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    CityRub Cafe

    3.8 (18 reviews)

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    Breakfast Tacos
    Shawn A.

    In the airport waiting for a flight and I have walked by City Rub a couple of times headed for airport GOAT of Brisket Tacos. They had no brisket yet, so I circled back to City Rub Had to test the brisket...it's my thing. The order comes with three tacos. Decent size for my $19.50. Started with a slab of the brisket I pulled out so I could get a clean taste of the brisket. Really good bark. Flavor was good. The eggs were pretty slim, lots of pico pulled on. The distraction for me was the créma, it was just okay. I suggest keep walking down to the end of the concourse for a great brisket taco.

    John T.

    Jada at the order counter was rude and wasn't clear at all when she tried to explain the sauce for the coconut shrimp. She had such a bad attitude, when we asked her to clarify what she was saying. She chose to just repeat her unclear phrasing, which could have been easily corrected if she tried. The tables had not been wiped when we sat down. The other person working was helpful after we got our food and even cleaned the dirty tables. The food is expensive, but surprisingly good and if the service hasn't been so bad, the review would have been a 4. My wife loved her coconut shrimp with the 4 sauces dabbed on each shrimp. I had the bbq wings which come with a sweet bbq sauce. Unfortunately, 2 of my 6 wings were cold, but still edible.

    Nikhil R.

    In no world is a sandwich here worth more than $20. Parfaits are also just as expensive. The sandwich is not fresh, the bread is somewhat stale, and it had a little bit of a weird smell to it. There is a self order kiosk outside the restaurant. Staff are not friendly, and the atmosphere is fine with some seating available.

    Chicken sandwich with potato wedges
    Branden B.

    Came across this cafe during a trip. Hands down the best chicken sandwich I've had, it was crispy, tender and packed with a lot of flavor. Really enjoyed the side of wedges included with a sweet/salty seasoning. Service was quick so I could arrive on time to my plane. Can't wait to stop in next time.

    Menu
    Jaime Y.

    Cute little café with drinks and food in the airport. I wish we had eaten there in the airport rather than waiting to eat on the plane as the food obviously wasn't as fresh or warm. Decent food, it's in the airport so obviously on the more expensive side. The food is prepared fresh while you wait, so it does take a bit of time.

    Cityrub Burger

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    6 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    5 months ago

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    4 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    9 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    4 months ago

    Great butternut squash soup! Service was efficient and friendly. Place was small but clean.

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    2 years ago

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    9 months ago

    I had the breakfast plate with scrambled eggs and bacon and hash browns. It was delectable. Best has browns I've ever had. Yum

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    5 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Service was amazing...food was fabulous! Great music playing and even though small dining area, very comfy!

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    Review Highlights - CityRub Cafe

    I choose the BREAKFAST PLATE which has scrambled eggs w/bacon, hash brown, and bread with butter, oh!

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    First Republic Lounge & Restaurant - Red Snapper with Rice and Beans

    First Republic Lounge & Restaurant

    3.9(107 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    Made the venture to Jersey for a concert and knew I'd stop off for food. What better than Haitian…read moreFood on a Sunday! It was easy to find parking nearby on the street, we walked in and were immediately sat down. Service was great throughout the meal. The server did speak primarily to us in Creole. I can see how that may not work for someone who is not Haitian. Maybe having someone who did speak a mix. However, he was very nice and the food came out fast and was delish. Shared a griot fritay to start and it was definitely tasty and portion was good. For entree I had the legume with Beef with black rice. Tasty, spicy, and very authentic tasting. I can say they stay true to the flavors and don't water them down. The drink was ehh. I did not taste much liquor in the creole punch. Not worth it in my opinion. In terms of ambiance, I wish better music was playing. The set up was cool. Nothing amazing. If I was in the area again, I would come back.

    Stopped by early Saturday evening for a drink with three young ladies. We sat at the bar we did…read morenot intend to have dinner. I was able to order a cocktail (mangotini) made just the way I liked it and it was super delicious. My companions ordered food which took some time come out. We only really ordered appetizers and everyone enjoyed their food. This place is not big so not too many tables. I will mention one thing I stated to the bartender....The bar chairs are INCREDIBLY uncomfortable. These seats were not made to fit full size adult derrière. Good vibe.

    Photos
    First Republic Lounge & Restaurant - Inside the restaurant and lounge. Great space for a get together/small-medium size party!

    Inside the restaurant and lounge. Great space for a get together/small-medium size party!

    First Republic Lounge & Restaurant - Black White Rice with Sauce Pois

    Black White Rice with Sauce Pois

    First Republic Lounge & Restaurant

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    The Yard - Newark - Black Joy (Watermelon) Salad

    The Yard - Newark

    4.6(230 reviews)
    3.9 mi
    $$

    We were looking for a quick dinner before watching a show at the NJPAC and the chef/owner…read moregraciously acquired us a table - by chance! Chef Kai was super welcoming and engaged in convo with us, including with our 8yo daughter - he set the tone for a cozy dining experience that felt like we had entered his home. Everything was fresh, quality, and obviously made with TLC. The dipping sauces were each characteristically delish and I loved that they gave all of them at once so we could try them all. Best ground chicken burger I've had - juicy and worked well with the brioche bun. The oxtail burger was super flavorful and tender. Next time I need to try the shrimp burger. I went with the side of sweet potato tots and oxtail gravy, and it was the best tots I've had especially in the gravy - again, quality and fresh. The pink lemonade was perfection - fresh lemons, real sugar, and not overly sweet at all and check out the container it comes in! Plus lollipops with the check - such a cute added touch. The location is in a park, walking distance from the NJ Pac and train stop. If we had more time (and could take a to go bag with us) we would've absolutely ordered wings and tried another burger - so that'll be for next time! Love having this kind of dining experience in NJ and supporting a community gem like Chef Kai!

    I really wanted to support this restaurant, but unfortunately our experience left us feeling…read moreuncomfortable. When we arrived, the owner/chef told us the wait would be about 10-15 minutes. Shortly after, another couple came in and were told about 20 minutes. We were the only two parties waiting. When a table opened, the waitress began seating us, and the chef stopped her and asked the other (AA) couple if they were there first. He then told the gentleman, "I see you with family, and I'm not trying to start any problems." This was said while we were literally being seated, and nothing was said to us. It put us in an awkward and embarrassing position, as we would never intentionally skip ahead of anyone. As a Hispanic couple, the interaction also left us wondering if we were being treated differently, even if that wasn't the intention. Then the drink order added to the frustration. I ordered a hibiscus lemonade and my boyfriend ordered a regular lemonade. The waitress repeated it back incorrectly as strawberry, and I corrected her. About 10 minutes later she brought a strawberry lemonade anyway. When I said that wasn't what I ordered, the chef took the drink and handed it to the other couple who had just ordered a strawberry lemonade , saying it was freshly made and "they didn't want it." That was uncomfortable because I never ordered strawberry to begin with. Overall, the interaction felt dismissive and awkward. Mistakes happen, but the way this was handled -- especially the comments made -- left us feeling unwelcome. I hope this feedback helps improve communication and customer experience moving forward.

    Photos
    The Yard - Newark - Flower bomb, let me guess your favorite...

    Flower bomb, let me guess your favorite...

    The Yard - Newark - Live Jazz Brunch every Sunday 12-3pm

    Live Jazz Brunch every Sunday 12-3pm

    The Yard - Newark - Oxtail Burger

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    Oxtail Burger

    CityRub Cafe - tradamerican - Updated May 2026

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