The owner Gary does an amazing job making sure everyone is accommodated and Gerald GETS IT DONE in the kitchen. Great food, great service. Will definitely be coming back. read more

We visited twice for their NBA Finals watch parties, and overall it was a mixed experience. The location is downtown on Halsey Street. Parking is street parking only, but since the games were later in the evening when many businesses were closed, finding a spot was easy. The service was definitely a highlight. Both times, the staff was friendly, welcoming, and attentive. We were greeted when we arrived, checked on throughout our visits, and everyone made sure we had what we needed. The owner was also there walking around, interacting with guests, and was very friendly. The food was just okay. The first night they were only offering the happy hour menu, so I ordered the catfish nuggets and fries. The catfish nuggets were fried golden brown, flavorful, and seasoned well. The only downside was the very small portion of fries. The second visit, the full menu was available. I still ordered the platter with three fling wings, two pieces of fish, and fries, plus an additional side of macaroni and cheese. The fish and wings were good, but the mac and cheese was just average. I was expecting more of a baked Southern-style mac and cheese, but it didn't quite deliver. The drinks were the biggest disappointment. We tried the rum punch and had to send it back to be remade, but the second one was no better. The sangria was extremely watered down. Both were $10 on the happy hour menu, and unfortunately, I would not recommend either. Also, a shot of tequila is $16 so keep that in mind. The canned sodas ($3) were a better option. The atmosphere is nice. There's a bar area in the front , music playing, a DJ for special events, a beautiful outdoor garden area for dining, and plenty of TVs throughout the restaurant, making it a great place to watch a game or hang out with friends. My biggest issue was cleanliness. Several tables and the floors were sticky, and even the condiment bottles (tartar sauce, ketchup, and house sauce) were greasy. Those details really matter and are something the restaurant should pay closer attention to. The full menu can get a little pricey, so if you're going mainly for a game watch party or to enjoy the atmosphere, I'd suggest going during happy hour. Overall, Just Fish has a great vibe, friendly staff, and a fun sports-bar atmosphere, but the food and drinks and cleanliness need some improvement. read more

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Ordered from here a few nights ago and had a bad experience afterward. Within a few hours I had stomach issues, and by the next morning I had diarrhea & I'm still recovering even days later. This was the only meal I had during that time period. Very concerning. I won't be ordering again in the future. read more

Excellent !! great vibes and food They have Music on Friday's Live Band great ambience, read more

Perfect cooking, delicate seasoning. Relaxed pace of service. Go for the Catfish, stay for the Collards. Not at all salty or greasy - genuinely excellent. read more

Great mother's day brunch enjoyed my self nothing like great music food and energy

The staff there is very friendly and helpful. If you are indecisive about what to eat, you can rest assured that the friendly staff there will help you, and you won't regret it!! The catfish is one of my favorites, whether steamed or fried, with the baked mac and cheese with honey buffalo sauce on the side, and some pineapple lemonade to top it off! read more

I have been patronizing this restaurant since it was located at its first location on Halsey Street. While the food has not changed, the service leaves too much to be desired. It appears that now since the patronization of the establishment has increased, they no longer need to concern themselves with customer service. This is usually the downfall of most businesses who overlook long time good customers who have patronized them for long periods of time in lieu of their new found success. I had to wait over 45 minutes for an order which is TOTALLY unacceptable. When I inquired about my order, the owner barked at me..."It's coming!". Again, totally unacceptable. As I have looked over the reviews, I see a trend of as many bad reviews as good. It appears that after they have obtained a liquor license, that is the focus and everything else is a secondary or tertiary concern. I definitely will not be patronizing this establishment anymore and I hope that everything works out for the best in the future. I generally do not write reviews but to anyone who decides to venture here, my only statement to you is this: "Caveat Emptor...you have been warned!" read more

I rarely leave negative reviews, but our experience at Just Fish was unacceptable. I went with a group of friends and from the start, the service was incredibly slow. We waited far too long for basic things like water and menus, and the staff seemed overwhelmed or uninterested. When the bill arrived, we kindly asked for an itemized receipt--which is a reasonable and standard request--but the Gary the owner was annoyed that we asked for it. Instead of resolving the issue professionally, he became defensive and started yelling at us in front of other customers. It was embarrassing, uncalled for, and completely ruined the evening. Restaurants should treat guests with respect and at the very least be transparent with their billing. I would not recommend this place to anyone looking for a pleasant or respectful dining experience. read more

