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Name: Marco & Pepe
Address: 289 Grove St, Jersey City, NJ, 07302
Telephone: (201) 860-9688
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.65

Marco & Pepe

289 Grove St, Jersey City, NJ, 07302

(201) 860-9688
Store is closed

Marco & Pepe Menu

Sides

Broccoli Rabe with Garlic

Spinach

Mixed Greens Salad

Pommes Frites

Olives

Broccoli Rabe with Garlic

Spinach

Mixed Greens Salad

Pommes Frites

Olives
Starters

Roasted Tomato Soup

Ceasar Salad

Ceasar Salad with Spanish White Anchovies

Three Beet Salad

Goat Cheese Stuffed Piquillo Peppers

Crispy Fried Calamari

Garlic Shrimp

Grilled Baby Lamb Chop

Charcuterie Plate

Roasted Tomato Soup

Ceasar Salad

Ceasar Salad with Spanish White Anchovies

Three Beet Salad

Goat Cheese Stuffed Piquillo Peppers

Crispy Fried Calamari

Garlic Shrimp

Grilled Baby Lamb Chop

Charcuterie Plate
Tapas and Entrees

Macaroni and Cheese

Grilled Filet Mignon

Balsamic Glazed Yellow Tuna

Pan Roasted Duck

Grilled Sea Scallops

Garlic and Rosemary Chicken

Butternut Squash Risotto

Macaroni and Cheese

Grilled Filet Mignon

Balsamic Glazed Yellow Tuna

Pan Roasted Duck

Grilled Sea Scallops

Garlic and Rosemary Chicken

Butternut Squash Risotto
Cheeses

Manchego

Valdeon

Tetilla

Brin D'amour

Manchego

Valdeon

Tetilla

Brin D'amour
Sandwiches

BLT

Ranch Chicken Sandwich

BBQ Duck Sandwich

M and P Mini Burger or Burger

Vermont White Cheddar

Blue Cheese

BLT

Ranch Chicken Sandwich

BBQ Duck Sandwich

M and P Mini Burger or Burger

Vermont White Cheddar

Blue Cheese

Healthy Meal suggestions for Marco & Pepe

Sides

Broccoli Rabe with Garlic [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mixed Greens Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pommes Frites [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Olives [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Broccoli Rabe with Garlic [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mixed Greens Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pommes Frites [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Olives [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Starters

Roasted Tomato Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ceasar Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ceasar Salad with Spanish White Anchovies [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Three Beet Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Goat Cheese Stuffed Piquillo Peppers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crispy Fried Calamari [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garlic Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Baby Lamb Chop [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Charcuterie Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Tomato Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ceasar Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ceasar Salad with Spanish White Anchovies [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Three Beet Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Goat Cheese Stuffed Piquillo Peppers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crispy Fried Calamari [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garlic Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Baby Lamb Chop [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Charcuterie Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Tapas and Entrees

Macaroni and Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Filet Mignon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Balsamic Glazed Yellow Tuna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan Roasted Duck [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Sea Scallops [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garlic and Rosemary Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Butternut Squash Risotto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Macaroni and Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Filet Mignon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Balsamic Glazed Yellow Tuna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan Roasted Duck [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Sea Scallops [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garlic and Rosemary Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Butternut Squash Risotto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Cheeses

Manchego [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Valdeon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tetilla [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brin D'amour [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Manchego [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Valdeon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tetilla [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brin D'amour [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sandwiches

BLT [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ranch Chicken Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

BBQ Duck Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

M and P Mini Burger or Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vermont White Cheddar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Blue Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

BLT [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ranch Chicken Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

BBQ Duck Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

M and P Mini Burger or Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vermont White Cheddar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Blue Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Dee B.

Was excited to try this place but didn't have the most exciting brunch experience. I got the eggs, cheese and bread. Mine was manchego cheese on a baguette. It just wasn't very tasty. It didn't taste bad but it didn't taste good either, you know? I also got a rooibos tea, which was good, but it was just a tea bag and for some reason I imagined they might have done something different than a tea bag and hot water. I imagined this is the kind of place they might have loose teas. Just my brain running wild I guess. I think my biggest disappointment is that I realized I could have put a tea bag of rooibois in some hot water and made myself an egg and cheese on bread myself if I wanted something "okay" to eat. I might be willing to try this place again but it definitely wasn't the experience I imagined it to be.
(2)
Lakshmi K.

Lived here for three years and finally made it in. Boyfriend and I ordered the huevos rancheros, his go to, and I got the truffle mushroom bacon mac and cheese. Both were delicious, but as usual I definitely ordered better! The food was great, but the location on the corner near the action is what really adds to the experience. Luckily the food keeps up with expectations.
(4)
An S.

This place is straight up awesome. The lobster rolls here are generously sized and so darn good that I came here twice in a week. The Mac and cheese is not ur typical Mac, more so like a fettuccine ish? But it's delish and I highly recommend that as well. My friend ordered the veggie burger and she said it was really good also. The vibe is nice, staff was friendly and inviting. The music was on point the first night I went, it was a gay mans dream. Playlist included lots of Mariah, Whitney, and yeah...every 90's diva you could dream of. Anyway, if you haven't been here, get your ass over there like ...NOW!
(5)
Stevenson D.

Amazing food, I had a burger with sweet potato fries, the wine and atmosphere was great s well. The all male staff is a plus ; )
(5)
Kelly S.

For an average brunch. People there are lovely, food is just ok. Had the lobster roll. Coffee was horrid.
(2)
Harrison L.

Marco and Pepe is the definition of average. I have been here probably 3-5 times since I moved to Jersey City last year and I am not really sure why we keep coming back. I have been for dinner and brunch. The brunch is very expensive. The omelettes/eggs do not come with any sides; toast, potatoes, bacon etc. Once you build an actual breakfast, you're almost at $20. The yogurt and quinoa is literally the sweetest thing I have ever tasted. For dinner I have gotten pastas and the burger. Neither was anything special. The grilled chicken sandwich was very good however. The service is spotty at best. One morning our drink order was taken by one person, food order by another, the food was dropped off by someone else, and then the hostess took care of the bill for us. Is that good service? Doesn't sound like it. Not to mention in the summertime, there are flies all over the restaurant. Not good. With all the restaurant options in JC, I don't understand why Marco and Pepe has a wait most nights. Go to Left Bank Burger Bar, Roman Nose, or Razza and thank me later.
(2)
Bloss C.

Brunch in JC seems to necessitate a stop at Marco and Pepe. Definitely get there before your appetite gets the better of you because you can expect to wait a few mins for a table. But the good news is the wait is worth it! Not a large restaurant by any means, Marco and Pepe make good use of the space and fit in a lot of tables. My group of three chose to sit at the counter instead of waiting a few more minutes for a table and I appreciated that they offered us a table when one became available. Sitting at the bar was actually pretty comfiortable and service was great as well. I went with the Vegetable Omelette ($10 Mushrooms, Tomatoes, Caramelized Onions) which was a good sized portion, especially when paired with an order of pomme frittes. I'm looking forward to another brunch at Marco and Pepe, especially as my friend's French toast looked pretty darn good.
(4)
Joshua D.

The lobster roll is what you would expect for $14. My girlfriend got the kale salad and it had sand in it. Obviously, it wasn't washed. Even the sangria was subpar. There are too many good places in the area to waste your cash at this place.
(2)
Mgl M.

Had a great brunch session. Ordered the huevos rancheros with beef. Really good. Place was pretty busy inside so we decided to sit outdoors. Service was great and attentive to your every need. Definitely would come back and try a different dish from the menu.
(4)
Rebekah H.

Yeah man. I went here last weekend on Saturday morning. We were one of the first people to get there, the restaurant was pretty calm. They were super nice to us and flexible since we last minute invited a couple of friends, who showed up within 15 minutes. The four of us ate like kings, the food was phenomenal, every dish on our table was superb. I believe we ordered huevos rancheros, oatmeal, eggs in toast, and my boyfriend ordered the steak salad with a side of eggs. As soon as the food showed up, everything went silent at the table while we feasted. We also enjoyed a few brunch cocktails and beers. I had a bloody mary - it was a little spicier than I prefer, but pretty damn good and very strong. And listen, the coffee and Marco & Pepe is the best damn coffee in JC. If you're into that sort of thing, you probably should stop by. I look forward to visiting again soon.
(5)
Manoj G.

We have been sitting and waiting now for 50 minutes for our order to come. It is 2:50 PM and the restaurant was only half full when we came in. Have asked two servers three times as to when the food will come. Both said they were going to check. None of them ever came back!
(1)
Rebecca S.

I've been to Marco & Pepe a couple times for brunch. I was here most recently this past Sunday before checking out the Project Market event. For some reason, this place just doesn't stand out to me among the numerous brunch options downtown. It was packed but we didn't wait too long for a table. I ordered the huevos rancheros with ground beef. Shortly after I placed my order, I ordered a small pomme frites. Just felt like I need some fried deliciousness on the side. The wait for my entree wasn't too long but I was almost done with my meal by the time my fries came out. That was a little peculiar. The huevos rancheros had lots of different flavors layered in. I've previously had the egg in toast and that was also tasty. Maybe next time I'll check them out for lunch and one of these days I must have their burger since Joel M claims it's a contender for best burger in JC!
(3)
Greg O.

Worst experience ever! Can't say anything about the food since we never got any which is the problem. We sat down and were greeted quickly and ordered drinks. Then we placed our brunch order. And we waited. And waited. And the food never arrived. The 2 tables to either side of us got their food and they sat down 20 minutes after we did. We finally got the waiter's attention and asked about our food. He checked and said he was sorry but the kitchen is backed up and the food would be right up. He offered us free drinks and bread. The bread never came and after about another 10 min we finally just left money for our drinks and left hungry.
(1)
Peter D.

Best brunch place is JC. Diverse menu and Abe tried most but the eggs in toast is a must try. Not sure what the more generic name for this is but this is really unique and amazing. Picture a fried egg in toast over a mix of vegetables in a truffle sauce- not too heavy but a ton of flavor. Also recommend the Bloody Mary- they make their own mix and it's well above average.
(5)
Salimah H.

Folks have been trying to drag me to brunch at Marco & Pepe for YEARS (no exaggeration). However, every time I would check out the menu, it was all swine everything, which means a no-go for me. For some reason, I decided to check it out randomly while headed downtown for an impromptu brunch. I was pleasantly surprised, they had a few options I could (and would) eat! We were lucky enough to find some prime parking and be seated basically right away. Unfortunately, it was too early for us to have out thinking hats on, and we chose the seat closest to the door (smh at us). We ordered OJ and coffee to start. The OJ was sooo yummy. We put our orders in; a shrimp & scallion omelet w/a side of homefries for me and huevos rancheros (with ground beef) w/a side of fried for her. The food came out in a timely manner, however, my homefries were way undercooked. Like damn near just pulled from the ground undercooked. I sent them back to be cooked and for some reason, it took about 20min for me to get them back. Unacceptable. AND some of them were still undercooked. The food all tasted good. Nothing amazing, but good. I plan to give them another shot at cooking potatoes and I also want to try their chicken & truffle sausage.
(3)
Michele D.

Sometimes in life you just need a Lobster Roll with Sweet Potato Fries from this place. The dish looks extremely Yummy. Perfect Taste. I've been to Marco & Pepe before, they also have a good Brunch Menu, but too short for my taste. The reason why I'm giving this place a 3 star is because the food is very very very Good, but the "Service". C'mon guys, smile a little bit. Life is too short. I work in the same industry. Being comfortable with customers and smiling a little bit brings more tips in your pocket. If this place had a bigger menu, comfortable and friendly staff, it would be more packed. Ps: beachwood across the street has very young waitresses, and they seem to do a better job.
(3)
Shawn C.

Came here for brunch and had a pleasant time. Wait was a tiny bit long -- but it was a Saturday morning, so what do you expect? After about 20 minutes, me and my partner were seated and our meal could finally begin! I had their iced coffee (standard) and french toast-- which was surprisingly delicious, it was layered with berries that were fresh and the french toast itself was a french croissant which tasted magnificent. Great flavor - arguably one of the better I've had (yes, I'm picky about french toast). I had a side of double cut bacon which helped complete the meal. Prices weren't horrid, but they're higher than your normal fare - $12 for the french toast dish and another $3.5 for the bacon. Service was OK - took a couple minutes for some attention towards me, but the place was completely full so I can't blame them too much. I like the ambience of the place - great feel to it. I'll be back again to try their dinner.
(4)
mila c.

Before Jersey City was cool and supposedly became the "sixth borough", Marco & Pepe trailblazed all the other restaurants that later follow suit. I remember coming here over 10 years ago with a friend while I was in college for a cup of espresso at night... and I couldn't sleep the whole night after. That was my first espresso experience, so this place has a special place in my heart. What's amazing is how this restaurant has remained consistently good until today despite all the other restaurants opening up left and right. Also, not to mention they trained their service staff so well, it's one of the best restaurants in Jersey City in terms of service. And best of all, I think they're reasonably priced. My favorite things to order here are GRILLED CORN ON THE COB (seasonal) and LOBSTER ON A ROLL (probably seasonal too but a must-try when you see it on the menu). GRILLED CHICKEN SANDIWCH may sound basic but is a staple in the menu that is highly recommended. Also, their BURGERS are amazing. Lastly, I know this is probably silly, but when I crave for FRIES, M&P always satisfies my crave and this place means business when it comes to fries. My only minor complaint is that I wish this restaurant was dog-friendly considering that it's named after two dogs.
(4)
Jessica T.

I've always walked by this place and never knew what restaurant it was, it was always the place with the yellow canopies. Marco & Pepe has always been on my list of places to try for brunch but on a gloomy Friday night it looked like a nice place to try. The vibe of the restaurant itself very intimate and cozy and the decor and setup matches this perfectly. Underneath the yellow canopies outside, there are many tables for small parties and once inside you find that each seat setting is just as close and intimate. The max table setting I noticed was for 4, however toward the back was a little more spacious. In addition there was a large bar that featured bottles and bottles of wine, various alcohol choices and beers on tap. The coveted bar seats also lined that area. The dinner menu had a variety of choices, what I loved was for their entrees they had two size options: a portion size or entree size. Perfect if you're looking to eat light. I ordered the lobster risotto and the boyfriend ordered the burger. The risotto was absolutely delicious, very creamy and with a hint of sharpness from the cheese. It was topped with a generous portion of freshly steamed lobster, a sweet and refreshing addition to the meal. Between the textures of the cooked mushrooms, rice and lobster, the meal had a great equilibrium. The burger was amazing, they didn't skimp on the patty whatsoever! It came accompanied with the usual fixings, ketchup and a delicious aioli. Fries here were great, perfectly seasoned and crispy upon arrival. They may have been playing music in the background I'm not too sure, it was drowned out by chattering voices and clinking glasses, but not in a bad way whatsoever! Everyone in the restaurant was having a genuinely good time, some enjoying a drink, others dessert and some like us a small meal. The entire time I kept thinking about wanting this place to be the location for my next girls night out. I had always earmarked M&P for breakfast and I couldn't help but see their note on their dinner menu boasting of a daily brunch but I am so glad we made it over to try their dinner. We will be back for brunch and soon!
(4)
Jamie O.

Went here on Sunday night with my friends. The place is small but cozy and cute. The menu is small but everything sounded great. We all ordered different things from the menu; I had the burger. Food was delicious and satisfying. Don't be worried to much about the size cause the food will definitely fill you up. The dessert and sangria were great too! Planning a brunch to go back!
(4)
Tameica R.

Revisited Marco & Pepe on Sunday, June 7, 2015 and I have to say its still one of my fav brunch spots. I heart this place and their food. The people who work here are always so warm and inviting.
(4)
Rosanna M.

Not a fan of their service. Definitely not a fan of their water(disgusting). Tried their huevos rancheros and didn't like that either. Will not be coming back.
(1)
Pamela o.

Chanced upon this place and ordered the fresh toast as recommended by the waiter. It was probably the best brunch decision I've ever made! Lobster roll was not too bad either.
(5)
Marc G.

3 stars is an appropriate rating for this neighborhood bistro. Pluses include the extensive beverage list, which includes craft ciders and sour beers, with wine and bottled beer galore. Also welcome is the price point for entrees which can be necked down to a reduced portion. Food quality is average for the $14 burger crowd. Service is friendly but can be overwhelmed at peak times.
(3)
Alex C.

Our go-to burger place in Chilltown, better than Left Bank or Park & Sixth, and the fries are excellent. They also have the best mac and cheese I've ever had - loaded with bacon bits and mushrooms, the cheese is perfection. Brunch is excellent - try the Huevos Rancheros with chorizo, an absolute riot of flavors and texture. My daughter is crazy about their French Toast, made with croissant, it can double as dessert. Good selection of beer and the Bloody Mary is one of the best downtown.The place can get busy during the weekend, but the staff is highly efficient, attentive and friendly.
(4)
Kit C.

Nice spot, simple decor, fair prices, fresh food. Ambience chill. Delicious kale salad, and delicious non-coastal lobster roll for $14. Try it out.
(4)
Joe S.

Rocking Brunch on Saturday. We had a Breakfast Roll straight from the oven,
(5)
Jackie G.

Went for dinner tonight. Have been before. Foods always pretty good but tonight I got the trout and it was AMAZING. And I got the wine flights-- great deal!! 4 stars cause service varies. Better for dinner service than lunch.
(4)
Alison D.

I love the atmosphere here and the menu and drink lists are both great. You can casually sit at the bar or grab a table inside or out. We have tried a bunch of things and are always pleased with the presentation and taste. Even just getting their vegetable platter is a great option! We've never had an issue with the service but, the people (50+ year old men) next to us actually got up and left (without paying) because the food took too long even after the waiter apologized and the food came out. If you are in such a rush to get dinner over with, I wouldn't recommend Marco & Pepe, but there is a McDonalds right down the street. However, if you are interested in taking the time to relax and enjoy a nice Friday night outside on Grove, this is a great place to do so.
(5)
Jaquez J.

I love it!! I will come back... Get the MACARONI & CHEESE! You're welcome :) Also a must try: Huevos Rancheros & Spanish Omelette
(5)
Emily G.

A favorite brunch spot in JC! My BF will tell you that I'm no easy to please brunch customer, and have stricken down many a brunch place in JC. This place is an easy go-to where we know I'll be generally happy, especially in the summer months when we can sit outside! The food is pretty good, though can lack for taste once in a while (I wasn't as impressed by the Huevos rancheros as I thought I would be... a little dull, but overall not bad). I do appreciate that the staff is always friendly, the atmosphere is happy/busy, and the coffee is really good. I'll certainly be back!
(3)
Michelle S.

I found Marco & Pepe via a quick google search. We're fairly new to the area, so it seemed like a good chance to check out Grove Street. The space itself is significantly older than I expected and the seating is a little cramped. The carafes of mimosas/bellinis are on the small side, but I suppose we got our money's worth between two people. My boyfriend enjoyed his huevos rancheros and I thought the ham and eggs on a croissant was good, but heavy on the amount of ham. Our server was a bit aloof and the host clearly hated her job. There was nothing truly negative about the experience, but also nothing overwhelmingly positive. Explore Marco & Pepe if you're curious, but don't go out of your way.
(3)
Joel M.

Marco & Pepe is a JC brunch institution. Before downtown got hot, M&P was here providing a hip place w/ cool music to get your eat on. I've had countless brunches here and while the service can be spotty, the food is usually on point. I say usually, because the burger here (a contender for best burger in JC) is so good when it's done right! Unfortunately though, if i order it 5 times, 2 of those times it will be served on a kaiser roll (instead of the portuguese muffin) and 1 time it will be overcooked. Aside from that, all the standard brunch fare is incredible and definitely provides an enjoyable environment to try and shake your hangover. P.S. Get their chili mayo with anything, it's awesome.
(4)
Annie F.

I love this restaurant. I have had multiple items from their brunch/lunch menu and they've all been absolutely superb. Their veggie burger and side kale salad are amazing (even if you eat meat!). It's quite small and can be crowded at times, but it's one of my favorite spots in JC. One side note, they don't allow dogs on their patio. Not a huge deal, just be aware if you like to bring your dog on a nice day that this place won't be an option for you.
(5)
Maureen S.

The food was great and the service as well. Their bottle of waters are so fancy in glass containers. The server we had was so kind. And I got the omelet which was good but it tasted better with the side of potatoes I got. The presentation was cute even with the burger my friend got. The sauces that came with it was great too.
(5)
Denice D.

I've eaten here quite a few times. Love the food every time! I really like their mac and cheese. Gooey and flavorful. So much better than the truffle mac and cheese from amelia's. I've also had the French Toast, kale salad, and lobster roll. Everything is delicious. My only advice would be that the lobster roll is small for the price. The service is very good. Yes, it is a little slower during the 12 pm/ 7 pm rush. But if you don't understand why then you shouldn't even be allowed to eat at a restaurant, to be honest. Very knowledgeable and friendly! The best thing about this restaurant is that they do NOT allow dogs to sit outdoors. The worst thing about moving from nyc to Paulus Hook is that dogs seem to be... everywhere. Including restaurants. Don't get me wrong, I have 2 of my own. But they eat at home, like dogs should. So when I go out to eat, I don't have to worry about some strangers dog silently begging me to drop some scraps. Or be annoyed by the smells or barking. Perfect place for brunch or dinner. Strongly recommend!
(5)
Michelle S.

My husband and I came here for brunch one Sat. It was very crowded, but I think that's a sign that it's very good. We were told we would have to wait 15min, but it was really only 5. My husband ordered the shrimp and scallion omelet. He said it was very good and as someone who cooks a lot, it was made beautifully. He did say that it could have come with hash browns or something. It was just the omelet on the plate. I wasn't feeling very well, so order something simple and safe- a BLT. Boy was I surprised. It was probably one of the best sandwiches of my life. It was more like a pulled pork belly sandwich, rather than bacon. FrisÃ©e as the lettuce and what I think was a tomato jam of some sort. All this magic on a spectacular bun. Will definitely be coming back here.
(5)
Austin P.

A cute little corner restaurant on Grove street. Menu has some interesting entree choices and they have a great brunch on the weekend. I've been here a few times and noticed the service is hit or miss. I've had great waiters and than other times not so much. Only three stars because I think the portions are a little small for the prices (same goes for alcoholic beverages too) Their Mac & cheese is to DIE for! So good I was still thinking about it a week after I dined there so I decided to order it for take out. It came in the tiniest take-out box...certainly did not fit the $$$ price tag. Another weird side comment...whenever I walk by the restaurant the outside has a weird fishy smell... Maybe they just happen to have an unfortunate neighbor.
(3)
Isabel J.

I wanted a different place for brunch so we decided to come here since the menu looked interesting. Lets start with the positive the food its really good. I had the Cuban sandwich and my boyfriend the French toast. Both were really good especially the French toast. Now lets talk about the service, everyone that worked there was nice but clueless. They brought us our food with no utensils, coffee without sugar and eggs without ketchup. We had to ask for these three items which makes no sense to me. I will probably come back just because the food was so good but wont expect much as far as service.
(4)
Christopher L.

This place has always a decent place to eat, nothing spectacular but ok. The menu is always the same and unimaginative. But today the service was atrocious, the place was half empty, and it looked like only one person was frantically clearing all the tables and seating all the patrons. There was one server who looked overwhelmed and confused. He cracked some lame jokes about how it was a busy day and tried to get people to laugh. Crickets chirped. We sat down for 10 minutes without even anyone acknowledging us, not even asked if we wanted tap water or sparkling. We just walked out, and will never come here again. If you want good service and food, walk one block down the street to Razza or go across the street to Beechwood.
(1)
Buster D.

I have been here twice, and the second time was a "giving it a second chance" meal. Both times we found the service very poor. On both occasions it seemed as though our table was forgotten and we had to deal with multiple servers. Also confusing is the different portion options on the entree menu. On paper it is a nice idea, but really led to more frustration than anything after being told that the smaller portion of risotto paired with an app would be more than enough for a full meal. Both times we have been there we have been surprised by the portions we have gotten; everything is either bigger or smaller than we expected and between that and the poor service it really felt like it was a lot of work just to get a full meal in. We definitely want to like and enjoy this place; the atmosphere is lively and the location convenient. The food, when all said and done, is pretty good. If I were to try a third time, I would just order a sandwich which is one of the only things on the menu that is appropriately priced and very tasty.
(2)
B B.

Atmosphere was great, very eclectic crowd, food and coffee were great. Feeling extremely satisfied
(4)
Lovet O.

