I'm sorry. I came from California, and this place made me sad to give it the score because I feel like it deserves better. The workers, nice people and very patient with me. Clean establishment. I don't know whose idea is it to use white rice but das crazy. I blame the economy because I feel like this place probably was giving fatty portions. The only things that were delicious was the limonada and empanadas. There is no sauce bar. And the burrito I ordered used white rice, not Spanish rice. Or Mexican rice. Or whatever the North East calls it. As a former socal kid, it is sad. Meat is tender but not packed in. They use lettuce instead of cilantro and onion. And the burrito was well wrapped instead of being a fat bring or a wrap. Idk what it is but there hasn't been a Mexican spot yet for me. I'll keep searching but unfortunately Irma's in the place for me. I swear the North East makes Mexican all fine dining and trust me I seen what that looks like in Los Angeles county and I still prefer the trucks any day. I'm grading this my grade because it's my opinion, you don't have to agree with me but this is it. If I was given shitty service then easy 1 star but there are some winners here aka the limonada. read more

This place has some of my favorite empanadas in the neighborhood. The customer service is super fast and very helpful. They don't get too packed and there is often seating available, which is great. They have a wide variety of items on the menu ranging from full meals to snacks. read more

(Tookout 07/20/23 TH @ 6:00pm): This Hispanic cafe reminded me of those found back home in Los Angeles! In my continued quest to try the various cuisine options mainly in Jersey City and Jersey City Heights where a dear friend of mine recently moved to, I came across Irma's Cafe on one of our many walks with the lil' black beast. It looked and smelled like many of the small immigrant (Mexican and Salvadoran in this case) restaurants close to me. Would Irma have just as good food in her cafe as I've come to enjoy back home!? PURCHASE Pasta, Black Beans, & Chicken Buffet Sampler ($4.99): Somewhat of an impulse buy, I saw someone eating this and more when I entered, so I thought "why not!?" A simple smattering of items from their meager buffet options, all was fine, fresh, and filling. I questioned the pasta since that didn't exactly fit with the type of cuisine here, but maybe to cater to the Italian community? Nothing special, but it did the job to get something in my belly. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=AMr4nxw7OfWoLfhWj0em1w&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Cheese Empanada ($1.75): They had just put out a fresh batch, and they smelled so wonderful, so I had to try one! I loved the crispy and flaky exterior while the inside was packed with a ton of cheese. There was a queso party going on in my boca! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=7I4OtC5yPQHbalgfVgO9YA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Chicken Empanada ($1.75): They also put out a fresh batch of these, so obviously I had to try one, too! Filled with seasoned shredded chicken and little else, this was a meal in itself if I didn't share it. I wished I bought more, and the included slightly spicy sauces added to the flavor. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=fjOUnRjqiXXNHCCuJb7Y9w&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Cheesecake ($4.50): This was purely an impulse buy because I had a sudden urge for flan since this was Mexican and Salvadoran food, but they didn't have any, so this was the closest thing. It was good, rich, and thick, but nothing special. It did seem to be an odd menu item. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=LP2UmnDqevJkEzykaj6Vtg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw SERVICE I was greeted by a friendly young man behind the counter who was eager to assist me. At this time, I was only interested in already-prepared food, so I quickly went through the display cases and selected what I wanted. He gathered my request quickly, packaged it all up, and wished me a good evening. Everything was simple and straightforward - gracias! PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance) I took the leisurely 10 minute walk from my friend's place, so parking wasn't an issue for me. Otherwise, there appeared to be limited parking along the main drag of Central Ave. and all surrounding streets - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE A small eatery with only a few places to dine in, I enjoyed the festive decorations that hung from the ceiling https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=EdEXZDvaOi3dHEituUMNbw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw and an assortment of framed paintings https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=beDQZMQs9ypq0GQTSd5LPQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw that appeared to be a showcase of sorts. There were a couple display cases on the counter tops. Plenty of natural lighting entered through the front windows and door while soul-sucking fluorescent electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were a couple turned-off TVs while music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=14fA6AXLfc6tqfYMV3RvYw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL Irma's Cafe was a nice touch of home, and I would consider another visit, especially to try something on their actual menu. The empanadas were wonderful while the random buffet items were good but nothing special. It seemed they had a more robust lunch buffet meal and I merely got the scraps at the end of the day. The prices were very reasonable, and the service was efficient. And, whenever possible I liked to support small family-owned and/or local businesses. Lastly, they participated in the "Too Good To Go" app which was a program where businesses offered any remaining food at a discount instead of being thrown away; such an awesome idea and great way to try new businesses! I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $14.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more

