Jersey Bars & Restaurants>>American/International>>Diner
Brownstone Diner & Pancake Factory
Description - Diner. Menu From Allmenus.com Services - Pancakes, omelettes, sandwiches, wraps, panini, coffee drinks, liquor, desserts. Dine In, Take Out Hours - (Please confirm) Mon 6am-12mid, Tue-Sat 6am-1am, Sun 6am-12mid Address - 426 Jersey Av, Jersey City, New Jersey ( NJ ) 07302 Google Map Mapquest Map Telephone - (201) 433-0471 Updated on 2006-12-12 Change or remove this listing
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Editor's rating of this review - 5/5
Review - The place IS nicely renovated. The menu selection is huge. But, its called the Pancake factory...so thats what I had, and yes they were good, golden, and large. Price wasnt bad for this..some items seemed high. The service I had was just fine. I see some have complained on here, but I didnt have a bad experience. In fact I noticed many of the wait staff had very friendly prolonged conversations w/their customers-- made this place feel down to earth and home/mom and pop like. Anyway, I am happy to have this in our neighborhood. Its nothing gourmet or extreme, but just good ole diner food. I will definitely go again. I suggest getting breakfast foods...as i would to anyone eating at a diner.
Food - 45/50 Decor - 50/50 Customer Service - 45/50 (2005-06-16 )
Editor's rating of this review - 4/5
Review - Great place. Very crowded on the weekends so I try to go on Mon-Thurs. The owners are always there so it runs pretty smoothly. Great breakfast menu. Ask for the corned beef hash and hash browns burnt - perfectly caramelized and crunchy. This is my favorite place to go for breakfast in JC.
Food - 50/50 Decor - 50/50 Customer Service - 40/50 (2007-12-22 )
Editor's rating of this review - 4/5
Review - Recently moved to Jersey City, found the Brownstone Diner and I love it. Only been there for breakfast and lunch , not dinner but each time it's great. Breakfast wait on a Sat. morning is 5-10 min which isn't too bad. Try the pancakes, best I've ever had.
Food - 40/50 Decor - 40/50 Customer Service - 45/50 (2007-03-02 )
Editor's rating of this review - 4/5
Review - This family owned restaurant has been a favorite of mine even before they tore it down and rebuilt. The people who work there are like family to the owners, which makes them even more courteous and gracious. The food is exactly what you would expect - no surprises. The menu is extensive and varies from standard diner classics to unique entrees inspired by the family's children who searched high and low for great menu items when the restaurant was being rebuilt. I would highly recommend this place primarily because the decor is beyond diner and the service is superb. I have become a standard Saturday brunch fixture and know all the staff - never will you find a more pleasantly operated family restuarant with quality food.
Food - 40/50 Decor - 45/50 Customer Service - 50/50 (2006-05-12 )
Editor's rating of this review - 4/5
Review - Fantastic spot! Nice restaurant with great food. They haven't disappointed us yet. Its become a ritual for me and my friends to regroup at this pseudo-diner every Saturday morning for mimosas and waffles. Sometimes, I go for the killer Long Island Ice Tea and gorgonzola burger. No matter what, they don't disappoint. Finally, a place I look forward to going to every week. Its always a safe bet for a hearty and tasty bite.
Food - 50/50 Decor - 50/50 Customer Service - 50/50 (2005-06-28 )
Editor's rating of this review - 4/5
Review - I'm from down the shore, but I recently visited the Brownstone when I had to visit a relative in the hospital across the street. I had every meal there for 3 days and everything was deeee-lish!!! For breakfast, I tried the California omelette, breakfast bruschetta and of course the peanut butter pancakes!!! yum yum For lunch, I had the veggie panini one day and the spring salad both of the other days. For dinner, I loved the penne gorgonzola which they had on special the first night. I liked it so much that I asked them if I could order it the other night although it wasn't on special. Everything was fabulous. Each time, the waiter or waitress I had was great---polite and friendly. One particular waitress realized I was visiting someone from the hospital and tried to make me laugh and feel comfortable - nice feeling. Although I don't live in the area, I definitely see myself making the drive up just to go to the diner! I hope they plan on expanding to the Monmouth/Ocean county area. Sadly we don't have anything like this place down here.
Food - 50/50 Decor - 50/50 Customer Service - 50/50 Reviewed by - Amy Griffith (2005-06-28 )
Editor's rating of this review - 4/5
Review - Love this place. Great food in a beautiful setting, sort of feels like a franchise. Service is great too. I often go there more than once in one day and the servers always acknowledge me (atypical for the more pretentious spots in JC). Whatever you feel like having, chances are they have it - whether its the basics or something a little more gourmet. A piece of advice, go there hungry. Considering that I always bring home left-overs good enough for my next day's meals, its very affordable. They get hammered on the weekends, but its worth any wait. Its great to have a place like this so close by. It definitely adds value to the neighborhood in my book.