I heard all these ramblings about Marco & Pepe about their delicious brunch but I wasn't eager to try them out. I don't know why. One day, I decided to give them a try after looking at a few pictures via Yelp. Boy, if I could kick myself in the a** I would. I thoroughly enjoyed their brunch. I ordered the French toast croissant and oatmeal with yellow quinoa. Yes, I was very hungry. The food was great. I wasn't sure about the quinoa ingredient in the oatmeal but it turned out awesome. I came here with two friends and I barely said much. I was in my own world. They understood. The service was also good. I came here about 12:30pm, on a Saturday, and this place was packed. I now see why. Another great thing about Marco & Pepe is that they serve brunch everyday from 10am-4pm. They are closed Mondays. I will be back in the near future. I just wish their prices were more reasonable. I would love to support small businesses but the prices have to make sense.
(4)
Jia L.

Came here late one night just 45 minutes from closing and was served by the wonderful Artem; incredibly kind, hilarious, and very accommodating to our needs. The food was great (got the burger and lobster roll) and the vibes were good (very rustic, simple decor). The service is what stands out about the place, the team here is fun and dynamic, making our late night meal very enjoyable.
(5)
Alexis G.

I didn't know that it was even an option to put olives in ratatouille. Game changer. Delicious, warm, a little bit runny (in the best way with poached eggs), and with a side of crispy bread. Mmm. One of the best brunches I have had in a long time.
(4)
Corinne D.

Pretty good food although I do find it was a little overpriced. The service was decent, we ended up with a snotty waiter who barely looked at us or said thank you, so that was a turn-off. The ambiance was nice enough and it's a cute spot for brunch if you don't really care that much about where you end up.
(3)
Teo B.

Wondering arround on a saturday afternoon, and hunting for food, I walked into this place. The menu looked interesting I started having FOMO like "why did I never come here before, look at all these fabulous options!". I ordered the much talked about on my apps, croissant french toast. Loved the idea of it, did not like the toast. Too sweet, oily and burned. Good thing they had nice mimosas to wash it down real good. I might never come back again, but then, who knows.
(3)
Bryan F.

Solid four stars. I live on the same block as Marco and Pepe's and enjoy this spot for brunch regularly. The outdoor seating is great in nice weather. Drinks are good as well. I went for dinner before but find brunch to be its strong point.
(4)
Ashley M.

Went here for brunch last Sunday and was not particularly impressed. My friend and I liked the food but did not love it. We ordered a pitcher of sangria but it was mostly ice. Which we may have appreciated in July, not December. Staff was friendly enough. The place is small so it's rather loud and at times it was difficult to hear my friend sitting two feet away from me on the other side of the table. Which is something I'd expect at a bar on a Friday evening, not for brunch at 10:30 am on a Sunday. We got there early as when we called on Friday to make a reservation, we were told they do not accept them and that it "gets crazy there on a Sunday". Which, now makes sense. There was no wait for a table but it was crazy loud.
(3)
James K.

I quite enjoy the brunch food at Marco & Pepe. I've tried the Spanish omelet and also the French toast (not in the same meal of course). The omelet tasted delicious and fresh. The French toast was excellent, fluffy, and not too sweet.
(4)
Martin y.

Inconsistency has been the biggest problem, more so for its service than the food. We came here for more than a couple times, we had been neglected by waiting staff for over 10 min since seated, we had found a piece of plastic in our omelette, we had seen an aloof waiter who forever carries with him a condescending altitude. But we had been wowed by the food, occasionally. It seems to me this place is always a hit or miss. The better days make you want to come back the next day. The worse ones make you swear never to return. After all, this is Jersey City, your options for this type of restaurant (that caters for "upscale homeless" or "small town hipster") is quite limited. It is either this, or takeout, or walk the inconvenient blocks to find the next place.
(3)
Donald K.

Pretty neat menu, comfort food brought to anther level. Nice friend staff and I've always be seated quickly. Tables are a bit close together. The Huevos Rancheros was good but it did come out a bit cooler than I would server. Good burgers.
(4)
Jacob M.

I love this little place for brunch. The boyfriend and I went here on one of our first-ish dates. We sat outside to get some sun, and we sipped on mimosas and watched the world go by. The server was very, very good. My water was never less than half full, and he constantly kept checking to make sure we were enjoying our drinks and food. I ordered the huevos rancheros and while it was delicious, there were SO MANY LENTILS. Seriously, a veritable ocean of lentils at the bottom of my huevos. While I love lentils, even I could not handle the serious amount of lentils that was my huevos rancheros. They were still delicious though. The only reason why this place gets voted down a star is because a.) there's always a wait and b.) it's a tad pricey for my liking and for the food-to-price ratio. I would still gladly go again and again though!
(4)
Ray J.

Here we are again dining at Marco and Pepe. Several luncheon during the weekend and a few dinners later. The review. Impeccably prepared simply made and delicious new way of thinking dishes, follow by classics of the menu and a wine program that never changes. The service is sadly, the lack of this place. Obviously the owner sits on the fact that, there is no competition in town, and it's true. Their food is delicious! However from the front desk entrance to the service and the management, there is not one smile to greet you, to be correct rarely, and it feels to me, that are too cool for you. It's a really great spot, with nothing but potential to grow in something exorbitant. But again, when you own a restaurant and don't supervise even a little bit the management and the service, the results are to get at risk to get a review from an assjole like me that cares about service as much as food. Ps: I'll suggest a serious clean up in the bathrooms as well. No less the kitchen, which is visible from the bathrooms. At eyesore view of a chef licking his fingers while plating a chicken dish, and eating a few of the potatoes from the hot platter about to go on someone table. Thank you
(2)
Shu Jin S.

There's a lot to love about Marco & Pepe. Friendly staff, warm and cozy ambiance and excellent food. I had the kale salad to start (it was quite a large serving for an app, I thought) and the seafood pasta special was AMAZING. The sauce was too good, I kept dipping bread in to scoop up every last drop. I had to make them take the plate away. The chocolate cake was equally delicious. I loved that my friend and I were able to sit, catch-up and truly soak up the atmosphere. I must return to try more of the menu items!
(4)
SN M.

Good stuff! Friend had the burger and fries. His dish was nothing special .I had the kale salad and loved it! Ordered a glass of rose which tasted like the bottle was opened some time. Had the chardonnay afterwards and that was better. Overall, walked out happy with the food and look forward to trying other dishes at the joint.
(4)
Marc B.

Every time i come here i have either: Eggs in toast, burger or Mac n cheese, washed down with the Kane will keep u happy for a hearty brunch! Also if u r a fan, the morning buns are pretty good. They toast it and drizzle some syrup to make it crispy on outside and soft inside!
(4)
John G.

Walked in on a Saturday night and grabbed two seats at the bar for dinner. Shrimp app was good. Mac and Cheese was amazing. Burger was just ok. Lobster roll was really good. Vibe is chill and they have a few really good craft beers on tap, at least they did when I was there, and the bartender was very helpful with accurate suggestions.
(4)
Hope W.

Love the healthy infusions to their cuisine like Quinoa. Hands down the very best Mac in town. The bacon in their BLT is more like a pulled pork than a crispy bacon, absolutely to die for. Hang at the bar when Jenique is working she's hella cool. Anyone who was a pirate bride for their wedding gets my unconditional love and support! Ha! Love this spot!
(5)
Tom P.

Top 5 of mine in Jersey City. 85% of the menu is great!!! Been here over 50 x's. Fav dish Mac&Cheese, BLT, Black ink pasta w/seafood, Corn on the Cob and Organic Chick. Everytime I bring my friends and family, they love it. I do see and agree what other people are reviewing regarding service and seating is a hit or miss, but for me its been more a hit then a miss.
(4)
Arshi K.

Update. Went back recently a couple of times. The French toast is still a hot seller. They don't have a daily pasta special any more. But now make a mean lobster risotto. Loved it. Got the smaller portion, but it was just right. The risotto was excellent; creamy, buttery, they didn't skimp on the lobster at all.
(4)
Ava A.

Oh Marco and Pepe. You know it's good when I'm able to forget the flies that are buzzing around. (Please fix that) Ok the syrup leaves much to be desired, but the croissant french toast is divine (if you don't mind butter!!). The fruit was even good! Also, check out the shrimp and onion omelette *sooo good* I'll probably get the omelette myself next time...and there WILL be a next time. I bet the flies were just around for the summer. ;-)
(4)
Andrew C.

I like this place a lot, especially for brunch. The French toast made of sliced croissants and topped with fresh whipped cream and berries.. Wow. I have been for dinner and I like their upscale sandwiches and cool vibe. The entrees/ dinner menu was good but did not wow me as much as their brunch fare. The flat breads were really good and garlic shrimp tasty. I had the roast chicken, it had a good flavor, crispy skin and stuffing seasoned with preserved lemons and sage. The atmosphere is nice, it feels like a cool hidden bistro in warm dim light with a low key bar.
(4)
Bryan Y.

Food was decent, service not so good. As my girlfriend and I sat we got our complimentary waters and no bread basket. We noticed this as everyone else around us received theirs. I was like ...... -___-. So to proceed on we received our foods in a timely manner, with no silverware or napkins. Those had to be asked and given by someone else. maybe our waiter was having a bad day, but damn way to make me feel left in the dust. This all took place outside because it was a beautiful night. Welp yelpers happy eating.
(3)
JaVonn J.

After dining here for brunch religiously over the past year, I can't believe that I did not write a review. Marco and Pepe is a very good place for brunch. We had a large group the first time that we went, and the service was seamless. They always remember you if you've been a few times in the past, which is a nice touch. Be prepared to have a nice little wait if you do not have reservations, or do not want to sit outside/at the bar. My absolute favorites on the menu are the eggs in toast and the french toast. I grew up with french toast being my favorite breakfast food, and this creation is some of the best that I have ever had. The fact that they make it with a croissant makes the dish a lot lighter compared to traditional french toast. The eggs in toast is different, but incredible. When I first saw it on the menu, I was a bit skeptical, but I can definitely see why this is one of the more popular items on the menu.
(5)
Sara G.

Love me some Marco and Pepe!!!! Since it tends to get crowded on nights and weekends, I like to go during the week for a nice relaxing afternoon lunch, especially when I can sit outside with a book and glass of wine during the warm summer months. Heather and the rest of the crew are always there with a friendly smile and good conversation, which always makes for a fun visit. For a while I was getting the kale salad, which I'm obsessed with. Then at the suggestion of the server, I tried the veggie burger and I was immediately hooked. I don't normally eat veggie burgers but I was on a healthier eating kick and this is just as addictive as their regular burger, which is equally fantastic. Oh and the kale salad comes on the side, as an added bonus. They've got a nice selection of beer and wine. I've only ever had a one cocktail here (a Manhattan) and it was pretty solid. Definitely a go-to in Downtown Jersey City.
(4)
Michael H.

My family and i went there for dinner on a quiet sunday at around 5;30 pm Food was decent but we didnt see a single server or the manger showing any sign of hospitality or friendliness let alone smiling I guess it was our children who for the most part are well behaved. Well as much as 5year olds can be They refused to bring a high chair outside saying that we'd have to dine indoors in order our 11 month toddler to be seated in a high chair Their animosity toward children was omnipresent and obvious I would not dine there again but perhaps having dined there just my wife and i would have been a different experience
(2)
Jaime I.

Literally the greatest restaurant I know. My favorite and I go out in the city all the time. Everything from burgers to vegetarian to filet mignon. Everything is delish. The desserts make me cray. The service is outstanding. The friendliest people work and eat there. Do yourself a favor and eat there this minute. Stop reading and get up.
(5)
Mike D.

Great neighborhood brunch place you will a wait on Sundays but it's worth it. Mac and cheese was outstanding! Breakfast dishes all great,drinks a bit smaller but still with it. Very much recommend
(4)
Elle R.

I'm very sad to say that recently, my experiences at Marco & Pepe haven't been very enjoyable. But let's start off with the fonder days, shall we? I've been a huge fan of this restaurant since they first opened up several years ago. I only live about a block away, and have always enjoyed bringing family and friends to this cosy little neighborhood gem. I've mixed and matched with my orders over the years, but have found that the Mac & Cheese never fails to please. The smaller portion is, in my opinion, the perfect size for such a filling dish, and at a fantastic price for what you're getting! Pair this with an order of french fries (or pomme frites, if we're going by the menu) or the garlic shrimp (fantastic flavor!) as an appetizer and you're good to go. With just these two orders I'm always incredibly full and equally as satisfied. However, the recent issue I've had with Marco & Pepe as of late, has been the service. I stopped by with a couple of friends after work about a week ago and ordered my usual - mac and cheese, and opted to split the garlic shrimp with a friend. A friendly waiter quickly came over and took our order, only for a second waitress to come up to us and explain that she would be taking care of us - which confused us, but we'd already ordered, so we brushed it off. While our waitress seemed to have a bit of a sour attitude, our food came in a timely fashion, and we were all satisfied until we realized that our order of shrimp was missing. We informed our waitress of the missing order, and she seemed confused - probably due to the fact that she didn't actually take said order. While there was no apology for the missing item, she told us that she'd get us our shrimp, and disappeared. By the time the waitress finally came back with our shrimp, we'd already finished our meal - which, given that I'm a pretty slow eater, must've been at least fifteen to twenty minutes later. Already full, but not feeling up to sending the order back, we asked for a box for the shrimp and the check. Yet, once again, no apology for the missing order of shrimp, which would've been nice given how long we had to wait for the dish. Since this visit, I've encountered the same waitress with the sour attitude, and according to my mother, who dined in just a few days ago, she waited nearly half an hour for her order - and there were only two other tables, who already had their food! I'm giving three stars for the food, which is truly always fantastic - but until the service improves a bit, I may have to hold off my cravings for Marco & Pepe's mac and cheese for quite a while...
(3)
Mitchell M.

This had long been a favorite, but over the last few years has really dropped off a bit. Long waits for food with servers seeming to not care at all is becoming more a norm than an anomaly. It is a bummer because the restaurant really does offer a decent menu and great ambiance. I just can no longer justify a 4-star review as I watch service suffer. We will still periodically come here for our old favorites like the French Toast, Ham & Eggs, Eggs & Toast, and Cuban sandwich. The frequency of our visits has dropped considerably, and I think the slow service is to blame...which I think really stems from the kitchen not the front of the house. Either way, the front of house should act like they care a bit more, as the prices are reasonable...but Beechwood across the street is better priced for slow service. As to not be completely negative, let me end on a couple more positives. The rustic vibe here is great especially on a cold winter day. Nice place to come in from the cold and warm up. They offer a good selection of beer...and the morning buns are ridiculous.
(3)
Rosalyn B.

This place used to be my favorite around my neighborhood. Last Saturday, my family and I were looking for a place to have a bite since we were celebrating that I had placed in s bodybuilding competition. I decided to take them to my "favorite restaurant" to show off places around my neighborhood. Marco and Pepe has always offered fantastic service with friendly waiters. Not today. I was ashamed at the treatment that we received. My friend had brought in a cake for the celebration and she cut it up as we waited to be served. About 10 minutes passed and a guy that was not our waiter, came and asked us about drinks, my son ordered his macaroni with our drinks. I saw the drinks guy walk up to who was supposed to be our waiter and say something to him, the waiter gave us a look as if he did not want to serve us. Another 20 minutes passed, and this guy kept ignoring our table purposely. He stood there across from us, I made eye contact and had to tell him "I think we are ready to order" to this he did not even acknowledge, just walked away. Came back another 6-8 minutes later with forks and took our order. Never friendly, just with an annoyed look on his face. Awful awful awful experience. Have I not been celebrating and in a rush to leave, I would have gathered my party of 6 and left. It's a shame because my son loves the macaroni from here, but I will have to find another place where they treat people with respect.
(1)
Clara H.

Pretty disappointing experience here - the food was extremely mediocre. We started w the flatbread and it was very mushy and soggy as well as extremely salty. My main dish was really under par - I got the trout and it was so overcooked that it was chewy and flavorless; it also had tons of bones . It's too bad because the rice that came with it was very tasty. Despite my bad experience i do have to say my bf loved his steak. and the service was very good.
(2)
Brianna M.

Overall this place is a 3.5/5, so I rounded up. It is a standard brunch place with standard brunch food. Everything they make tastes good, but the Mac & Cheese is the standout star and is 5/5 stars. This mac and cheese is literally my favorite mac & cheese and I order it every time I go there. I usually get a large and then share it with whoever I am there with. Don't get me wrong, the other food is quite good, it's just that most brunch places are on the same level. Also, like most brunch places, they shine in their non-standard options. I recommend the veggie burger w/ kale salad, even for people who are meat lovers (I love my beef burgers). The huevos rancheros are also excellent and very filling. For the omelettes and other dishes I have ordered, I often wish they were a bit bigger. I leave full, but not fully full. Also, the side of ham/bacon is not very big, just fyi. Service is fine. Not out of this world, but not horrible. I have never felt rushed while there and they are pretty good about not forgetting about you if you are seated outside. Overall: solid brunch place. Good prices and good place to bring people when they come to the area. I know they serve dinner as well, but I have never tried. However, I would be willing to.
(4)
Lysa O.

First of all.. service gets 5 stars. Seriously. Attentive, they listen, and they get the food out promptly despite the sometimes overwhelming crowds. This two-star review is for the oatmeal & yellow quinoa. Not too many vegan options around, so I was DELIGHTED to be able to join my friends for brunch and actually eat some food. Enter the oatmeal & yellow quinoa, made with coconut milk. Cool. Of course I ordered it. What I GOT was a bowl full of warm-ish coconut milk with some oatmeal and quinoa at the bottom. Uh.. if they'd called this oatmeal & yellow quinoa SOUP, I'd be ok with that. It was a soup. And to add insult to injury, they give you a little container on the side, you know, in case you want to add more coconut milk to your coconut milk. Fix the consistency and this place gets 5 stars.
(2)
Christopher K.

Step into Marco & Pepe, and you'll feel as if stepped into a quiet little bistro in Brooklyn, far from the grips of big, bad, Jersey City. The reviewers are correct -- M&P has a really nice, cozy environment with generally good food and service. Some people complain about the service, but I've never had an issue. I find the food can be a little hit or miss. One miss was their take on the Cuban sandwich. I LOVE an authentic Cuban sandwich. But unfortunately, although Cuban sandwiches seem to be appearing on more and more menus, they have also become the Huevos Rancheros of sandwiches -- everybody makes it differently, making it hard to know what you're going to get the first time you try it. I knew I was getting into froufrou territory with this ornate description of the M&P Cuban: "MP Porchetta, Parmacotto Ham, Manchego, Spicy Cornichons, Chili Mayo" Ok, well, that's not really a Cuban, but I can stretch my imagination since it sounds good otherwise. Unfortunately, it was just meh. Frankly, it was trying too hard. For one, it was difficult to eat. The bread they use is so crunchy and hard, you have to wrestle with this sandwich to eat it. I hate that. And the fillings, while tasty, didn't really meld well together because the sandwich isn't pressed like a traditional Cuban. I ate half, finished my fries, and took the other half to go. Not something I'd order again. I have, however, had a good burger here -- which I recommend getting with their melted blue cheese. It packs a nice kick. And we almost always get an order of their large plate Mac & Cheese and then share it with everyone at the table. It has bacon and mushrooms in it. I don't typically eat mushrooms, but this dish is good just the way it comes. Definitely share a plate next time you come in. Did I mention it has bacon? What really surprised me was their Kale Salad. Being a real man and all, I don't work kale into my menu very often, or really, at all. But for whatever reason I lost my mind and ordered the Kale Salad, which is nicely dressed with fresh corn, mint, avocado, green peas, Manchego cheese, and sherry vinaigrette. To really make me hit the button, though, I knew it needed one more thing. And luckily M&P offers lots of additional things to add to your salad. So what would go good in a Kale Salad? Bacon, you say? Close. How about Spanish Chorizo? Yeah, Spanish Chorizo. Now you're talking a Kale Salad made for a man. Points off because the chorizo came whole and on the side, making me have to chop it up to put in the salad. But once it all came together -- let me tell you -- it was freakin' awesome. I cannot recommend this concoction highly enough. Fries are really good too. Just sayin'. I'll definitely be back. We actually come here pretty often from work. I wish their menu had a few more options on it, and goddamn stop calling it a Cuban and call it something else!
(3)
Susie T.

The food here is just so darn good and the drinks are awesome. Everything I've tried here has been delicious and I've enjoyed items form both their brunch and dinner menus.
(5)
MD J.

The service was good the food was delicious and the drinks were even better. Want to try the brunch menu will be back.
(4)
Alex S.

Charming place. But maybe I think that because of my 3 year residential stint in Williamsburg and Greenpoint. This takes a page right out of the hipster brunch spot book. Unique, artsy plates/utensils. Super hip staff. Awesome bloody mary's. You name it. But while they took out a page, it was certainly a good page. My egg was a tad overcooked and on the dry side, but delicious nonetheless. Still.. I never judge a brunch joint until I try the burger. Your day of judgment will come, M&P!
(4)
Bob S.

Service Counts, But Size Matters I've been to Marco and Pepe more than once and which is wonderfully located. Great ambiance, super helpful wait staff and a decent menu. Having been there before, and ordered the "small size" of the salmon entree, and it was excellent, this time I ordered the "full size." Unfortunately, there was really no difference in the size of the entree, but the price was almost double. Come on guys - you can do better than that! People in Jersey City are sophisticated enough foodies to know the difference! Tonight you get a shame on you! Sorry.
(2)
S F.

FRENCH "TOAST"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 'Nuff said! Note: If you are in a hurry... do NOT come here. Otherwise... Dive in!
(4)
Cheri W.

Good food. Good beer and wine variety. Decent decor. Can get difficult to converse when sitting closely to other tables along the bench. Killer brunch spot. Tip: Try to go before 3pm or after 5:30pm when staff is not rotating shifts. Also pretty casual atmosphere, so good for friends and not-so-good for newly dating couples.
(3)
Gautham R.

This place is another one of my faves in JC both for brunch and for dinner. If you can sit outdoors during the summer, by all means do! Over the many times I've been here, I've had the pork chops, branzino, several egg dishes (for brunch), salmon, roast chicken, etc. Never had a bad dish here. I would say the food is on the fattier (read delicious) side, so always order a nice bottle of wine (dinner) or mimosa (brunch) on the side to cut the fat! ;)
(4)
Jan S.

I always liked this place. Until we got a dog. A small French bulldog puppy. Now they won't even let us sit outside. Ironic when considering that this place was supposedly named after the two dogs of the owner couple. At least that is the rumor. Recommendation: Go to Amelia's instead. They have dog friendly outside seating and even give you a bowl of water. Not to mention, their food is great.
(1)
Noelle F.

After moving to downtown Jersey City, I was on a mission to find a new go-to local brunch spot. I asked around and M&P came highly recommended - not only for brunch, but for dinner too. So I decided to give it a try, and I am SO happy that I did. Brunch here is absolutely delicious. I can honestly say that my boyfriend and I have loved every single thing we have ever ordered off of the menu. From the grilled corn to the sage gin highball, and ESPECIALLY the croissant French toast. That's right. CROISSANT. I know... mind blown. I've also had the huevos rancheros, eggs cheese and bread, and the Spanish omelet. You really cannot go wrong with any of the items they feature on their brunch menu. Dinner is good too (but brunch is better!) They have the best mac & cheese I have ever had. If you do order this, I recommend that you get it as a dish to share with the table as it is so heavy and rich. Their steak fillet is high quality, and my personal favorite is the salmon. Again, you really cannot go wrong with anything. The space itself is small and a little dark. It has an old and rustic feel to it which makes it quite charming. It does get really busy during the brunch and dinner hours all through the week. If you are coming with a large group (4+), call ahead and make a reservation. The outdoor space they open up is great for brunch when its nice out. I actually opt to sit there when I go during the day. Knocking 1 star off because it is a little small and dinner is good and not fantastic. Overall I highly recommended M&P for anyone looking for a nice little brunch/dinner spot at a reasonable price in the downtown JC area.
(4)
Ngoc P.

3.5 It's way better than Beechwood across the street, that's for sure. Standard brunch food. I'd stay away from the huevos rancheros though. The tortilla gets really soggy on the bottom. I ended up ordering the steak sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries. Yummy fries and the sandwich was pretty good. Service was exceptionally slow. It took forever for the food to come out as well as the check. Best part of the meal? That delicious bread pudding. Yum.
(3)
Nikki M.

After 2 years I went today for brunch and was disappointed with the food. For starters we ordered a pitcher if Sangria and it was an insult to the Spanish culture - the color was a purple beer color, looked like grape juice and there was absolutely no fruit !! Perhaps they should visit the Hamilton Inn for some tips. The food was very Mediocre, for example I ordered flat bread the has mozzarella, tomato and basil. The Basil was shredded into tiny bits and scarcely scattered. The worst part we asked for some "salt" to put on our fries and it came as a pinch if salt on a saucer !! Seriously - there are no salt & pepper shakers ?? These are even easy to purchase at the Dollar Store.
(1)
Laura Kate S.

