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Mezcal Kitchen JC

3.9 (200 reviews)
ModerateMexican
Closed • 11:00 am - 1:30 AM (Next day)
Updated 3 months ago

Order Mezcal Kitchen JC Takeout or Delivery

Mezcal Kitchen JC Photos

MEZCAL KITCHEN JC ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Happy hour specials
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Mezcal Kitchen JC

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Vincent Y.

Mezcal Kitchen JC.. stopped in for some Mexican food. Went with the nachos to start and entrees to follow including the chicken with peppers and onions and the cubano sandwich. Service wasn't anything special as it definitely didn't stand out. The place was loud and overly dark. The menu had a ton of options, which was a plus. The food was decent definitely worth the stop.

Kebby B.

This place serves some delicious Mexican food. You can order a variety of dishes, from Nachos to Quesadillas. We started with a pitcher of Sangria (which we got the happy hours discount on), but it was a bit too sweet for my taste. The nachos were loaded and great for a group of six. I enjoyed the Shrimp Quesadillas, which were loaded with large shrimp. We also tried the Chicken and Peppers, which was okay but a bit chewy. My main complaint is about the music. It was quite loud, making it difficult to hear each other. A softer volume would have been better.

Beef Birria Burrito
A'Yanna E.

Loud & Pricey but Tasty! I was craving birria as I often do and decided to try a new place that happened to have birria burritos which sounded quite delicious. While I had to lean over the bar just to hear & be heard by the server due to the extremely loud music, I ordered the birria burrito and tres leches to go. She was kind. My order came quick. They give you a small to-go ramekin of consume dipping sauce...I wanted the equivalent of sauce received with standard birria tacos especially for the price. The tres leches I saw pictured on Yelp was plain with a few strawberry slices...this was covered in peaches, mango, & strawberries which I was not happy with when I opened it at home. They should tell ppl that ugh. It was fine but I prefer my tres leches less soggy & runny so I wouldn't order it again. Overall, good food to return for & a fun environment if you want to dine in solo or with others. I def want to try the birria quesadilla next. There were solo ppl at the bar, couples at the bar, friend groups at tabletops, families at tables, & birthday folks dancing. Go, enjoy!

Bar area high tops
Sara G.

We love Mezcal!! We stayed in the neighborhood for about a month while our apartment was being finished, and we ate here multiple times. Everyone is always friendly. The food is consistently delicious--the mole enchiladas are my favorite along with the sweet tooth cocktail. Vibes are casual with sports on tv and themed decor.

Kristen C.

I came here with my significant other and we really liked the vibe and service. One thing to note is that I left my wallet there and I was so pleased that they were able to keep it overnight safe for me. We had too much fun splitting a pitcher of margaritas. Food absolutely delicious and the cheese dip was sizzling hot upon arrival. 10/10.

Nadia A.

This has been my favorite spot so far moving into the jersey and it has not been a disappointment! The place is definitely for locals, always has seating, service is always attentive and friendly. They do have events and living performances as well. The food and drinks are delicious as I have come back in a few accessions mows and have been trying different items to get a feel of their dishes. The place is self is beautiful, not packed whenever we go even on a Friday night. I hope to see it on busy night one day but I don't mind going anytime!

Margaritas for Happy Hour

I stumbled upon Mezcal's Kitchen while exploring Jersey City and honestly, it's one of the best decisions I've made all week. From the moment I walked in, the vibe was warm, welcoming, and authentic, a perfect mix of cozy and modern. Food wise, absolutely incredible. I had the chorizo quesadillas more times that I can count, juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked to the smallest detail. I also tried most of their mezcal cocktails, the best. Their happy hour is the best hour haha The service was on point too. Friendly, attentive without being overbearing, and you can tell the staff genuinely care about the food they're serving. I love you guys lol Whether you're a local or just visiting, Mezcal's Kitchen is 100% worth a stop. It feels like a neighborhood spot with destination-worthy food! Definitely stop by!

Guacamole chips and salsa
Dara R.

