I came into this quaint cafe and was able to try their restaurant week. The chocolate cake was decadent and not too sweet. The cheese board was good. The bread was perfectly toasted and the marmalade they served it with was perfect. The woman working there was extremely helpful and a great server. read more

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This is a cute little spot somewhat new to the neighborhood it seems. I came for brunch with a friend. They had a few other guests seated but only 1 person working the front of house. He was running around the whole time and it took quite a while to get our drinks and food. I love the ambience of this place though! They serve coffee and a variety of savory brunch dishes. Apparently they also have pastries but none were available when we went. For my entree I had the cheese omelet, which came with potatoes. I loved the seasoning of the potatoes! They were cooked really well. The omelet was simple but filling. Unfortunately they were out of matcha so I just had a regular tea instead. They do offer some alternative milks for drinks which is nice. With some extra help this place would be great on a busy weekend day, but otherwise expect to be waiting a bit... read more

Box Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

Such a nice, quaint cafe with a warm vibe. We came after church and it wasn't busy. Service was fast & attentive. My Bacon egg and cheese croissant was the best! Go, enjoy! read more

(Dined 07/13/2023 TH @ 2:00pm): This French-style cafe in a box was a nice touch to the neighborhood! A local realtor recommended Box Cafe as a convenient place for our initial in-person meet-and-greet. This place was less than a ten-minute walk for me from my friend's place which was great and allowed me to further familiarize myself with the neighborhood. Generally speaking, I wasn't much of a cafe person, but I was usually open to eatery exploration. Would I enjoy this box meal!? PURCHASE S. Pellegrino Essenza Tangerine & Wild Strawberry Flavored Mineral Water ($3.50): A very effervescent refreshing drink with hints of tangerine and strawberry aromas and flavor. This is truly one of my favorite brands of sparkling water whenever I was in the mood. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=bmvXPItKXDrxg8qOJJmmag&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Grilled Cheese ($12.00): Made with melted cheddar, smoked paprika, tomato, and shallot all between buttery toasted sourdough bread, this wonderful lunch sandwich was massive as amounts of cheese slowly squeezed out as I took a bite each time. The crunchy crusty crust was amazing and had so much targeted butter and burnt cheese. As simple a meal this was, it was impressive and pleasurable. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Zd2aA9xinXDQoQ8VDEEP3Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw SERVICE As I opened the front door, co-owner/wife Linda was preparing a corner window round table for our party of three as she warmly greeted me. We were provided with individual menus and eventually glasses of water and a filled bottle as we decided what we wanted. She returned minutes later, took our respective orders, quickly returned with our canned drinks with glasses filled with ice, and about ten minutes later all of our food arrived. After that, we were left alone as we conducted our meeting and consumed our drinks/food. By the time we finished past their 3:00pm closing time, she had stepped out and never returned, while co-owner/husband Sean closed our bill with some quick chit-chat, and wished us a nice rest of our day - thank you! PARKING (Street Only; N/A this instance) I walked from my friend's nearby place. Otherwise, as was the case for much of "The Heights" in Jersey City, there were plenty of spots along the main drag of Palisade Ave. and all surrounding streets if you were lucky enough to find an empty spot, or you took public transportation which stopped nearby - nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE A quaint boxy café (it's name!) with charming French accents, several cozy tables, a handful of paintings and floral arrangements hung about, and a counter that displayed various baked goods. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=QLdRHqxlzl02eyQ3DpjlEg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Good natural lighting came through the front windows and door while soft electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were no TVs while soft music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=j73l6YgtEWFQxbOxuNanxw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL Box Cafe was a blissful find, and I definitely would like to return! My food was lovely while the salads the realtors ordered looked healthy and yummy. The drinks https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Sy7A9gA9e8Zau5l-JGwXmg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw and food https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=iusdDbDdbz1hF236bZ5lew&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw menus were limited but varied enough. No alcohol was served, but they allowed BYOB without any corkage fees. Their hours are breakfast through lunch with dinner only a couple days a week. The prices felt reasonable, the portions very good, and the service casual yet attentive enough. I found total value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $17.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS read more