Ordered drinks at the table for dinner and was served in a plastic cup (for a cocktail) , the condiments were in plastic large squeeze bottle ... upgrade your dinner setting! Food was basic. Need better ventilation system .. walked out and my clothes smelled like fried fish. I was listening to church music on a Thursday night. But, the cornbread was good. read more

OMG!!! Don't sleep this is was laid back spot for a fantastic meal, sit back and chill on the backyard patio, Let me tell you This is a must go to spot. Your welcome read more

Friendly staff - threw on the Euro championship for me and got me a cold beer and some tasty Old Bay seasoned wings. Nice vibe!

Food was flavorful. No booze so I'll keep it to 4 stars. Indoor/outdoor dining with a patio in the back. I would call this an upscale soul spot. Worth the trip if you're in town. read more

Just Fish Cafe - a plate of food with a side of macaroni and cheese - Cafes Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

I give Them a four for the new location which used to be 27 mix on Halsey Street in Newark. They kept the same ambience, same furniture same Decour everything only alcohol they serve is sangria. I guess they're waiting on their liquor license. The food was better in preparation and appearance although I was later told that it's still the same staff same cooks for over 20 years. Maybe the environment help them to upgrade their skills. All in all it was a good time. We had a good time there and we would be back. read more

absolutely the worst food I've ever had the misfortune to order. Send back my undercooked scallops twice, and then cancelled the order. would not recommend for anything! read more

Visit their new location at 27 Halsey Street in Newark for amazing food, amazing service, music and a very cool Sunday brunch atmosphere! Love the art and the brick exposed brick - nice touches! read more

Just Fish Cafe - Starter - yummmmmmy! - Cafes Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

Y'all have horrible service And Don't appreciate Customers it's always so bad y'all Need To Do better always attitudes read more

Being that most places are closed for dine in and I'm stuck at the hotel I ordered from this place for delivery thru Yelp....the first night I ordered the BBQ rib which was amazing, the next day I ordered the steak, shrimp and greens plate- the steak was a bit tough, the greens were a bit salty- I also ordered the crab legs- they were pretty darn good- overall not bad for take out and fairly priced...also, their strawberry lemonade was refreshing. The only negatives is they forget to include utensils and the two time I ordered they were very late so I was eating late at night...if you order delivery give yourself plenty of time. I defiantly would order from the m again. read more

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Operating under pressure does not warrant cursing out the Door Dash Driver ,calling him a Bitch after he waited almost 2 hours for my food.Now to the food.. The fish was inedible, not fresh and tasted like crap.It went right in the garbage. The roasted corn ...Right out of a frozen bag ! Just fish you got 1 star for doing the chicken wings right. You told the Door Dash driver not to return...You should lock your door to everyone with that attitude! I will never come again if you are the last restaurant in Jersey. read more

First off....the owner gave me and my date free drinks, as I was parking my car . Talk about showing love. Secondly the vibe was amazing especially during brunch with great music...a little too loud but overall amazing. Lastly the food was impeccable, from the buffalo shrimp, Mac and cheese, all the way to the corn bread. I definitely recommend this spot ! #haynesverified read more

Ordered a catering dish. Took 3 days to order. Every time I called, extremely noisy in the background. The girl on the phone couldn't help me. I was told twice to leave my name and number and the owner will call me back, he didn't. Went there to pick up after finally ordering, cashier had to call the owner and get the price of my order which she should have known.. My sister ordered a dish that was short on the shrimp. Very disappointed in the customer service there. Been a customer for over 17 years. This new place looks like a hole in the wall. Constant confusion in the store with orders and the owner is hardly there or gets there at 3pm.. Considering other soul food restaurants. This is not a Cafe.. read more

Everything i order from here is delicious. Super tasty . Exactly what i want . The issue is the chicken and waffles . The chicken is good . But the waffles .... It would be way cheaper to buy a waffle maker and pancake mix instead of egos waffles because if i knew i was getting an ego waffle i would've just made it myself and only ordered chicken egos waffle is so flat and wet like they don't even toast it just put it in the microwave. It's not a good look . Try a waffle maker then you can add all kind of flavored waffles to the menu like red velvet Oreo etc . read more