See all

Great authentic Salvadoran and Mexican cuisine! Friendly staff, great service everything is made fresh! Great place to stop by in the heights read more

Irma’s Cafe - Tacos de Bistec - Salvadoran Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

We came into Irma's Cafe on a food tour and it was so good. Every time we're in the Heights and drive by Irma's, I always point it out to X because it's his grandmother's name. Finally, we came! We were served Birria Tacos and Pupusas with atol, or a warm corn drink. I've never been a big fan of atol, so X ended up with mine. But I did gobble up every other dish that we were served. The Birria was good, but the pupusas were the star. They had Loroco con queso pupusas, which we were both pleasantly surprised about. Loroco is a very local flower, common in Guatemala cuisine. The owners are from El Salvador, which is very close to Guatemala, so I suppose that's why! All the pupusas were so good and I'm definitely dragging X back here to get some more. Irma, the owner, was just so, so nice. Highly recommend. read more

Gave this place a try since there were a lot of good reviews! Ordered their chicken quesadilla and a beef stew for lunch. Chicken quesadilla: 2/5 The quesadilla is over salted, and the cheese they used does not taste the greatest. The chicken itself barely had any flavor, and it came with a lousy shredded lettuce with some cheese crumbs. Does not even come with salsa/guac! Beef stew: 3/5 The soup is good, but the beef was very fatty and lacked flavor. Unfortunately won't be coming back for these read more

Irma’s Cafe - Chicken Quesadilla - Salvadoran Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

I stopped by on my way home from the gym. I order an al pastor burrito. It was really seasoned well and flavorful. It wasn't small and it wasn't huge either. It was a good size. I left feeling full but not stuffed. I'm looking forward to trying their tacos. read more

Although the birria tacos inspired me to end my Central Ave. food quest at Irma's, I switched to the convenient option of the already prepared $10 meat combos. I chose the excellent pork chops in green sauce, which came with rice, beans and plantains. I also enjoyed the chicken tamale and the salsas (I'm not clear on whether both of them go with the tamale or if one was meant to accompany the pork chops). Halfway through my 5-mile walk, I was delighted to find such great food so quickly. read more

Irma's is a bright, sunny cafe serving up Mexican and Central American comfort food. I strolled up to the Heights on an early Monday afternoon and stopped in for pupusas and an agua fresca. The food took a while and they didn't have horchata (lime was just as refreshing), but it was a worthwhile stop. I took my two pupusas (griddled cornmeal cakes: one bean + cheese, one spinach + cheese) and enjoyed lunch at Riverview Park read more

Full disclosure: Received the food for free through a work event, so this review is for delivery only! Food: - Birria Tacos: on their own, they are on the dry side, so you definitely need to dip them in the accompanying consommé. They are quite filling though, and the flavor of the meat is good. The consommé enhances the flavor, so be sure to dip for every bite! - Res Soup (beef): surprisingly quite flavorful! This made for a good snack later on. The takeout container was only about 3/4 full with the soup though Overall: Would order from here again! read more

Irma’s Cafe - Birria Tacos - Salvadoran Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

Delivery only Empanadas are good although I'm not a fan of veggies in my beef empanada Rice okay Horchata a bit bland but Delivery time was perfect Thanks read more

