were all having fun and it was nice to celebrate my birthday with good friends and within walking distance to my house.
Around 7:50, I got a call from my sister who said she was downstairs but they would not let her or her boyfriend in because they weren’t in “dress code.” I went downstairs with one of my friends figuring that since they were with our party, it shouldn’t be a problem. Mr. Security Guy at the front door said it wasn’t up to him but we could talk to Jason. Jason tells us “the building has a very strict dress code after 8:00” (funny since it wasn’t quite 8:00 yet). This policy is not in writing though and was verbally loosely described as “business casual.” He explained that means no sandals, t-shirts, shorts. Well all of my friends and many other people at the bar were wearing at least some part of this clothing, because after all, it is summer. Jason’s response was that decisions are on a case-by-case decision. We asked him then to please make an exception for my sister who was here for a party that was bringing a lot of business to their establishment. I was sad and angry that my sister was being embarrassed this way. She and her boyfriend were wearing clean clothes and it was not like they were in gym attire. Jason would not budge on his decision so my 20 friends and I went down the street and had a fantastic birthday evening at Mexico Linda, which is now my new favorite neighborhood hang-out where the food was authentic, the drinks were reasonably priced, there is a pool table and the service was so friendly.
Like I said, I am not happy about the gentrification of Union City. The glossy image of the Park Avenue Bar and Grill lacks class and substance. They have been in town two months and have alienated a number of neighborhood clientèle already with their unwelcoming attitude. Because they don’t have a parking lot, they valet park cars, taking up valuable residential parking spaces and parking other cars illegally on street corners. If they are afraid of the “undesirable Union City element” tainting their space, they should be aware that their overpriced food and drinks will be enough of a deterrent . . . they do not need vague, unwritten rules about codes of dress.
June 24th, 2007 at 12:16 pm
Thanks for that comment - it really brings a different view of the restaurant and we’re glad our readers now know about it. We’ll have to check out and review Mexico Lindo now. - GOJ Editors
June 25th, 2007 at 10:45 am
I had a similar situation at this restaurant. They would not let me in because I wasn’t in dresscode. But there were barely any people inside. Now I used to work at the Chart House…and they would let you in their bar section which is 10x’s better. Money is money no matter what its dressed in so needless to say I left and went down to Chart House.
June 29th, 2007 at 11:43 pm
This ultra-pretentious bar is trying way too hard. It’s the summer. Its 95 degrees. And some people prefer to eat dinner after 8:00pm. Well don’t show up in flip flops! Better yet, don’t try to talk to the “manager” rationally because there’s always the overbearing “security” staff that has veto power!
Sandals after 8? Stay home.
In fact, this neighborhood has many other gems to uncover if you look hard enough and suspend your expectations for swanky surroundings.
Bottom line, for all the rules and snobbery exhibited here, take that $25 per plate and support local businesses with a conscience.
July 2nd, 2007 at 3:18 pm
I had gone to Melissa’s party but had already left for a prior appointment when the discriminatory event occurred which prompted Melissa’s party of 20 to leave and find another venue. I’m glad that I was not there, considering the level of outrage I felt when I heard of their barring Melissa’s sister and her boyfriend. I know that they are always in decent attire, and considering it was not even 8pm yet, when the dress code was to go into effect, there IS a question of personal discrimination. They were not dressed any more casual than others who were allowed in. I had already told friends who live in bordering towns that it was a lovely place, but I’m now spreading the word to avoid Park Ave Bar & Grill completely. When I owned a business years ago, I learned the valuable adage: Be decent to your customers. One happy customer tells at least 10 others. One unhappy customer tells at least 10 others, and they EACH tell the story to at least 10 more. Sorry, PAB&G, you’re really blowing it, and you just opened!!!! Some karma’s tough to handle, isn’t it?
July 4th, 2007 at 2:05 am
Gentrification’s new winner has opened just in time for a new line of Park Avenue condos. Locals need not apply. The new nightspot is fancily equipped with an “eye in the sky” surrounding security cam to assure “undesirable” aren’t spending their hard dollars any night of the week.