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What a great hidden gem!! We moved to JC several months ago and always passed this spot by thinking it's just a cafe but it's so much more! The staff is so friendly and when we went on a Sunday morning the place was basically empty but the server was attentive and polite. We loved the furniture and seating which looks like it came from an antique shop. It creates a cozy place to enjoy coffee. We were most impressed at the full menu of eggs, French Toast and other delights that are served in a healthy portion. Everything tastes fresh and comforting. Definitely recommend trying this place on the reg and spending time appreciating the art and ambiance. A great hidden gem in the nabe!!! read more

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Good, service, AMBIENCE! Very intimate, delicately lit. Handful of small tables. Live music tonigjt! Had a salad cause I just came fr another event. Great salad though! Caesar-y please hold the croutons. Thx Tribe of Uncles for enlivening this romantic space. It's 100 degrees outside but this summer salad helped cool me off. read more

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Box Cafe is such a wonderful addition to the area. It really is like a little getaway in the heart of Jersey City. You would not expect Palisade Avenue to have a little French Bistro, but here we are! I've been to Box for two events now. While they are open for brunch on the weekends and some evenings for dinner, the events are really where this place shines. You can tell that the owners really care about the community, as these pre-paid experiences (usually around 40 to 50 dollars) are focused on bringing people from all walks of life together. I attended a Speed Dating night here (yes, they exist!) and a Wine Pairing - two very different events, but both enjoyable even though they pushed me out of my comfort zone (a good thing)! The Wine Pairing was especially fun because it was basically a full evening of drinking and eating - there were five courses (each with its own entree and dessert) and live music. (Box is a BYOB, so the event had a cover charge plus you brough a bottle of wine to share - seems odd at first, but it works!) The food was excellent and I left very full and very happy. I found both of these events advertised on their Instagram. In addition, the decor is so lovely - very eclectic and artistic. The ambience really tries to transport you to another place - you almost forget that Christ Hospital is right across the street. You can also book Box Cafe for private occasions; I plan to have my birthday party here! I would love to try this place for brunch, as the food looks amazing. You definitely have to check this place out if you're in the area. Not only are you in for a treat, you are also supporting a local family and small business. read more

Lovely lunch. Really good veggie omelet -nice options. One of the owners took our orders + told us about their live music Fridays. A nice neighborhood place including a warm vibe. read more

Box Cafe - Great cesar! - Cafes Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

We came in close to closing on a Saturday for tea and a cake pop. Both were delightful, as was the service! We sat on the sofas and enjoyed the retro decor while plotting our next move. There are a few larger tables in the back that seem great for work/study. A group was enjoying brunch while we were there and sounded pleased with their food as well. read more

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Charming Place, special ambiance cafe with a nice variety of foods sandwiches, and salads. The house coffee is great! A nice warm inviting small neighborhood restaurant and an awesome addition to the Jersey City heights venues. read more

Box Cafe - House coffee - Cafes Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

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Nice guy. Perfectly nice little place. Welcoming. Does the business. What's the problem? A good neighborhood option; a good place to hide out for an hour, certainly. read more

Such a cute neighborhood spot on Palisades! It was very easy to get to from southwest Hoboken which was a plus. Our friends rented the entire restaurant for a family party, so while we didn't have a traditional dining experience there - I can say that the food was delicious! The roasted carrots, corn, shrimp, and filet mignon were all incredible. When I was chatting with the owner, she mentioned their back patio would be opening soon. She gave me a sneak peak and I'm very excited to go back and check it out for a BYOB brunch or dinner! read more

I hired Sean and Linda from Box Cafe to cater my housewarming party in May. My expectations were completely over exceeded and their execution was perfect. I was looking for a mix of classy high end hors d'oeuvres meets chic barbecue and they nailed it. An eclectic and gorgeous charcuterie table took over my kitchen island for grazing. A choice of smoked salmon pastry puff with horseradish cream, slice sirloin toasts, and bruschetta points were the starting hors d'oeuvres. The main food consist of gourmet beef sliders and impossible sliders, dressed with a signature box cafe house sauce, a variety of flat bread pizza's, their signature bechamel mac and cheese, a savory harvest pasta salad with roasted and blanched vegetables, a half of a salmon, lamb chop lollipops, and two choices of either greek salad and their famous caesar salad. Sean remained on site and monitored the flow of food and guests, continuing to replenish and make sliders and pizza's for all new incoming guests. I could NOT have been HAPPIER with the outcome of this event and I owe it to them! read more