Food - 50/50 Decor - 50/50 Customer Service - 50/50 (2005-06-07 )
Editor's rating of this review - 4/5
Review - Good selection in the menu, and enormous portions. The food can be inconsistent in my experience. Some items, like breakfast, are always great, but other entrees can be hit-or-miss. I agree with several other opinions that the service is wanting. Several times I have had to search out my waiter!
Food - 40/50 Decor - 40/50 Customer Service - 20/50 (2005-04-23 )
Editor's rating of this review - 4/5
Review - Okay - so there's always a wait for breakfast/brunch on weekends, but it's worth the wait! Now that they serve lunch and dinner, I go more often, and am always trying a different item on the menu... If you want big portions, and a hearty, good meal - this is the place to go!!!
Food - 45/50 Decor - 40/50 Customer Service - 40/50 (2005-02-03 )
Editor's rating of this review - 3/5
Review - The food is very good,Great place. Very crowded on the weekends so I try to go on Mon-Thurs.In fact I noticed many of the wait staff had very friendly prolonged conversations w/their customers-- made this place feel down to earth and home/mom and pop like. Anyway, I am happy to have this in our neighborhood. Its nothing gourmet or extreme, but just good ole diner food. Food - 50/50 Decor - 50/50 Customer Service - 50/50 (2009-02-24 )
Editor's rating of this review - 3/5
Review - its a little cheesy how all the stuff on the walls in hung crooked on purpose, making it very TGI Fridays. Otherwise, the best greasy spoon diner in jc. long lines and wait for table on weekends for breakfast and brunch. biggest pancake menu i've ever seen.
Food - 40/50 Decor - 40/50 Customer Service - 40/50 Reviewed by - AJ (2008-09-02 )
Editor's rating of this review - 3/5
Review - Great Food,large portions... My only disappointment is the service and the additional plate charge if you decide to share a plate.
Food - 50/50 Decor - 50/50 Customer Service - 20/50 (2007-09-10 )
Editor's rating of this review - 3/5
Review - Very much a GOOD diner. Lots of choices and great food. Place is comfortable and it has a sense of personality. I've had many meals there and always my first choice to bring my out-of-town family who love the place. Their breakfast foods are second to none. I usually go for the omelettes which are HUGE and tasty or their sandwiches which are original and diverse from paninis to grilled chicken on gourmet Italian bread. Great place to go, but you might get hooked, maybe addicted.
Food - 50/50 Decor - 50/50 Customer Service - 50/50 Reviewed by - Tori (2005-08-07 )
Editor's rating of this review - 3/5
Review - The Brownstone Diner is unlike the other JC grease stops in the fact that is all new (or perhaps just fully renovated). I stopped by here at midnight on a Saturday night. I was surprised to find that this place served alcohol. Although my Screwdriver wasn't as strong as I would have hoped, the food was excellent. (Who orders a Screwdriver with midnight breakfast anyway?) I found our server to be extremely polite and helpful, and seemed to have a sense of familarity with the people at the next table. The food was excellent, and there appears to be a huge selection of entrees. I only vist these types of places after a long night, so I can't say how the lunch crowd or lunch menu is, but the breakfast food is great.
If you're looking for an alternative to some of the older diners in town, this is a great place to check out.
Food - 50/50 Decor - 50/50 Customer Service - 50/50 Reviewed by - JC Resident (2005-02-14 )
Review - The pancakes have to be the best in the world! I'm sure everything else is terrific, too, but who can get past them. Someone in our party did order salmon and said it was great. He was on a diet - poor thing. The wait staff and owners make it a delightful overall experience.
Food - 50/50 Decor - 30/50 Customer Service - 50/50 Reviewed by - SuzyQ (2008-04-09 )
Review - I love the Brownstone! I've eaten there 4 times this week alone. Thier extensive menu means you can find whatever you're craving. Sunday my son enjoyed apple pancakes with eggs,bacon and sausage,his friend had fried calamari,shrimp and fish and I had chicken parm. I finished my meal with a good sized slice of a wonderfully fresh chocolate cheesecake. The wait staff proudly inquired about the meal as if they had prepared it themselves. I've eaten at every diner in the area and now only patronize the Brownstone.
Food - 45/50 Decor - 50/50 Customer Service - 45/50 Reviewed by - Rhonda R. (2008-04-01 )
Review - Oh my goodness, I really love this place. Used to go back when it was really a mom-and-pop. Sadly, I just heard mom recently passed away - a mother to any regular who walked in that old place. Pancakes really are fantasic - probably because they are always so fresh. It can be a little bit of a hustle and bustle on the weekend, but its my favorite time to go because its kind of exciting to know you are part of what really is a neighborhood joint. I always bump into my fellow neighbors!
Food - 50/50 Decor - 50/50 Customer Service - 50/50 (2007-10-12 )
Review - Best pancakes anywhere - perfect everytime! Best diner in NY and NJ.
Food - 50/50 Decor - 50/50 Customer Service - 50/50 Reviewed by - Kevin & Bill (2007-10-08 )
Review - They have great breakfast - definitely worth a trip for a weekend brunch. We have tried other items and have gotten mixed results.