Having heard this place was *the* brunch spot in JC, I was surprised by the very small brunch menu. I opted for the BLT which was good, but a bit overly different to what I want when I get a BLT. Hubs had the blue cheese burger, which he enjoyed. Really yummy sweet potato fries. They were the best part of my meal. Our server was friendly and professional, even if the service overall was very slow (I noticed this was at every table - so it was a slow kitchen issue, not a slow server issue). Seating was packed. My chair was shoved against the very hot radiator and the table next to me had chairs sliding down the oddly sloped floorboards. Will I go back? Likely. But maybe for dinner.
(3)
Stephanie Y.

Ok, I'm like completely bipolar with this place. I like it now. The service does have something to be desired but, the food is really good and the place is so damn cute. The fare I have eaten is hamburgers and sandwiches and I have not really got down on the entree type food but for a quick (or should I say not so quick) bite it is really good. It is pricey, but again for the hood and the ambiance, it is quite delightful. If you have a block of time to sit patiently, sit down, take a load of and enjoy the scene. I would love to see a happy hour.
(3)
Nat P.

Only been here for brunch, but so far, it's still my favorite brunch place in the neighborhood. I usually stick to the Egg in Toast! It's so good! They refill your coffee which is always nice, and sadly not always a given. The service is good when I've been, but I tend to go early to beat the brunch crowd. They accept credit card and have outdoor seating if you'd like.
(5)
Eddie W.

I fully enjoy Marco and Pepe. Not only is the food awesome every single time, but the service is great. Wether you are sitting at the bar enjoying one of their delicious cocktails or kicking back in one of their rustic booths or tables Marco and Pepe has yet to disappoint me. Being that I live just two blocks away I take full advantage of the convenience of having such a trendy restaurant so close. The staff always looks great in plaid, and the music is always something fresh. Sadly they are closed on Mondays, but during the spring and summer they have outside seating. Their outside seating area is ideal because it's located on corner that catches the afternoon and evening sun. Perfect for Brunch. Definitely go check out Marco and Pepe.
(5)
B P.

been here couple times now for brunch, and will continue to be going. get there early gets busy and tight, we usually sit at da bar, but will wait for outside, worth it. the place gets great indoor light, gave me a familiar warm/clean feeling, like im in sun room having breakfast. all the food is awesome, i like it all... get side duck, rabbit, bacon, chorizo, ham & eggs. enjoy da meat coma, wash it all down with quality bubbly, beer, pitcher sangria. service is great, no complaints. like taking outer towners here, great view heart of Jc, city hall, esp at night.
(5)
Manaf M.

Marco & Pepe is one of JC-Hoboken-Weehawken's best kept brunch secrets. Every single meal always delivers. My favorite dish is eggs and toast and the huevos rancheros with chorizo. Huevos rancheros are a bit unconventional - the dish is served with fried eggs and tortillas in a skillet dish. By adding your own tomatillo and green sauce, you get to control the flavor in each bite of this light yet hearty dish. The eggs and toasts melts in your mouth; eggs are cooked to perfection. Get there early - this place gets packed. The wait is usually not that bad, and the food has always been worth it.
(4)
Karen D.

Marco and Pepe is TINY! I love going there though. I can go there with people or alone and have a great time. They have a great wine list and their specials are wonderful. I love to get there and find out that there is some random parade going by City Hall - it makes for excellent people watching if that is the case. Brunch: This is a definite mainstay in Jersey City as far as brunch places go. The Spanish Omelet is solid. All of the sausages are worth a mention and they have many options: maple/pork, chicken and truffle, rabbit and duck& pork and chorizo. The coffee is good here and they have a really nice variety of teas if you are not a coffee drinker. The Ham and Eggs are a delicious spin on a tradition - using Italian Parmacotto and Brie, this definitely works for me. I intend to try the Polenta and Eggs (polenta is just a finer grade of grits as far as I am concerned. I love both so I can't imagine going wrong with this dish). I usually just get prosecco for brunch but the brunch drinks are good if you order them. PLUS: Serving Brunch until 4:00PM. Some of us are not morning people and need late options! Dinner: You can eat here as if you are in a tapas bar since they have a choice of half and whole portions for dinner (indicated on the menu with two prices). If you order any of the cheeses the portions are generous (at least in comparison to other places I have been). The macaroni and cheese is sinful and is not for the faint of heart. Make sure you get a good wine to cut through all that creamy, oily goodness. The BLT is interesting as it is not bacon in a traditional sense...it is a good piece of pork and is quite tasty but you need to know that there is no crunch factor at all. Do not get this if you want regular bacon. No matter what I order i always will get a side of some vegetable - broccoli rabe or spinach and the portion is large. Grilled Baby Lamb Chops are good and are ordered per piece ($6 ea.) so you can spruce up some other meal if you want with a few of these. The Garlic Shrimp is garlicky and the leftover oil is excellent as a bread dip. DAY OR NIGHT - get the grilled corn. It reminds me of how I had it when I was in Mexico. They cook it in butter and chili powder with shredded cheese on it. You can fill up on this alone. One order is sufficient for two people. The burgers are always good here and they seem to have mastered duck con-fit. So far all the fish dishes I have had here are delicious. I have noticed that they seem to be adding some vegetarian influenced dishes such as the cumin spiced red lentil taco and grilled vegatables. I have not had it yet but will amend this review once I do. Note: I love lentils and tried to get them to give me a side of them but was told that it was more like a puree/paste so I turned it down. I liked their Pan Roasted Chicken it was moist and the Riesling gravy is a nice touch. STAY AWAY FROM THE ARTISAN LETTUCE SALAD - unless your intent is to wrap it to go and chop it up and add in some more vegetables when you get home. WAY to much lettuce going on there and the vinaigrette is more vinegar than anything else and i could not taste the white truffle in it at all. The service is relaxed and the background music is jazzy. This is my go to spot and very close to the Grove Street PATH.
(4)
Eddie C.

I went here for a late brunch on a sunday. There was supposed to be a ten minute wait but after two minutes we were seated. The ladies next to me ordered the eggs and today which looked amazing. She highly recommended it. I went for the french toast, scrambled eggs, and duck and pork sausage. The eggs and sausage came first and was luke warm at best. Eggs were generic but I did like the sausage despite the temperature. I thought it'd be extra heavy given the duck but it was actually light for a sausage, and i wasn't overwhelmed with smokiness (although some may like that in sausage). As for the french toast, i've never previously used the word "decadent" to describe anything, but let me just go ahead and say the french toast drizzled with maple syrup was in fact, decadent. although it came out kinda looking like some hash browns, it had a crispy outside and a soft, almost gelatinous center that was melt-in-your-mouth good. extra heavy on the egg, maybe? doesn't matter. it was great. also, i liked their coffee. i drink it black and it was good. not too strong and it didn't have the sewage aftertaste of some other places (DD, i'm looking at you). service was mediocre. we never got more water and the only refill i got on my coffee i had to ask for. food was served quickly, though. overall, would like to try some of their other entrees; wish their side dishes came out with my main course and were hot; would go back again.
(4)
Jane P.

My boyfriend and I came here for a last minute celebratory dinner for passing the bar (yay). We always pass by it on the way home and thought it would be a good opportunity to try it out. We started off with drinks and I ordered a spicy margarita cocktail that I can't remember the name of. It was good except that the salt granules on the rim were HUGE and too salty and I had to avoid them even though I love salt with my margaritas. For dinner, we started off with the beet salad and a portion size of the mac and cheese. The beet salad was really good but the mac and cheese was DELICIOUS. The white cheese sauce was thinner than in traditional mac and cheese dishes (in a good way) and the mushroom and bacon went perfectly with it. For the entree, I ordered the grilled filet mignon, which was good but not great. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn't been so full already from the drink and appetizers. My boyfriend ordered the duck confit, which he enjoyed. Overall, the dinner was better than I had expected. The staff was friendly and accommodating and the atmosphere of the restaurant is nice, although the decor is a little scattered. I will definitely be back here, mostly for the mac and cheese, but also to try the vegetarian tacos that the woman next to me had and smelled really yummy.
(4)
Christine J.

Went for brunch 11/3/13 around 1:30 2pm although it was crowded we were seated right away. DELICIOUS French toast and Spanish omelet!!! I will definitely return. Service was excellent.
(5)
Katie S.

This was the first place I ate in Jersey City and thought it was a good introduction to my new hood. The restaurant itself is so cute and quaint with seating inside and outside. I totally got a bit of the up and coming hip vibe in this place - which is good when you want to bring your city friends over for a nice surprise. My group are super foodies so we got to sample a good variety of food. Which we all found delicious. And their bloody marys were GREAT. And we left super satisfied I don't think they have a happy hour - but their bar looked like a place I could hang out at for a while.
(4)
Desiree W.

Ohhhhh Marco & Pepe, what has happened to you!!!? The service was so terrible. We waited over 20 minutes for our drinks, which were horrible, I couldn't even drink it and I could usually drink anything with alcohol in it... So then we just kept it simple and ordered beers... Another 20 minute wait!!! For beers though?! Come on! Pop the top off and give them to us! The food was good, the food is always good, I'll give them that, but waiting forever for drinks makes me grumpy... Hence, the two star review!
(2)
Lynn L.

I always think of Marco & Pepe whenever I visit friends in Jersey City. It's one of my top places to go to for Brunch and if you plan to go on a weekend, make sure to arrive early as the seats get filled up quickly! Many great brunch dishes to choose from but all I have to say is...French Toast! OK so I'm not a huge fan of French Toast, but I highly recommend the French Toast crossiant. The way they make it is out of this world. My mouth waters every time I think of it...yum! I will definitely be back.
(4)
Venus R.

Came here for the first time 2 weeks ago for a birthday brunch. I thought the food was sooo delicious! My bf on the other hand thought it was ok, he did say how it's pretty good for a healthy place. The brunch menu had a lot of options for people who do not eat meat, which is what made me go there to begin with. The ambience was very hipster like, and the staff are very attentive and welcoming. Will be returning.
(5)
Zach A.

Consistently good at a reasonable price
(4)
Allen M.

Great service. Consistent good food. I wish they were open every day of the week. I've had the burger, mac&cheese, caesar salad, and various brunch items. You can't go wrong here.
(5)
Edward I.

The burgers are great and the sweet fries are the type I like. It's a little pricey and the place is a little tight, but worth visiting during lunch, it's usually busy during dinner. Parking is on the street and it's diagonal to town hall. This area used to suck 15-20 years ago. It's a lot better now with new stores popping up every other week. Easily accessible from the grove street path. Worth visiting.
(3)
Patricia S.

This girl here, loves her brunch. Luckily, she has friends that also love brunch, and love to recommend new places. My friend lives in the area of Marco & Pepe and has raved about the croissant french toast for ages. Yes, you read that correctly, croissant french toast! We ordered several items, but the highlights: Croissant French Toast - Buttery goodness, however the bread itself was a bit too soggy. So soggy that it couldn't pick up any maple syrup. Apparently croissants don't retain their crispness when dunked in an egg and milk mixture. Major sadface because I was so looking forward to this. Seared Tuna Sandwich - presentation = very nice! The tuna was delicious, but the thinly sliced bread used on the sandwich was way too toasted. The inside of the sandwich was so soft and delicate, but the toast was so sharp and hard to eat. Bummer. Morning bun - I wish it had cinnamon, or more vanilla? Really, some sort of flavor besides bread. Shoestring fries - Fries always hold a special place in my heart. A nice ratio of fried cripsy outside and starchy inside. Perfect and yum. The service was extremely laid back, but too laid back. The kind of laid back where they make you nervous. They messed up our order a couple times, and the food came out slowly and randomly. A decent spot overall for lack of other options.
(3)
Chetan B.

It's a regular brunch spot for me... Haven't tried other options beside eggs in toast and French toast, It's just too good.
(5)
Claire S.

Kale salad is damn near perfect. Thin ribbons of kale and mint, fresh corn, fresh peas, and richness from the avocado. My only problem is that their manchego is bland somehow, which is sad. The salad works without it though. The gazpacho has a distinct tomato paste flavor so I'd skip it. They actually put thought and care into the veggie burger (house made and delicious--as it damn well better be for $14). I've never heard anyone complain about their meals here. Overpriced for sure, but the atmosphere is positive and unpretentious and the service has always been good.
(4)
Gregg G.

great food and atmosphete. came for brunch. had the morning bun, mimosas, and huevos rancheros. all very tasty. service though was kinda slow.
(4)
Cathy H.

Small place with great food. It was much smaller than I expected but we went on a Sunday night so we were able to get seated right away. We tried the lobster risotto and the lobster roll. Both were very tasty and actually had a decent amount of lobster. As a risotto lover and someone that always tries to get the risotto whenever a restaurant offers it to see if they can do it right, I would say that Marco and Pepe does a very good risotto. I keep hearing good things about their brunch which they have going on every day so I can't wait to go back and try their french toast.
(3)
V G.

M&Ps brunch held up to its reputation. My friend's french toast was delicious, and my Huevos Rancheros was pretty good. The drinks were tasty as well. A warm, cheery atmosphere and very attentive service. A nice little place in JC! It was a little louder inside than I expected between the customers and the music. Note: We went at 2 pm, which may not be indicative of the service at say 11 or 12 pm on a Sunday.
(4)
Chris M.

I'm suspect when I enter a hip and seemingly low-key restaurant. More often than not, I'm disappointed in the quality of food and find myself agitated at the 'too cool to wait tables' waiter. But M&P proved me wrong, I instantly fell in love. That was over five years ago. Fast forward to now and M&P still maintains it casual, rustic-chic vibe. The restaurant's peeling paint and church pews mixed with contemporary lighting have enticed a new breed of JC transplants from the city and Brooklyn. Aside from the vibe, the menu is fit for foodies, although I much prefer brunch to dinner. Brunch favorites include Italian Parmacotto Ham & Fried Eggs, French Toast (made outta croissants and served with Vermont Maple syrup, num), Banana Bread beer and Pommes Frites with chili/mayo dip. On an average Sunday, my hubby and I spend an average of $50 (tip included).
(4)
Hector M.

Point blank: truffle oil is cheating. I tried the famed Mac and Cheese and felt cheated by the artificial over the top truffle oil taste. I don't know whether to like this place for its charming full of character unfinished look or hate it for looking run down and decrepit. If they are full, they'll take your phone number and call you when your table is ready. They seem to always be serving brunch (until 4pm) and dishes take unusually long to come out of the kitchen. I really want to love this place based on it's underdog hype. The first time I went, I disappointedly ordered an egg dish and it felt like it came from a diner. They make great sweet potato fries served with house mayo, but they took a great sandwich off of the menu (braised ribs). This place is such a damn contradiction.
(3)
Danielle D.

Went here on a Saturday night, dinner for 2. We started with the mac & cheese, which was really good. Very creamy, and had a good amount of bacon and mushrooms. I had the lobster risotto, which was delish, and my bf had the organic chicken, which was great, too. We ordered the chocolate cake with hazelnut gelato for dessert, and enjoyed that, as well. I would have given 5 stars if it wasn't for the slow service. We waited forever for our food. We started off with a waitress, then a waiter took over for her shift, I guess, but he didn't introduce himself or anything. Also, like the last Yelper reviewed, the staff was hanging out all around the bar in the inside of the restaurant, and they were pretty loud/rowdy for the overall atmosphere of the place. I would definitely go back though, for the food!
(3)
Pat H.

I ran into Marco & Pepe for a quick lunch and I was in a hurry as usual. I grabbed a front table and got a little worried because the other diners were eating in a very leisurely manner and this may not be the best choice for a quick bite. I was given the menu immediately and in about two minutes the waiter came over for my order . He was pleasant and responsive and I told him that I was in a hurry. I order the kale salad which was perfect. It was fresh and full of corn, peas, avocado and manchego. The dressing was also just a perfect vinaigrette. This was perfect for a quick bite. The latte was also just what I wanted. The salad was great and the service was also wonderful at lunchtime. I was afraid that the place would be a little too cool for responsive, quick service and I was wrong. I will be sure to stop in again and maybe I will have more time to really savor the meal and the setting.
(5)
Xavier S.

Recently stopped by Marco & Pepe after quite some time. So, I decided to write a much needed update. Well, to say the least, I had an enjoyable brunch on a Sunday afternoon. I am sure glad I did. Have been eating somewhat healthier lately and I found that the menu items offered at Marco really struck a note with me. I've been going to lunch places in NYC like Le Pain Quotidien (LPQ), so to see some items on the menu here similar to over there really got me started, but in a good way. This time is got the Eggs Cheese and Bread where you choose the style of bread and type of cheese for your meal. You can do a choice of: Baguette, Ciabatta or Portuguese Muffin and the type of cheese with Manchego, GruyÃ¨re or Cheddar Cheese. Well I chose the Ciabatta and GruyÃ¨re and I never looked back. What came out was a well sized meal, a lot more food that I anticipated from reading it off the menu. A large ciabatta roll cut in half, with the scrambled eggs containing the GruyÃ¨re atop the toasted cut slices. It came with a generous side of mixed greens that was seasoned with only lemon juice. It reminded me a lot of the tartines served at LPQ, which when you eat the toppings off you are left with the bread that has been soaking in the flavor of the meat or non-meat item that was atop prior to consumption. Had a Bloody Mary to accompany the meal. I was pleasantly surprised that it offered up a nice kick, with all the horseradish in there. What there could have been more of was the garnish, as there was only one large green olive. The service was excellent. The place is always busy at the time of the day we went, so if not in any kind of rush, you'll love this. Flagging down the waiter isn't a problem, so don't be bashful if you're pressed for time. I love the fact there is a magazine rack on the wall near the center of the restaurant, so that invites one just to have a cup of joe and just relax. I usually see parties of 2-5, but I don't think it's unusual if you're eating alone, perhaps earlier in the day or later in the afternoon. Marco & Pepe has made it into my downtown Jersey City brunch line up.
(4)
B C.

Great host. Nice hobo kitschy feel to the decor. Sat at a cool table with the benches made of old church pews. Unfortunately the service was not that great - not very attentive, on it or even caring to return to see how the food was. I ordered the Poached eggs that were over lentils - the poached egg was overdone to a soft hard boil and the lentils were crunchy - like undercooked popcorn. Hubby ordered the Cuban sandwich - which by the sheer name of it indicates a panini style entree. The insides were good, but it was served on thick Portuguese bread and was hard to bite into. I will give them one more try not at a prime time on a Sunday to see if my opinion changes. It was a luke warm experience overall.
(3)
Carla M.

one of our favorite brunch spots in JC. two key dishes always satisfy: the croissant french toast and the macaroni and cheese. brunch or dinner, can't go wrong. a myriad cocktails and beers to try and savor. been going here for years since my bff introduced me to the place even before i moved to the area. have gone here when my husband and i were dating, and with family and friends from out of town. even my then 8month old niece got to check it out with us! it's always a hit. street parking, if not, it's conveniently walk-able from the grove street PATH station. weekends can get a bit crowded especially brunch time, and reservations are not accepted, but worth the wait! they have a bar area to dine or if you are waiting for your dining buddy (buddies). staff is cool! music playing lends to the vibe. nice to whether you dine indoor or outdoor. the snooki and jwoww house (aka the firehouse) is located next door to it on barrow street LOL doesn't take away from the fact that it is definitely a must-eat spot if you live in or are visiting jersey city in my book!
(4)
Janitza H.

Great for brunch. Place gets really packed so be ready to do some waiting.
(3)
Victor V.

M&P serves it up EVERY SINGLE TIME. I've lived in Jersey City for over a year now and this is my favorite because they just do it right. I moved in from Noho in the city and was afraid I'd miss it. After finding this place, I haven't looked back. I'm a regular now and know everyone, which makes my experience that much better and even though it's always busy, it never feels rushed or as if the service is suffering; everyone is always very friendly and accommodating. The mac & cheese are killer, as is the roasted chicken dish, the Kale salad and of course, their great wine selection. Everyone is so knowledgable when it comes to M&Ps wine choices, especially Derrick and Ethan, who can remember what I had the last time just by a brief description. Desserts are great too and I always leave with a smile. At the risk of making it busier than it already is (but because I love this place so much) I'm going to give you the skinny. Even if you've never been to Jersey City, take a trip and enjoy M&P. It's really worth it and say hi Derrick & Ethan for me. In fact, you'll probably find me at the bar any given night. See you there.
(5)
Sheba K.

We went here for brunch. Food was decent. Portions are generous. We didn't have any issues with the service. The place has a good buzz.
(4)
Palkss P.

Tried the veggie omlette and BLT...they were okay nothing exceptional.
(3)
Aly Y.

We met a friend here tonight who has only gone here for brunch. Pros - didn't have to wait for a table at 7pm; olive oil offered with bread, branzini dish and warm chocolate cake with hazelnut gelato. Cons - weak a/c (it was a warm humid evening), noisy, slooooow service (our drinks arrived just before the appetizers arrived; 30-minute wait between apps & entrees), weak sangria and when we asked for that the chef go easy on the butter cream sauce on tonight's pasta special, we got no sauce so the pasta was a little on the dry side (the angel hair with wild mushrooms, peas, red pepper flakes and serrano ham was tasty though). With a 50-minute drive here from our house, don't think we'll be back.
(2)
Lila R.

I love this place. Not a huge selection, but everything is wonderful and the service is always fantastic.
(4)
Lisa J.

This was my second trip to New Jersey and like the last time I could not get enough of Marco & Pepe. This place never disappoints. I went three times on this trip. I had the salmon, filet and chicken. Every meal was exceptional!! Also the Sangria is so delicious!!! I can't get enough of this place!! I just wish I lived closer!! I love Marco & Pepe!!!
(5)
wenting x.

i live right down the street so i thought what the heck..might as well give this place a shot. the restaurant seems to be pretty popping on the weekends and they have a pretty decent brunch menu. we started off with the coffee which was pretty good and i thought the service was fine. as for food, i ordered the mac and cheese and the eggs with toast with a side of rabbit sausage. the mac and cheese is awesome, it comes with mushrooms, bacon, and melty cheese. the thing that made this dish so good was that the bacon they use is not just regular crumbled bacon, its tiny freshly chopped bacon pieces. the eggs and toast...was just OK. def could have used something called salt and pepper...which was no where to be found. it was just very bland and nothing special. rabbit sausage was a little overcooked and dry...but i wouldnt say terrible. overall i think this is a decent place to get brunch, i would return in the future to give the other dishes a try.
(3)
Ami T.

The service is amazing and the food is even better. Me and my bf shared a few plates-the corn (which is a huge portion), flatbread pizza, and lobster roll. Everything was great and then the dessert completed our whole meal. The sundae was amazing and probably one of the best I have had. We also got a wine tasting which paired well with the food. Recommend highly!
(4)
Adele P.

I wanted to like this place but it was just ok. It's kind of a hipster haven but I'm not sure exactly what they're trying to say about themselves. The menu is limited. The mac & cheese is great. We shared some dishes with some friends and it was a good time, but service was very spotty. I don't need to hear their tales of woe about their managerial staffing problems. Haven't tried it for brunch but it was relatively empty when we were here on Sunday night.
(3)
S L.

I've had the lobster roll here and salads, they were very good. Although I think the place is due for a renovation, especially during the day it looks less shabby chic, more like downright dingy.
(3)
Jaime W.

I must say, I was really expecting more. Much more. The place is always pretty crowded, it's cute and rustic inside, the menu isn't huge, so one would certainly think that all items on it would be pretty spot on, it isn't the cheapest meal in town.....so I just thought it was going to definitely be a local restaurant winner. I was, unfortunately wrong. We went earlier on a Friday evening, at about 7:30 or so, and there was a wait for a table-to be expected, no issues with this. They did have some availability at the bar, and we opted to sit there instead of wait for a table. The bar here is actually a great place to eat-it's a fairly deep bar, so you do not feel crowded once plates are brought to you, and there is no need to start combining plates together to make room or carefully stacking things to accommodate the food order, it's nice and roomy which is really nice. The service was okay. Nothing stellar, but nothing bad. When we needed drinks, they were poured, when we asked for anything, we received it. I've typically found that when dining at the bar, it usually offers a bit more interaction with the bartender than you would get from a waiter or waitress....usually a little more fun and casual. Not really so much here. Bartender had one interest-guy covered in tattoos. Although the menu seemingly had a lot of potential, the execution was just not up to par. It was rather....poor. The pincho's (fancy for bruschetta) were alright, but the entree's were not good. I opted for a half portion of the lobster risotto with truffles (sounds tasty, right?) and it was barely tolerable. Risotto was undercooked and bathing in a lovely little cream/oil bath, and the lobster was either frozen or overcooked-I couldn't tell due to the overwhelming taste of canned truffles that covered thetaste of the goop up. We also had a half portion of the Chilean Sea Bass-the fish was cooked nicely, but the garnish that accompanied was horrible, tasted like an old lady made the veggies-mushy and limp with a bit much salt. The fries do not deserve bragging rights as others have indicated-they are OK and OK only-not fantastic. I honestly think I'm being rather nice with the three stars-mostly due to the ambiance, comfy bar, and decent beer selection. Save the bucks and find another place on the block.
(3)
Rachel Ann D.