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Delicious food - we had the croque monsieur, croque madame, seasoned potatoes, iced coffee, egg and cheese croissant, cookies, creme brûlée, and French toast. It was all perfect. All of it. Run, don't walk!! High recommend. Thanks, Linda!! Can't wait to come back. read more

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Absolutely loved the interior and menu options. Kind of gives me speakeasy vibes! The lady who took my order was very sweet and told me about they host fun events. Will be bringing a few friends to join me here! read more

Box Cafe - French vanilla latte - Cafes Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

Home of the Best burger in the jersey city heights. Everything is good (especially the super friendly owners) but the burger gets the crown. read more

Box Cafe - The burger - Cafes Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

What a cute little addition to the neighborhood! Stopped in here weeks ago when they first opened with my partner and got two drinks to go: an iced latte and a regular coffee. Both drinks were good, though the iced latte apparently could've been better (it got watered down when poured directly onto the ice, which promptly melted). Overall though, it's definitely worth stopping in. Also, their decor is so cute and cozy, yet spaced apart enough to feel safe during the pandemic. You've gotta love it! Plus, I think I saw some outdoor seats, which is nice! If you're at the hospital or in the area and in need of a pickmeup, this is the spot! read more

Box Cafe - Menu - Cafes Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

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An entree (all ala carte) and a vegetable side with tax and tip will cost $40, which would be fine but not with paper napkins, thrift store cutlery, or iced tea in a paper cup. BYOB which is recommended because when I was there, they didn't have Coke or Pepsi and had to brew a cup of tea and put ice in it for iced tea. The gnocchi and hummus at my table were clearly store bought and not homemade. Service was slow, ambience is cozy but the kitchen needs a serious upgrade to justify the prices. read more

The place is cute and cozy. The food is delicious. A hidden gem in the neighborhood. Try the egg sliders and chai. read more

Box Cafe - Egg Sandwiches and side of potatoes - Cafes Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

I wanted to love this place because it's so close but the food is just fine, the decor is a cliche, and it's overpriced. The service is good though! Nice lady. read more

The brunch was terrible. My wife ordered chicken and waffles. The chicken was decent the waffles were directly from the freezer and thrown in a toaster over. The service could be worlds better. The person who was the cashier/server was nice but seemed aloof to the fact we were not happy with our meals The ambiance seems like it's very outdated even the sugar bowl that was used to for my wife's tea was old and they used a tea cup saucer as a cover. read more

Although it says "Pets Welcome" , I was asked to sit outside in the rain with my dog because the cook had an issue with dogs inside. He then took 30 mins to make scrambled eggs... You work at a cafe in JC Heights, not a Michelin Star restaurant sir. The one star is for the lovely restaurant manager / owner who tried to make up for this with great kindness. read more

Menu has deteriorated in choices offered. Extra charges appear on the bill for food not explicitly ordered. Trick is to add salads to the ordered dish and then charge for the salad but not name it as "salad" on the receipt, but label it as an extra fee. read more

I work in the area and wanted a good sandwich-- there's a lot of delis and (pricey) cafes in the area but Box Cafe is definitely my new go-to! The price was reasonable for how delicious and high quality the sandwich was; and was the perfect size for me I got the roast chicken sandwich with hickory bacon, arugula and shallot aioli and an iced tea for $15 The decor and vibe was cozy and fun, and the owner was incredibly friendly (and it doesn't hurt that she and her husband own the place, if you're like me and like to support small business!) read more

Box Cafe - Roasted chicken, hickory bacon, arugula, and shallot aioli sandwich - Cafes Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

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We've been wanting to try Box Cafe for a while and finally went for lunch today. This cafe is so unassuming from the outside, but when you walk in your transported to a cozy little french restaurant with adorable decor and pretty music playing through the speakers. We started with lattes, which were delicious. I had the chicken sandwich and roasted potatoes and my boyfriend has the salmon toast, both excellent. The woman working was so friendly and made the experience even nicer. We can't wait to go back soon with a bottle of wine for dinner! read more

Box Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

Delicious food. Amazing service. Awesome decor. Rarely open. Had to take a star away because the best ability is availability. The only con to this delicious food is craving it and not being able to get it because they've closed early. But that's the story of small businesses in small neighborhoods. read more