Food - 35/50 Decor - 50/50 Customer Service - 50/50 (2007-05-13 )
Review - Great food for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Sat and Sun mornings can be quite busy, but you just have to time it right. Awesome breakfast for sure.
Food - 50/50 Decor - 50/50 Customer Service - 48/50 Reviewed by - JC-Kevin J (2007-04-08 )
Review - Was a regular patron back in the old days and continue to visit the Brownstone just about every Sunday after Mass. I love the fact that now we can get breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food is always good, hot and served quickly. I recently moved to a new location through my employment and have been to lunch at least once a week and dinner almost as often. And of course we all pick up our morning coffee and bagel there. Love the Brownstone!!!!!
Food - 50/50 Decor - 48/50 Customer Service - 48/50 Reviewed by - Deb (2006-10-24 )
Review - This place is great!! The food is fab, the prices are good, its clean, and the staff is very nice. The only thing that would make it PERFECT is if they delivered too. I highly recommend Brownstone diner!
Food - 50/50 Decor - 50/50 Customer Service - 50/50 (2006-01-26 )
Review - Just a brief note to an earlier reviewer from 7/31/05 - turkey gravy is supposed to be yellow. And for some reason, a plate full of fries with my burger would seem to me to be a good thing because it means more food. Maybe you are just accustomed to going to restaurants that have no clue about running a business or preparing food. Additionally, considering that all their condiments are on the table all the time, I've never had to worry about asking for anything. I'm pretty regular at this place and I used to go to it way back when. I think it is a step above.
Food - 50/50 Decor - 50/50 Customer Service - 50/50 Reviewed by - Patty (2005-08-01 )
Review - Diner needs a new chef - maybe they know how to make pancakes and breakfast foods but the rest of the food was just OK. Hamburgers, although large thrown on plate fries falling over the sides. Had to ask for all condiments and napkins - sat us down without setups. Had Eggs benedict couldn't eat the taylor ham it was burned and very salty. And why do you have to pay for three eggs even thought you may want one or two?? They have a lot to learn about the restaurant business. Tried another time and had a hot open faced turkey dinner. Turkey gravy was yellow in color and ice cold. Servers are inexperienced.
Food - 5/50 Decor - 50/50 Customer Service - 5/50 (2005-07-31 )
Review - Although they certainly had kinks at the beginning, I've been going to this place since it opened and it continues to improve. The menu variety can appeal to whatever I am particularly in the mood for on a given day. Very true that their breakfast is solid and I don't think I have ever tasted pancakes so moist (and I am from New Hampshire)! I have gotten hooked on their dinner entrees lately though, esp. their pasta dishes and seafood - definitely not what I would normally expect at a diner. Its a great hangout spot at night even for some drinks, espresso or dessert, esp. since its quieter than its more hectic daytime rush. I think the decor is great! Classy and comfy - if it wasn't for their counter, I wouldn't feel like I was even in a diner at all. Another plus is that you always see the owners there. They are friendly and usually try to start a convo or joke with you. They used to own the pancake house that was there before and you can tell that over the years, they have made friends with their regulars. Its a nice feeling from a neighborhood joint. And as a sidenote, although it is uncool to go someplace because of celebrities, I have seen Samuel L. Jackson twice when I was there...
Food - 50/50 Decor - 50/50 Customer Service - 45/50 Reviewed by - Brian D. (2005-05-20 )
Review - I agree the food is excellent here, but I have to say the service has totally turned me off. From the servers not checking in w/you even ONCE before or after the food arrives, to waiting and waiting for someone to serve/seat you, to them charging you an additional open food fee on your bill if one person does not order a substantial platter, I suggest only going if you are absolutely craving an item you cannot find elsewhere. I mean, come on, they're like a diner. The prices are way too expensive for their food, and yet the service does not fit to par at all. They need a lot of work. Go to a local diner for the same food, but at half the price.
Food - 45/50 Decor - 45/50 Customer Service - 10/50 (2005-04-04 )
Review - Solid diner food, good breakfast pancakes. Service is pretty solid as well. They did a good job on the renovation also so the place is pretty comfortable. Downside is that it's expensive! Way more than I'd expect a diner to be anyway. Here's an example, I stopped in to pick up a bagel the other morning, and it was $3.50. That's to-go, toasted with butter. That's ridiculous.
Food - 40/50 Decor - 40/50 Customer Service - 40/50 (2005-03-27 )
Review - The service was polite but slow even though it wasn't crowded. The servers just seemed confused. The restaurant only recently reopened after a massive renovation so perhaps they weren't very experienced. The pancakes were undercooked but this was due to the fact that our server forgot to order them with the rest of our food so they had to be rushed. You'll receive a huge glob of yellow margarine on your pancakes and grits so don't forget to take your cholesterol medicine before you go. The breakfast food is excellent if you remove most of the butter substitute goop from the top of everything. If they switched to using real butter and purchased quality syrup, the breakfast food would get A++ rating. They serve you way more food than any one human can eat so you'll need to take half of it home as you waddle out the door.
Food - 35/50 Decor - 40/50 Customer Service - 20/50 (2005-02-10 )