Awesome chilaquiles and good pupusas! Ps Delfino's likes the tacos birria and he's from Texas. read more

Irma’s Cafe - Salvadoran Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

I really enjoyed the birria tacos, I'm not sure if I was starving or they were that good. All I know is they were affordable and great portion for the price. The horchata was sweet and tasty... the chicken empanadas not so much. read more

Irma’s Cafe - Horchata Tacos de Birria de Res - Salvadoran Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

I tried the pupusas, flautas, Tacos de Birria de Res EVERYTHING was delicious! Authentic Mexican food! Pupusas were fresh. A GREAT place to try anytime of day Service was amazing! The ambiance was very Latin American inspired. Parking available next door read more

Irma’s Cafe - Desayuno Chilaquiles - Salvadoran Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

Came all the way from California and this place was highly recommended. The service was amazing and was attended very well. The food was both flavorful and delicious! I will come again! 10/10 recommend. Pupusas - revueltas - spinach and cheese Quesadilla de Birria read more

Irma’s Cafe - Salvadoran Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

Absolutely recommend stopping here for some tacos! We had birria and camarón tacos. They were delicious. Some of the best birria tacos we have ever had! The waiter was super nice and double checked to ensure we didn't need any extra sauce or utensils. The resultant itself was a little warm but we sat outside so it was perfect! 10/10 will go again! read more

I had lunch at Irma's earlier today and cannot stop thinking about how excellent the food was, a whole four hours later. This place is such a gem! My boyfriend and I were pretty hungry and wanted to try a few menu items, so we each ordered a huevos con chorizo breakfast sandwich and then split an order of the birria tacos. We were blown away! The breakfast sandwiches had black beans on them, which was surprising as I assumed they would be served on the side, but it was a delicious addition to the eggs, cheese and chorizo. The tacos were excellent - very cheesy, flavorful meat, and delicious dipping sauce on the side. We also enjoyed the homemade green and red hot sauces; I particularly liked the green because it wasn't necessarily spicy, more flavorful than anything. Overall, a delicious, filling meal for an excellent price - $21 for everything. I will definitely be back! read more

In a neighborhood with tons of amazing Mexican options, this is one of the best. A small family owned casual restaurant with both Mexican and Salvadoran options where everything is delicious and a great value in price. You can't go wrong. They are open on Sundays but Yelp says they are closed. Google will show the current hours. read more

Fish tacos were so good! 10/10 Jamaica drink was so refreshing for this summer heat And such friendly staff! Highly recommend read more

Irma’s Cafe - Bomb Fish Tacos - Salvadoran Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

The employees were very friendly and the food was fresh, made to order. My first time trying tacos that you dip in a sauce, and it wasn't bad but it wasn't amazing. I think there was a bit too much cheese and I expected more flavor. My first time trying a papusa as well, which was interesting; it came with coleslaw, pickled red onions, a cold tomato sauce (not a fan of) and the dish itself is like a fluffy corn tortilla that has a filling. It is not bad for $3 but my boyfriend hated it. We would definitely go back again but maybe try some different menu items. read more

Irma’s Cafe - Tacos de Birria de Res and papusa (chicken and cheese) - Salvadoran Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

I love Irma's. Best Mexican/Salvadoran in The Heights. The papusas, tacos, tamales are all delicious!! Can't say enough great things about Irma and her family. Has become a JC staple! read more

Stay away. I bought some tamales and they were disgusting. I took them home, I opened them, I tasted them, and then threw them in the trash because they were so bad. Horrible! read more

Delicious birria tacos that comes out quick. The price is decent for the area. There's some seats inside or you can take out. The service is super welcoming. I left my phone there by mistake and the staff kindly held and returned it to me. read more

Excellent service and food. They have ready to eat buffet for those who are in a time crunch or a la cart if you want to dine in. I had the huevos con chorizo and its was great! It has the "home feel" vibe and flavor. Definitely will come back! read more