Love this place in Five Corners Jersey City! We've been living here for 7 months and tried this spot for the first time. Drinks are great and their waitresses are on point with recommendations and checking in on guests. The shrimp tacos are small but pack a lot of flavor. We also had the fresh guac and chips which was super refreshing and delish! The atmosphere is clean and inviting and it feels like were in a fancier location maybe on vacation somewhere. Also, the prices are pretty decent for a local joint and we would definitely come back!

beef birria enchiladas
Steve A.

Late night coming back from a concert, I felt a little peckish and wanted to replenish my saline. Mezcal was open, served Mexican, which often has salty seasoning, had decent reviews, and right on my way home. Do note that this doesn't have the best feeling neighborhood, but I put my trust in Newark Ave. being busy at all hours, and sure enough my car was just fine and the atmosphere in Mezcal feels nice and local. In fact, even though I'm not local, they offered to turn down the bar music for me! It was late, there were actual locals inside, so I deferred to them, but this place seems accommodating and caring. The servers took to me right away, with more than one helping me obtain beverage and meal items. I went with a different agua fresca than usual (tamarind) and not much to comment there, but $3 is reasonable for 16 oz of fresh drink. You can see the beef birria I ordered, and all of the stars poured in once I started eating. The enchiladas were full of every ingredient and perfectly balanced between items and flavors. The green sauce had a nice kick, there was a nice fresh avocado on top and just the right crema sauce, not oversauce like I'm used to. Even the rice and beans were full of flavor! I marveled to many of my friends how Mezcal singlehandedly raised the bar on rice and beans. No longer will I accept the slightly spiced rice and cool beans I'm used to. Now they have to have all of the delicious flavor that Mezcal brings! And since they raised my food bar, and with wonderful service and a great atmosphere (see photos!), all the stars for Mezcal!

Outside of cake box
Ami P.

This review is for their tres leches cake - although their food is great too! There have been many times I have ordered a peice of just their tres leches cake because it is that good. So milky and soft and just the right amount of sweet. We decided to try to order a whole cake for my friend's birthday (he used to live in the area and definitely misses it) and they were soo sweet. They said this is the first time they have had this request and the chefs were excited so they got creative. So cute! Highly recommend if you want to have a different type of cake for a party! It held up very well and was a hit.

Chorizo Tacos
Leah C.

Mezcal wasn't on our radar until we called Brujeria to ask for the wait time for a table. We were informed that they're set up as more of a takeout place and suggested that we check out Mezcal (same owner, I think). We showed up and though several diners were there already, we were able to be seated right away. The servers were all very friendly and the music was great. We soon realized that we were there on a live music night, the band was really really good and added to the amazing vibe. We started with a couple of strawberry margaritas and another cocktail that I can't remember, along with a large chips and spicy guac - honestly one of the best I've had. The kids split a chicken fingers and fries (more like chicken cutlets, but we cut them up, no complaints from the kiddos). My chicken burrito was fantastic, I got to try a fish taco which was really good, I didn't get to try the chorizo tacos or chicken gringo (crispy shell) tacos on our table because they were devoured too quickly. The cherry on top was the free tequila shots that we were offered at the end. This was an all around great dining experience and I'd highly recommend Mezcal to anyone looking for great Mexican food!

Cocktail Menu
Benita M.

I was starving and ended up looking for a place to eat after 9PM. However, being a Sunday evening all kitchens were closed or closing soon in Jersey City and Hoboken. I didn't want fast food, and I ended up finding Mezcal Kitchen. I was really happy they were open. If you're looking for a bite and are starving I would say they are open late- their kitchen was open till 1:30 AM on a SUNDAY. The inside is cute, had a smell of cleaner (maybe they had just cleaned considering they were completely empty). Service was pretty good, but they were empty as I mentioned so I don't know how it would be on a busy night. I will say their bar is fully stocked with all kinds of tequilas. My only complaint is that the bartender seemed a bit inexperienced. I first ordered a coconut margarita - but it had a bug in it so I sent it back. The bartender only apologized but did not offer anything off the bill, which was a bit surprising. Food was maybe a low 5 out of 10. I ordered the pollo encebollado with beans and tostones. The chicken was okay nothing memorable or to brag home about. I also tried the grilled chicken torta and again both to brag about and was not like other authentic Mexican tortas I've had. To drink I had the spicy flamingo, which was really good. However, my drink was not at all spicy so if you're looking for a spicy drink, this would not be it. I also tried the Con Todo I wasn't a fan- it's mezcal, horchata, egg white, and lemon juice. It originally sounded amazing but the taste was definitely not there. Overall I wasn't impressed with Mezcal Kitchen but I think it has potential and I am willing to give it another chance. Maybe the food and drinks are better during the evening and not at 9 PM on Sunday.