Upset that they were out of polenta, but had the organic poached eggs with mushrooms as a starter to split with my boyfriend. Simple and delicious! Their sandwich menu is so no interesting; i wanted to try all of them! We settled for the seared tuna and the cuban sandwich. Both were amazing, on delicious crusty bread. Fab meal,, but their bloody marys need salt lol
(4)
Michelle J.

I have been a huge fan of Marco & Pepe since it first opened. I was obsessed with brunch and the options were so limited in Hudson County. Then M&P came to save my whole life! Atmosphere is chill and everything I've tried has been fresh and delicious! from the mac & cheese to the awesome fries and yummy french toast. And who in the universe doesn't love a weekday brunch spot?! Brunch on my lunch break? YES please!
(5)
May C.

One of my co-workers raves about this place. ALL. THE. TIME. Now that I live a few blocks away, I had to give it a try. I came in one weekend for lunch with my bf. We were seated immediately with menus and two waters. It took us about 5 minutes to decide what to order, their menu isn't that big. We both wanted brunch (ends at 4pm), but it took about 15 minutes for our waiter to come and take our order. He was non-existent after we were seated. When he did come around, I ordered the Spanish omelet, which includes chorizo, tomatos, manchego cheese and spinach and my bf ordered the Huevos Rancheros with beef. Food arrived at our table about 15 minutes later. My Spanish omelet was HUGE. The portions were much bigger than expected. The chorizo was delicious. It was so flavorful and spicy. That made up for the rest of the omelet, which tasted rather bland. My bf didn't like his huevos rancheros much either. He said it was okay, nothing too memorable. Their salsa verde was pretty good though. Overall for mediocre food and poor service, it's not worth the visit. I would rather spend my money elsewhere and have a more pleasant experience. I may give this place one more shot, but not any time in the near future.
(3)
Ju L.

Marco and Pepe is a cute lil brunch spot and has some pretty nice choices for brunch. My friend and I both had the eggs in toast while my other friend had the vegetarian burger. The toast was a thick, sour dough, artisan bread and cut into a very perfect square, with an egg in the middle. There were 2 pieces of toast and some sautÃ©ed asparagus and tomatoes in truffle essence, which I could not taste a bit of truffle at all. I assumed the essence was made with truffle oil but I could not even taste that. Nonethless, we all enjoyed the food, and the two pieces of toast was very filling!!! My friend also thought the veggie burger was good. Service was superb, and I would definitely come back and try other items on their menu if I'm ever in town for brunch again.
(4)
Crystine W.

This is a cute little brunch spot nearby Grove Street Jersey City. Space is slightly cramped, but the food is slightly above average. The eggs in toast are definitely interesting (visually anyway), and very evidently, a popular item on the menu. We didn't find it to be worth the hype though. Their daily scone was delicious, as were the egg scramble I had. My sister reports that the coffee is definitely worth ordering. Prices look very good, many items are less than $10, but know that their portions air on the "just right" side. Don't expect to be bringing home leftovers.
(4)
Dane M.

Moved to the Jersey City area recently and have been to Marco and Pepe's quite a few times now and must say the food coming out of the kitchen is great. The menu is diverse, I've already had the lobster roll, burger (with bacon of course), western omelette and huevos rancheros (not all at the same time). The core staff is very accommodating, kind and the restaurant has a chill vibe. Keep up the good work!
(4)
Christina S.

I had high hopes for this joint, but neither was I satisfied or unpleased, I was torn right in the middle. The restaurant itself is on the corner but hard to spot because the name is written so small. I came here on a Saturday night for brunch with a party of 4 people which had a 20 minute wait, which wasn't that bad. We were then seated and greeted nicely by the waiter. I wasn't a fan of the ambiance, to me, it reminded me of chipped paint on the wall that needed serious attention. Not sure why there weren't any salt and pepper shakers on the tables so we had to ask for it. Anyhow, I proceeded to order the lobster roll with french fries along with the other meals for the group. I want to say it took about 20 to 30 minutes for our meals to come out, so be prepared they take a long time. My lobster roll had a nice presentation but definitely not filling. It was served on a hot dog bun which wasn't unique to me at all. It was grilled and made it dry for my liking. I was expecting a moist, buttery melt in your mouth type of bread but I didn't get that here. The lobster was good nothing out of the ordinary, and french fries we're good too. Overall, an OK experience, I wouldn't come back if I'm really hungry that's for sure. PS. Parking sucks!!! No store gives out $.25 so make sure you have some handy. ( the restaurant itself we're able to give us $.25 but just for a dollars worth)
(3)
Anrenee R.

#NAME?
(3)
Maria Cristina C.

*Review based on dinner service SERVICE: Accommodating and friendly VENUE: Old-town, rustic feel; it's pretty much a big hallway with a bar FOOD (during dinner): What's a good, English adjective for "argghh"? If I was starving, I would've insisted on stopping at another place AFTER eating here because I was just not satisfied. DESSERT: Plain VERDICT: Besides my wonderful waiter, I don't have much to boast about this place as the food was rather subpar. I don't have much incentive to return for dinner but perhaps brunch will be a much better experience. For more details, see below. ---------Experience/Service: Came here on a Tuesday night around 7pm with a friend and were seated immediately. The place became fully booked around 9pm. We were immediately greeted by our waiter who made the overall experience more pleasing as he was happy to make recommendations and be very accommodating - overall a jolly guy. ----------Food/Dessert: Starters: ===Three Cheese Plate - My favorite out of everything we ordered (even more so than the dessert). This plate included manchego, blue cheese, and brie with raisin bread, apples and quince jam - all very appetizing. Entrees: ===Lobster Roll - Cold and not as fresh. I usually love lobster rolls, but this one was a bit of a disappointment. It could've been worse, but adding lemon helped enhance the taste. Still, overall a let-down, and I managed to only eat it halfway. ===Rosemary Free Range Chicken with preserved lemon stuffing and roasted fingerling potatoes - A bit on the dry side. The core and the stuffing tasted better but not so much as to make me recommend this dish. The potatoes seemed to soak up all the juice and was the best part of this dish. Dessert: ===Warm Chocolate Cake with Hazelnut Gelato - Decent, but again, nothing memorable. I'm a big dessert lover, but it was not the melt-in-your-mouth kind of experience I had hoped for. Maybe I was just having an off-day, but unfortunately Marco & Pepe overall did not help turn my night around. However, thank goodness for my fun waiter - two stars just for him.
(2)
Edward M.

Marco & Pepe has an inviting look and ambiance. The servers are friendly and helpful. The bar looked nice and well-stocked, but I did not get to sample its wares. The menu items seemed a bit on the pricy side. The brunch dish I did sample, poached eggs and ratatouille was okay -- made better with the addition of hot sauce. Poached eggs are a pain to make at home, which is what makes them appealing when eating out. I don't know how they make them here, but they seemed dryer than normal - maybe they had used a silicon-cup shortcut. The ratatouille was okay, though under-seasoned. A little bit of butter would have helped the toast, which was otherwise lovely. If you want salt, you have to ask for it, and it's delivered loose on a plate. The burgers and lamb chops were well received by my friends, so maybe I'll try one of those next time (or skip the food and chill at the bar).
(3)
Luis B.

Nice outdoor seating. Came here for brunch and kicked it off with a bloody mary, which was pretty good. I had the huevos rancheros which came in a cast iron skillet. It was ok, For me the ground beef was too sweet, beans were under cooked, eggs a bit bland. Service was a bit slow and we waited for our food a bit longer than i would expect. I would have loved a second bloody mary but i was never asked. I'll give it a second try one day.
(3)
Alexandra Z.

For drink, we ordered latte, and it was terrible. Don't ever order coffee here. My husband ordered egg in toast, the eggs were good as they were still liquid inside. But he didn't like the sauce because it was sour. I ordered vegetable omelette which contains mushroom, tomato, caramelized onion and spinach . It was ok. I like their caramelized onions! I felt like they seasoned the tomato and mushrooms before they put them into the omelette. Which I don't like is that they put too much eggs for the thing
(3)
Emily C.

Do brunch here! Ham and Eggs on the Portuguese muffin with something boozy is delish. Duck sausage is good too. Coffee was decent. Tables are tight. Service was fine.
(4)
Jessie V.

I continue to like this place because I keep getting very good meals! Only one star less because the service was much better last time I went!
(3)
illy D.

So I was searching for a new place to eat brunch. For my once a month catch up with my bff's. We started off with peach bellini's and sangaria. Nice and strong so it was worth the $9.00. I order the lobster roll with my side of salad. Their was no reason for salt or pepper everything was well seasoned. Lots of lobster in the roll not cheap at all. I couldn't give not one complaint. Definitely coming back again! What a hit!
(5)
Tova B.

Honestly, the only thing that saved this place from one star is the food is actually good. The boyfriend and I decided to do dinner and the place we planned on wasn't open, so we decided to try Marco & Pepe's. We heard the food was delicious and had never tried it. Walked in, seated right away... service was a bit slow, but the place was full. Fine. We ordered and I mentioned to the server that I'm allergic to ginger... it was actually a whole conversation about how I'm allergic to ginger... server mentioned it was a weird allergy, my boyfriend was like, okay, he gets it - because, well, I'm a talker. I order my food asking if my dish has ginger and I'm assured it doesn't, BUT he will check with the kitchen anyway. Our dishes take a while, but fine. Well, a couple of bites into my dish my server comes over and tells me that my dish *might* have been contaminated with ginger. I actually responded with a "are you serious or are you joking." Nope, very serious. The rice may or might not have been cooked with it - "but it's okay, because it's at the bottom." Um, no, this is NOT okay. Not sure you know how allergies work, but no, this is not okay. My boyfriend pretty much left right then and there and walked down the block to duane reade to get some benadryl while I waited in the restaurant (and while his meal got cold). The server brought over the bread (which for some reason was not brought over when we ordered?!) and what seemed like the entire staff hovered in the corner waiting for me to have a massive allergic reaction. Newsflash, a lot of allergies take about 20-30 minutes for a reaction. It's not like the movies. A new dish was brought to me, and a different server came over when I was eating it to ask me if there was something wrong with it. No offense, but I didn't trust new dish. So I just had it wrapped to go. The server blamed the kitchen, claiming that he had mentioned my allergy and that a special rice had been made. But, when my new dish came out, it was sans rice... which makes me think the server forgot to mention the allergy to the kitchen. I didn't expect the dish to be taken off the bill. Would it have been nice and polite and probably the proper thing to do? Especially since THEY messed up? Yes. But I didn't expect it. But it wasn't. But, to add insult to injury, three additional items we DIDN'T order or eat, WERE added to our bill. Those items were taken off. Maybe they felt justified because I didn't have an allergic reaction? I don't think we will be going back there. I could understand a small mix up, but it just seems unorganized, and a HUGE lack of communication between... anyone. In this case, my health was endangered.
(2)
Adam O.

Marco and Pepe is my jam. Inarguably one of the best brunch places in Jersey City and a must visit for anyone who appreciates good Huevos Rancheros. Let's actually dive right into those Huevos Rancheros because when I tell you that they are absolutely incredible, you better believe it. Perfect corn tortilla, right ratio of beans, meat, and salsa, and a perfect egg right on top. Cannot recommend it highly enough. If you go for brunch, do not fail to order the popovers (unless you don't like sweet in the morning, because these bad boys are pure sugar). The only knock I have on the place, and this is more my fault than theirs, is that one time I went and ordered popovers and then had their croissant French toast as my actual meal. That was a lot of sweet and it was too much for me, but I should have known better. Also it is fair to point out that this place is a bit on the pricier side.
(4)
Gary M.

When I checked in at Brunch this morning I was notified that I'm now the Duke of Marco and Pepe (who knows for how long though...) which prompted my wife to point out that while I eat here like it's my job, I've never actually reviewed the joint. Here goes... There is food and then there is cuisine. If you want food, go somewhere else. This menu is made up of exploratory dishes without alienating anyone. There's a reason the patio is always packed and there's a wait for brunch, the cuisine. In fact everything about this restaurant is done right, from the rustic decor to the casual but attentive wait staff. In searching for a way to describe the overall menu the best I can come up with is Haute Comfort. Familiar favorites like Burgers and Flatbreads smile at you from the pages, but other items like rosemary free-range chicken and cedar plank roasted trout stand out. Always creatively garnished and prepared consistently. The best kept secret is the wine flight. Whether you're a seasoned wino or a newbie trying to learn the difference between Bordeaux and Burgundy this is something you'll want to have. Essentially, the "flight" is three small glasses of three different wines. You can select them yourself or allow the bartender to choose for you. I've had great luck both ways. For about the same cost as one regular glass of wine you get to try three and see how they pair with your meal (also to figure out your second round). On the odd occasion my wife and I actually split a flight if we're not in the mood to get our drink on, but would still enjoy wine with dinner. I recommend you bring all your NYC friends here to show off a little bit of Jersey City.
(5)
Priti K.

I lived in JC for two years, and never went to Marco & Pepe. I kind of regret that decision now that I've left. I had brunch with a friend here to catch up. We stayed a long time, but they never made us feel like we had to get out of there during busy brunch time and I did really appreciate the gesture. This place is wonderful. It's been said repeatedly that the ambiance and decor is warm and clean. I ordered the Huevos Rancheros, such a different version from many that I've had before. Instead of going with meat, I chose to get my dish with pardina lentils. They forgot to add manchego cheese which is included, and I surprisingly enjoyed the dish so much that I didn't even realize until today that it was missing. The flavors were light, but so satisfying. The eggs were cooked perfectly runny and the picadillo and tomatillo salsa verde were not spicy, but excellent compliments. So glad I went with the lentils, healthier option and I didn't compromise quality. The portion sizes here are generally small, and I think it's just a bit pricey for what you get. My friend ordered the Spanish omelette and had to pay an additional $3 to add toast with her eggs. It just doesn't align. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed my meal and my company. Great brunch spot.
(4)
Kyle L.

I came here for brunch and was impressed. It's a pretty cool looking place with an all-around good vibe, and the food and service was good. If I lived in Jersey, I'd come a lot more.
(4)
Dave C.

Service was horrifying . The waiter with blond hair was extremely rude and a massive turn off to whatever potential this place could have. The food was mediocre at best. Please point your business elsewhere in the neighborhood!
(1)
Bill T.

Decent little place in Jersey City. Stopped here for a bite after visiting the beer garden and the place was hopping but we were able to snag a table within a couple of minutes. Our waiter was a little aloof at first but he improved as the meal progressed. The food was good. My burger was prepared well and very flavorful. It was actually so big I couldn't finish it, nor could I eat my all my fries. My dining companion had the mushroom flatbread and a side of brussel sprouts. The flatbread was good. I thought the sprouts were fine, but I've had better. My dining experience in Jersey City is limited, but this place seems okay to me.
(3)
William A.

After a long time of not visiting here, I decided to come back because I was craving for Mac & Cheese. The experience was disappointing: they replaced the macaroni for penne. Big mistake. The consistency is not good, pasta was overcooked and it was more like mashed potatoes than pasta.
(2)
Brittany G.

Visited for the first time in a while yesterday before heading to a show in Brooklyn. We only had about an hour to spare and ordered two burgers and a BLT. I love the BLT. It's probably my favorite thing on the menu next to the duck confit. The fries are my favorite of any restaurant in JC (or maybe anywhere?) and the chili mayo definitely helps the cause. The food took a little longer to come out than it usually does but I'll attribute that to Sunday business and the number of tables there were outside. The burgers are good. Cooked perfectly to temperature and garnished with a roasted tomato, blue cheese (husband got the Vermont white cheddar) and we added bacon. The only problem is that all the flavor was in the add ons. The beef itself really had no flavor. It tasted like plain ground beef steamed in water- so for the price I'll order something else instead. The pea and potato soup tasted like the smushed peas my infant son refused to eat and definitely wasn't worth the $11- even after adding salt. Definitely won't stop me from coming back ever as everything else is delicious. Just gonna stop in on days when the duck confit is available. All in all though I love this place.
(4)
Maria E.

Great brunch spot. Had the croissant french toast - reallllllllly good. Add a banana bread beer to that and you are all set. Happy with the beer selection, ambience, etc. It's got a rustic vibe going on. Fairly small place so can get crowded. You can eat at the bar as well. Good service. Would totally come back to explore the menu.
(4)
Gauri W.

Happened to be hungry and in jersey city on a Saturday morning. The options are def limited, but Marco and pepe was a great choice. I went with my boyfriend and we ordered sangria and coffee. They only have red wine sangria and it's not amazing - seems to be made with something only slightly better than Franzia. But a decent fruity drink. Coffee was great! And free refills. We ordered the croissant French toast, burger, and a side of Mac and cheese. The French toast was AMAZING. Best I've ever had - and I'm usually more of a pancakes girl. The burger and Mac and cheese were good but alone would have only been 2.5-3 stars. Nothing to complain about, but not worth the money either. The ambiance is nice - very brunch types. If you're not willing to sit at the bar, though, you better be ready for a wait.
(4)
Candee L.

I come here for the mac and cheese and burgers... It's solid every time. I'd give M&P 4 stars if they carried white rum.
(3)
Alana H.

All my experiences here have been excellent. The menu is interesting and varied with both healthy and indulgent choices. A delicious memorable appetizer was the baby lamb chop, tender and seasoned to perfection. It's very small inside so be prepared to wait at peak dinner and brunch times. We usually just try to sneak in before or after the rush. The outdoor seating is really popular in the warmer months, but I enjoy the charm and rustic feel inside the restaurant. Breakfast, lunch or dinner - it's all top notch here. Service is great. Food is great. Drinks are great. They get my 5 star approval.
(5)
Pradeep S.

Good seating area, good appetizers with drinks. The three meat plate and garlic shrimp appetizers were good. Though could be a little lower on the price for drinks ($8 beer during happy hr seems little high).
(4)
John K.

Had the salmon and quinoa and it was goooood ! The service was attentive and fast and the flat bread "mushroom and goat cheese" was awesome. Order some sangria too for some smile inducing good times sitting al fresco.
(5)
Jessica B.

Great Brunch and Dinner. Must try the sweet potato fries and chicken sandwich! They have a pretty good wine selection. Make sure to try the Sangria! My only complaint is that it takes way to long for the food to come out even when they're not busy.
(4)
Andre P.

While the food is very good, the service is horrible! I am very patient, but the last few times I've gone, all spaced out by many months, the service has remained the same: very, very slow. I once waited 30 minutes for dessert to be "plated" (whatever that means) and more recently 45 minutes for my entree to come out! Don't go if you're hungry!
(3)
Nicolas D.

You know how people always bash Jersey and other Manhattan suburb? Well that's because they haven't gotten their butts out of their tiny box to discover hidden gems. Such as this restaurant. Wow. I came here for lunch with my girl and her parents and we sat outside on this glorious sunny spring day. I had read and heard some great reviews of this place and so I had to check it out to taste what all the fuss was about. Boy was I not disappointed. I consider myself to be a foodie, having spent a lot of money on meals in the past, on all spectrums, from pub fare to Thomas Keller. This brunch (served every day except Monday as they are closed) from 11-4 was amazing. We had four different dishes: I had the BEST French toast, the eggs and toast in a small cast iron skillet were perfect, the huevos rancheros were perfectly and simply prepared in an iron skillet and last but not least an omelet, again cooked perfectly. Between the delicious food and the incredibly friendly staff, we left praising our brunch experience. Finally jersey city residents won't have to schlep 45 minutes to go to the upper west side to get a great brunch. Marco & Pepe is now in my top 5 best brunch spots in and around NYC
(5)
Matthew C.

I come in all the time for brunch and occasionally for dinner. Definitely better when the outdoor seating is available, since it's quite small and loud inside. Plus most of the chairs and benches feel like they're about to fall apart! But the service is always good and the food is consistently tasty. Cocktails are small and pricey, but good beers on tap most of the time. Excellent mac & cheese, lobster roll (served with freakishly good fries), and croissant french toast. As long as I live in the neighborhood, I will continue to stop in regularly. Keep up the good work M&P!
(4)
Alex R.

This is probably one of the most brunchy spots in Jersey City (Grove St/Downtown area). On a nice sunny day, it's chill, laidback and the menu offers fairly decent brunch options, and whether youre craving savory or sweet, Marco & Pepe has you covered. On the con side, the outside tables are a bit wobbly and i was surprised to see coffee served in rather thin glass mugs that quickly got cold, and werent refilled fast enough. No matter how good the food is, gotta keep the piping jo comin !
(4)
Vicky L.

I've always wanted to check out the brunch spots on Grove Street. Finally, last Sunday, 3 of us went to Marco and Pepe's for brunch. There is indoor and outdoor seating, and the decor is very minimalistic and modern. We were told that the wait for outdoor seating was 45 minutes, but we could be seated inside right away. Complimentary Mimosa's are offered as soon as you sit down, but after that the service is a bit slow. After we ordered, it took almost 30 minutes before we got our food. We ordered the Ham and Eggs, the Chorizo and Eggs, Sweet Potato Fries, and Rabbit Sausage. The food was really good, but honestly, I didn't really get too much of an impression of the place. I'll have to go again for happy hour or dinner in order to really say whether or not I liked it. I thought the Ham and Eggs were the best of the bunch, mainly because it was a very fancy take on Ham and Eggs. Pan fried egg, Italian Parma Ham, shaved Manchego, over a Portugeuse muffin. It was so delicious. The Chorizo and Eggs was nothing special - just pan fried Chorizo over a scrambled egg. The rabbit sausage was interesting, I had a small bite and it was really gamey; not at all my cup of tea. I'd go again because it's in my neighborhood and I really do love Jersey City.
(3)
Gab C.

Fabulous ambiance, and very cozy. A bit pricey though, but food is quality. Let's start with the french toast. The most fabulous french toast ever. ORDER IT. It makes my day perfect on a Sunday morning. The burgers: Not over the top, but consistent and yummy. Fries are good too. Macaroni and cheese: Sometimes this is a yummy starter for your family (if you get the smaller portion on the menu. Sometimes you scold yourself for not getting this as an entree. It's gourmet macaroni and cheese. The cheese sauce is not overwhelming, and there are mushrooms in it. Beat that. I don't drink, but my father thinks that this restaurant has the best Bloody Mary's. Trust my dad on this one.
(5)
Mabel B.

Love love love their French toast. Been here with hubby only for brunches and I cant seem to stray away from the French toast. Sampled hubby's dishes and weren't bad. Would like to try this place during dinner sometime...one day. But for now im a huge fan of the French toast and their morning but to start off with.
(4)
Jessica D.

First time having brunch at Marco & Pepe and I left as a happy camper! Ordered the Ham & Eggs and it was delish!! Wanted me a second round :) Will def return and spread the yummy word!!!!
(4)
Danielle C.

Dinner the other night at Marco & Pepe was pretty darn good. We'd only been for brunch, and so I wasn't sure how they handled other meals, but I left happy and full. They have a good beer and wine selection, along with a full bar. The Kale salad was pretty refreshing and tasty - kale, with avocado, manchego cheese, and mint with a light vinagrette. next, I ordered the lobster and corn risotto and husband ordered the past a of the day - mussel and chorizo spaghetti. Both entrees were really delicious. What I like most about the food here is that the ingredients taste fresh. Service was good.. I like the old school diner (in france? the pale blue and that odd decorative mirror seemed very parisian) look and feel of the place... It was nice break from the work week.. a good alternative to eating at home.
(4)
Stefanie S.

My boyfriend and arrived on a Sunday at around 5:15. The Tapas menu was still in effect and the dinner menu was to start at 5:30 as we were told, but we were not brought a dinner menu until we asked. In the meantime, I took advantage of the in between shift Tapas meny and ordered the 3 wine tasting paired with the cheese plate. He ordered a beer shortly after I ordered. The wine came relatively quickly. The server did not even tell me what the 3 wines were, I had to ask. He was quick to tell me, then darted away. The beer arrived 20 minutes later, the cheese 10 minutes later. No one told me what the cheese was. I had to get someone's attention to ask for bread that wasn't sweet (the cheese was served with raisin bread, a sparse 3 slices, and my boyfriend wanted plain bread. I wanted plain bread to clear my palette for tasting the wine. For a "wine tasting" I should not have had to ask.) The servers were all standing around and chit chatting with clients who seemed to be their friends. His burger was cooked rare - perfectly rare. My steak, however, ordered medium rare, was more medium. I should have ordered it rare. The delicious sauce and generous portions of asparagus and green beans made up for it. The server did say she would return it and bring another one, but after waiting so long for the food, I just ate it. I did enjoy it, but medium rare and medium make a world of difference with a filet mignon. While the food was delicious, the service was atrocious. There were 4 waiters on the floor. Outdoor seating was full, but indoor seating was not. We will not return. I gave 3 stars for the food only. Maybe it was the time of day, but really, the service was simply not good for the $70 that we spent. I used to be a server so I expect good service. I felt like we were ignored. The two "friends" seated next to us who arrived after us? Their orders were taken before ours were.
(3)
Mary Beth S.