Only had the empanadas. One beef and one chicken. Both were tasty, and had an awesomely perfect crust, plus great flavor. What disappointed me was the filling had mixed veggies and diced potato in it. It was different, and unexpected, and I hate green peas, so it made my 'wolf down the empanadas' goal a chore. I'd try something else based on the flavor and cooking style of those empanadas, but I wouldn't get the empanadas again. Two friends say the other food is "okay." read more

Food is extremely delicious I had the flautas de pollo & birria tacos which were really good as well. Birria tacos are 4 for $12 and they come with a nice dipping sauce! Definitely recommend especially if you're in the mood for Salvadoran food or Mexican food. read more

Irma’s Cafe - Tacos de Birria de Res - Salvadoran Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

See all

As soon as I saw that this place was opening up I put it on my list of places to try. I was in the area and decided to make an order to go and try them out. I'm Salvadoran so I'm always looking for a great place for Pupusas closer to where I live and they didn't disappoint. I enjoyed them and can't wait to order again from them. The location is small but it's cute. (Thank you for the cute gesture with the order.) read more

See all

The quesadilla was the real winner but the tacos were good too! Another surprisingly good food item were the papusas! The staff was super sweet. read more

Irma’s Cafe - Salvadoran Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

They have the yummiest Central American food and the fastest service. I feel at home when I go there. I truly recommend them to everyone I know! read more

Food is delicious! Love the variety of food and really great service! Both their Salvadorian and Mexican dishes are phenomenal and flavorful. Definitely would come again when I am in the area! read more

Hands down, the best pupusas I've ever had. I had to come back for more! Great service and friendly staff. Very satisfied customer read more

Irma’s Cafe - Pupusa(s) Mixta - Salvadoran Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

See all

Wanted to like this place sooooo bad because the reviewes were awesome but unfortunately my experience was subpar. Ordered delivery via UberEats. Ordered a bunch of pupusas, the birth tacos, tamales, and soup. But was most excited about the pupusas. Pros: Everything came packages well and was still warm when it arrived. Cons: Food in general wasn't impressive at all. The pupusas tasted like they were made with old cheese. The tamales weren't flavorful, the soup had 1 piece of meat in it. I spent $75 on the order and honestly was really disappointed. I threw our rhe majority of the food and I HATE wasting food. Won't likely try this spot again unless I'm in the area. read more

Good cheap tamales: pork and chicken. Tortas and tacos are solid, too. It's right across from the police station so I always see the blue boys in there chowing down. People at the counter are friendly. I'll be back. read more

I've ordered from here twice and have really enjoyed the food! Both times I got the birria tacos which were good, I just wished the consome was a tad bit more spicy/flavorful but I understand that's a personal preference. I've tried an empanada and the flautas which were also good. I also ordered the queso papusa which was ok, guess I just don't care for papusas! I will definitely be ordering from here again. It is also very reasonably priced! read more

First time ordering delivery. I got a chicken quesadilla and a side of guac. It was delicious! I am definitely ordering from there again. Cons: Food was delivered in plastic bag, styrofoam containers, and plastic utensils. I would suggest to ask over the phone if plastic utensils are needed and maybe change food packaging to cardboard like other places have. read more

I've been on a hunt for the best Pupusas and I've finally found them!! The staff is so nice and sweet (: I feel like I'm at a cute mom and pop shop (: read more

Irma’s Cafe - Pupusas (: - Salvadoran Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

See all

We picked up a few tacos from here as a snack for the two of us and they were hearty and delicious! If Chofi Birria is the gold standard, this one comes close behind. Also its in a convenient location right on Central ave and service is great! read more

This place has the best paposas. This soups are delicious and the people are so warm and friendly

The food here is so delicious. It does both Mexican and Salvadoran cuisine perfectly. I had the Pupusas and fish and they were both perfectly seasoned. I highly recommend. The service was good and the people were nice. read more

SOOOOOO GOOD. Addicted to this restaurant. The birria tacos the empanadas the papusas. So good - priced fairly as well.