The restaurant's decor is comfortable but not remarkable. Dishes were generally acceptable, with…read moredecent tacos, though some mains lacked flavor. Overall, a fairly average experience

Amazing food! Somewhat slow but very warm service. Some of the best sangria I've ever had.read more

I rode past the place at first! Smh Its inside what looks like an old church on the outside! The…read moreturned a church into a restaurant slash theatre... The comedy event that I went to was nice" This place just need more parking to accommodate its patrons.

Here's the low down from someone who went in with very low expectations. I read the reviews,…read morechecked out the FB page, and went anyway because I've heard about the history of the place as a hot spot for Jazz on a Friday night in Newark. I walked in and was pleasantly surprised. IN SHORT: Check the place out, expect a chill spot with casual food, a small menu, some nice jazz, a full bar, and most important a greater mission in mind. It's not pricey so there is nothing to lose and by going, you support the community. The place has the potential to be 5 stars, with enough patronage- maybe it will get there. The details... MISSION: The night is there to keep Newark's Jazz roots alive and support New Community Corp (a non-profit with a plethora of programs in the community). I understand everyone that works there is a volunteer supporting the cause too. These facts make the place extra special. The only evidence of the connection though is the name of the org on the menu or prior knowledge of the organization. BUILDING: It's a contemporary converted church that I understand was just recently again remodeled and includes nods to its past like the stained glass windows (not sure what was scary about them) and large columns. The back area with a stained glass dome in the ceiling and large stunning wood bar wasn't open but I passed it going to the restroom- the whole space would be awesome for holding a big event (not sure if they rent it out but they should). It's also very safe- there is ample parking in back with a guard keeping an eye on things. FOOD & DRINK: Ultimately, it's like eating at an Auntie's house - but this Auntie can cook; i.e. down home kind of meals, no pomp, but still decent. I think the menu changes regularly but I had the fried fish and it was pretty good. The rum punch is served in a tumbler- both tasty and generous on the pour. A meal will cost you $8 and so will a drink (no complaints here). There is no drink menu but they have a full bar. Vegetarians- you might want to call to check on options for the night in advance. SERVICE & CROWD: Our service was great- the guy was funny and timing was fine; never a rush to leave or pressure to order more. The tables are large so you can sit with other guests (but there is enough room that you really don't have to if you don't want to). We sat we a gentleman who had been coming for over 15 years- he was awesome and let us ask him a million questions. The other guests were cool- some folks that had also been coming for forever but some younger people (I'm a millennial myself) and a bunch of couples; everyone is warm, welcoming with a smile and nod as you walk in. Basically it is a grown up crowd. MUSIC: Straight ahead jazz and apparently good for a spontaneous jam session, we saw a talent flute player sit in and then sing a lovely version , "Skylark."

Great place!!! Every time I'm in NY or NJ i have to go to that place my favorite…read more Food is always fresh and the servers are great five start for the Hot Spot Try the seafood parrillada the best.. delicious

The food took forever to get guess cuz I'm not their race, immediately they looked at me funny from…read morewalking through the door. then they placed us way away from anyone else. food was alright, service was bad like someone bad ass kid was behind the counter. and I seen ppl who came after me nd get there hot foods first mind u I ordered a turkey club that took 43 minutes to get. fuck this racist place

Food was good, well done, good portions and fresh. French fries were good. The Ideal Chicken…read moresandwich was good. A little under spiced but tasty. It comes with cheddar cheese but I got mozzarella. Mine was better with the change of cheese. The staff there was amazing! I cane at the change of shift and both the outgoing and incoming waitresses were superb! I'd come back if only for them!

Walked in waited to be seated the waitress behind the counter ignored us standing there didn't seat…read moreus we left very unprofessional business do not come here if you're waiting from the dmv this place will make you really late!!

Food very well cooked. Traditional Portuguese food with some Hispanic and American influence…read more I love the Karaoke nights, the waitress is very kind. I always have a good time there!

A few of us came after work for a Happy Hour event and it turned out to be an entertaining evening!…read more There were three of us groups sharing the space with plenty of room, but we ended up all mingling together. There is a cocktail menu with lots of well-known options, as well as some homemade drinks. The apps were great- Cuban Baos, empanadas, chicken tacos, wings! We loved them all so much, we booked a future event! The owners are very friendly and nice to talk with about their backgrounds and how it all got started! We can't wait to come back!