Marco & Pepe has been a mainstay on the Grove Street stroll in Jersey City since I moved downtown from Paulus Hook. It's known to be one of the better (quality) and more popular spots on the main drag. The food hasn't let me down yet. I've had the organic chicken (where the only downside is that it takes about 25 minutes to be served), and the burger, which is cooked to my satisfaction and wolfed promptly down. My dining partner had the veggie burger but was underwhelmed. Also especially delish are the FRY options -- that is, the regular potato french fries, and the (yay!) sweet potato fries. Mmmm... they rock big time. The mac 'n cheese is creamy and tasty too, so I hear. It gets crowded on weekend nights, and sometimes even weekday nights, so be prepared to wait. Service is a little slow, but it's worth it.
(3)
Judy L.

Friendly servers, very busy, therefore slow. Food?? Rather go to local diner. Good drinks.
(2)
Alex B.

I feel that this place is going in an unfortunate direction. The food is very good, but the whole of the experience is beginning to undermine it, in my opinion. It seems to have started a few years ago though, when they practically doubled their prices. My husband asked the owner why they would do that and got the response, "Because we can." That was before there were competing places like 30 Acres and Satis in the area, but even the competition has not changed their attitude apparently. We were there a couple of weeks ago later in the evening for dessert. We like to get their ice cream sundae for 2, but it was no longer on the menu. We asked if they could make it for us anyway, since they still had both gelato flavors, and they bartender very reluctantly agreed. It took 30 minutes for it to come out - 2 scoops of ice cream with whipped cream - and it was signifigantly smaller than before. I paid the bill in cash and in receiving change, the bartender just rounded up the tab to the next dollar - it wasn't much, but just felt lame given his attitude toward us during the evening. Basically, no single thing constituted a big deal, but the over all experience was very discouraging. We won't be going back for a long time.
(2)
Heather T.

I literally just moved in to Jersey City the day before the big storm Sandy hit... this was the place my boyfriend took me to a few weeks before the move (I think, to convince me to move from LA to NJ!) The service is amazing, the huevos hold their own (and I eat a lot of huevos rancheros in LA...) and whatever sandwich my guy had was incredible. Id advise to stay away from the vegetarian stuff... I made the mistake of ordering a spring roll my first time coming and now know to stick with the heavier, soul-pleasing stuff. Im looking forward to what else Jersey offers up in my time here!
(4)
Marits B.

I can't believe I haven't reviewed this spot yet. I've been here multiple times (dinner/lunch/brunch) and I always have a good experience here. Sure, one night it was packed, with a long wait, so i had to go elsewhere. But typically I get a table, the service is pleasant, and the food is consistently great. Some things are better on their menu than others, but that's expected at most places. I love their kale salad (I add grilled chicken). Their menu has some standards but also changes somewhat seasonally. Their acorn squash entree is delish. They are always very accommodating if you want to switch something or take out an ingredient. They are one of the restaurants in JC that have jumped on the organic chicken bandwagon and have organic eggs as well. I would like to see grassfed beef as well, but I am still happy enough that I'm giving them 5 stars for what it is.
(5)
Amanda M.

The only thing I loved more than the soundtrack was the food and the only thing I liked more than that were the drinks ( also great beer list and espresso drinks.) love.
(5)
Yongling L.

I have been going to this restaurant for the last nearly 10 years. It has been quite good - always in the range of 3-4 stars. Chef changed the menu from time to time and had been quite creative while maintaining some stables. However, the recent two times really disappointed me. Food quality is not even half of that before. We ordered salmon - over cooked with overly sweet sauce; roasted free range chicken - almost raw in the middle and difficult to eat. The worst is it is tasteless. We also ordered kale salad. To my surprise the sauce was put on the side and we have to dress it ourself. Dressing the salad is an important part of creating the salad. How on earth would any chef with decent skills and self respect want to do that? I could only assume that the chef or owner has changed. And this restaurant is not the same M&P we have been going for all those years!
(2)
Moxi L.

As a preface - I'm not an anal or picky eater. My gfs and I were pretty excited to try this place for brunch. I got the shrimp and scallion omelet - it was very gushy and the inside was under cooked. Seasoning was extremely bland and the size was ridiculously small (no i'm not a 200 lbs gourmet :) I'm in decent shape with moderate appetite). The ingredients and substance or I should say the lack of was very disappointing. The only thing somewhat edible was the side dish - sweet potato fries. This place is more for the yuppie and cool hispters. My gfs who got other types of omelet were pretty disappointed. Not sure what the hype is about. The Spanish Omelet my gf got was sub par. I left here still hungry. For $12 of crappy shrimp omelet? NOT WORTH IT. Let's just say, I much prefer the restaurant right across the street. WILL NEVER COME BACK AGAIN.
(1)
Vanessa X.

Corn on the cob is so good, I would eat it typewriter style..... on a first date
(5)
Erin H.

I gave Marco & Pepe another shot when my fiancÃ©'s parents were in town. It is still a little pricey in my opinion, but I wasn't paying! The macaroni and cheese was a little too fabulous; a great diet buster. I didn't like their interpretation of the BLT as it lacked the characteristic crunch of bacon. The Bronzino was tasty, but awkwardly presented. It had whole lemon slices with the rind on that you had to extract in order to eat the fish, and it also had a huge woody stalk of rosemary that was clearly not meant to be eaten. Our server this time around was great. She was very friendly and attentive. This made all the difference from my last visit.
(3)
Melissa J.

I really like the relaxed atmosphere of this place. It is great to go chill out in the bar in the evenings or have a drink in the outdoor seating area. They have nice cocktails and lots of "infused" liquors that they make in house. The food is excellent. I love the spanish sandwich. The little chorizo sausages, manchego cheese, romaine lettuce, and chili mayo on a crunch baguette... nom nom....! I have never brunched here but would like to soon! I hear it is excellent! This place will always hold a special place in my hear because Davis and I went here for a couple of drinks after he proposed :)
(4)
Rob C.

Ordered the lobster roll. It was decent and cheap for a lobster roll. Although I did find shells in it. My coworker ordered the veggie burger. It was one of the worse we've ever tasted. Bland. Granular and mushy throughout. We ended up dumping hot sauce all over it and even then only ate half. Iron monkey does a much better veggie burger. Brunch menu, seriously whose brunch menu doesn't have eggs Benedict. The waiter tried to tell me that they have their own spin on eggs Benedict. He directed me to the ham and cheese sandwich with fried eggs. No man. ! That's a ham and cheese sandwich with a fried egg on it. Not poached eggs on a toasted English muffin with ham and hollandaise sauce.
(3)
Autumn P.

Huevos Rancheros. That's is all.
(4)
Shanen L.

Love their brunch. Have ordered their burgers, lobster roll, BLT, eggs in toast, and bacon before. Loved them all. Everything comes out looking beautiful, and tasting equally as good. Staff is very friendly and I like their outdoor seating. It's a great neighborhood people watching spot on weekend mornings. Mimosas are nice with brunch, but favorite drink there is the Dillinger.
(4)
Christine E.

Went there on a Tuesday night for dinner. Just two of us so we were seated right away. Really loved the Kale salad. It was lightly dressed (the way I like it) and they gave us a healthy portion. The salad was so well balanced that I actually ate the peas, despite having a serious disdain for them. Also love that they split the dish into two bowls after we told them we were sharing. Both the seafood pasta (special that night) and the macaroni and cheese were delicious. We finished with the banana bread pudding. Just a heads up, if you're not a fan of cinnamon, you may not want to get the banana bread pudding as there is a good amount in there. The mixed drinks are a bit on the sweet side but I ordered a martini with gin, early grey and fresh lemon juice and it was very good. Service was great for us. Waitress was very attentive, friendly and helpful.
(4)
Martha A.

I love this place. The rustic decor is warm and unique. The food is really good. Although, I must say that I was expecting a little more on the menu. Like the duck that was not part of our eatery tonight. Overall the experience was great. We ordered a goat cheese flat bread and garlic shrimp to start. It was very good. Our entree came and was good as well. Must try the rosemary and lemon cheesecake. It was decadent. I like their craft beer and wine selections. I enjoy coming here and will be back.
(4)
Anthony C.

Food is outstanding all the way around. The mac and cheese is a big standout (especially for those hungover weekend brunches). They have a full bar too. I would have given them 5 stars, but there service is lacking...big time.
(4)
S B.

Been here lots of times as someone who lives close by. Have heard that many local people are falling out of love with M&P and I can understand why. Last few times have been ok, nothing great in terms of food and service - last time was appalling. Service was the worst I have ever received in all my time in living in the US. Won't go into too much detail as I think that statement says it all. Asked for my drink (a simple soda) 4 times, in the space of 35mins mins - no apology. My food did not come with its complete list of ingredients as set out on the menu - no apology. A side of sweet potato fries ordered and it didn't come - no apology. And when I mean no apology, I mean absolutely nothing from him when we addressed the issue. The waiter did not smile when we arrived, didn't even say hello. He was totally moody and frankly totally, totally unprofessional. I have never tipped anything less than 18% and we tipped him 10% which I didn't even want to do, but as I know the service industry I understand that other members of staff rely on tips and I thought it was unfair to them to tip nothing. Food is sub par and has gone down since it first opened. They need to change up their menu and get rid of some members of their staff. They also need to keep their toilets clean as they always seem to be dirty.
(1)
Sam C.

This is a review for Brunch only - went there a few times and their food is amazing. I have had omelets, sandwiches, home fries and salads. Everything was awesome. The speciality however is the French toast made with croissants. You have got to try it.
(4)
Rob F.

Lobster roll is the only good thing about this place, parking sucks, the parking meter is 40min max and service is not great
(3)
Allison G.

Delicious food, friendly service . . . the only trouble is finding a table, since they don't take reservations. However, since I live literally around the block, I can usually scope the place out in advance. Everything I have eaten here has been delicious. The fish dishes (salmon, trout, etc.)? Delicious. The vegetable dishes (kale salad, roasted vegetables with quinoa, etc.)? Delicious. My boyfriend's and my favorite way to start the meal is with an order of the garlic shrimp and a pitcher of sangria. Try it and see!
(5)
Elizabeth R.

I came from the UES on public transportation for dinner (4/5 train + 2-block walk to 14th & 6th for quick PATH ride, then 2-block walk to Marco & Pepe), and think this would be the PERFECT place for a romantic dinner for 2 from the UES. Just the right amount of strolling after dinner, super romantic atmosphere upstairs, good prices you won't find on the UES, and charming blocks to see in Jersey City. This is definitely the place for my next date night. Oh, and the food: Fabulous! I was with a party of six (without my husband), and we ordered six different dishes, and everything was to die for. Yes, the mac 'n cheese lives up to its reputation and redefines the dish. Another favorite was the trout on a plank, but everything including the steak was fabulous. The lobster melted in the mouth. The staff was knowledgeable about wine, and we enjoyed treating ourselves to 35-year-old cognac at the end. One potential negative: I wondered if my group's loud talking annoyed the other diners. Fortunately the tables are widely spaced. Would like to return for brunch. The ground floor looks lower-key, like a thinking man's neighborhood joint.
(5)
Nikki L.

I concur with many other reviewers of Marco & Pepe - great food, poor service. My husband, daughter and I stopped in for brunch yesterday and while our waitress was very friendly, she was pretty absent. I had to flag her down twice to attend to our needs. I assure you I am not a needy customer. She simply only came to take our order and deliver it, period. Again, she was lovely but not attentive. She did comp my husband's drink for putting his burger order in incorrectly so two snaps for that! The service was also slow which may be a kitchen issue. We came in at 11:30am and left at 1pm. That's great for twenty-somethings who have all the time in the world to hang out but for parents with a three year old, that's a long ass meal! lol The food was excellent and we really enjoyed the atmosphere (great late 80s/90s rock music, not too loud, plenty of space to dine in comfort). On a fashion note, we liked the blue plaid shirt uniform too. :-) We would gladly go back since the food was awesome but we'd certainly be crossing our fingers for quicker, more vigilant service.
(3)
Danielle G.

Always delicious, one if the best if not the best restaurant in Jersey City! Drinks are fabulous and food is fresh. Always leave satisfied. Plus they have outdoor seating in a great location of JC.
(5)
Beverly B.

Easily my favorite brunch spot. I've been coming here for the past 5+ years. For a while I only got their cuban sandwich because I love cuban sandwiches, but i've slowly ventured into other dishes. Few of my faves include the ham & egg and french toast. I'm not much of a coffee drinker so I drink their hot chocolates or bellinis - both great. The prices are standard and up to par with most places in the area. Rustic and cozy environment and the staff is pretty great. Sometimes the wait (to get a table and food) can take some time, but ultimately all worth it.
(5)
Mel C.

Our fave brunch spot in JC, they just do it right. Nice atmosphere, great service, friendly people and just really great ingredients!! Solid brunch!
(4)
Jessica B.

This is one of the best places in town! I love the grilled cheese sandwich and the Cuban. Bread may be my favorite thing ever and these sandwiches do not disappoint. Not a fan of skinny fries but can't complain since no one in the world has the same tastes. I also recommend getting the lobster roll and a side of Brussels sprouts that are cooked in (a ton) of oil and garlic and (even better) bacon! The servers are all very nice, attentive and cute in their jeans and flannel button downs...seems to be the main theme of every restaurant in jersey city.
(5)
S T.

Probably the least lame place I've seen in Jersey City. Very cute place... Probably the cutest and the best food in the area. But places like this are a dime a dozen in Manhattan, so I'm not cutting slack on that note. Wine and beer list offers a good variety points Mac and cheese with truffles points Mediocre hamburger - points Small portions - points Pricey (it's jersey) -points - drinks should be cheaper The food is ok overall - mac and cheese is the best thing on the menu. The atmosphere is cute for a date, very cozy. Service is, "meh". Nice but I wouldn't travel out of my way for this place.
(3)
Deborah D.

M&P falls squarely in the "Would have been 3 stars if in Manhattan" camp. And that's okay, because we are patient, forward-thinking, and humble here in Downtown JC. We know our time will come, and is already (up and) coming, so we are content to wait for now. And while we do, we have Marco & Pepe. As everyone has already stated - it's great for sitting outside and people watching - believe me, you will see all types! But mostly yuppies and artists and hipsters and on weekday afternoons, the stroller brigade. I saw 4 strollers trying to cross the street the other day. Yoga mats in tow. Oh, and babies too. The food is solid - yummy brunchy classics and I think they get their bread from Artisanal in the city, so it's that thick, doughy sourdough with perfect air pockets for sopping up good olive oil. Mmmm! They do eggs right here, runny and also perfect for sopping up with aforementioned hole-y bread. For dinner, I'd recommend trying a bunch of the entrees as 1/2 portion plates and their charcuterie. Can't go wrong with a 1/2 portion of their legendary mac 'n cheese and their meats/fish are always cooked well. What this place lacks in originality, it makes up for in charm, rustic vibe, and really really good bread.
(4)
Siv L.

Came here for dinner during the hail storm tonight. Split a bottle of red wine from Portugal with my boyfriend. We ordered flatbread with caramelized onions, red peppers, and Manchego and sizzling garlic shrimp which were both good (shrimp better than flatbread). Since we both LOVE duck, I ordered the duck leg confit and he ordered the duck breast. The duck leg is SO YUMMY. Very tender meat. Very crispy skin. The full portion consists of 2 legs sitting on top of a bed of sweet potato, lentils, celery root, baby spinach and a delicious sauce. Every bite was SO good. I cleaned my plate. The duck breast was also good (had a lemon flavor to it) but not nearly as good as the leg! We split the hazelnut gelato with hot fudge, which ended our meal perfectly (but of course didn't pair well with the wine). Now I can finally say that both dinner and brunch here are GREAT!
(5)
Jessica L.

Love! Went on a Friday night, a perfect table awaited us. Glorious Spanish red wine, amazing food love the ambiance-- Friendly-- very friendly.. staff!
(4)
Tim M.

This place used to be our go-to for the Vegetarian Tacos (lentil beans and pesto). Unfortunately, they've removed them from the menu! Please bring them back... They still have a lot of options for brunch and dinner.
(4)
Gloria W.

Came here on a Sunday morning with a friend and was instantly seated (win) Has a great local hipster bistro feel to it, wooden tables, small intimate, outdoor seating..all waiters wearing matching shirts (great because i have issues differentiating usually) Food was amazing! My friend ordered the egg in toast and I the spanish omelette. Perfect portions, perfectly toasted, and well seasoned. Really unique brunch menu with a few twists here and there. Prices were pretty decent, typical $$. Will come back for other meals for sure!
(4)
Sam V.

Over priced , food is nothing special, always dirty silverware and terrible slow service.
(1)
Y M.

Solid brunch spot. I've been wanting to come here for a while but have been deterred by the long wait times until recently, when we lucked out and were able to be seated immediately. Everything on the menu sounded appetizing, but I went with the croissant french toast. It was very good, but the portion is pretty small, so I supplemented it with the duck and pork sausage. My friends and I ordered a large mac and cheese to share, which was so so good--I'd highly recommend ordering this. Bloody mary and mimosas were okay but pretty watered down. M&P is a little on the pricey side compared to some other brunch places, especially if you have a few drinks (I think I spent about $60 total?), but I'd definitely come back to try some of their other offerings.
(4)
Alex K.

I met 2 girlfriends here for dinner on Thursday night at 8:15 or so... and it was not crowded... I had the chili margarita (easy on the agave) which was good, although i woulda liked a little more spice! My food was DELICIOUS. THe kale salad was delicious-- I scraped the bowl clean. Then i had the trout entree, which was a huge piece of fish, with asparagus and some kind of extremely garlicky brown rice... and i ate half of it for lunch the following day. The rice was pretty rich/buttery, which I don't care for, but I mixed it with some steamed veggies with lunch, and it was a perfect meal. Aside from an accidental mishap, spilling oily sauce all over my expensive purse (they were gracious and apologetic, and will be paying for the cleaning bill), I had an excellent first-time dining experience on Grove St.
(4)
M S.

went for brunch. 3.5 stars. hot chocolate was Delicious! rest of brunch was average (poached eggs and ratatouille//huevos rancheros). huevos rancheros weren't really like most other places, and would say they were just OK. a cute spot.
(3)
Gail Anthony T.

Last night was the second time having dinner at this joint. The first time was nice, having had their buttermilk fried chicken - which was the special of the night. This time my wife and I started off with their caesar salad with spanish anchovies. The dressing to this salad was not overpowering, as some caesar dressings could be. It was light, and blended well with the anchovies. For entrees, we had the filet mignon (1/2 portion) and the mussels in a curry sauce. My wife was torn between fish and the mussels. Our waitress pointed out that our neighbor had it, and after seeing her bowl completely empty, it prompted us to order it. Both dishes were very good. The shiraz/demiglace sauce worked well with the filet. Toasted bread came with the mussels, to allow one to dunk it into the sauce. The sauce was not creamy, like the one from Madame Claude's, but it was good, nevertheless. I liked the ambience of Marco & Pepe's. It had that hipster and trendy feel to it like most reviewers noticed. I especially liked the indie/alternative tunes that were radiating throughout the restaurant. I found myself singing along while enjoying dinner with my wife. Overall, it was a pleasant experience with a friendly and attentive wait staff. I heard the brunch there kicks ass, so we'll have to come back again and give that a shot.
(4)
Steven R.

Been going here for 3 years but finally decided to formulate a review. Great food, small spot and perhaps my favorite brunch spot in Hudson county. Everything on the menu ranges from good to great. Mac and cheese is decadent, egg dishes are fantastic, sweet potato fries are addictive with the aoli dipping sauce. Best thing to do...come in on a Saturday morning for brunch, saddle up at the bar, order a coffee (great cup of joe here), a sweet morning bun to start (only offered on the weekends) and the Cuban sandwich (the most elegant and tasty version of this Havana Classic). Oh, and skip the salad with it and go with the fries...it's Saturday morning, you're probably nursing a hangover from too many old fashions from the night before. You need the fries.
(5)
Bob T.

What a joke..... $3.50 for 2 slices of bacon Soggy toast is an extra $3 Serve is poor and inattentive Food is marginal Run away from this place
(1)
Justin S.

Been here twice and both times was pretty impressed with the food, though admittedly more so the first time around. We ordered a bunch of plates and shared them all. The standouts were the kale salad and the chipirones, both of which were very fresh and seemed well thought out. The kale salad in particular was incredibly refreshing, the mint and corn serving to really brighten the salad up. I like the veggie burger, though others were not quite as impressed with it. Everything felt healthy and clean. It's not that my experience the second time around was much different, I guess I just wasn't as wowed by the menu. Having ordered the handful of things we found appealing we wound up ordering many of them again. They were equally as good, but left me wanting for more variety. Keep in mind this was almost two months apart, so I guess my hope was that in that time there would have been some additions or changes to the menu. Even nightly specials would have been welcome, but alas there were none. M&P does boast a respectable beer list and a fairly varied wine list and the service was solid both times. The decor is very nice inside, open and airy, but the tables are stacked a little too close together. Will I be back? Yeah, probably, because there's not many other options in JC. But without a little variety, it probably won't be for a while.
(3)
Susan A.

This place has been on my mind since I was here 2 weeks ago for Sunday brunch. I'm in LOVE with their french toast!!! Instead of regular bread they use Croissants!!! Yeah, yeah... it's not a healthy meal but you need to treat yourself every now and then... For those of you who like Raymond's in Montclair... this place is SSSOOOOOOO much better!! Staff was friendly and I love their uniforms: blue/white flannel button up shirts with jeans and tattoos! Wait, there is one thing... why don't they serve ice with your water?
(5)
Amy P.

I've been a couple times for dinner and both times were lovely. I like going with friends and splitting a couple things so I can try more options. Loved the mac n' cheese! The lobster roll was really tasty and not drenched in mayo which was great. I went the Thursday after Hurricane Sandy and was so impressed with our waitress, even though the store had just lost all of the inventory/stock due to the flooding, she was so attentive, professional, and cheerful.
(4)
Stacy M.

This is for happy hour drinks only - not food: It was awesome. Great beer, generous shots, chill, attentive bartender. Food was expensive, and the place smelled slightly of cat pee. But, even with that, it was such a cute place I'll chalk the smell up to hurricane fallout and go back.
(4)
John C.

Cozy spot with dishes that pack a flavorful punch. I love the atmosphere here and of course the Mac N Cheese. The Pan Roasted Chicken is another favorite of mine. Reservations recommended as it gets crowded.
(4)
Richard L.

Solid for brunch. Was it amazing? No - but it was good for what it needed to be. Too bad we had to wait so long. I went with my married friends after a night of heavy drinking...so we were all pretty hung over. When we showed up we were Immediately we were seated inside in the cool A/C. This day it was pretty humid outside and not helping the hangover we all felt. We were seated in the back table - by the wall and given some water. Within a few moments a waiter came by to take our drink orders. Coffee Black, Coffee Cream and Sugar and water (eventually tea) So we sat trying to piece together the night between the 3 of us. During this time we are also looking at the menu deciding what was we'd get, I saw the backdrop of the restaurant (seeminly for the first time since we walked in - the coffee was kick starting the brain as i was alive again!) The restaurant had this old-world charm to it. The walls rustic and worn - with the walls seemed old as if they themselves could tell a story, the lighting dim, from the actual lights - but the sunlight outside - shined through the veiled draperies. This gave the light a nice soft glow that felt very welcoming. The bathrooms on the other hand - dim and dark - somewhat scary with, not just the toilet and sink, but an odd wooden chair seemingly misplaced...yeah that was odd. Immediately outside the bathroom is a glass window you can look into to see the kitchen staff hard at work. Sitting back down - we made our orders and continued talking. After much much conversation we started wondering where our food was. Geeze it's taking a long time. I didn't count how long we were there as I was enjoying our conversation. I did noticed however that the girls sitting next to us didn't get their food either and they were waiting longer than we were. Ok enough essay : food time! We got our food - I got the Ham and Eggs with an english muffin w/brie cheese and home fries. Home fries went missing for a little while. Otherwise everything was good...although the eggs weren't as hot as they could have been. (ie it may have been sitting on a shelf waiting to be brought to us) - When the home fries made it out to us it was piping hot albeit a bit salty. My buddy got the Spanish Omelette - it looked good - and when i tasted a bit it was very tasty. The actual eggs were very light and fluffy and the stuff inside it made it really awesome. Bacon and Pomme frites were also had by this guy. He said the bacon was alright - and the fires were ok too. His wife got the poached eggs with mushrooms. The Poached egg was overcooked - One yolk was hard the othre was somewhat runny as poached eggs should have been. The mushrooms tasted well cooked and not drenched in butter which can often be the case. But they were very tasty and complimented the eggs pretty well. We also had a chance to sample some mixed berry smoothie thing with whipped cream on top. This was, what we thought, was an "i'm sorry for losing my home fries" but it turned out to be wrong - it was complimentary to everyone. We got ours and it was a bit warm. It should have been maybe a frozen smoothie with ice blended into it and served immediately. The Meal itself was good - not amazing, but by far not terrible. It also came out to just around 20 per person.
(3)
Carissa L.