Wonderful new cafe in the neighborhood! I'm so happy to see a new cafe pop up in my neighborhood. I stopped by for lunch one day. Had their iced coffee which had a good flavor. I started off with a croissant while waiting for our lunches. The croissant wasn't anything special, kind of hard. For my meal I chose the half sandwich and half salad with a cookie. I chose the shrimp sandwich on a ciabatta, so delicious. Chose the arugula salad, which was more like decoration than a portion that would fill anyone up. May need to opt for the full size salad and sandwich next time. The cookie was good, they had only chocolate chip, but that is my favorite anyway. my boyfriend had the croque monsieur which was really delicious too. Also he chose the ceasar salad which was good but didn't have much of anything in it besides romaine lettuce and cheese. The cafe is a decent size and the decor inside is shabby chic. There were a few individuals there during lunch as well. Linda the owner was very friendly and welcoming. She mentioned that the soup was really good but was sold out that day. I had originally wanted to try their soups. This place is byob if you do come for dinner. They have two tables outside and maybe 6 tables inside. overall I'm happy more businesses are popping up! read more

Cozy setting. With occasional live performances and home made meals, warm place and good service read more

Box Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

Stopped in with friends for lunch recently at their recommendation. It was a very nice dining experience in cozy quarters. I had The roasted chicken breast (court bouillon roasted chicken, topped with crisp applewood bacon and arugula, finished with our shallot tarragon aioli on crispy ciabatta) with an iced black tea. There are also many bakery selections so maybe next time... read more

My husband and I love trying new places and checked out this restaurant last night. We loved it! Everything we ordered was delish! The inside is super cute and the owners are so friendly. And it's BYOB! To start we ordered the Caesar salad w homemade dressing, it was so fresh and crisp (and I am picky with Caesar salad) . For our main, we both ordered the beef filet with garlic Brussels sprout and mushroom hash. We basically licked our plates clean. The size of the filet was very generous and you could cut it easily with your regular knife. Of course we had to end with their dark chocolate cake. If you like dark chocolate you must try it! We will most definitely be back! read more

Very cute restaurant. Ordered an egg sandwich on croissant. Very tasty. Lady who served us was very nice and quick.

LOVE this new restaurant! Seriously want everyone to come here! The food is amazing, the owners Linda & Sean are beyond accommodating, the ambience is just wonderful. Can't wait to come back! read more

Great spot. Yummy sandwiches. Delicious chocolate cakes (dark & milk chocolate). Coffee/coffee drinks on-point. I've yet to get through the whole menu, but, I shall... The owners are sweethearts; the space-warm & inviting. Oh, and cool artwork there! I'll be back! read more

This is a wonderful neighborhood spot with delicious food! The owners are very welcoming and the decor is great. Highly recommend!

Nice ambiance, I will definitely be stopping by here again and looking forward to it. Btw she will make baconn egg cheese on a croissant even tho it's not on the menu. Also haven't been here for dinner yet, I will and its BYOB. read more

Great neighborhood Cafe and restaurant! Very friendly owners! Good inside and outside.

This BYOB spot is an intimate restaurant with excellent, fresh tasting food. The croissants are flaky and buttery, the croque monsieur tastes like the ones in Paris, and the vibe is eclectic. I would 6 stars if it would let me! Great dinner spot and lunch cafe. read more

I walked in to order lunch, and even though they were closing in a few minutes, the owner and cashier were very welcoming and encouraged me to relax and hand out while I waited for my food. The atmosphere was calm and the seating was so comfy- I'll definitely have to eat in next time! The box lunch was delicious, and just the right amount. My croque monsieur was delicious, as were the veggie noodle soup and salad. I can't wait to go back! read more

If you're looking for a charming and peaceful spot to have great food and wonderful coffee, look no further. Wonderful spot in a great location for us heights/JSQ folks. read more

Stopped in today for my first time. I was greeted by Linda who was a delight. The cafe was adorable. I ordered the half sandwich garlic shrimp and arugula salad which was delicious. Also ordered a slice of chocolate cake which I did not try yet but looks fabulous and ice tea. Will definitely be back for dinner and it is a BYOB Addendum: I did not bring credit card and only had cash. I was short almost $5.00 and Linda would not have me call with my credit card. Just told me when I come back I can give it to her. So impressed !! Tried cake and it was delicious. read more