This was my second time visiting and it was just as good as my first…read more Fairly new to the area and I'm always excited to try new places as there is a lack of quality drinks and food places. Met my girlfriends here and it's the perfect place for large groups or date night catching up etc. location is very spacious , ample parking and welcoming. We were greeted right away and chose what table we wished to be seated in. There is a great variety of cocktails to choose from as well as a great happy hour offered. We had margaritas and palomas which were very tasty and made well just be sure to ask for your choice of rim! There is an open kitchen concept which compliments the location perfectly. The menu options are more of a tapas style but all the items we chose were rich in flavor and liked by our entire party. The owners were very personable, friendly, and kind and introduced themselves to us. We were informed of the many events they host as well as brunch launching soon and are looking forward to returning. This is an establishment you shouldn't hesitate to support.

The food is excellent, I had the Shrimp with Garlic, Spanish Fries ( aka homemade chips) & White…read moreSangria. The price is very reasonable, the decor is a bit outdated. The only down side was the stale, cold bread. But the service and food was great.

Very good place of home-style Portuguese food. Been here a thousand times so it's time spread the…read moreknowledge. Here we go: Menu: You'll get an assortment of good Portuguese options. What you really want are the daily specials. Things range from your typical mediterranean cheesesteak (sirloin on a portuguese roll with cheese) that you can add extras such as peppers, to shrimp in garlic sauce, to a foot and a half skirt steak, to paelha. The "Bife da Casa" is a fantastically gooey dish of sirloin, gravy, melted cheese and ham surrounded by chip-style fries that are great for dipping. They have meat, poulty, fish and seafood dishes, so great variety points. Full bar and decent wine and beer options. Quality: Very tasty and ample. They do not skimp out and I have yet to meet a person that couldn't bring home leftovers for the next day if they wanted to. You won't see any super-fancy presentation accept for the roasting of the portuguese sausage, usually flambeed at your table. Service: Managing Owner is young with an energetic spirit and leads a very strong ship. Fast, courteous and with a knack of remembering your typical order when you show up more than once. Very casual with an Portuguese family flair. Service is quick, polite and clean. Decor: The bar is average, nothing really to write home about with a tavern/pub look to it. Long bar counter and ample tables are located here as well. Add some flat screen tv's and you got a good idea. The dining area however is cozy, kinda like a family dining room with enough space for 100 people. Last time I was there, they even had a large big screen tv - just like home lol. Ambiance: The bar is full of rowdy but courteous regulars and their families. The dining room is filled with either tables of 3-4 or birthday parties. You'll see suits mixed with dads mixed with blue collars. The place is not overly romantic, but good for a pre-gaming, week night dinner or sports filled sundays. Expect a lot of commotion on the weekends with patrons in the bar and family parties in the dining room. Many people are either locals or of Portuguese / Spaniard descent. Very mixed crowd early 20's or late 40's. Owner is a big European Soccer and Dallas Cowboys fan - which makes Sundays a great sports place. The jukebox plays a slew of music from all over. The staff ranges from young female bartenders and managing owner to the older owner in his late 50's. Price: Inexpensive - a sirloin cheese steak sandwhich is $6. Most plates that are over $20 are built for 2. Drinks are reasonable and never watered down. Very well priced for catering baptisms, dinner parties or any group-oriented event. Parking: There is a private parking lot that fits about 30 cars right outside the door to the place. Conclusion: This is a great representation of portugese-family-style restaurants that do not skimp out on taste or amount. Not a date place but definitely a friends night kind of place. Lots of good food that will never leave you dissatisfied. Being easy to get to, right off of Route 22, it's a great spot for that loud, obnoxious group of yours that loves good eats. Pros: Food taste Food quality Drink pour Laid Back atmosphere Family-like ambiance Cons: Parking lot may be small and packed Not good for 1st dates H-Cane's Final Spin: I love this place. I usually grab dinner here before I go romp out to the weekend. They got two cooks that really know how to feed an appetite no problem. If you can get over loud and obnoxious - you got yourself a whole in the wall heaven that you can actually hold a decent family party at! If you like gourmet presentations - keep driving. If you like stuffing your face or stiff drinks - park it and play!

Imperio in previous years was known as a small, local Portuguese bar, espresso bar, and…read morechurrasqueira. Nowadays, although the exterior and interior hasn't changed much, the clientele and menu has. Imperio now, for those in the know, is the go-to spot for a mini-escape from Elizabeth Ave. A great ambience, a drink or two, and most importantly, freshly made pupusas. The pupusas are made from fresh masa to order, with a bit of a circus act, watching the mound of masa make its rounds from the basement, past the bar, to the kitchen. The salsa roja actually has flavor and a bit of spice, which is a pleasant surprise compared to other pupuserias in town, where the salsa is closer to water than tomatoes.

The food is pretty tasty. Try the pork cubes with potatoes…read more I do wish the woman who usually picks up the phone spoke more than JUST Spanish. Also the music is pretty loud when you call to place an order and that's how you order comes messed up .... twice. My family and I have decided to stop ordering from here.