I really wanted to like this place more than I did. For ambiance and decor, 5 stars all the way. There's even a spinning metal thing with pastries on it on the counter. Very very cute! We ordered a bunch of sides - eggs, french fries, sausage, toast, and home fries. Service was decent, but we had to ask for salt/pepper/butter, and they brought out half the food 5-10 minutes before the rest of it. The sausage tasted weird. Not necessarily bad, but not like sausage normally tastes. The toast was cold and the butter was a challenge to spread. The eggs were bland. The home fries were both overcooked and overly seasoned. Saving grace: The fries were good. That being said, I'm giving Marco & Pepe a 3 out of 5 because I love its appearance so much. Oh, and because they have Aventinus. Yes please. I'd be willing to go again, but order something different (everyone else seemed to be enjoying their food).
(3)
Laura B.

Adorable little french bistro on the best block in the up and coming neighborhood surrounding Grove Street. The wait staff is very helpful and not at all pretentious, despite the franco style. I've heard amazing things about their grilled cheese, but never tried it. Been several times for dinner and once for brunch. Always left happy. Good for vegetarians and carnivores alike. I tried the quinoa butternut squash dish and it is to die for! Perfection! Also, they have a great selection of craft beers and good prices on wines by the glass. Great romantic spot for a date or nice for dinner with friends. Wouldn't go with a group as its tiny. My group only had one complaint-uncomfortable chairs. If thats the only thing you can find wrong with a place that's pretty good.
(5)
Kate S.

Marco & Pepe is a trendy, hip spot in downtown JC. It's slightly more expensive than its neighbors, but it also has a much cooler vibe than anything else on the block. M&P brunch is so, so good. The sangria is legit, and the food is high quality. The Cuban sandwich had discernible layers of ham and porchetta and manchego instead of the more traditional Swiss. It came with chili mayonnaise that I really enjoyed despite usually despising mayo. The sweet potato fries were crisp and not soggy. It was clearly served just after preparation, as I had to actually let everything cool a bit before being able to eat it. I've also had the Huevos Rancheros, which were also delicious. The French toast received glowing reviews from my roommate. Jersey City has a good amount of restaurants that could easily compete with their Manhattan/Brooklyn counterparts in terms of quality and atmosphere, and I think M&P is pretty close to the top of that list.
(4)
Tara K.

I ordered the huevos rancheros and could barely cut the tortillas with my knife and fork they were so chewy/hard. Big disappointment; however, good priced fare and nice atmosphere.
(3)
Sandra M.

During their brunch hour, my beaux and I split some spicy churizo side dish and an order of the Grilled cheese with [insert fancy type of] Ham added and fries switched for a salad that is of a very good taste and quality. I had this with an Organic American Coffee and my beaux had a beer flight. Definitely a winner.
(4)
J A.

I'm going to keep this review short. Get the croissant french toast! You're welcome :)
(5)
Yesha P.

Went their today for brunch and the food was pretty mediocre. We got the ham and eggs which was a little off, ham was too thick for my taste. Also tried the huevos rancheros which were decent, not amazing or bad. Pommes Fritas were the best thing that we tried especially with the chipotle mayo. We also ordered the mac and cheese because I read a few reviews that said it was good. It wasn't bad but there was just something off about it. The coffee was a little watered down but I appreciated that the waiter gave me a free to go cup. I may end up here again just to give it another try but I think that there are so many better brunch spots in the area that are probably more worth while.
(3)
mike b.

This is the perfect hole in the wall cafe. They have some out of the box dishes that are fantastic. Their cocktails are delicious as well. I love coming for brunch and then steel cut oatmeal and quinoa with coconut milk is outstanding.
(4)
Nicole G.

Came here on a beautiful Sunday afternoon to enjoy some jersey fine dining. I think the place is cute and cozy. Seating is definitely tight as it's a small space inside and out but totally doable. Even though you are pretty close to your neighbor, I don't think anyone really minds or is obnoxious about it. Our waiter came quickly and was very friendly. I ordered the BLT with salad, but maybe I missed the part in the menu where they mentioned it wasnt really bacon or had additonal pork meat in it. I mean, I think it was bacon ( not like the traditional thin slice or even the thick cut bacon ) but there was one or two slices and then what almost seemed like roast pork. In my opinion it made the sandwhich kind of disappointing and I didnt finish it at all. I would come here again to just chill out and try some other menu items for sure, and maybe the sangria ( although the caraffes were rather small ) What I absolutely did not like was when the bill came. Somewhere between the item total, tax and full total there was an unaccounted for $2+ dollars in there. I asked the waiter about it and he promptly went to the guy up front to find out for me. Apparently the tax on drinks doesnt show up on the bill , but appears in your overall total, which I think is outragous. If it's a system issue and is too costly to fix, I get it, but I feel a restaurant should be completely transparant on their billing and maybe a small note on the bottom of the bill ( similar to " parties of 6 or more ...." notifying patrons of where the increase is coming from is appropriate.
(3)
Dan R.

We enjoyed our brunch, although I don't think I'd order the quinoa again (it was blander than I like my savory breakfast to be.) Great beers on tap.
(3)
paoix b.

If you want some grown up mac and cheese that will change your life this is the place to go! I've been coming here for at least 5 years now and the mac and cheese never disappoints. Their kitchen is tiny so food may not come out as fast as you would like especially in busy times but I wait! The other faves from Marco and Pepe are the garlic shrimp and burgers. But most times I go it's the mac and cheese so I can't say I've had a variety of what they have to offer.
(5)
Gene L.

My wife and I have another favorite item at Marco & Pepe. It's the sticky bun. The outer part of it is light and flaky, while the inner part is moist and dense and sticky. Ask for extra frosting and enjoy! But we warn you that it might lead to addiction. Another wonderful item on the menu is the grilled cheese sandwich. They use super thick cuts of rustic bread, which get toasted to a state of amazing crunchiness. We haven't enjoyed dinner as much as brunch. For example, the flatbread pizza was mediocre. The garlic shrimp appetizer was nothing special. You can never go wrong with the mac and cheese though. I have to order it with every meal at Marco & Pepe. And if you're there for brunch - someone in your group has got to order the french toast or the sticky bun.
(4)
Blake N.

Great brunch spot! Very small but cozy inside, made you feel like you were eating at home. I'm a big fan of the ham and eggs, and the chicken truffle sausage good flavor on both dishes. The Bloody Marys tasted very watered down, not one of the best ive had but it didnt ruin the meal. We will definitely be back soon.
(3)
Han Y.

Can't go wrong with this menu. Everything is excellent. Prices are a little bit high, but you def get what you pay for!
(5)
JC M.

Great spot. A bit pricey but good food, service, and drinks. Ambiance the best
(4)
Bermie H.

I liked the breakfast food here and the Sangria was okay but I won't be coming back. When we ordered an omelette for my daughter and told them to exclude the cheese due to her dairy allergy they failed to do so. This is why we always have to check her food before she consumes it. When a restaurant fails to listen to their customers they can get very sick.
(1)
Anna M.

The place is super cute, and we opted to dine outside, which was probably a mistake. Not at all the fault of the restaurant, but we could smell the sewage coming from the street, and it sort of broke the experience for us. Ordered a portion of the lobster risotto and a side salad, and both were just OK. What was weird was that the lobster risotto was garnished with mint. I thought this was bizarre and asked our server if this was intentional or an accident. He checked with the chef, and apparently it was on purpose. The mint did not complement the lobster, and I spent some time removing the sprinkles from my dish. Although the experience and meal did have some minor faults, I would definitely give this place another shot to see what else it has to offer.
(3)
Jeany P.

If you want the most delicious breakfast/brunch ever, get the croissant French toast and their homemade strawberry peach soda!!!! A-maz-ing!
(5)
Kim G.

I thought the food was very good. I had the Lobster risotto and my date had the pasta special. Our waiter was very attentive, but the food took a very long time. I wonder if it has to do with the dishes we ordered. Either way, I'd come back, but probably not when I'm in a rush.
(4)
John M.

I have a large crew in and around JC, and I can't tell you the throngs of people who claim this to be their go to restaurant in downtown. I've lived in JC for 7 years now. I've been to Marco & Pepe between 5 & 7 times. The food is solid, but I always end up disappointed because everyone raves about this place so much. I had a grilled chicken sandwich that was very tasty. It was, however, a small grilled chicken sandwich that cost $12. The place is in a great location, and the space is cool. The staff is usually friendly as well. The food is good, but not legendary. The menu hasn't changed in a while (to my knowledge), and there's nothing on it that I'm ever absolutely dying to order. It's a good restaurant, but no shot is it the best in JC.
(3)
Janelle D.

M&P is by far my favorite restaurant in Jersey City. I love it for brunch, lunch or dinner. My favorite dishes are the grilled corn, lobster roll (when lobster is in season) and the seafood pasta dinner. And you can't forget that amazing macaroni and cheese! Food is always fresh and perfectly prepared.
(5)
Kristen P.

Food - Started off with the three meat plate wasn't crazy about it. One of the meats was smoked and had such strong flavor that everything on the plate took on the smoky taste. Ordered 2 of the flatbreads - the Wild Mushroom, Asiago & Ricotta, Sage, and the Tomato, Basil, Buffalo Mozzarella. The mushroom flatbread was good, the tomato basil was just ok. Had one of the baby lambchops and that was delicious. Was very sad to find out that the brussel sprouts and the ricotta with truffled honey had been removed fromt he menu the day before we went. To make myself feel better we ordered the short rib with pumpkin polenta. The pumpkin polenta was FANTASTIC. I could have licked the bowl. I could taste the butter in it so I'm sure this wasn't the healthiest option but it was so good - who cares - it was worth it I'd go back just for that. Decor - I really liked the decor. The place is small but we had no wait on a nice Friday night. The bench against the wall where I sat is shared by everyone else against the wall and its not secure, so be prepared for a wild ride, maybe the person closest to me was jerking around a lot but every so often I'd get a small earthquake in my area. No big deal though, it was fun. Service - Service was very good and the waitress was helpful. Overall - I'd go back to try some more menu items and of course the polenta. Was a good date spot.
(3)
Mary M.

This is def my favorite brunch place in Jersey City. The food is always great. Our favs are the french toast and mac and cheese...amazing! The staff is really nice and polite, even when its super busy and crowded. I haven't been here for dinner, but judging from the brunch I'm sure it's excellent.
(5)
Tama N.

Cute, family friendly French bistro. I liked my MAC & CHEESE with trifle oil. But after I finished 2/3 of my plate, I got upset stomachache. It was too greasy... COFFEE was not hot enough so I told the waiter to bring another one but he brought again almost cold coffee.. HUEVOS RANCHERO / The omelet was too dry and my husband ate only half.. FRENCH TOAST / Crunchy bite and super buttery croissant French toast was good.
(3)
JM G.

Exceptional brunch menu including the usual cocktails. Great outdoor seating and friendly service without being overbearing. I highly recommend the french toast (made with Balthazar croissants) and the ham and eggs. UPDATE: After having brunch at Marco & Pepe on a Saturday, I went back the next day and ended up ordering the french toast again, plus a side of scrambled eggs and bacon (What? I was really hungry...). The eggs were standard (they only use organic, cage-free eggs) and the bacon was sliced thick and perfectly crisp. We had to wait about ten minutes to sit, but the hostess takes your phone number and will call when a table is ready so you're not stuck inside, hovering over anyone else while they're trying to eat. I appreciate that.
(4)
Yu O.

I think the food and ambiance are great. Maybe the food's a little on the pricey side for what you get. But the drinks- those are a bit pricey, easily Manhattan prices. Aside from that, it's good.
(3)
Anthony F.

One of my favorite places to get brunch in Jersey City. The only downside is the wait on the weekends.
(5)
Jos S.

Came for brunch.was told 30 min wait but was actually 20 min. We sat and had very bitter mimosas. My 4 yr old had the French toast which was a croissant. The syrup was so sweet omg...l mean she loves sweets and couldn't eat it. Her cranberry juice was so sweet I had to add a lot of water. She couldn't finish it. I actually came here bc I've heard wonders about their Mac and ch. I was so disappointed. I really wanted to love it. Not that great! My bf had the burger. He devoured it. Fries were delicious. Maybe I'll go when I'm feeling a little better.
(2)
Kenneth M.

This is the best restaurant in Jersey City. Period. Its a JC 5 star, not a NYC 5 star. I love this place, though. The owner, Marco, really does a great job at paying attention to the tiniest of details to ensure that the entire experience is unique and fitting of the perfect atmosphere and setting he has created in his small Grove Street space that is complete with outdoor seating and a full 10 seat bar. The staff are wonderful and have always treated me very well as I was somewhat of a regular. The bartenders have definitely been more than a pleasure almost every time i've eaten at the bar. The food is fantastic! Its a very eclectic menu, especially for a place outside of the city. They change the menu seasonally and have rotating weekly specials (one dish for tue-wed, thu-fri, sat-sun). I wish they had a daily special as well, but its not that big of a deal. I also really like the option to get a large or small entree portion for every dish. That makes it easier to try different things or share multiple dishes with whoever you're dining with. The best thing they serve is the croissant french toast at brunch, which is amazing. I'm also a big fan of the bacon, which is so thick and awesome you only get one slice of it. And that is all you need. The Mac and Cheese is very good as well. It is small shells with gruyere cheese, bacon, and mushrooms. I usually get a small portion every time I eat here. The drinks are great and they have a nice little selection of unique and hard to find liquors and beers. The bartenders have almost always been extremely helpful in suggesting new and exciting cocktails for us to try if we were in the mood for something different. I just love this place and will continue to eat here every time I'm out in JC. Kudos Marco!!
(5)
M C.

I have been to Marco and Pepe quite a few times over the years. Always go in expecting slow service so I am not disappointed. But usually the friendliness of the staff and good food make up for it. Not today. Disappointed from the start. Took 20 minutes to get a latte and an hour after we were seated we were served our eggs. My husband's were overdone (egg and cheese on a baguette) and my poached egg yolks were solid. We were not the only ones. Ladies seated next to us had similar problem (overdone eggs). We were told that the chef was having problems with eggs today. Seems an odd excuse for a chef working at brunch. When explained to the manager on duty today that things were not good - I got a shoulder shrug and a wave as she said sorry. As much as I usually enjoy the food I will not be returning. Plenty of other places now in Jersey City.
(2)
M L.

Marco & Pepe is my go to brunch spot. I have never had anything I have not liked here. Though the BLT is more like a pulled pork sandwich than a BLT. It isn't bad, but they should explain on the menu what it is like. Do yourself a favor and try the corn on the cob appetizer. My only problem with M&P is the service is usually VERY slow. Go here when you are not in a hurry to be anywhere and you'll love it. If you are not a patient person then the service will drive you nuts.
(4)
Ivan M.

I've been here for brunch a couple of times and it's always busy, always great. It's casual, friendly, nice, and most importantly: Really, really good food, and I've never been disappointed. Their egg dishes in particular are excellent. You could have a long wait on a Saturday or Sundays, but in the summer time where outdoor tables are in use, too, things are better. My favorite brunch spot in Jersey City. Love it.
(5)
Bart B.

When: Often Meal: Brunch, dinner The restaurant: It's a tiny, unassuming place on the corner of a Jersey City street. The decor is faux-rustic, but it works. It feels extremely welcoming and comfortable there. Sit outside, and you have a great view of Jersey City's City Hall (a classic building). The wait staff is usually often slightly hectic, but are always incredibly friendly and helpful. The atmosphere can't be beat. The food: Great atmosphere can't save a restaurant if the food is terrible. The food here is dynamite. Flavorful, comforting, tasty. Brunch and dinner menus offer familiar American-style food that's slightly upscale (it's not just mac and cheese - they have Gruyere...for example). The french fries are just killer. I could eat those all day. Sometimes the food is a little slow in coming out, but it's worth it. They also have a great beer menu to keep you occupied. I have never been disappointed with Marco and Pepe, and I've been here frequently (I live on the same street). Final verdict? This is the kind of place you wish existed on the corner of the street you live on. The prices are a little high, but it's well worth the cost. It somehow blends a local, rustic, neighborhood feel with elegant, upscale, and absolutely smashing food.
(5)
Joseph L.

First review and first time here. This place is awwsome... I got the eggs in toast.. it was the most different brunch I had in a while.. I cant eat this plate every day but its awesome for every once in a while .excited to try other things on menu. Go for brunch for sure. They have boos too
(5)
Sha.Galli K.

5 stars for their croissant french toast. 5 stars for their eggs and toast. 5 stars for having brunch menu everyday for the entire week. Well, except for Mondays but that's because they're closed on Mondays.
(5)
Lily M.

I love this spot! It's got a cool rustic vibe and the food is always good. Eggs in toast on the brunch menu is divine - never had a breakfast dish w/ truffle oil anywhere else! Their warm chocolate cake is awesome. I love the globe lights b/c I had one in my kitchen growing up. My mom complains that it is overpriced, but M&P I like you!
(4)
Victor A.

Ordered the crab meat burger. Hate to do it, but the bun was mushy in a bad way. Service was good though. Nice server. Prices a bit high for what is a poorly thought out menu. Prob won't go back due to the soggy bun.
(2)
Kane K.

I have lived in Jersey City since 1999. I went to Marco and Pepe back when they used to allow dogs. In addition to not having the croissant sandwich with gruyere, chives, eggs, and slab bacon, why dont you allow dogs anymore? It's so sad knowing that on beautiful days, I have to omit Marco and Pepe from my list of brunch places because I cannot enjoy my meal in the company of my beloved dogs.
(3)
Linda C.

I'm not sure why Beechwood Cafe, across the street, has more stars on average. I just don't get it. I seriously think that some east coast yelpers are so swayed by atmosphere that they can't see the food and service clearly. This makes me a bit crazy. It's primarily about the food...and atmosphere, service, and presentation all SUPPORT the dining experience. M&P has friendly, attentive, service, a grown-up menu, and they serve alcohol! Our waitress even nuked my partner's coffee because it wasn't hot enough for him. Try FINDING your waitress at Beechwood. M&P has the most scrumptious french toast, made from croissants, wonderful mimosas, and I had the world's best BLT here. It was made of a type of pork that was more like pulled pork than bacon, but OMG was it delicious. A veritable food orgasm. I can't wait to return again and again and work my way through their menu and I also want to hit up their brunch as I've read that they have complimentary mimosas (yay!). I hope that more people will give M&P a try. 4 stars instead of 5 only because their atmosphere is a bit lacking.
(4)
Food L.

Overall good food! We've tried about 12 selections from their menu and all of which are an average of 4. The decor is nice, kinda industrial, hipsterish, very Brooklyn feel to it, although for those who don't know, this part of Jersey City has a very NYC feel to it (Brownstone buildings, high rises nearby, it even has a part that reminds me of Woodside, Queens). I haven't tried their desserts though. The service is good every time we've been there- accommodating and polite. This is one of the best places in this area, and this area to me has many good places. I've always compared this area to Hoboken, and this area is better in variety and quality!
(4)
CASSANDRA W.

I have been to a lot of places but this is my first review! The french toast is the main reason. It is the BEST BEST BEST food I have ate in a long time. I might even say ever. You have to try it to fully understand! Moist, Sweet, and Delectable. The burger and fries were good too :-) Very relaxed and laid back atmosphere
(3)
Dina R.

Three words: lobster corn risotto. I could die happy.
(5)
Toya C.

Waited 35 mins at about 8pm on a Friday night to be seated at a table that was available the whole time. The service wasnt good at all. We waited a long time for everything. We ordered a pitcher of sangria, and instead of wine glasses, we were given coke glasses with ice filled to the brim. The pitcher of sangria also had ice in it, so what we ended up with was watery grape juice. i ordered a side salad to start...i wish someone would have warned me that it was just arugula dressed with a little lemon juice.... I had the scallops as my entree. They were good. Had they been hot (or at least warm) when i got them, i'm sure they would have been very tasty. Prob wont go back. Service is lacking and they are way overpriced.
(2)
Scott H.

M&P is, by far, my favorite brunch spot in Jersey City. The decor is simple but attractive, service is friendly and attentive, and the food is consistently very good. I find it odd that one of the other posters disliked the mac & cheese, because I think it's one of their best dishes (and all of my friends that I've brought to M&P agree). In fact, it's some of the best mac & cheese I've ever had. The one thing I dislike about this place is the incredibly slow service. I've waited 45 minutes to an hour for food here. It really shouldn't take that long to make simple brunch dishes, even if the restaurant is completely packed.
(4)
Kate R.

I really enjoy this place. The food is good, the wine selection is solid, and the ambiance is fun. The service can be a little spotty, but they do their best to make up for it with reliably delicious food. Their caesar salad is by far the best in town, the bloody mary is spicy and really good, their french fries are my favorite in the area, and their blt is pretttty much perfect. Marco & Pepe isn't great for groups, and can often get a little crowded. The tables are very close together (so you can just about always hear your neighbor's conversation crystal-clearly). But the food is good, fairly innovative, casual-American. Yum!
(3)
Frankie P.

My wife and I had brunch here the other morning. I've eaten enough french toast for brunch at various local restaurants that I consider myself a connoisseur at this point. Thirty Acres and Satis offer great french toast, but I believe Marco & Pepe's may be my favorite out of the three. It was nothing short of incredible. I wish they had better coffee. I find an above-average restaurant serving below-average coffee counterintuitive. Coffee is a staple of brunch, and it truly is an art in itself. I'm waiting for one of these local restaurants to start brewing better coffee. Whichever one ends up doing so will be head and shoulders above the rest in terms of brunch.
(5)
Rahul P.

Jersey City tends to be a culinary no man's land and M&P is like an oasis in it - creative, good-quality new American fare, generous portions for brunch, decent portions for dinner, and a good selection of craft beer. Loved items I've gotten there like the huevos rancheros and roast chicken & cornbread, but other options like the Fish & Chips weren't as good. No reservations as far as I know - so at a busy time, especially when outdoor seating is no longer available, you might have a long wait. The other downside is that the service is horrible. You could experience quite an extraordinary number of problems in just one meal here, sadly. 3 1/2 stars when all is said & done.
(4)
Eric D.

This has some of the markers of the contemporary "urban rustic" style that's been all the rage in Brooklyn and Manhattan for the last 5-10 years (weathered walls and distressed wood, seemingly salvaged furniture) but not as many as a place actually in Brooklyn or Manhattan would have (no taxidermy or antlers on the wall, some patrons actually clean-shaven). I live incredibly close to this place but have only been a couple times. I'm neither a groupie of it nor a hater so I feel like I'm qualified to give a more evenhanded review. For me the standout thing about this place has to be the friendly service. As usual on Yelp I see reviews claiming the service sucks. My wife and I almost never encounter bad service, but then again we're generous tippers and always treat servers kindly. I wonder if there's a correlation? Another outstanding thing about Marco & Pepe has to be the well-"curated" (again to use the jargon of Brooklyn and Manhattan) beer and wine list, particularly the beer. They have a nice, atypical selection of drafts, including Dragon Stout from Sri Lanka as opposed to the more typical Guinness or something, and Chimay, which you don't see on tap that often. In addition they have a huge selection of bottled beer - both imports and American micro-brews - helpfully organized on the menu by style etc. The wine selection by both glass and bottle is excellent and the markups for both the beer and wine are very reasonable. The food itself seems to me to be more along the lines of typical bistro fare than Brooklyn/Manhattan "urban rustic" cuisine (though they do have a few very rustic items like pates etc.). The fare isn't uniformly excellent or anything, but everything I've had has been at least pretty good. The menu changes somewhat seasonally, but they always make sure to include crowd-pleasers like burgers and fillet mignon. The one complaint I see people making that does strike me as legitimate is with the wait times for food. This is clearly not the servers' fault, but - while the kitchen executes all the dishes competently - they are not a well-oiled machine in terms of timing, accuracy etc. The first time my wife and I went everything was brought out on time, accurately etc. but the second time we had to wait an unreasonably long time for our entrees (which the waitstaff was EXTREMELY apologetic about) and we were given the wrong dessert. Now, I've only experienced this place in the context of a full dinner including apps, dessert, drinks etc., so maybe this review can't be considered complete as they also do a huge brunch business and a lot of people seem to enjoy just hanging out at the bar and enjoying the excellent beer and wine selection, along with cheese and meat plates etc. Those may be the best ways to enjoy the place actually.
(4)
Greg M.

