I have been to a lot of restaurants in Hoboken, but I must say, the Elysian Cafe at 1001 Washington Street is one of my all time favorites. According to ZAGAT, it is home to the “most beautiful ceiling in Hoboken,” and was restored from an 1895 saloon into a French Bistro. The cafe was named after Elysian Fields, which has been said to be the site of the first organized baseball game. And, it has some of its own history too – it’s one of the oldest restaurants in Hoboken!
Regardless of the day, visitor, or dinner date that you want to impress, it’s the perfect spot for some delicious eats and drinks.
Glass of Pinot Grigio
The wine is usually very good – my only qualm is that they serve it in small glasses. I’m a big glass wine kind of girl – ONieals does a great job with this – big wine glasses. I just love them. It doesn’t have to be a lot of wine, just a big glass. Capisce?
As far as service, I’ve never had a problem at Elysian. Waiters and bartenders are very friendly, and although it usually gets packed on Friday and Saturday nights, I’ve never had to wait more than 30 minutes.
As far as dinner dishes, friends that I was with ordered a variety – and all loved them. Elysian really mixes delicious food with class, presentation, and taste. This one, above, is the Blackened Monkfish with Tomatillo Coulis, Basmati Rice, & Mango Salsa - an eclectic mix of tasty foods for the seafood and comfort food loving palate.
Another dinner guest ordered this Crispy Pork Cutlet with Sour Cream and Herb Mashed Potatoes, Arugula, Black Olives, Roasted Tomato Vinaigrette – which he was raving about.
This burger ordered was well done – just as he had asked – but not my style. I like medium, if I eat red meat (verrrry rare occasion – 4th of July & Labor Day BBQs mostly). My dinner date enjoyed it thoroughly, however.I just love the tin cup that the fries come in! So adorbs.
And what did I get, you might ask? This amazing salmon platter, of course (my usual):
Pan Roasted Salmon with a Potato Leek Cake, Spinach, Apple Bacon Vinaigrette. DELICIOUS! I usually try to only eat half so I can savor the rest at a later date (usually the next lunch, but it’s pretty difficult).
As far as the ambiance at the Elysian, it’s an older crowd (read: late 20s is the starting age I’d say), but a really awesome crowd. Lots of locals and regulars, and it’s a very warm, cozy environment. Quite quaint, actually. Kids are welcome, whose presence is well-assisted by the crayon assortments they give out if requested. Of course, we requested one. Because we are in our mid-twenties going on…five.
Our Crayons at Dinner
Overall, I highly recommend Elysian. It’s a staple in my dinner repertoire, and everyone I bring there loves it. Plus, they have an amazing brunch (previously discussed here)! I’d actually suggest going this morning – they open at 10am! And also, get the salmon eggs benedict. It’s TDF.