MARCO and PEPE

Cyberspace: http://www.marcoandpepe.com/
 
The Grade: B+
 
Where to Find It? 289 Grove St. Jersey City, NJ

Food Group: American

How Much to Fork Over: $$$ (entrees $11-$29)

Faves: Artisan salad; sweet potato fries; grilled corn

Peeves: Crowded; No place to stand around and get a drink at the bar

The Jibba Jab: For those of you who live in Jersey City, Grove Street's Marco and Pepe is the place to be. This lantern lit-up restaurant, reminded me of cute little NYC West and East Village eateries. It's menu ranged from buttery grilled Mexican corn to lobster and corn risotto and an amazing melt-in-your-mouth artisan salad with truffle vinaigrette dressing. They also serve homemade creamy butter with, what I believe from the display in the window, freshly baked bread from NYC's Balthazar. Although I didn't get a chance to try the macaroni and cheese, I've heard that it's the best ever from Yelp and Urbanspoon reviews! It took my husband and me almost a year to dine at this place because of the crowdedness, but don't let that scare you away, our wait was only 25 minutes. If you feel the need to get a drink while waiting, there isn't much room at their bar, but there are plenty other bars nearby and, even better, the restaurant alerts you when your table is ready by calling your cell phone.

The food was delicious and the waitstaff was friendly and informative. On our next visit to here, I will definitely have to try out their wonderful brunch and Gruyere, goat, and mascarpone macaroni and cheese.

Artisan Salad