Stopped there for brunch one Sunday while visiting this area on a Yelp search. The service is slow, painfully slow, but it's Sunday and I have no where to be. The Eggs and Ham were well worth the wait, simply amazing. No alcohol until after noon on Sunday. But worth the visit, just make sure you have the time.
(4)
Neal U.

Only been here for brunch. The kitchen has a hell of a way with pork; the Cuban sandwich, while non traditional (manchego cheese and Italian porchetta instead of Swiss and cheap roast supermarket pork) is delicious as hell; ditto for the sides of bacon and maple sausage. The poached eggs with fried mushrooms = holy hell amazing. Just go.
(4)
Lisa D.

Who knew Jersey City had good food? I began to like this place as soon as I was greeted by a friendly and knowledgeable bartender who served me a design-your-own flight of white wines. I also enjoyed a chilled cucumber dill soup which was perfect for summer and a cheese plate which perfectly complimented the wine. Had I had more of an appetite the macoroni and cheese with gruyere sounded amazing. My dining companion was enamoured of the day's special entree--a lobster burger served with sweet potato fries and ginger ketchup. This place is gourmet, fresh, and seasonal while still highly reasonable. If I lived nearby, I'd probably it make a weekly (or biweekly) stop.
(5)
Vanessa H.

Cute bistro with outdoor seating. Went for brunch and the food was decent, but nothing to write home about. Just too trendy for me! Water is served room temp from large fashionable water bottles (it's tap water, mind you) and they don't believe in salt and pepper shakers. Ask for it, and the poor waiter has to go sprinkle some on a plate for you! Bottom line: This is a place people go to be seen at. Perfect for a trendy brunch date.
(2)
Gina P.

My husband and I have lived in the area for 5.5 years and this was always one of our top places, but recently, it's really been going downhill. The menu selection has really gone down. The quality is still good, but it just feels like there is not much to chose from. Also, we went here last Wednesday night for dinner and the service was awful. Basically, our waiter forgot about us and after waiting about 40 min. for dinner, and asking him "Is our food coming?" he acted as if nothing was wrong. We're all human, so it would have been fine if he just at least apologized for the wait. The service here has always been a little spotty, but this time it was worse than usual.
(3)
Trey R.

Good brunch. Try the mac and cheese, it's mind boggling...and the half plate is more than enough for one person, never ordered the full plate. Without that, it'd be three stars, a good solid place that I'll go to often but not generally as good as skinner's in the brunch scene.
(4)
Kristen M.

Last night was my third time at Marco & Pepe and each time I have been less impressed. Last night we had the mac and cheese (entree size) and it was much smaller...but very tasty. The polenta crusted cod, was a disappointment...it was over cooked and the dish came with 4 (yes 4) calamari and 4 shrimp...at $29 I expected bit more. The wait staff was friendly, but way to busy to be attentive. Each time we needed something we had to flag them down... All in all marco & pepe is moving to my places-to-skip list...I will miss the mac and cheese though!
(2)
Jill D.

"Scrambled" eggs were half raw and disgusting. The waitress did nothing to remedy the situation. The drinks and other food was ok, just don't get the eggs unless you love raw eggs.
(2)
Allison M.

Great for brunch. Excellent Bloody Marys. Dinner was decent, but there are better places in the area. However, this is a great neighborhood hang out location.
(4)
Rebecca M.

They must be getting by on their crunchy-hip atmosphere (which is definitely cute). I went for brunch with my parents, and we found slow service and small, overpriced portions. We waited literally half an hour for our food, which came only after I pestered the waitress about it. My $7 beet & goat cheese salad was three slices of beet with some goat cheese sandwiched in between. No salad, nothing - three slices of beet on a plate. My dad's $6.50 muesli parfait was almost all yogurt with just a little sprinkle of muesli. My mom's ham & eggs were pretty generous, though, and the waitress was really good about refilling my coffee. I'm not going there again for a meal. Maybe just for a cup of coffee.
(2)
Marguerite D.

Three words. Mac and cheese. That is all.
(4)
Veronika S.

the brunch menu is rather small, however, for dinner M&P offers great and cozy atmosphere, the food is extraordinary and the price is decent. we've also had the red sangria and that was a big hit!
(4)
Tim M.

5 Stars. Don't hesitate to patronize. I feel bad for the chefs. They've obviously sold their souls to the Devil to turn out food this good. Ah well. Their loss our gain. My only complaint is no Roses lime juice at the bar. I know purists don't mind this, but I say a gimlet isn't a gimlet without it.
(5)
anne r.

M&P is a cute French bistro on a corner of grove street in downtown jersey city. I come here at least once a week for brunch or dinner and have found their food to be consistently good! The only negative is that sometimes the wait for your meal can be quite long. When I'm hungry, the Balthazar bread helps to hold me over as well as sipping on their refreshing but strong red sangria. My favorite brunch meal is the Huevos Rancheros with the root vegetables. It comes out on a cast iron skillet with grilled french bread on the side. Sandwiches and Entrees: I love the special seafood boullibaisse burger which they only have on Thursdays and Fridays! The grilled chicken sandwich is always tasty and my boyfriend is a big fan of the burger. There are plenty of dinner entrees options. I like the fact that they offer half or full portions. I can eat alot and feel full from the half portions. I've had the polenta crusted sea bass which was very good. They also have great vegetarian options. My choice for a vegetarian meal is the vegetarian trio which comes with a soup, an edamame/bean burger and quinoa. Dessert: I love their sorbets especially the blackberry cabernet and raspberry. The only thing I have a complaint about is their artisan salad with burrata cheese and truffle vinaigrette! Delicious but talk about skimpy! Anyway, the good definitely outweighs the bad. Hence the 4 stars in my book!
(4)
Chris G.

Best brunch in Jersey City. Great atmosphere...but it can be really hot in the summer months. I dont think they have AC. Still, the food is great, inexpensive, and they really dont rush you.
(4)
Mike N.

If I could give it half a star, I would. I moved to JC ten years ago and M&P immediately made my boycott list. I never liked the look of it nor the pretentious air the patrons gave off. So after ten years of making excuses as to why I didn't want to do brunch here, I finally gave in. Now that I've had my first M&P experience, I feel 100% validated for skipping it for ten years. The service was horrendously slow. Drink orders weren't correct and food that was ordered didn't show up. Not sure if the disconnect was our server or the bar/kitchen but at least our server was sweet and she apologized profusely for everything. The food was good enough but I wasn't blown away. The menu reads well and I'm interested in trying some other dishes but I just don't know if I can bring myself to go back. Reason being, here's the kicker...the itemized, computer printed receipt didn't add up. Itemized food and drink came to appx $91. Line item for tax was appx $6. That equals $97 right? Well, somehow the final total was $104. So where did that extra $7 charge come from? Sure, I could have screwed up the math but when we asked, the explanation we got was that it is a computer error that they're aware of and all the checks are that way. The manager insisted it was correct. I didn't break out a calculator but I did run through the math twice in my head and came to the same amount. So I ask you, are they padding every bill with an extra 7% for the house? If it's not the house, then someone has their hand in the till. Either way, that was a bogus explanation.
(1)
lo h.

I love M & P. I mainly love the aesthetic here and the attention to detail. If you don't like the rustic weathered look then you might not like this place. The seating can be challenging at times, but I don't mind it. The Brunch is great. I had the Eggs + Toast and although the description doesn't really give you the proper idea of what the dish is, it's absolutely delicious. This is not your typical brunch menu. The dishes are savory and creative though I wish there were a couple more options on the menu. The drinks are fantastic and I love that they serve little hot chocolates [free] before brunch...It's simple gifts like that that make me love a place. I always look forward to eating here.
(4)
Jessica W.

i'm sad because i was hungover and starving and the food looked delicious. unfortunately, i had my pupper with me and they don't allow dogs in their outdoor seating. in the words of Stephanie Tanner, "HOW RUDE!"
(3)
Silli K.

Would have been 5 stars for the French Toast, which ranked among the best I ever had, with a topping of seemingly-fresh berries even in the middle of winter. One star docked for interminably slow preparation of the tea, which arrived after the food and wasn't all that great despite its careful preparation, and for a general lack of attention from the server.
(4)
Chad M.

I admit it. I have a white trash streak in me...raised on a childhood of Funyun's, Big Red, and Lick Em Sticks. And I'd be the rugrat he-banshee if I didn't get that weekly mac and cheese. Amen for growing up, but amen for Marco and Pepe to indulge my childish white-trash m-n-c craving. But let be said, this isn't your Kraft Mac. Marco and Pepe's version is aged gruyere, bacon, mushrooms, marscapone and aged goat cheese. Clearly, not a vegan's delight, and that means more for me. You can enjoy this milky trip down memory lane out on the sidewalk tables during late evening. I agree with some of the earlier reviews...you can *almost* pretend you're in Northern California where restaurants choose fresh ingredients over the canned shrooms. And to help cut the cheese intake, try one of their bottles of wine. The pairing is so good that admittedly it's the only thing I've ordered from here, although my partner and his friends always sample from the tapas menu....speaking of which, the m-n-c comes in both lunch and dinner portions. You won't be imprisoned in yupville if you ask for lunch and dinner, so feel free to order the lunch size as one of your tapas, loosen the belt, and enjoy.
(4)
Mia A.

Great food! Great atmosphere. Love the sidewalk seating. So why only two stars, you ask? The service is HORRIBLE. Really, really HORRIBLE. Despite the slow service, and waiters who usually make you feel like you're putting them out, I've gone back to Marco & Pepe's at least half a dozen times...hoping (really hoping!!) it would get better. But this evening was the last straw... Our server was unfriendly (I don't think she looked us in the eye once...it was truly bizarre....as if she couldn't bring herself to even look at us because that's just how beneath her we were), she didn't check in on us once, so I had to flag her down three times (once for hot sauce, once for a drink refill, and once because she forgot to bring the ketchup we asked for when she brought our food). She had the kind of attitude you'd expect from a rebellious teenager...not a server who works in a restaurant that's, quite honestly, kind of over-priced. It took her forever to come take our order when we arrived, forever to bring our drinks, and forever to bring our check, and then even longer to process our credit card. By the time she finally brought my card back we couldn't wait to get the hell out of there! Everything was painfully slow. I would have understood if they'd been busy, but it was 5:00pm, and the place was practically empty. Every time I've gone to M&P I find myself looking around wondering why on earth this place doesn't have a general manager to make sure things are running as they should. But I've never seen anyone who seems to be in charge. That seems to be exactly the problem with M&P.I live two blocks from this place, but I won't be going back. I'm not going to pay top dollar to be treated like shit. There are too many other places around Grove Street to do that.
(2)
Aftynn G.

Love this place! Always so good and consistent. The chocolate cake is incredible and the salmon is delish.
(5)
Elaine S.

I love brunch. This place is awesome for brunch. Order the "Eggs in Toast" and you'll never trek out to 'inoteca and wait 1 hour+ ever again. Service is hit or miss. Sometimes very good, sometimes on the ehhh side. Let me reiterate - get the "eggs in toast"
(4)
Juniper F.

I always love Marco & Pepe they cater to all price points and taste buds! The staff has always been so super nice and friendly. Recently there has been one girl in particular making my visits unpleasant. I hope this stops soon or so will my visits.
(4)
L N.

First time here, I came for brunch. The french toast was delicious and I really enjoyed myself. Second time around, I went for dinner. I was hesitant to go because some of the yelp reviews really harp on the service. I ended up pleasantly surprised by my entire dining experience at Marco and Pepe. Our waiter was charming and efficient and the food was delectable. The burger is a bit pricey but is the best I've had yet in Downtown Jersey City. The chicken dish was also pretty incredible - the chicken was so tender and cooked to perfection. YUM-O. Good drink selection too.
(4)
Jonathan S.

Would probably put 3.5 stars if I could, because the food that I'm served here is always great. My only issue is that they're sometimes awfully free with making their own substitutions for the items on the menu. Most significantly, I recently ordered the kale salad with avocado, and they essentially omitted the kale and avocado in favor of extra lettuce.
(3)
mers s.

You know I love you guys but my roast beef sandwhich was a joke last weekend. After waiting 40 mins, my sandwich came with one deli slice of roast beef that was fried?! I've had it before and it was night and day. boo =(. But usually everything is pretty ace. So I still love you.
(2)
Steph F.

I love it here. It is a local place where you can have a glass of wine and gelato and watch all the happenings on Grove street. Their beer selection is nice too. It is also great for brunch. The ham and eggs are my favorite. I also love their burger (Not quite as good as Westville's burger but definitley delicious). Sometimes the service is crappy and sometimes it is awesome, depends on who you get.
(4)
H B.

This is one of our favorite go-to spots in JC. They have a great beer and wine list, the food is consistently above average and the atmosphere is hip. I realize some people may not appreciate "hip", but my husband and I enjoy it, unapologetically. The menu changes regularly and they have a great brunch.
(4)
Joseph F.

Went for brunch a while ago.. Then ham and egg dish was great!
(4)
Kate L.

My boyfriend and I went to Marco & Pepe last night for what we were hoping would be a no fuss weeknight dinner. I ordered a half portion salmon and my boyfriend got a burger. We waited for a full hour for our food to arrive. I was at the point of wanting to walk out. To make things worse we barely received an apology let alone any compensation on our check. The food was delicious but the waiting ruined my night. Unfortunately this is another Jersey City restaurant that can't quite get it right.
(2)
Josh F.

Great atmosphere, really enjoy the outdoor seating when weather permits. I find it's a little overpriced though.
(4)
Alexandria S.

Oh Marco and Pepe, as i sit here eating my left over mac and cheese from last night i couldn't help but write a review on this restaurant. i have been here many times over the past four years for both dinners and brunch and have to say that the food is great! I've had quite a few of the salads, entrees and brunch dishes. my favorites are definitely the mac and cheese, mentioned above. so rich and flavorful. absolutely delicious! another favorite is the eggs and toast on the brunch menu. two eggs, cooked into thick slices of toast on top of asparagus in an amazing truffle sauce with lots of other yummy ingredients. probably one of the best brunch dishes i have ever had. i've had quite a few of the entrees, and depending on what you are looking for, would definitely recommend the Sea Bass and the Filet. one of the nice things about this restaurant is the fact that they offer most of their dishes and appetizers as 1/2 portions and full portions. it's a pretty great option on a budget and if you are like me and like to have more than one thing to eat. there are also great side dishes including fries! great wine and beer selection, and the staff is really friendly and very engaging. i also love the fact that they are open later than most restaurants on Grove Street. i was there till closing last night with a friend and even though most of the staff was leaving for the night, we never felt rushed and no one ever made us feel less than welcome. infact they kept talking to us and asking if we needed anything else. welcome change from most restaurants. delicious food, great people, and a casual, european feel, this is definitely a must try if you are in the jersey city area. the only reason i'm not giving Marco & Pepe 5 stars is because the prices are a little high, i can't afford to come here as often as i would like, but the food is definitely worth it. heck, the commute from the city is definitely worth the mac and cheese.
(4)
Lola G.

great food, great service, great atmosphere. i went with 4 people and between all of us, the bellini, hot chocolate, french toast, sweet potato fries are fabulous. the eggs and toast not bad, the huevos rancheros can use a bit of work but still good (its hueno omlette more than rancheros. no sauce, no beans, etc. the bread it comes with needs something to dip or spread onto). overall, it's 4-4.5 :)
(4)
Kaity S.

I LOVE BRUNCH! I was first introduced to this place by my friend that lives around the area. The place is quite small but very cute. And the brunch here is just great! None of my dishes disappointed! My favorites are: Mimosas- very good but how can you go wrong with a mimosa Chocolate coffee drink- so rich and so good Ham and Egg- SO good! The ham and egg is on a toasted muffin with brie sauce. yum yum yum French Toast made out of croissants with strawberries- get a side of nutella, slather it on- ORGASMIC!!! I love the french toast- its just too good to resist. I came here again, drove 30 minutes just so I can have it. If I lived near here, I would definitely come here every weekend.
(4)
Jamie F.

I am in love with the Mac & Cheese at Marco & Pepe!
(5)
Julie S.

I really like the concept of Marco & Pepe...I love the shabby-chic, "I feel like I'm at a cool old city cafe in Europe" ambiance and the decent beer and wine selection. However, it's a little pretentious and the service is HORRENDOUS. You basically have to beg for the servers to acknowledge your presence, and it takes a ridiculously long time to get your food (even if it's just a bowl of gazpacho). They are always crowded, but I don't think that's a good excuse for bad service and an excessively long wait for your food. I've been to other very crowded restaurants where the service was good and my food came out promptly. It's also overpriced and the food is hit-or-miss and not great for vegetarians/vegans.
(2)
Melissa N.

hipster central: beautiful location, beautiful place, beautiful people. the outside corner-block seating is great for a lovely day, to see people and to be seen and the interior decor is artsy in a tattered way. with that said, i didn't get a sense of pretension when i walked in or at any time during my brunch meal. i had a great time with 3 of my friends---all of us stuck out a little in our sweat pants and tee shirts (hey, it was a sunday morning...) the atmosphere is casual and the service is great. our waitress brought out tiny cups of hot coco while we browsed the menu. i saw other tables with the coco too so i'm assuming its complimentary for all. the food is good. fresh fruit, great coffee, soymilk option. the brunch menu is a little limited with just a few choices including chorizo and eggs, eggs benedict, and the usual omlet. this is a good place for sunday brunch if you want something swankier than ihop. (though Marcos loses because they don't have pancakes...or menus you can draw on...)
(4)
Elodie L.

Love this place. It's like a little piece of West Village in Jersey City. Waiters and hosts are exceptionally nice, knowledgeable about the menu, and helpful when giving you advice on what to order. As far as drinks go, there's always the $18 pitcher of sangria. Or they have a list of delicious cocktails that are very reasonably priced.
(5)
Ana P.

Fantastic breakfast. Didn't have to wait for a table and there were three of us. We had a great time and we did not feel rushed. I would recommend it highly for Sunday brunch...
(5)
Monica T.

Marco & Pepe is really good for brunch, and they know it too. They charge Manhattan prices and service is kind of slow, so all-in-all, it reminds me of when I lived in the city. ok, in terms of the food/drinks, I really enjoyed their summer brunch menu. They have this delicious peach-strawberry iced tea that has fresh pieces of strawberries in it. Their french toast is yummy too - they make it out of buttery croissants so it melts in your mouth. I also recommend the sandwiches - the shrimp po'boy is both light and flavorful and the roast beef is delicious and hearty. The winter brunch menu is yummy too, though I really miss that peach-strawberry iced tea!
(4)
Jason R.

Place has a great vibe. We had brunch last weekend, and the french toast is out of this world - best i've ever had. The service is excellent (they even served us complimentary strawberry smoothie shots). Bloody Mary's are solid, and it's nice to see a beer flight trio on the menu. This is my new JC brunch spot, fo sho.
(5)
K A.

An acquaintance brought me to this restaurant a few years ago, and I liked the atmosphere and food. So I found myself bringing one of my good friends to this restaurant last weekend. Although crowded, we were seated right away. The prices are good, but we had a waiter who clearly wasn't trained, or might have forgotten how to provide service. What raised a red flag was when he came to the table and asked us if we were ready to order (what happened to "good afternoon, my name is so-and so, and I'll be your server today. Can I start you off with something to drink?" When we mentioned that we'd need more time, he walked away. We waited a good while for him to return. I observed that there seemed to be no designated "section" that he was assigned to; he was in the back of the house, in the front, outside...and no, this wasn't because there was a lack of waitstaff. The next red flag occurred when we finally ordered and got our meal, we were asked if we wanted salt and pepper. After we responded to the affirmative, I saw the waiter pour salt and then grind pepper onto a plate, which he brought over to the table. Really? How were we going to use the spices? Other waitstaff brought the pepper cellar to the diners' tables and proceeded to grind the pepper as requested. My friend and I wondered why there wasn't anyindividual salt & pepper shakers on the table. I have no objection to ground pepper, but the salt was not the freshly ground type so its absence from the table was odd. Lastly, the fact that there were no bread plates to put our bread on, and the fact that we received 2 CHUNKS of cold butter (which were difficult to cut & spread) was very odd. Sigh. The food was good, but I wanted to love this restaurant, but the red flags that were raised made me less amorous of the place.
(3)
Michael C.

Great breakfast/brunch place. Get the eggs and toast or french toast.
(5)
Amit A.

Nice, cozy restaurant in Jersey City, definitely make reservations prior to going. They get beers from local breweries so I decided to try the flight tasting, however I wasn't really thrilled with the beers. However the Mac and Cheese was good, I ordered two plates of it
(3)
Andrea T.

Delicious food, homey atmosphere, great service and adorable waiters=winner! Lobster risotto + buttery Spanish wine=happy:) I would definitely recommend this and the wine was 2007 Gran Familia Rioja.
(5)
Nelson M.

The most excellent Mac N Cheese in the area. Yes, Mac N Cheese! Great beer selection also.
(4)
Leah G.

If you are a fry fan, they will exceed your expecations - both sweet and white potato. YUM!
(5)
Nick R.

I have never written a review of a restaurant but because of all the helpful insight I have read over the years on sites like yelp and because I decided to fully commit to Marco and Pepe as my all-time favorite restaurant, I felt inclined to write one up. Don't get me wrong, I have been to some great places but when you consider the consistency and creativity of Marco and Pepe, you just cannot go wrong, seriously, you cannot go wrong. I have never once had a meal, breakfast or dinner that I walked away from feeling unsatisfied and the fact that there is a seasonal menu makes it all the better. I live down the street from the restaurant and I probably eat there once every week or so. My only gripe is that I did not venture in sooner. I moved to the area over 3 years ago and used to walk by and I would look at the menu and because the selection is not that great, I avoided going there and chose other places instead. When I finally took the plunge, I was kicking myself for missing out on all the time I wasted. When my wife and I go out with other couples from both the Jersey City or Hoboken area, we usually push Marco and Pepe and EVERYONE walks away saying how great their food was. I just went to their breakfast for the first time this past Saturday and my brother (From Philadelphia Area) was in Brooklyn the night before and decided to stop by for brunch before he headed back South. He was drooling over the menu items for brunch. Can't remember exactly what he opted for but my meal was awesome... had I not read a previous review on yelp, I would have never ordered the Eggs & Toast. Phenomenal!!! Nice thick toast with the middle slightly carved out with the egg inside, on top of tomatoes, asparagus and truffles. Ordered a side of Rabbit Sausage. I am an adventorous eater. I have had rabbit a couple of times but never had rabbit sausage and again, not sure I would order this at a diner if it was available (Probably wouldnt be anway) but gave it a go and Marco and Pepe and it was also awesome. Anyway, not going to go through the entire menu and obviously you can tell I am a huge fan of this joint... Here are my favorites... Fall/Winter Menu - Duck Confit (Best I have ever had or very close) Special on Tues/Wed Roasted Duck - Can be ordered anytime during Fall/Winter Spring/Summer Chilean Sea Bass - Pesto Spread on top? Pinchos - brussel sprouts w/ bacon? Cant remember the exact ingredients but you get the picture... ENJOY Nick R
(5)
Shelly C.

Really enjoyed the food and the vibe. Sat outside which was great for people watching. Service was right on, as was the food. Had the Kale salad and the filet; both were terrific.
(4)
Alan N.

Took my fiancee to this neighborhood gem for her bday based on the recommendation of a couple friends, including an ex waiter and it was well beyond my expectations. Started with the BLT (A MUST GET) - with shaved porkbelly on an amazing bun, and the caesar salad with spanish anchovies (the only miss of the night) - there's just not much to it. For mains - small portions of both the Seafood Pasta (wed & thurs only) which was amazing, and the mac n cheese (one of the best ever). Dessert - double espresso, coffee, frangelico, and warm chocolate cake (which should not be confused with molten lava cake). Cocktails - lingenberry cocktail - pretty good - and sage gin highball - pretty neat. topped off because our waiter, Matt, was gracious and attentive and really just a likeable dude. Will definitely be back.
(4)
J G.

Love this restaurant- everything i've had there has been delicious. Recently had the butternut squash and am craving it again already. The atmosphere is great, and they have a fantastic wine selection as well.
(4)
Katie N.

We come to Marco & Pepe pretty often. (Maybe once a month.) It is a solid brunch or dinner spot near our home. I am a huge fan of the corn on the cob (then again, I love anything corn.) They are so nice here! We sat outside but then I was too hot (I know, fussy me.) and they moved us back inside with no problem. I ordered beer and they were switching out the keg. It took so long the waiter apologized and gave it to me on the house! The food here is very good. My boyfriend and I have had a variety of the dishes and we are never disappointed. This is a cute spot that won't let you down. Yay!
(4)
Olivia R.