Wowwwwww. I've always ordered from here and had good meals served for my lunch. But today I decided to order breakfast. BOYYYYY was it the wrong day to make that decision. I ordered chicken and waffles thinking I'm going to get something on the scale of Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles. Nope. Just eggo waffles and anorexic chicken wings. I've never been so insulted in my LIFE to have paid $12 for some eggos and starving wings. I'm so upset and disappointed at the quality. And the girl who answered the phone had the nerve to have an attitude when I'm making my order and serve this HOT MESS of a meal. I'm so shocked. I don't have words. read more

Just Fish Cafe - This was the hot mess I was served. I'm literally taken aback at them actually thinking it was a good idea to serve THIS. - Cafes Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

So a couple days ago I ordered this from doordash. I've been craving seafood for a while now so when I seen this on the app I thought how bad can this place be? When I got the food and opened it I thought wtf is this !!? I ordered the crab and shrimp platter which came with two sides. The shrimp were plan and had no flavor and the broccoli was very bland as well. The crabs were decent, it wasn't no seafood boil but it was better than the shrimp and broccoli. As for the rice and beans they were pretty decent as well. I read reviews about this place and I never seen any reviews much about seafood only other entrees like chicken and stuff. But I don't think I would order seafood from here again read more

Just Fish Cafe - Crab Legs & Shrimp w/ Rice and Beans & Broccoli - Cafes Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

Just OK. The oxtails were good. The sides have fell off though. Used to really compliment the meal. Now just pick over them. The wait is extremely long, even when you call ahead of time. All things that can be fixed... hopefully. read more

Was in the Newark area for the day and wanted some soul food. Although this place didn't have the favorable reviews as other resturants in the area, they were open and I was hungry. I came during what i thought should have been "lunch" but there was one other customer in the restyrant besides myself. At first i didnt think anything of of but after eating the food i have a better understanding as to why. The resturant was well kept and clean which is ALWAYS in plus in my book. I was welcomed by a very nice young lady at the counter who was very eager to take my order. Since I had never been here before I asked to see the menu which was HUGE, a legal sized sheet of paper with small type. That thing was overwhelming for my pregnancy cravings, so I asked what she suggested and she suggested the most popular meal....the 332. So I ended up ordering the 332, which came with 3 shrimp (colossal size), 3 chicken wings, 2 fish with two sides: Mac n cheese (great- cheesy and gooey), yams (eh- tasted like they came from a can) and I got an extra side of potatoe salad (YUCK- wth did I just eat?). The proteins lacked seasoning for sure! Overall I would not go back as I tossed more than a 2/3's of the food away. read more

Just Fish Cafe - Curbside view - Cafes Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

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Beware when u order their food *_* becuz their stores have rats... i saw a rat running through the side of the store last time I was there ))) their seafood are ok, but better go with somewhere safer/cleaner read more

First time at Just fish. I ordered the over priced whiting fish sandwich that came with 4 small pieces of fish & 2 slice of wheat bread that cost $8.95. tasted ok I've had better. Ordered a side of there Mac & cheese for $3.95 which was garbage & a left turn. ‍‍‍ Don't ever order it. . Not sure if I will give this place another try. Still thinking. read more

Just Fish Cafe - Dry bland Mac & cheese. - Cafes Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

Ordered through UberEats. Food was still warm when it finally arrived. Ordered the seafood sampler which was more than enough food for my daughter and I to share. Really great food. read more

Just Fish Cafe - Seafood Sampler July 2019 - Cafes Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

one word and thats it "cornbread" good lord!!!! im going to say it again the cordbread!!!! gary and company dont play over there at just fish!!!!!!!! the cornbread!!!!! read more

The crab legs were good they weren't 5 stars but the staff is nice and professional so no complaints will come back for more

The Fish pieces are small. This is 3 of what is suppose to be a 4 piece for 8.95. Prices are high. & Please ask for an itemized receipt. The girl added an extra dollar my meal when on the wall it said $ 11.95 and charged me 13.95. & then kept telling me to my face no it's 13 then she went down to 12. Then tried to explain oh it's tax. Then when I demanded my full receipt I saw tax was already included at the bottom. Bad service! Ripping people off. Not going back here again. Smh. It's a shame. read more