Don’t bother going there on a Tuesday or Thursday pre-weekend or any other night. You’ll only be met by some burly “Head of Security” that will insult you and your party for not wearing “sneaker” or “shoes” “never boots” or whatever the black polo clad company decides is appropriate to enter this pseudo-swank Union City joint.
“Hiking boots?” “Shoe-boots.” “Nice try!”
If you’re that close to the city - Go. If you’re that close to Hoboken’s bars and grills - Go. If you’re looking for newly gentrified locations, Groove Street - Go. If you’re in Union City don’t bother wasting your time. You can get better food, drink and music for half the price. Bergenline – Go.
If you’re from the community they don’t want you.
If you’re an outsider, they don’t want you either unless your willing to go through the bevy of Jersey fashion critiques looking to slam you. Be sure to go with a change of clothing – I think bare foot is the safest bet.
Taking the Park Avenue address too seriously, avoid this place
July 17th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
[...] many comments on our review of the Park Ave Bar & Grill, and we invited Melissa, who had a particularly negative experience there, to write for GoOutJersey - because of her bold opinions and writing style. We know about her [...]
July 20th, 2007 at 12:17 am
I ENJOY GOING TO PARK AVE FOR SOME DRINKS AND DANCING WITH FRIENDS. I ACTUALLY PLAN TO CELEBRATE MY BIRTHDAY THERE. THE BOUNCERS ARE STRICT WITH THE DRESS CODE, BUT IF THEY AREN’T THEN YOU’D HAVE A NOT SO UPSCALE CROWD. I REALLY LIKE THIS PLACE AND I DO RECCOMMEND IT TO PEOPLE IF THEY WANT TO STAY IN THE UNION CITY AREA.
July 26th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
We went here on Tuesday evening to celebrate a friend’s birthday - after reading some of the reviews, I was really leery . There were about 12 of us and we requested to sit on the Terrace on the 2nd floor. The staff couldnt have been nicer - the restaurant and bar are absoutely gorgeous - there is no valet parking during the week however we had no problems finding a spot on the block. I had sandals on - wasnt given a hard time - and one of our party had on jeans- again, not an issue - let me state that we are all well beyond our 20’s so I dont know if that played a part in not having a problem, as some of the other folks stated in
their emails. I fully appreciate and agree that they need to be somewhat selective - they put a ton of money into that restaurant and I dont think they really want to deal with any issues that can come when there arent some standards set. I am from Hudson County - born and bred - so I fully understand the problems that an establishment can face in certain areas. The food was great, the drinks were great, the service was wonderful - we brought a cake for our friend’s birthday and they brought it out with candles and served it for us at the end of the meal.
We fully intend to go back again and again. Please dont let some of these negative reviews scare you from trying this little oasis on Park Ave!!!
August 1st, 2007 at 8:34 pm
I don’t understand the above negative comments about the Park Avenue Bar and Grill about dress code?…..get over it and don’t go there…it is not for you clearly. They are giving a clear message about dress code, it is not ambiguous…don’t embarrass yourself by going there and challenging them…..just dress up and enjoy the night….or don’t go there…..I for one don’t feel guilty about having a classy and glamorous spot nearby …… we can’t be too classy or get notions above our station…is that what this is all about? Glamour and atmosphere is what Park Avenue Bar and Grill is all about……Enjoy it or else go somewhere else!
August 12th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
I have had dinner and drinks at the Park Ave grill on several ocassions and have enjoyed myself very much except for today August 12th , 2007. I do not mind a dress code; they are trying to maintain a ceratin look that I appreciate. What is not appreciated is the rude manager my girlfriends and I encountered. From the moment we enetered we were treated like trespassers. He was condassending, rude, and almost didnt allow us to go upstairs with our waitress after she asked us to follow her to the table. I am not a person to get into an arguement but could not help but open my mouth. Then the food , Chilean salmon, was not cooked nor was my friends skirt steak. It was such a dissapointing evening for 3 professionals ( an attorney, a case worker and a respiratory therapist). My suggestion is: there are plenty of restaurants in the area to spend your money in. Places where you will be treated with dignity.
