HobokenFoodCritic

Rain was pouring down, we didn’t have much in the fridge, and we weren’t in the mood to order in, so we went to Ted & Jo’s (on the corner of 11th and Park), since it is a short walk away and reasonably priced. We have been to Ted & Jo’s many times, and the food and service are both spotty. We had one experience where we were seated and then just forgotten about until we got up and asked someone for service after about 15 minutes. Another time our waitress kept forgetting about us. Other times our orders have been messed up. I will say, however, that when the owner is present, he stays on top of things to ensure the service is good.

Experiences with their food have not been much more consistent. Any dish involving grilled chicken, such as the Barbecue Chicken Salad or “The Clinton” chicken sandwich, almost always comes out with the chicken overcooked. When we tried the Fish and Chips, the fish was over-fried and dark brown. Most of the time, we order from the specials menu, because the specials tend to be pretty decent.

This time the service was good from the beginning–we were seated promptly and we ordered drinks right away. I had a Blue Moon, and Ashley had a glass of Ruffino Chianti. The night was off to a good start.

As we overlooked the menus, I was reminded that I’m not crazy about the menu at Ted & Jo’s. The menu seems rather limited, and there never seems to be anything on it that excites me, especially after being disappointed more often than not.

Ashley ordered the chicken pot pie, because she wanted to compare it to the one at Maxwell’s, which is right up the street. She had a chicken pot pie at Maxwell’s a few weeks ago, and although she enjoyed it, she said there was room for improvement.

When the meal arrived, it was not a chicken pot pie at all, but rather just a bowl filled with all the stuff that would be inside a pot pie. It was topped with a small puff pastry. Although the dish was not quite what she expected, Ashley gave it a chance, thinking that sometimes “different is good”. But not this time–it tasted disappointingly bland. I tried a few bites and agreed. Even after loading it up with salt and pepper, it still had very little flavor.

I ordered a burger, cooked medium-well (which is how I like my burgers), with provolone and mushrooms. Since I had eaten fries for lunch that day, I asked if I could substitute my fries with a small side salad, which was no problem. The meat was cooked perfectly, and although the bun it was served on didn’t have much flavor, I have to say it was a pretty good burger overall.

Our waitress, who was very nice, kept coming back at regular intervals. When I finished my Blue Moon, I ordered another. But that was the last we heard from our waitress until we were done with our meals, about 15 minutes later, when she finally brought me my second beer.

I guess we couldn’t complain too much, since the bill was only $38.

Ted & Jo’s is the kind of place that I wish I liked, but I just can’t because of the experiences we’ve had. It’s a small local Irish bar & grill that looks very appealing from the outside, and has a nice, clean, relaxed atmosphere inside. There is also outdoor seating. In fact, I think the visual appeal is what keeps us coming back–we keep giving it another chance after enough time passes that any negative experiences don’t seem so bad anymore. I feel like the place has so much potential, but continues to fall short.

As we walked home, we talked about our experience. Ashley remarked, “Well, another mediocre meal at Ted & Jo’s. Who makes a chicken pot pie like that?”

I thought it might be a good idea to post my 5 favorite hangouts. Now, understand, I am not saying that these are the best places in Hoboken, but rather they are the places you would most likely find me when I’m not home. I’m not really into many of the trendy, contemporary quasi-lounges that keep cropping up around town. Instead, I usually tend to gravitate toward establishments that have a bit more of a relaxed atmosphere where you can let your guard down a bit, pound a few good beers, or get a solid, inexpensive meal.

Most of my favorite hangouts are in uptown Hoboken, mainly because of their proximity to where I live, but also because I can only take so much of the just-out-of-college craziness that goes on downtown. That is not to say there aren’t outstanding bars and restaruants downtown–there is definitely a ton of variety down there no matter what type of experience you are in the mood for, and there are plenty of places that I visit frequently. However, not as frequently as the establishments I would call my “favorites”.

So, without further ado, in no particular order, here are my 5 favorite hangouts in Hoboken, with some notes on each:

Maxwell’s ~ Corner of Washington and 11th ~ I’ve eaten here more than any other restaurant in Hoboken, mainly because of the variety of good food, friendly service, generous portions, reasonable prices, and really cool atmosphere. It’s Hoboken’s version of South Street Philly or New York’s CBGB’s, but Maxwell’s is more than just a punkish bar/restaurant–there is also a small (but legendary) concert area in a separate room off to the side that hosts local and emerging artists, and sometimes some bigger acts. Strangely, non-punks like myself need not feel out of place. I’ve only seen one concert there, but this place is a favorite of mine because you can always get a good, inexpensive meal–whether you are in the mood for beer-battered shrimp, a huge chicken sandwich, meatloaf, a huge burrito, a ‘health salad’, or ‘Hoboken’s best quesadillas’. They call it all “comfort food”, and let me tell you, it is comforting.

Helmers’ Cafe ~ Corner of Washington and 11th (opposite Maxwell’s) ~ One of best beer menus in Hoboken, Helmers’ came roaring back to life when it reopened in August 2007 after a fire left it vacant for over a year. This place always seems to be busy, and it’s no surprise–the combination of authentic German food, premium Imported beers, and a classy yet relaxed atmosphere makes this one of the more unique hangouts in town. Expect to pay a little extra on average for their beers, but I’m sure the predominantly 30-something crowd can handle it. I usually just go down the menu and try anything I’ve never had before. Ashley loves Helmers’ because it is the only bar we’ve ever been to where she can get Framboise Lambic (raspberry beer) on tap.

McMahon’s Brownstone Ale House ~ Willow Ave between 10th and 11th ~ My local hole-in-the-wall Irish pub. Some of the friendliest bartenders I’ve come across in Hoboken. It’s the only bar on my favorites list that has a pool table, and sometimes on a slow weeknight, the bartender will challenge you to a game. And by the way, pool is free on Tuesdays. On the weekends, McMahon’s is more lively, and often overtaken by birthday parties or large groups of pub crawlers. Awesome digital jukebox. The owner, Francis (”Fran”), is a super nice guy with an Irish accent who takes pride in his bar and his clientèle. The small, old-school TV’s could use some updating, but they have never taken away from my having a great time at this place.

Liberty Bar ~ 14th Street between Washington and Hudson ~ My favorite place to watch sports, Liberty Bar has about 20 crystal-clear flat screens plus a huge projection screen on the back wall. It’s almost like walking into the TV section of BestBuy. They also have some of the best burgers, sandwiches, fries, appetizers, and salads in town. Very reasonably priced. Try the bleu cheese burger or one of the several filet mignon sandwiches they offer. Beer selection is decent (they have Blue Moon and Sam Adams’ Seasonals), service is friendly. Daily drink and/or food specials. Rumor has it that Artie Lange hangs out there once in a while.

Farside ~ Washington Street between 5th and 6th ~ Casual, good beer menu, good music, good service. Black motif with red light bulbs (gotta love it), and there are about 10 flat screens showing whatever sporting events are on at the time. Darts. Limited outside seating, but if it’s not crowded you can sometimes snag the coveted wicker couch. This place is usually packed on Sundays. Decent bar food….I have not yet tried their fabled ‘Fat Bastard’ burger, which is smothered in a mound of bacon. I’ll post an update when that day comes, if my arteries don’t clog before I get home. Farside is a great place to hang out when you just want to go somewhere and chill, particularly during the week, and it is also a great place to hit for a few drinks to get warmed up for a big weekend night out.