Rosie R.

Beautiful small restaurant, I went with the fam bam from California to celebrate my son's birthday for the long weekend. After a long trip we found this little gem , the food was delicious and our servers were really nice . I was surprised to find authentic Mexican food all the way over here , I'm from Los Angeles so you know I have high standards for my Mexican food. This restaurant is a must !!!

interior

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Paola J.

Yes same owner! Thank you for stopping in!

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1 year ago

Good food, large portions good drinks that's all I need to say oh yeah and great bartenders

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Ask the Community - Mezcal Kitchen JC

Is it possible to bring our own bottle? If yes, is there any extra charges for that?

Yes...and they have virgin margarita mix for sale!

View All 2 Questions

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Was specifically on the hunt for queso enchiladas verde in Jersey City. No - not the ones you get…read moreat fancy Mexican restaurants, but the one you get at the hole in the wall takeout spots that aren't always located in the most gentrified parts of town. El Rancho Taqueria fits the bill. Placed an order for takeout and trekked 10 mins (in timbs lol) to pickup the food and eat it in the comforts of home. This fit my nearly 6 year craving to the T. The melted queso and heat of the verde sauce was perfect. The rice and beans were plentiful, but not too much. Enchiladas were cooked well. Couldn't ask for more - I found my spot! For under $12, can't ask for more.

Wanted to have some authentic Mexican food and El Ranchero Taqueria delivered just that. This was…read moremy first time here and I'll definitely be coming back. I ordered a chicken burrito bowl and steak tacos. I took the food to go but it definitely was cozy in there. Plenty of people were having dinner I saw a couple enjoying some guacamole and chips, a friend group having some churros and another table eating fajitas. My order was taken immediately and not long after it came out to go. The tacos were delicious I loved the raw onion and the orange sauce that came on the side. They were wrapped with two tortillas and the steak had a nice juicy flavor. The burrito bowl had beans, chicken, yellow rice, cheese and a salad mix. Both meals were delicious but I enjoyed the tacos a bit more. This place left me full and satisfied.

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Taqueria Downtown - Guacamole

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I love everything about Taqueria except for the exceptionally long wait times on the weekends. But…read moreit's because the food, the drinks and the vibes are so incredible that you kind of don't mind the wait. I've waited every time I've come but last weekend was by far the longest. We put our names down around 7:30, grabbed a few margaritas from the bar inside and waited outside on the sidewalk for about an hour and a half. A couple tips to make your wait bearable! -If you are staying close by, grab some margaritas at the bar and hang out. -If your wait time is expected to be over an hour, I promise it won't be less than that so you might as well walk around or grab drinks elsewhere and come back. After we finally got in, we were seated in the enclosed back patio space (it's still cold out, but this is usually a lovely spot for dinner during the warmer months). Get the guac! We got a medley of a bunch of different tacos but my favorite was the fish and the lengua. Loved everything and have declared every time that I leave that those are the best tacos in the area. Worth the wait (to an extent) but just go on a weeknight if ya can!

