The Brightside Tavern in
Jersey City (NJ)

Amazing vibe and delicious food! This karaoke spot is the perfect place for a fun night out. The menu surprised me — everything we tried was fresh and full of flavor. Great sound system, friendly staff, and a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're singing your heart out or just enjoying the show, you'll have a great time here. Highly recommend!

This place is awesome! The food was super tasty, the staff were really cool, and the vibe made it a perfect spot to hang out. My meal came out fast, everything was great. For someone that is going through something food and the mini conversations was comforting. Definitely coming back soon!

Nice place for a drink and a good time. The owner is friendly and entertains regularly. The patrons get to choose the music. The crowd sets the tone and the bar tenders are attentive and fun.

10/18/25 Spinach, mushroom omlette was ordinary, coffee was good but not hot enough, wheat toast too dry, turkey sausage on the dry side but the best were the home fries and our server Marisol (s) was wonderful and I must, must give credit to the immaculent Ladies room!

Visiting my daughter from out of town and went here to catch the Steeler Game! This was such a warm, welcoming establishment from the second we stepped inside! We were personally greeted by the owner (Tommy) and made sure to be sat at the TVs for the game we came to watch! The food was amazing, authentic and homemade! We loved everything the atmosphere the drinks and the regulars were just as welcoming even though there teams did fair as well as Pittsburgh! 1000 ⭐️’s can’t wait to go back next time I’m there for a visit! Thanks again Tommy! ?

Great food! Great beer! Great service when they have enough staff. Always a nice place to stop. Plus they have the best wings in the area

The owner scams his musicians and refuses to pay them. I traveled over an hour to support MY friend who was doing a gig here and after a three hour set with a three piece band the owner told her he was doing her a favor by letting her play there and refused to pay her for her time including instructing his staff to NOT accept the cover charge from patrons that was in the original contract. The service was also terrible, nobody came to our table for almost 15 minutes after we were sat and my boyfriend’s food was forgotten. Absolute garbage way to run a business. I’ve heard from other musicians this is not the first time the owner has taken advantage of new or smaller artists.

Just had our 5th and last visit at this place. We tried giving a small business a chance, the atmosphere and food is literally all we come for but every time we’ve come we’ve been met with the rudest services. When we walk in we always seat ourselves or speak to someone at the bar (to still be ignored unless you “bother” them to ask for assistance) otherwise no one would notice us which again we didn’t care about since we were just here for food. We gave our whole order and I was given a margarita without being asked what rim I wanted. There was so much salt that it sat at the bottom of the cup and made it essentially undrinkable,, I but it to the side and waited at least 20 mins for our waitress to get back to us after receiving the food (to which all of it didn’t arrive at the same time. Always happens. Even got attitude for asking for the rest of the food from the runner when it’s what I ordered in the first place?) only for her to say my drink was half consumed to point where I couldn’t take it back even though I left a significant amount to show I was unsatisfied. She then offered to not even remake it but to put the same salty drink in a glass with sugar instead so I wouldn’t be uncomfortable, at that point I was already uncomfortable. If the last alternative was to do that in the first place then there was no need to go back and forth with me to make me feel like I was in the wrong as a customer, when every server I’ve had here has asked me whether I’d want salt or sugar or not. Then after all of that to be smacked with a 20% gratuity after being audibly dissatisfied was the icing on the cake. Every time we’ve visited we’ve tipped $10-$15 depending on our check even with services we’ve dealt with here without a gratuity being added. We get the same thing, a burger, pork chops, margarita and a coke. To put gratuity on such a little check after the drink debacle was actually so insulting. I’m a server myself, I would never treat myself this way. Tried looking past things as pettiness because we honestly liked the food but this was too much. I have picked up food before and even got attitude for asking for butter and ketchup? I’m a paying customer who’s asking politely? As a person who makes money on tips and comes here to just spend money and help a small business in the neighborhood this was completely disappointing.

I really enjoyed the food, I happened to step into here after i just got done buying an camera from someone local. Also they was hosting an graduation party at the time, so I thought that was sweet and congratulations on the next chapter of your life

Everything here was delicious and the atmosphere inside was fun and welcoming. The service was great and we would definitely return.

Loved it!!! Walked in to be greeted by a friendly bartender who made us feel at home. Tommy 2 scoops (owner) greeted us warmly. My steak fajitas were the best I had in forever. The salad, pasta and blackened salmon were amazing according to my family. I wished I lived closer to come see the entertainment but definitely will be back!

The food was bad and overcooked and reheated. The owner came up to our table and told us how the food wasn't going to be free even though we said we would pay. He was rude about and walked away when we said we just wanted the bill.

Went there on a Monday night to meet some people and was extremely happy we did. It was JAZZ NIGHT, and we were seated immediately. Our friends showed up, and we ordered drinks, appetizers, and various meals and drinks. The band tonight was OUTSTANDING. At one point, there were 10 musicians playing, and it all fit together. We met the owner, Tommy, who made us feel like old friends. The Brightside Tavern is a real gem, and if you're looking for a night out, lunch, or Sunday brunch, this is the place to go.

Great food and ambience always. Tommy is a great guy to be around. He always makes sure we’re all well served.

