Barge Inn

324 3rd St, Jersey City, NJ 07302, United States
+1 201-420-3268
$$$ Italian restaurant , Bar , Bar & grill , Lunch restaurant , Seafood restaurant , Steak house
(237 Reviews)
Price Range $30–50

Barge Inn on 3rd Street in Jersey City strikes a familiar chord for anyone who appreciates classic Italian dining with an authentic neighborhood bar vibe. This isn’t a spot for rushed lunches or minimalist plates; it’s built around generous portions and old-school Italian-American flavors that feel like something you’d find in a warm family kitchen—but with the energy of a lively local haunt.

The atmosphere combines the casual buzz of a bar with the comfort of a family-run Italian restaurant. You’ll find friendly staff who easily shift from serving up hearty plates like veal parmigiana and homemade cheese ravioli to pouring craft cocktails and letting guests take their pick from the jukebox. The presence of shared tables and the soundtrack of sing-along tunes create an inviting backdrop, perfect for group dinners or low-key date nights after catching a nearby show.

Seafood options, like seafood fra diablo and steamed mussels, nod to the restaurant’s versatility beyond red sauce standards, while specialties such as the pork chop bitsy and veal a la Barge lean into that rich, comforting Italian flavor profile that locals appreciate. A standout on dessert here is the bread pudding—a sweet finish that balances the savory menu well, crafted with clear devotion to both taste and texture.

This spot works best for those who want a relaxed evening with friends or family in a setting that’s both cozy and lively. The bar element means it’s also a solid choice for a casual drink before or after dinner, with an emphasis on feeling at home rather than formal dining etiquette. Peak times tend to fill up, especially on weekends when the jukebox sparks a communal energy among patrons.

Whether you’re looking to dig into classic Italian dishes with bold flavors or simply enjoy a friendly neighborhood bar with good music and a warm atmosphere, Barge Inn provides that accessible, spirited experience right in the heart of Jersey City’s evolving food scene.

Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves healthy options
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Best for
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
No wheelchair-accessible car park

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

4:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Tuesday

3:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday

3:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Thursday

3:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Friday

3:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Saturday

3:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

237 Reviews
Mandi Abdalla Hernandez-Jimenez (MahJ)

29 Dec 2025

10 Stars overall! Such a bonafide and beyond delicious and fresh community, food gem. The most amazing chicken parmigiana I or my wonderful husband ever had in Jersey City. And their BREAD PUDDING! Holy moly! It’s immaculate. Frank is a rare chef with a true passion for savory and sweet dishes! I feel so beyond lucky to alive during Beyoncé & Barge Inn.

CJ

22 Dec 2025

Awesome, awesome spot. Food from apps to entrees (I had chicken parm) are generous portions and VERY good. We went here with a group of 12 for my birthday and not only was service good, the staff were so nice & fun. We kept adding music to the jukebox and when it was clear the rest of the restaurant patrons were also enjoying it, they turned it up a bit we all sang and the staff were soaking it up. We loved them (even the cooks were enjoying it!). All in all, quaint spot, but if you go with friends and want to shut the place down on a weekend night, they're happy to give you an unforgettable night. Highly recommended and we will be back!!

Giancarlos Gallego

16 Dec 2025

This place is a gem! A great bar atmosphere & delicious Italian food! Highly recommend after a show or if you’re looking for a “homey” date night

Bernadette Hogan

07 Nov 2025

So cozy, reasonably priced but more importantly the food is superb. We got the homemade ravioli with vodka sauce and chicken parm. Delicious and one of the best old school Italian places I’ve ever been to.

Lisa Dagle

04 Nov 2025

Just had the most wonderful meal with excellent service! Abundance of food for the price! Great atmosphere, great location! This place is a must go to! We will be back!

Shaun Marosy

21 Oct 2025

Four years after my first visit, I can confidently say Barge Inn remains one of the most authentic, consistently outstanding Italian-American restaurants in Jersey City, NJ. Back in August 2021, I called it “Old school classic Italian-American at its best… I will definitely be returning. The food was VERY good and service was prompt and direct.” I’ve returned many times since — and each visit has only reaffirmed that first impression. This is a place where tradition meets craftsmanship. The kitchen still turns out plates that feel like a warm embrace from another era — hearty, flavorful, and prepared with genuine pride. The Seafood Fra Diavolo is nothing short of exceptional: a bold, perfectly spiced red sauce layered over al dente pasta, brimming with fresh shrimp, mussels, and calamari. The Chicken Francaise is golden perfection — light, lemony, and delicately balanced. The Pork Chop Bitsy delivers that comforting, old-world richness that’s become a Barge Inn hallmark, while the Fried Calamari and Shrimp Scampi are executed with crisp precision and a level of freshness rarely found outside the shore. The service remains exactly what it should be — professional, direct, and deeply respectful of both the food and the guests. There’s a timeless rhythm to the dining room: plates coming out hot, wine glasses refilled before you ask, and staff who know their regulars by name. In a city evolving by the day, Barge Inn stands as a proud reminder that authenticity never goes out of style. Whether you’re a lifelong local or a first-time visitor, this is a must-visit landmark for anyone who appreciates genuine Italian-American cooking done right.

Hector Santiago

09 Oct 2025

Might be a little too cozy but I don’t care. Great atmosphere. Food was good: apps tasted good and the main meal was a huge plate. Service was great. Server made sure everything was going well and everyone was satisfied with what they ordered. Will be back.

David Rivera

23 Sep 2025

I had Dinner at the Barge for my Anniversary the food was delicious and extremely fresh, I had the veal chop , cooked to perfection my lovely wife had Veal topped with a fresh green salad. I will definitely be back.The bottle of Ruffino Chianti was refreshing and the owner made you feel like you where Family. Debbie the waitress was on point. Thank you for making our day special.

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