August 27th, 2007 at 5:56 pm
My friends and I decided to celebrate my 22nd birthday in PA on August 24th. Even before we entered the door, we encountered two over powering security staff that were embarrasing us with their arrogant and unwelcoming attitudes. We then finally made it in, where a very sweet hostess informed us about the different levels the building has (which was the only good person we were faced with in PA). She sat us at one of the tables at the bar and our cocktail waitress “Natasha” (big hair, big earrings, ghetto slang) was a mess! She forgot our orders, our food arrived late, and we had to continue to remind her of the drinks we had ordered. A small statured creature continue to harass our table. He happen to be the manager at PA and he said he was trying to make sure we were “ok” (which we obviously were not). But we all just thought he was rude, obnoxious, and very disrespectful. He continued to look at down our blouses and was constantly putting his hand around our shoulders. This was completely unnecessary! We immeadiately ran away never to come back to Park Avenue Bar & Grill!
September 26th, 2007 at 9:57 am
Well to all of you who think the crowd is sooooo upscale at Park Avenue, I honestly have to laugh at you, first of all who is anyone to judge anyone by the way they dress, obviously fancy clothes don’t mean “BETTER QUALITY PEOPLE” after last weekends BAR BRAWL and police officers getting hit over the head with bottles, even that brawly bouncer and his partner got punched out, and not because all they do is stare at A@@ all night, but they were paying attention this time and yet the quality of peopel they are letting in, BECAUSE MONEY DOES TALK……is not all they hoped for…….it’s a shame, because they are ticking allot of us locals off with there prejudice at the door,….REDO your staff, bring in real personality and lighten up on the door……appreciate your surroundings and enjoy a beautiful place…..it is gorgeous inside…….but just not enjoyable……
September 26th, 2007 at 10:53 am
I have lived in Weehawken for over 10 years and was so excited to see the Park Avenue Grill open however, after giving it 3 1/2 tries I am done. The 1/2 try was on a over a 100 degree night where my husband had on nice, khaki long shorts and a polo shirt. We were completely shot down before we even crossed the street towards the bouncer. We know the owner Karl and for a split second we thought maybe we would pull that.(sorry we were so hungry) We decided it just wasn’t worth it and went to Paula’s at Rigoletto’s instead. Which, I highly recommend. A great meal and bring your own bottle-you can get an entire bottle of wine at Vigneto’s Wine store next door, for the same price as one glass of wine at Park Avenue Grill. What a waste of a beautiful building. PS: and the music is horrible and I can stand anything.
November 10th, 2007 at 3:29 am
Its 3am and I can’t sleep THANKS PA GRILL. Its been like this since they opened. the crowd that leaves there at 1:45am act like animals drunk as hell loud fighting peeing all over the buildings in front of people and don’t care at all ,I am soooooooooo tired of this. there is no parking from Thursday thru Saturday due to the valet parking is to lazy to go to the lots they rent out they park in the street the other night I was driving around in the rain for 40 mins.I saw a parking and one of the guys was standing in it waiting for the other guy to pull a U-turn I asked him can I park here please its raining and I have my son with me and I can’t find any parking and he said NO! I told him come on you have a lot for parking and he didn’t care to move.The bouncers don’t even tell these people to leave after the bar is closed they are so loud and its hard to wake up on Friday to go to work cause the noise and there music keeps me up till 2:30 when everyone leaves PLEASE I wish something can be done about the noise and the people coming out so drunk and getting in there cars and driving away!!!!!!
November 10th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
Lived in Weehawken for 28 years. Went to Hoboken whenever I wanted and never had a problem. This place s*cks. I love when Jersey “clubs”, “lounges” etc. think they’re in New York, YOU’RE NOT!! Everyone I know that has been there, hates the dress code and the fact you have to pay to go upstairs. People, 5 minutes away, in hoboken, is City Bistro. Same layout, better looking people, and the bouncers don’t have a d!ck up their ass. I went there once, my friends had gotten there at 8:45 and I got there at 9:02 and they made me pay $10 to get upstairs. Meanwhile, there was no one up there, besides the whole staff bullsh!ting for the next two hours. We were the only people up there, and I was the only ass that had to pay 10 until 11:30. So some advice, just go to hoboken, if you don’t like a place, you could just hop somewhere else. This place is in a crap area.