If you’re looking for a place to HOST or CATER your special event - Tommy is a GO TO MUST! After attending an event catered by Brightside I convinced my husband we HAD to book them for our wedding! The food is absolutely delicious. The staff goes above & beyond. Their restaurant space is beautiful, accessible & clean! It can be so hard to find businesses that are RELIABLE, friendly, affordable & efficient - Tommy & his staff go above & beyond to say the least! Our family was welcomed with so much love & joy. We can’t wait to continue the relationship! Highly recommend some of our faves: penne vodka, eggplant parm & their classic rolls are a BIG HIT with the kiddos! Love love love can’t say enough great things! This is a business that treats their customers like family. It’s no wonder they do such great things in & around their community. God bless this business!

The Brightside Tavern is a very special gem in Jersey City. Tommy the owner is a wonderful person who cares about every detail. The food is delicious. We usually order the pizza, tater tots, sandwiches and artichoke spinach dip. We try something new every time we eat here and we are always impressed with the food. The spinach artichoke dip is the BEST! The karaoke is fun and available anytime. The staff is friendly and helpful. We come to The Brightside Tavern often and we always enjoy!

The Brightside Tavern is a hidden GEM! This locally owned and operated establishment offers a delightful combination of good food, drinks, and entertainment! It has an extensive tavern menu, a good selection of beer on tap and plenty of top shelf drinks too. Whether it’s the weekends or jazz night, the Brightside Tavern knows how to keep its patrons entertained. Live music, karaoke, or other events make it a lively spot along with its wonderful staff. There’s a private function/game room upstairs. All in all it is family, kids, and dog friendly (outdoor seating) too! Thank you, Tommy! ?? Parking can get a little tricky at times but do notice often times people park in the plaza at their own risk.

The food & atmosphere was good but service was way too slow.

We didn't eat so I can't ride the food or service, but we showed up for jazz night. It was lovely! Atmosphere is top notch with a relaxed, neighborhood vibe, yet sophisticated enough to hold some professional Jazz musicians. More than respectable performance, I could have considered myself in Manhattan. After the first set they play amateur Jazz musicians which were also very good. I'll come back for a longer set next week. Definitely adding this to my list of regulars!

This is my friends neighborhood bar. I really enjoyed how personal and friendly they were for the exception of one blonde bar tender. Unfortunately she never greeted us and served the other guest before making her to us to see if we were being helped. I really fell in love with Buffalo wings and the blue cheese sauce. This was my second time eating there and things keep getting better. I definitely recommend this bar for game day or just to pre game. They have big tvs and clean restrooms. The service was great except for the blond bar tender but even her her lack of customer service wouldn't stop me from coming back

i had called before coming and asked about a pool table. they said they technically did have one and when asked to clarify they said it wasn't "regulation" i just thought that meant it wasnt up to competitive standards. nope. they had a miniture pool table with itty bitty balls and sticks. it was funny tho and still enjoyed the open mic they had going on. the angry crown drink was insanely good and got me very drunk. the set up for the open mic was actually pretty nice. couple of tables, two booths on each wall and a stage with a piano and all your usual set ups.

Service could of been better with more staff, which would of made food better. 30 minutes before order was taken, grant it we weren’t ready to order after searching for a table to seat ourselves but 30 minutes later is just crazy. Private party in other room I thought I was in attendance to bc it was loud a few times. A door instead of a curtain may help prevent this. This could also be why staff was short bc they were tending to private party. I’m not sure but bar staff was the server and was busting tables. Our original server became too overwhelmed with tables and another female server came to tend to us and table behind us that was waiting to check out for about 15 minutes. She was a great help but our original server was back and do his best. You can tell the staff was over worked. Tequila Drink was not good bc the soda was flat but the honey Hennessy wasn’t too bad. Pizza sauce was sweet. I will give this place another try in hopes that they see this review and do better.

This place is always a good place to come too for some pasta and mussels!!!! Cajun Trio Pasta - OMG sooooo delish… i love love love love love this dish.. it’s nothing but creamy and saucy I cannot stay away from this dish every time I come ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️10/10 Mussels w/ White Wine Garlic Sauce - ?oh my another one of my favorites!!!! Always so flavorful and cooked perfectly!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 The staff is nice and the owner is cool!!! Drinks - to eachs own Always a good place but be mindful because the weekends get busy go at an earlier time to get seats and then just chill till your ready.. Simple & Sweet!

I hosted a intimate dinner party to celebrate my birthday here. I food was good and everyone was pleased however it was difficult to nail down details with planning. I definitely feel like the owner should hire a event manager to make sure details are handled properly! Overall the party was nice . My guest and I had a good time.

I can't say its was special place or food. Avocado toast was okay. But chicken absolutely disappointed. Mango desert didnt had mango flavor at all its more milky vanilla teast.

Wonderful experience, wish we would have come here earlier! Food was great, good portions and ty side salad with my burger was tops! Our server, and the whole staff was friendly and attentive!

We got margaritas, beef sliders and eggplant wrap. They were delicious ? Totally recommend it. Friendly staff, clean place, lots of sun light by the window ☺️ ☀️ Only thing I didn’t like was the salad dressing came with the side salad. It was too sweet for me. :)