Taqueria Downtown is definitely a Jersey City staple. Everyone knows it, everyone has been at least…read moreonce, and the vibe is always lively. There are just a few things worth knowing before you go. First: the drinks. They are strong. Be-smart-and-stop-at-two strong. They taste great, but they sneak up on you fast. I ended up way sicker than expected, and I'm not a lightweight, so definitely pace yourself!! They will keep them coming long after you should have stopped. Second: they do not take reservations. Ever. Be prepared to wait, especially on weekends or evenings. It seems to be part of the Taqueria experience at this point, but it is still something to keep in mind. Now for my fellow vegans, here is the heads up. The complimentary chips are fine, but the salsa they bring out apparently has chicken broth in it. I had no idea the first time, since basic tomato salsa is usually the safest bet everywhere. They also use that same salsa on the tacos, so make sure you ask for it to be left off. As for vegan options, the nopalitos (cactus) tacos were pretty bland, and I really wish there were a few more solid choices without having to worry about hidden ingredients. All in all, I would not come here on my own for a meal, but I would definitely join a group if everyone wanted cheap tacos and very strong drinks. The atmosphere is fun, and it is a JC classic. It just is not the most vegan-friendly spot.

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For living in NJ for nearly my entire life, I never stepped foot inside a Tacoria. Now living in…read moreJersey City, I couldn't avoid seeing it only a couple streets away from where I live. Looking for a quick dinner, I decided to come here on a whim. Because it was raining pretty decently, I opted to eat inside. There's a small size dining area in the back, though the ordering area and hallway leading there is a bit narrow. Anyhow, for those who are new, the concept is similar to Chipotle, except that they create everything for you behind the scenes. I basically opted for the burrito bowl except with the vegan chorizo (Tacorizo). Before adding the sauces, the Tacorizo had a good amount of heat to it. I simply added the two mildest sauces and it was just enough. Bowl tasted great and it was obviously very filling. Good spot for a quick bite.

S/o to the Yelp event for sponsoring some of my food (cuz obviously you gotta get more when you…read morecan, duh!). That being said, the habanero sweet orange sauce and the elite corn they have from the sides menu... Best things I ate there! I don't even know what that orange mayo like sauce was on that corn but it made me sad knowing I only had two cute baby corns to eat, I just wanted to keep getting kernels in my teeth for that cob. And the habanero sauce, was downright slurpable. I didn't bother drizzling when you can just take a shot of it after every bite of either taco, burrito, whatever you get. Had to separate this paragraph for the tacos I got. I got 4 tacos. A pollo pastor, a shredded chicken, regular pollo, and regular carne asada. Now pollo and carne asada, nothing too special. Standard but with the way they sauce it and present it, I can say solid taco. The pollo pastor...as someone who can't eat pork, this was a blast to eat. They use mini chunk pineapple and put a good amount of condiments to balance it all out. Chicken not dry and super flavorful. Also enjoy the single tortilla over double. Less carbs. Now that shredded chicken. While not dry, I don't know where that bite was taking me. I just wasn't feeling it and I can't pinpoint why. I don't know if it's the extra stuff on top of it, or the fact that the corn was my fave but the side sauces didn't help. I'd def come back for the other 3 but not that shredded one. That limonada was sooooo good and refreshing! I thought I'd get horchata when I had the chance but because that limonada was hitting right, didn't even bother. And the fact it's like unlimited refills if you get a drink, totally worth it! Overall, I appreciate the patience of the manager and cashier. They were really nice and helpful. The interior was sick too. Repurpose lockers for chairs. Baseball stadium chairs. Definitely tight but just right. I was struggling finding spots for Mexican food, I have a pretty high standard for it, but I'll give this a solid/perfection score lol

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Service is horrible , specially because you go in for a drink and they expect you to have a full…read moremeal , it is also a bar so people can go in just for drinks . After a while they stopped coming to our table , I wanted to drink but apparently if you're not eating they don't need to pay attention to you . After being there for an hour and half my friend's Daugther arrived and they told us she couldn't stay because it was a bar ( even tho we were NOT seated at the bar . So we got up and went to the other aside where there's the regular restaurant tables . After being there for about 5 minutes the hostess walks up to me and says they don't allow outside beverage and handed me a paper bag . I asked her even if I got it at your bar on the other side ? She then says OH ! You got it here ? My response was I've been here for an hour and half , and do you allow outside beverages ? She said no , ok so I got this at your bar . She then gives me a look with an attitude , seriously I've been sitting on the other side for an hour and half and NOW you noticed ??! Didn't really like the service or the experience . There are other places around where you can sit and have a drink

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Mezcal Kitchen JC - mexican - Updated May 2026

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