November 19th, 2007 at 10:58 am
I love when I drive by the place and see only 2 people in there. It reminds me of how bad they are doing. You can’t compete with so many bars literally 5 minutes away. What place makes women pay to get in. Most of the time it’s after 11 when they do that. Not here, you’ve got to pay at 9:00. Oh yeah, I can see the line now just waiting to get in.
December 9th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
It’s so funny to hear that people think Karma has finally bitten Park Avenue Bar & Grill in the ass….when it’s the ONLY Bar & Restaurant in the area that’s up in business by over 60%. Take a look around folks…the area’s on the New Jersey coastline are changing…those in lower income WILL be pushed out, and those in a higher income bracket WILL enjoy a place like PAB&G. Yeah, drive by the restaurant Mon-Wed…2 people? How about the jammed dining room? Drive by any restaurant in the area…NOTHING is busy with the economy the way it is now.
The dresscode ordeal has lightened up quite a bit…but it’s saved a lot of issues. Go ahead and take your trashy friends to your little Mexican diner….you won’t believe how much hassle you’re actually saving PAB&G with your shitty tipping anyway.
No, it’s not NYC…but nothing will EVER be NYC. What about a dresscode, a cover charge and an $8 grey goose cocktail makes PAB&G like NYC? If you don’t like the cover…go somewhere else…it doesn’t stop the massive amounts of people from cramming into the building on a Thursday, Friday & Saturday night..to where people have to be STOPPED from coming in. FYI: The cover starts (FOR THE LOUNGE ONLY) @ 9pm….and yes GUYS & GIRLS pay on Fridays…ladies are free on Saturdays….so everyone is allowed in at all times.
I wouldn’t ban PAB&G altogether. It’s a great place to catch a game, have a mojito outdoors in the summer, have a private party in the lounge, take the family out to dinner in the dining room…etc. Everything is worth a second shot…otherwise I think you’re selling yourself short of a good time.
December 13th, 2007 at 8:15 pm
…yeah, I just heard about this site, so I thought I would check it out ….woh man! what different opinions you all have! I have been there 4 times and I have got to say that it is a great place…it is smart and has a great buzz.. Yeah, the bouncers bug us all….but they also give a sense that someone is in charge when you are enjoying yourself and partying! Anyway other than that I had a blast of a night! and would reccomend this spot to anyone who likes to enjoy themselves!
December 14th, 2007 at 7:54 pm
Does anybody know the specifics to whats going on at this place for New Years? I heard it’s the best deal around Hudson county!!!
December 15th, 2007 at 11:05 am
Hi guys! Just making the rounds to all the message boards and reviews to push the TOYS FOR TOTS TEXAS HOLD EM’ TOURNAMENT at Park Avenue Bar & Grill today (December 15th)!!! I’m the president of the Hoboken Poker Club and we’re ecstatic to have our 2nd Annual event here ! We already have 80 confirmed players and tons more to come to support the cause! Bring a toy, buy a beer or snack on some good food, all for the giving season! TONS OF REALLY COOL PRIZES! See you there! -JH
December 15th, 2007 at 11:28 am
What the buzz for New Years Eve ? Was told $70 per head open bar !!! Can’t see anything on their web site yet ? Does anyone know what going on ?
December 15th, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Just bought 8 tickets for my crew at $95 bucks for the New Year’s Eve bash……that’s one headace over with.The dinner menu looks great, can’t wait for it….i also turn the big 30 !!!