Just Fish Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

The customer service could use a little work but the food was A1! I rode by on my bike and had to turn around because the food was smelling THAT good! I got a catfish and shrimp dinner with Mac & cheese and yams. DELISH! and it also came with a side of corn bread! read more

Very local & very good !. Don't expect reservations and a " fine dining" atmosphere. It's mostly take out . The catfish dinner with mac n cheese & greens is VERY good! It is 17$ but can easily feed 2 people. You can tell the fish is freshly fried. Feels good to support local business. read more

Really Great Menu! Had a lot of options price and variety wise. Went there and there was alot if folks which shows that the neighborhood enjoys the food. A little bit if a wait for the food but it's worth it. The service are teenagers or fault young adults.. also a plus in my book because it's either a family run business or they don't mind giving our youth an opportunity. The food us very good. Both me and my date enjoyed every we had. Can't wait to come back and try another dish. Moderate prices that reflect the servings you get. I'll be back read more

Just Fish Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

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Every time I'm in Newark I visit Just Fish. Haven't been disappointed with a food item yet. Customer service when I go is always on point and the wait time for the food is about average ... I usually wait about 15 mins for my food. read more

Just discovered this gem recently, and I was not disappointed. The food was fresh and hot and the portions are humongous. Honey and I ate in the restaurant and the service was OK - nothing major to mention. I had fried whiting, yams, collard greens, and mac n cheese. He had fried catfish, red beans and rice, and collard greens. The people who came in and out were our entertainment - nothing like good ol' Newark!! I'm ready to go back it was delicious. read more

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Don't buy food from here!!! Terrible service and the workers are incompetent. I ordered a platter ($38) & an additional side ($13) totaling $57. After waiting 30 minutes, I noticed I was missing food. The gentleman goes to say, "I thought you wanted a substitute." ????? I said an ADDITIONAL side of shrimp!!!! After telling him of his mistake, he then proceeded to say I would have to pay for the extra side. SO WHAT WAS THE ADDITIONAL ($13) CHARGE FOR??!!!!! These are bozos that obviously don't know how to run a business. You might as well go to CRABBAE in Maplewood if you want tasty food, good portions and fantastic service. Smh that's why it's difficult to support local businesses. If he'd actively listened to my order, we wouldn't be here. SMDH. read more

Just Fish Cafe - A $13 customization is just insane!! - Cafes Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

I passed this place alot when going home and finally decided to try it. I got the seafood sampler to sample all of the basics. Never again. The crab legs were dry and werent fresh at all. The scallops were chewy, not succulent. Fish were dried mostly as well. The best thing of this whole sampler was the shrimp. That's one thing that was done right. Getting potato salad from places is a gamble in general. The potato salad was ok to me, not the worse but definitely not the best. Crab cakes were okay, nothing spectacular but good. I cant comment on the fried lobster tail because I gave it to someone. I will try something else off the menu at a later date before I decide if I want to come back here after the second visit. Other things may excel off the menu but these items (other than the fried shrimp) did not. The staff was friendly, polite and welcoming. read more

Just Fish Cafe - The "okay" potato salad - Cafes Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

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I started heading to Just Fish as a kid back when they were located on South Orange Ave. in the west ward of Newark. Now that they have relocated (apparently 7, 8 years ago? :) they are in prime shape to build upon their position as Newark-owned, well-oiled soul food machine. It could be considered 'pricey' if you're coming from the within-city perspective, but anything you order will give you more than enough food to earn the ticket price (my fish sandwich came with corn bread slaw and a starch side as well as 5 pieces of fried whiting). Moreover, if you don't originally hail from these parts, as most of the residents of the adjacent Teacher's Village or nearby modern rentals may be, you really do have to stop by on a Saturday or even Sunday (they open?) morning. Much of the fare -fried or grilled fish galore, greens, mac n cheese, grits, chicken- get publicized & branded as 'Southern' because of the clear flavor origins. HOWEVER, I can just see a recent comer to the area searching "Southern Brunch" on Yelp and missing this place altogether. DON'T! Owner/managers are friendly and care about this business, its employees and its patrons. Whatever you're up to, if you want some good soul food, come through when you're in the 973 read more