Why Light Horse Tavern Is Still a Solid Dinner Move in Jersey City
There’s something reassuring about Light Horse Tavern. Not in the way a familiar menu or friendly server comforts you (though both are here), but in how the whole place seems to understand exactly what kind of evening you’re trying to have before you do.
Housed in a restored 1850s brownstone (originally built in 1855 and used as a horse stable), Light Horse was named in honor of Henry Lee III, known as "Light Horse Harry," a Revolutionary War hero and father of Robert E. Lee. The building was abandoned by the 1970s and painstakingly restored in the early 2000s. Since then, it’s quietly become a cornerstone of the Jersey City dining scene.
Located in Paulus Hook, a historic waterfront neighborhood that once served as a Revolutionary War outpost, Light Horse feels at home among the cobblestone side streets, redbrick facades, and brownstones that line this slice of downtown. The restaurant embraces that history, not just in its name, but in its design: tin ceilings gleam above the bar, a classic New York touch that feels equal parts heritage and elegance.
There are no QR-code menus or Edison bulb overload. Instead, you get antique chandeliers, exposed brick, a bar that feels like it knows your order even if it’s your first time in, and a hands-on owner (Ron) always around to chat up the guests. In a dining scene obsessed with what’s new and next, Light Horse is content being excellent.
The Vibe
Light Horse Tavern is the rare kind of restaurant that ages into its neighborhood rather than trying to reinvent itself every five years. The crowd is a true Jersey City mix: legal teams debriefing over oysters, parents on a long-overdue date night, and the solo regular sipping a Negroni while reading a paperback at the bar.
There’s something especially cozy about it in winter — the kind of place where the lights feel warmer, the ceilings feel lower, and the drinks hit a little deeper. The space has that magical ability to feel intimate even when it’s buzzing. And while the décor gives old-school charm, the service never feels stuffy. The servers know the menu inside and out, offer wine pairings without attitude, and treat you the same whether you're ordering oysters and Burgundy or just grabbing a burger and a beer.
In warmer months, you’ll see tables spill out onto the sidewalk, and if you're lucky, you might wander next door into Lobster Garage, a casual seafood offshoot owned by the same team. It’s a perfect companion: less formal, more beachy, with lobster rolls and cocktails in plastic cups that still somehow taste elevated.
What to Order at Light Horse Tavern
Here’s what the regulars know:
East Coast Oysters : Bluepoints and Fishers Island are New York staples, but they have varieties all the way up the coast, from here to Maine. Always fresh, always plated like they came straight from a Nantucket yacht club. All other seafood, like fish and clams, comes from South Jersey, I was told by our server.
LHT Burger: House-ground short rib and chuck patty, smoked onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, chipotle mayo, served with fries.
Spring Duck Breast: Pan-seared duck breast with celery root purée and fresh plum sauce; equal parts rich and bright.
Jersey Clam Frites: A punchy, shareable plate of garlic-sautéed clams with squash and chili mayo… great with a glass of white wine.
You can also try the Roasted Chicken with wild mushrooms and polenta, or the Roasted Beet Salad with whipped goat cheese and pistachios — both showcasing the kitchen’s ability to keep things fresh while leaning into comfort.
From the dessert menu, don’t overlook the Chocolate Bread Pudding with homemade caramel ice cream; warm, dense, and perfectly paired with that cold creaminess. It’s a classic done exceptionally well.
The kitchen delivers daily and seasonal specials that are worth trusting. The grilled fish of the day? Usually spot-on.
The Bar Scene
Light Horse Tavern is one of the few spots in Jersey City where you can drink like a grown-up. The cocktail list is confident but not over-curated. Think proper martinis, balanced Manhattans, and a bourbon selection that respects the classics. Wines lean Old World with a few small-batch surprises, and the bartenders actually listen when you describe what you like.
There’s a reason the bar here stays full long after dinner hours. It’s a place where regulars and first-timers share elbow space, and no one’s trying to outdo each other.
Weekend Brunch at Light Horse
If dinner at Light Horse feels like a neighborhood secret, brunch feels like an insider tradition. On weekend mornings, the tavern warms up with the scent of cinnamon, butter, and strong coffee drifting from the kitchen. Brunch here isn’t an afterthought, it’s a full menu that caters to those looking for comfort, indulgence, or a little of both.
Start with the Deviled Eggs topped with smoked trout, or the sweet and satisfying Warm Banana Bread served with cinnamon cream. From the raw bar, you can build your own dozen oysters or opt for the Grand Plateau, a shareable tower of clams, mussels, shrimp cocktail, and oysters.
The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are a must if you’re leaning sweet; they arrive fluffy, buttery, and balanced with blueberries. For something more savory, the Steak & Eggs offers a well-marinated hanger steak alongside perfectly cooked eggs and crispy potatoes. Other standouts include the Lobster Wontons with spicy chili sauce, the decadent Croissant French Toast with bourbon vanilla, and the hearty Oaxaca Rancheros with refried beans, avocado, rice, and queso fresco.
Brunch cocktails are no afterthought either… a Classic Bloody Mary or Bellini will do the trick, depending on your recovery status.
Whether you’re here for the oysters and bubbly or just want to linger with a stack of pancakes and some strong coffee, brunch at Light Horse delivers the same quality, charm, and unhurried joy that defines the rest of the week.
Who It’s For
You want a date spot with substance, not flash.
You need a place to impress your in-laws without overthinking it.
You’re tired of crossing the river just for a decent meal.
You want to feel like a regular even if it’s your first visit.
Final Thoughts
Light Horse Tavern doesn’t chase trends. It doesn’t need to. In a city that’s constantly flipping restaurants like real estate, this is one of the few places that just quietly holds its ground.
It’s confident, cozy, and just refined enough to make any night feel like an occasion.
Light Horse Tavern
199 Washington St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Lunch, dinner, weekend brunch
Hours:
LUNCH: Tue–Fri 11:30am–4pm
TAVERN MENU: Tue–Fri 4–5pm, Sat–Sun 3:30–5pm
DINNER: Sun–Wed 5–10pm, Thu–Sat 5–11pm
BRUNCH: Sat–Sun 10:30am–3:30pm
BAR: Sun–Tue until 11:30pm, Wed until 12am, Thu until 12:30am, Fri–Sat until 1am
Reservations recommended, especially on weekends
lighthorsetavern.com