December 15th, 2007 at 8:50 pm
What a night, had our x’mas party there last night. The place was packed. We were a party of thirty five, and the service and attendtion was outstanding. Didn’t realise they had a nightclub on the third floor, as we had planned to travel to Manhattan after dinner, but with a vote of 33-2 we stayed, and what a good decision we made. Music and crowd were fabulous, and to make the night perfect i met a very cute Australian, names and numbers exchanged…..wish me luck !!!!
December 16th, 2007 at 5:56 pm
What a great place !! Only complaint was there was so many people there, we lost some of our party on one of the four floors. Food was excellent…..and the music unique. Would go again for sure. will be there fir their New Years Bash….looks great value.
December 16th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
Myself and a couple of friends were at the Tournament on Saturday and were enjoying ourself until the very end. The sexy and playful female manager had promised us a discount on our bill earlier and we decided to stay on a little longer as we were enjoying ourselves. Suddenly, everything changes (she is no longer playful!) and as we are about to leave tells us we have to pay up the whole bill. When we debated this she denied ever making that promise and gets the male owner or manager over to push this issue. We just paid up and left……pretty disgusted, having been misled like that. Bad end to what was quite a good day. Not going back there, don’t trust them at PA.
December 16th, 2007 at 9:04 pm
Got my tickets for New’s Eve….yippee! Great value, see you all there!
December 17th, 2007 at 8:41 am
I must become Hoboken Poker player………looks like i’ll expect to get all my drinks free !!! Hahhahahhah…..as a bar tender at McBrides….theses poker players are the worst tippers, and expect everything free…….they also need to shower a bit more !!!
Try the Zoo guys !!!
December 17th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
I guess the people around Union City do not have a life and worry too much about others and not themselves. PA is a great place to visit and the staff are always welcoming. Get on with enjoying the holidays and your own life and quit worrying about the local gossip.
December 18th, 2007 at 2:37 am
Just read the last post…..what is this “local gossip”? Did I miss something at PA? Do I need to read back to see what this is about or can someone tell me please?
By the way…that’s what this site is all about, honest review and a lot of gossip which in most cases is probably true if the same issue comes up a few times….Somebody fill me in?! x
December 18th, 2007 at 9:48 pm
Well Debbie, where do we begin really? read the comments above and you will probably understand what the common topic is here or what the “gossip” is as our friend jackie says. In summary, it is about a great, fun place that was running real good and was set up well, but now at the helm is a dreadful, unscrupuless rude female manager who has a big hate on for women customers. She undermines and abuses her staff (so say some of the current and ex staff members of PA…perhaps gossip Debbie….but no smoke without a lot of fire here I’d say). No question that she appears to work hard and puts in the hours, but boy is it worth it for her as she tells some of the female customers to “f-off” when no one else is looking or when she does not want them to come in for whatever reason. The security guys just look away when this happens ….you can tell she rules the roost there! I understand that her power base comes from the “close” !!! relationship that she enjoys with the boss. This has been advertised to the staff in a sort of chatty way by her, but said of course to reinforce her strong position…..so no one challenge her, who would dare to?
So Debbie, my advice to you as a customer is come early to PA and enjoy it …avoid this person and if you come late and see a cue, just dress up as a good looking guy and you’ll have no problems getting in!
December 19th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
Obviously Sara has never had to run her own business. You can never please everyone and working with women is always a challenge since emotions always get in the way. Perhaps Sara is the one who has a big hate for women? Running a business in the public eye is always challenging and it takes an individual with a stiff upper lip to weather the good and the bad and rise above the garbage that is being placed on this blog. I thought this blog was for reviewing restaurants not individuals.
December 23rd, 2007 at 1:20 am
Just to be clear, this blog is for reviewing businesses, not individuals per se. However, the comment section is for readers, and they don’t have to follow our editorial policy when posting responses. GOJ welcomes people (including business owners themselves) to express opinions that are relevant to the review. The more back-and-forth the better - just like a lively dinner conversation. That being said, we may at times choose to edit out things like profanity or inappropriate details or comments, if deemed necessary. For example, a reader may feel that the staff or management at a bar really makes or breaks the place - that’s totally relevant - but we would not permit the naming of individual employees.