(Dined 07/08/2023 SA @ 6:00pm): I'm sure "Ol' Blues Eyes" would've appreciated this restaurant in his hometown with a view of New York City right across the Hudson River!
On my last visit, a dear friend and I vowed to return to Blue Eyes Restaurant for a meal due to our love for Frank Sinatra. A modern Italian eatery located in a relaxing waterfront park along the Hudson River, this was a wonderful place for people-watching while you wasted the day away. As we kicked back and caught up with each other, did we swoon over Blue Eyes' cuisine!?
PURCHASE
Bread (COMP): Large slices served with homemade marinara sauce, this was a lovely way to start the meal. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=mIF7_ZokZ6aNPiH1yCppuA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
2020 Gavi di Gavi Villa Sparina Piemonte White Wine 4floz Glass ($14.00): Crisp and refreshing with notes of lemongrass and tropical fruits. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=1zEiXFDoBveJIWAzWZ1HKQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
2020 Rosé Cote de Provence Jacourette Red Wine 4floz Glass ($13.00): Dry and light, easy drinking with notes of raspberry. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=iL-ClzyIhqKnr32PYljcwQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Polpetta di Granchio Maryland Style Crab Cake ($21.00): Served on a bed of spring mix and chipotle aioli, this was a meaty mound of breaded crab that was quickly devoured. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=ciWxwo6N3VYuSSluotZIGw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Spignola Nera Cajun Style Black Bass ($36.00): Served on a bed of arugula salad with roasted potatoes topped with mango salsa, the bass had a nice subtle crunchy outside and a moist inside but wished it was a bigger piece of fish. The potatoes were lovely but seemed like an afterthought. And, I loved the mango salsa and wanted more. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=sekzHpQjuoKfbw_z1BDceQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Petto di Pollo alla Parmigiana ($26.00): Large breaded chicken cutlet topped with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce served with penne pasta, the chicken was moist and tender while the pasta was perfectly prepared. The bread paired well to scrape any remaining sauce. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=fNoVUrU8pxZYff-Sm4uIVg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Hazelnut Truffle Ice Cream ($8.00): A small scoop not nearly enough to share, it was good but disappointing. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=P6I0aQLaZjTCWWzqOdPRAA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
SERVICE
We were eventually greeted by a young man once we walked up to the outdoor seating area. We easily grabbed one of several open tables and each handed a menu. We were quick to order drinks which came out minutes later, but we took forever to decide on what to eat which I'm sure annoyed our server. We finally placed our food order, got some water for the "lil' black beast", and slowly each dish arrived. As it got busier, the service suffered as it took awhile to get our empties cleared away and then get the check. Thankfully, it was a chillaxing time.
PARKING (Street Only; N/A this instance)
We walked from my friend's relatively nearby place. Otherwise, as was the case for much of Hoboken, there were limited spots along the main drag of Frank Sinatra Dr. and all surrounding streets unless you were lucky enough to find an empty spot, or you took public transportation which stopped nearby - nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
Although there was a sizable brick & mortar with inside dining, we opted for the beauty of the outdoor patio https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=-5lOa5bxo5zWzKDNQUvLKQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw which had plenty of tables and views all around. I mean... you had views of the New York City skyline and a Frank Sinatra bronze statue! As you'd imagine, there was plenty of natural lighting since we were outdoors while minimal electric and street lights filled in the rest. There were no TVs nor any background music (should've had some Sinatra at least). https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=aqpaHnqS0xgsHbPloWpCXw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
We probably enjoyed the surrounding atmosphere of Blue Eyes Restaurant more than the restaurant itself. Thankfully, they allowed our furry family member outside (he loved to be with his hoomans!), and the menu was extensive enough albeit I preferred less modern and more authentic dishes. I felt the prices were on the elevated side, the portions good, and the service too casual without immediacy. I found fairly good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $159.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 3.5 STARS read more