This place doesn't look like anything fancy from the outside and one would think that with $25+ entrees, they would afford some better tables. The tables were really shaky and rickety and not comfortable. Our water slipped of the table outside because it was lopsided and moving a lot. Annoying! Now about the FOOOOOD! The menu is a bit pricy but it is pretty delicious. I had the filet mignon and my SO had the baked mac & cheese dish. Both were very flavorful and the portions were comfortable, not too big and not too small. My filet was cooked to perfection and was just oozing with flavor. The mac & cheese was BEYOND cheesy but not at all greasy. I agree with Louis R below that this was a great place to people watch. Many homo-fabulous patrons with hilarious life stories -- great vibe and ambiance overall. Our waitress was a bit of a ditz and not worthy of the 20% tip we left her.
(4)
Justin W.

This is one of my favorite, if not top favorite restaurant in Jersey City. I've lived here for six years, and gone to Marco & Pepe's many times and every time it's been a genuine pleasure. The food is unbelievably good and the staff is polite and unpretentious. My fiancee and I tend to go here for special occasions. Last night was our anniversary. I had the filet mignon and she had the chorizo sandwich, along with a some fancy drink that I can't remember. The filet mignon was unbelievably good. A delicious, juicy, soft piece of meat, with a great side of gravy. You know you've got a great steak when you can't decide whether to eat it with the gravy or without. They were two great flavor experiences in one dish. The fingerling potatoes and baby asparagus were a nice touch as well. My fiancee's chorizo sandwich blew me away. For what it cost (around $12), it's probably one of the best sandwiches you can get in Jersey City. Flavorful and complex, which is not usually what you say about a freaking sausage sandwich. And yet it was. I can't speak to the drinks as I don't drink, but my fiancee's never been disappointed by the drinks here. The chili lime thing had basil and mint in it and smelled fantastic. She said she liked it a lot. We finished off the night with warm chocolate cake and hazelnut gelato, which was fantastic. The outside of the cake was crisp and the inside was moist and soft. A great combination. The hazelnut gelato was a great touch, and helped bring out the chocolate. The whole bill came to around $100 with tip, but it's well worth it.
(5)
Stacy C.

I'm a big fan of Mac and cheese so after reading reviews I decided to get it for take out. The guy told me it would be ready in 15 min. 15 min later I had to wait additional 10 minutes ( did i order steak?) . The Mac and cheese finally came out and for a small portion about the size they give you at Popeyes it came out to $13. The guy took another 15 min to give my change back (rude). I went home opened it and it was macaroni shells and smelled like fish!!! I took a bite and threw it out right away ! *dont ever get the Mac and cheese from here! *
(2)
Eva L.

the best restaurant in downtown jc. reliable, yummy, great drinks, best staff! love all around!
(4)
Thea Z.

One of the best brunch and dinner places you will ever find. Generally a place is good for one or the other, but Marco and Pepe hit both meals out of the park. Their menu is very diverse without having too many selections. They often change what they offer based on the season which is a sign that they are into what they do and know how to do it well. Nothing is better than Sunday brunch at one of their outdoor cafe tables. The other wonderful thing about their brunch is that they offer options that are a bit more creative than the average place, yet not too crazy that you cant bring a non-foodie type of friend/date there. Best choices: Eggs & Toast or Ham & Eggs. Oh who am I kidding, everything on that menu is the best! The staff are always upbeat hipster type folks who add to the pleasant experience of dining there. They place has almost a rustic feel to it which breathes comfort and relaxation. There is a little bar there that is great for a meal for 1 and you can enjoy a wonderful wine selection there as well. You can expect a bit of a wait on a summer weekend, but its totally worth it. Do not miss out on this place!
(5)
Irina M.

We had brunch here this weekend. When we got there, they took our name and phone number down and told us they will call in about 20 mins when table is available. We decided to take a walk around the neighborhood because it was very nice out. We were two blocks away and already got a call - maybe it was first time luck but I liked how fast it was. The place is tiny but has a rustic charm. It had a perfect brunch feeling. Staff is very nice. Right away the waitress brought us shots of complementary cappuccino topped with whip cream - nice touch and hit the spot (I didn't want coffee anymore). We ordered a pitcher of Bellini. I was a bit hungrier than usual so I ordered Beef Short Ribs Sandwich (Braised Short Ribs, Beefsteak Tomato, Mesclun Greens, Alfalfa Sprouts, Smoked Gouda, Ciabatta Bread). It came with Chili Mayo and Ketchup. It also came with either salad or fries. I got Sweet Potato Fries. The whole dish was perfect!!! Braised short ribs were so tender, bread was perfectly crusted, sweet potato fries were delicious, and chili mayo was a perfect dipping sauce for fries..... That dish definitely hit the spot and I will be going back there soon. PS "I wanted to get a side of mac & cheese because they are know for their mac & cheese, but I knew I couldn't handle it. Next time I am trying it for sure."
(4)
Jason F.

Maybe a 3.5. Food was solid, but the service was just okay. The waiter did his job well, but just with no personality. Also, the wait staff congregated near the cash register to hang out (right where we were sitting...in a restaurant that was 40% full), but that was 2 feet from us and it felt a bit awkward having them hanging out 2 feet from us. The food....had a burrata salad appetizer, which was great. For entrees I had salmon and the wife had chicken. We both liked our entrees, but the chicken was probably a little better than the salmon. I would definitely go back here sometime in the future, but just will not sit at a table near the entrance where the wait staff will make me feel awkward.
(3)
Lorraine L.

Cute place, but food is mediocre. The place has lots of potential. Its at a good location, got a good vibe, a great place to hang out with a bunch of friends for a weekend brunch. But the food has a long way to go. I would come here for a glass of wine, and some snacks, but a real meal? Forget about it.
(2)
Cory R.

Ok. I don't generally leave comments, but this was sooooo bad..I had to! So first, the hostess was...for lack of better words...oblivious and lackadaisical. I asked for a spot outside, there was a wait, so we grabbed a drink at the bar. She said I WASNT ALLOWED to grab a drink at the bar while I waited. (WHATT) ok so second, the waiter was somehow worse than the hostess. He was a jerk! He acted like I owed him a favor or something. Third, the food was pretty good. BUT when service is that terrible it leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
(1)
Teresa L.

TIP: It opens at 10am so if you're absolutely starving, show up early! If you're there for a leisurely outing, then be prepared to wait. It's a small place so the restaurant fills up quickly. FOOD: I ordered the Eggs & Toast and a mimosa. The meal was delicious, and I loved how the dish was plated. The bread is thick enough so that it doesn't absorb the broth and turn into a soggy mess. The truffles are strong enough, but not overpowering. I think this will be my go-to order every time. The other dish ordered was the French Toast. It's more on the sweet side, and it's topped with strawberries & blueberries. Still delicious, but got soggier in the takeout box. AMBIANCE: quaint place. It has wood interior and the tables are set closely next to one other. The place has a Brooklyn feel to it (think Williamsburg). I noticed there was a magazine rack for those who don't want to talk to their dining partner. SERVICE: The only downside to my dining experience was the pace of the kitchen. Our food took longer than necessary, but the server brought complementary hot chocolate to help stave off the hunger pangs. Our server was great. Very friendly.
(4)
Rosalyn B.

Definitely my favorite place to eat in Jersey City, the hamburgers are great, ambience is very intimate. Dinner is delicious but brunch is by far the best. Must try the French toast they make using buttery crescent roll.
(5)
Nick U.

Had the Eggs and Toast and the French Toast for breakfast. Both were excellent. The Eggs and Toast came in a delicious broth full of vegetables. The contrast between the perfectly crisped bread above the broth and the soft bread soaked in broth provided a nice balance of textures. A remarkable and different breakfast dish. The French Toast was made with croissants instead of bread. It was perfectly cooked and well spiced. Very rich and tasty. Served with pure maple syrup and berries.
(5)
L L.

Another moment where Yelp reviews disappoint! Why don't I ever learn my lesson?!? Hmmm so I went with a large group for BRUNCH and every dish which was served was a disappointment. The poached eggs on lentils was awful. I took one bite and was done. Lentils hard and bitter with no flavor and egg just thrown on top! Huevos rancheros were nothing special and if you chose to make this at home you'd do a better job any day! Not worth the price or wait! So many other places in Jersey City that actually care about what they are serving you!
(2)
Sui B.

I came here for dinner and everything was amazing! The staff. the food, the drinks, and the atmosphere were all on point. Their sweet potato fries and the chili mayo that comes with the burger were an amazing combo, but you'll have to ask for it (not on menu). The only negative thing is the metal chairs out front, my short skirt wasn't the best choice to wear for those chairs.... but my focus was on the yummy food anyway.
(5)
Erika B.

good bistro food with cosy environment - food can be hit or miss-ish but mostly good. specials are always good, cocktails are tasty, servers are great. definitely a staple in downtown JC and a place to meet Manhattan friends who think JC is in the suburbs for some food and drinks ... you show 'em!
(4)
Jennifer L.

Definitely fell in love with this place when we first walked in. It was semi-warm out when we first got there so for some crazy reason decided that it was warm enough to sit outside. There was also a 40 minute wait to sit inside so we sucked it up and plopped outside on the sidewalk. After sitting outside and ordering wine, the wind picked up. Ugh. It got cold, quickly. The waitress came out and said a table was opening up inside and that we can easily move in if we wanted. Yes please! First, loved that they gave the option of butter or olive oil with the bread. Something so tiny but seriously...bonus points. Neither me or the boy were too crazy hungry so we each ordered a salad and then decided to split the spanish sandwich. I had the kale salad and LOVED it. It had kale (duh), corn, avocado, mint, peas, manchego cheese, and a vinaigrette. Everything went really well together and I devoured it. The boy had a chicken caesar salad and I snuck a bite or two and liked it. We split the spanish sandwich (which I can't find on their menu so sorry if I leave something out) and it was good. Not amazing though. The waitress said it was very new on the menu and she had just learned about it. It was chorizo on a nice very crusty French baguette with I think manchego and a spicy aoili. It was good but I didn't love it.. Would def order something different next time. Can't wait to go back when it's warmer out!
(4)
First L.

Just close already! Terrible food! Terrible bar! (HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE!?) Wish they would close and let a good restaurant come in. Or not a restaurant. Something that doesn't disappoint, every time! ANYTHING!
(1)
Shun S.

Sure the tables outside may be kind of cheap. Dogs are not allowed which kinda sucks. Still, they have GREAT food. I've been here for the grilled cheese with Serrano ham, the burger, the BLT, the cuban, and the tuna sandwich. The grilled cheese is a must have. It is the BEST grilled cheese I have ever had and it is so addictive. The BLT is excellent. I don't even think that's bacon inside because it is so thick, juicy, and so GOOD. The Cuban was excellent. Too bad I was a little full to begin with when I ate it. I personally didn't like the burger so much. It was normal. Just a burger. The tuna sandwich was bland. It need a twist. I will keep going to this place until I ate everything on the menu!
(5)
Zook G.

I go here fairly often and I am usually quite satisfied, they have a good variety on the menu and I can't complain about the food. It can be on the pricier side, along with drinks. The brunch is great, and the dinner is good, but expensive. The mac and cheese, BLT and garlic shrimp are make dining here definitely worth it.
(4)
Pursarth T.

I've been here several times (for brunch and dinner) and its always been a pleasant experience. They have outdoor seating which is awesome during the warmer months given that this place has great location. The baby lamb chop and the garlic shrimp are my favorites here - it's without a doubt the best I've had in all of Jersey City! Service here is excellent, the place has a hip ambience...and to top it all off they have a nice bar.
(4)
Michelle O.

This is one of the top 10 places to eat in jersey city. We've been for brunch and Dinner. Not only is the food great but the service is also above average.
(4)
Bethany S.

Lovely little 50s style breakfast spot. I was initially concerned by the old wooden tables very rustic decor. However in combination with the 50s music, it was actually quite charming. The breakfast selection was a bit fancier than your typical breakfast place, which was impressive. I got a grille flat bread with tomatoes, basil, and fresh mozzarella. It was delicious. It's no wonder that this place was FULL 15 mins after opening.
(5)
Louis R.

Still the best spot in JC to people-watch...while listening to queens complain about everything in their lives. Grilled cheese was so gooey and served on crunchy bread the size of two bricks...bathed in butter...mmmm The seared tuna sandwich was deelish and the fish was sooo fresh. Washing everything down with Estrella Galicia beer was a must. Why do all the waiters here weight about 100lbs?
(5)
Megan Y.

After a morning of condo hunting in Jersey City, the hubster and I decided to have brunch here. It's a really cute spot and the crowd and setting reminded me of Williamsburg. The food was so delicious! I had the kale salad, which I quickly gobbled up, and it was so good that I actually contemplated ordering a second. This doesn't speak for the size, it's definitely an entree sized salad, but it's just that tasty. Hubby had the French toast, which was equally amazing. This place is definitely going to make our transition from Brooklyn to Jersey City a little easier :)
(4)
Annie K.

The kale salad here is the BEST kale salad I have ever had in the world. I live in NYC (where there's a lot of food) and LA (where there's a lot of kale stuff) but here is hands down the best salad of that kind. I didn't try anything else but if I'm ever in Jersey again for a client meeting, I'm definitely heading here! And the servers are great, friendly, and very helpful!
(5)
Michael W.

The first really nice Sunday afternoon was a treat for me,,, Having been House bound for 2 weeks I took it on myself to treat my Partner and Myself to a supposedly great Place for Brunch,,,, and since it is right across the street from where we live it was a No-Brainer to try,,, Well,,we were lucky,,we got there early for Brunch,,we got a seat inside,,being that it was still a little Chilly outside,,and watching after we ordered made me realize we were lucky the Place fills up fast,, on Sundays,,, My Partner had the Fantastic waffles with a side of Pork & Duck Sauages(A-Real Damn good combo Had the Shrimp & Scallions Omelet with a side of Double cut Bacon,,,The food was Fantastic Service was Just a Little slow but the place was fill to the Max,,,The Mimosas were flowing like water,,,and like I said before the Food was Fantastic,,,, "The Only problem I Have is that the Entire Meal ran Me (For Brunch) $ 61.00,,and that is without a tip,,,(Our Tip to Our server who was Great was $7.00) Bring the total for a Sunday Brunch for 2 to $67.00,,, I Like the Place,,,, I adore the Food,,, and the service is Good,,, BUT!!!!! I will Only be having Brunch Maybe Once every 6 months,,,,
(3)
James P.

I liked this place... She had this egg thing in bread with asparagus and mushroom... That was really good! I had an eggs Benedict because I'm a fiend for it.. It was ok... I like the one at beechwood better. Try this place for brunch.. Why not?!
(3)
Kelly T.

It's so hard to review this restaurant because the food is truly amazing and the dishes all offer interesting twists on old favorites. Their brunch is by far one of the best in Jersey City and their croissant french toast is something I have dirty dirty dreams about. The service here is ATROCIOUS. Like a bi-polar boyfriend, it draws you in with all the amazing food and generous alcohol selection only to sucker punch you with service so bad it will actually put you off your meal. This is the only restaurant where I havent left a tip for a waiter, ever. Because the food is so good I'll probably end up going back but a girl will only take so much abuse before she fights back.
(2)
Angela Z.

I stopped by Marco and Pepe for a late dinner with some friends on a Saturday night. It was pretty full but we were able to get a table within 5 minutes or so. The menu was pretty limited since they were still recovering from Hurricane Sandy, but what they did have was delicious! I had the trout and my friends ordered pasta, the braised chicken leg quarters, and the lobster roll. Good reviews all around! The service was good and they poured me a very generous glass of pinot noir, so no complaints there. I will definitely be back and also can't wait to try brunch here sometime.
(4)
Sakura P.

We live down the street from this place so the H and I come here every few months. The best meal you can have here is the brunch. The croissant french toast is delicious as is the mac and cheese. H loves the grilled cheese. Definitely worth a visit if you are in downtown JC.
(3)
Sofia C.

The food is really good and the place has a cozy feel to it. I love sitting outside in the summer. It gets crowded though and I usually end up waiting a bit to get a table. It's worth though since the food is great. I dream about the french toast! Their mac and cheese is also really, really good.
(4)
Martin L.

Very solid place in my neighborhood. One of our "default" local options. That is not to say that this place would not survive in the city. The food is quite good, I feel like they have a mixture of things on the menu and generally delicious and flavorful, more of home style cooking. Brunch menu seems pretty standard in appearance but very yummy, definitely prefer it to the dinner menu. The wine is not too expensive by the bottle (maybe it's expensive, relative to JC, i'm not so sure). The ambiance is nice and chill, trendy but not pretentious, good for relaxing dinner and conversations, and in summer has outdoor seating. They generally have a bit of a wait time due to the popularity of the place. So needless to say the seating is quite full most of the time and pretty packed, but still not as extreme as places in NYC. Definitely will come back soon.
(3)
Maria S.

Marco & Pepe is one of the best brunch places in Jersey City. Their Huevos Rancheros with chorizo is hands down the best I've ever had. The Ham & Eggs is also pretty good, and my boyfriend loves the Lobster Roll. My two issues with this restaurant is that it's a bit overpriced, and their brunch drinks are not the best for the $8-$10 you have to pay. Other than that, it's worth checking out.
(4)
Ariel J.

This place is awesome. I love the look of the restaurant (though very small) and the food is great! So far I've had the french toast and the eggs and toast for brunch...both excellent but the french toast holds a special place in my foodie heart =) I've also had the mac & cheese and the sweet potato fries. The mac and cheese there was so good my friend kept eating off my plate then ended up ordering his own to go. I absolutely recommend this place - definitely check it out!!
(4)
Jonah P.

One of the poorer brunch experiences I've had in the area. Service: Worst aspect of the meal. It's slow, rude and inattentive. Coffee: The first cup was fair, though considerably weaker than other brunch restaurants. The second was closer to hot water than coffee. The worst part, though (getting back to service) is that we saw them dump the fresh pot when they noticed it was made improperly, but didn't care to alert the patrons. We had to flag down our waiter to get a fresh cup, which he responded to as if we were asking him to run across town to get it. Food: It's really hit or miss, though most dishes seemed to be "misses". Considering the relatively steep prices for the breakfast items, which don't consist of more than your average home-cooked fair, the quality, portions and presentation were all severely lacking. I will, however, give props for the shrimp po boy, which was significantly better in all 3 "food" categories. Overall: When a restaurant serves par-for-the-course items, it needs to stand out in other ways. With waitstaff like theirs, I'm suprised they've held on.
(2)
Piyush K.

Cozy place with well prepared food! We went there for brunch. Coffee and morning bun were good. I ordered egg on a toast. Did not like it that much, as it was fried egg which i do not prefer. I want to go back and try the veggie burger.
(3)
Heidi G.

I am never disappointed when I dine here. The food is excellent, the staff is very nice and never rushes you. Both the wine and beer flights are a great value. The bartender was so nice too, he even gave us an extra sample and explained the beers in the flight. They really take the extra time with each customer, even though it's insanely packed. The timing of the food is perfect. This is one of those places where you never have to flag a waiter down, because they anticipate your needs. The mac and cheese is amazing - probably the best I've ever had. Excellent!!
(5)
Brett B.

Food is probably more of a 3 1/2, but staff here is friendly, atmosphere is chill, and sangria here is very good and puts a smile on my face so I bumped it up to a 4! Grilled shrimp is very good, as are the flatbreads
(4)
K.C. K.

I visited Marco and Pepe this weekend for brunch while visiting friends. Initially we were told there would be a wait, but after agreeing to sit at the bar we were seated right away. Our server, while unfailingly polite, was extremely slow in getting us our drinks and our food. The food, however, was delicious: I had what I think is one of their specialties, the croissant french toast, with a side of maple pork sausage. The berries on the french toast were fresh and tasty and my whole meal was superb. I'd definitely return here but I'd try to go during off-peak hours.
(4)
Tyler L.

Only complaint about M&P after more than a dozen experiences is the usual lengthy amount of time that it takes to get your food. Good menu and service; food is prepared well. Huevos rancheros, ham & eggs, and french toast are great brunch choices. The lobster risotto is excellent; they also have some great cocktails.
(4)
Matt T.

Meal: Brunch Rationale: I want brunch every day, forever. Marco and Pepe is also only a block from my apartment. I had also been there once before. Food: I ordered a cup of decaf and the french toast. The french toast is made out of croissants, which makes it delicious. The menu descriptions are a bit lacking, though. I couldn't tell from the menu if the french toast would be made out of croissants or if there would be a croissant on the side, and I decided I wanted to be surprised. My boyfriend ordered eggs and toast, per the menu, but they ended up being eggs-in-a-hole (or eggs-in-toast; Wikipedia can help you identify the other 30 names of this dish if it seems foreign to you), with the holes discarded or otherwise not available. Technicality. Still good, I heard. I'm not one to complain if there's a bit of a discrepancy between what the menu says and what I get, but I imagine others are less forgiving. In the same vein, the first time I was at Marco and Pepe, I ordered huevos rancheros. I think what I got was a spanish omelette, which was also on the menu, which would make it a service mistake, but I'm not totally sure. It might have been their crazy, secret variation on huevos rancheros. I didn't ask and I ate it anyway. Service/atmosphere: No complaints. It seems that the staff uniform is blue plaid and tattoos. I can dig it. See above for a potential mixup from a previous visit. The restaurant seems generally unpretentious and neighborly. Points for outdoor seating (which we didn't actually take advantage of). Conclusion: I like Marco and Pepe. Since you only mostly know what you're ordering, it's like a small adventure/surprise every time when those last few uncertain variables are resolved. And they have a few good brunch options for me. Will return.
(4)
Diane M.

I think M&P has a reputation because it was the first "upscale" restaurant in Downtown. Unfortunately I don't think it deserves it. I've has Caesar salads full of lettuce that's brown on the edges and steak sandwiches with more fat than meat. No thanks. There are plenty of "ethnic" restaurants within 2 blocks with better food, way better prices and no arrogant servers. I would give M&P a big miss.
(1)
Elena B.

Want to love M&P, but every time I go I'm reminded how dreadfully slow the service is. Food is solid bistro food, cooked well and very tasty. I do like the ambiance of the space, lighting and cocktails.
(3)
Susan F.

Every time I have been here, I have unfortunate cuts of meat. I had a sandwich with ham on it that had a huge strip of chewy fat. Another time I had a chicken sandwich, half of which was delicious and the other half was all cartilage and totally gross. It was like the cooks did not look at the piece of meat they put on the sandwich, something I would not serve. However, I have been there a couple other times before then and the food was very good. The service was always fine and the people I was with for both of my unfortunate meals, enjoyed theirs.
(2)
Karla F.

The server was friendly enough, but we found the service to be super slow. And it took forever to get the check. Also, our server seemed annoyed because we had strollers with us - even though we called ahead about it. The huevos y frijoles was good. Mostly just frijoles. The eggs, though small, were cooked to perfection. I counted 3 tiny slices of chorizo in the whole thing. It was tasty though.
(3)
justin p.

Came here on the meatless Good Friday. Wow was it good. I don't often order fish.... but when I do, typically it's terrible. It makes me wish I had gotten a cheeseburger or some pork. But this time was different.... First allow me to explain, Marco and Pepe is a nice little place that you would probably blow past if you were not paying attention. I happen to walk past it everyday, and have often wondered what delicious foods they were cooking. They have an open kitchen on the side where you can see chef's cheffing. And an okay selection of craft beers. The bread they serve appears to be fresh and cut sometime today. I ordered the small salmon with a side of pommes frites. This was excellent and more than enough for one guy. The person I went with got the large Risotto.... He did not finish or come close to finishing this massive pile of food... This should give you some insight into the sizes. You may be wondering why not five stars... was it the service ? No the service was just fine... The decor? No that was good in fact some would say the candle light would be "date worthy" if you went at night and the interior looks of the old world... The wine selection perhaps? HA this place has numerous complimentary wines both red and white....... IT WAS THE PRICE! The price was high and there is no denying that from anyone who witnessed it. Be prepared to spend upwards of 50 dollars each with appetizer and one drink. But other than that M&P knows their business and when I don't feel like worrying about those green papers I love so much I would do it again. weezy taught you well.
(4)
Patrick S.

I do like the food here. I do like the atmosphere. But the menu is small and it is expensive. And not in a great way. I leave feeling like "shit, that was expensive" as opposed to "that was expensive, but who cares!" great for a date if you can pony up the cash.
(3)
Colleen S.

I want to give this place more stars but the service is painfully slow. The food however is fantastic. Get the Eggs in Toast, you will not be disappointed.
(3)
Jennifer K.

Brunch here is fantastic! We were seated outside on a gorgeous day. Our waiter was extremely fast. I ordered the eggs in toast and it was delicious. Perfect brunch spot :)
(5)
Ahmed A.

A nice breakfast/brunch spot right off of grove across from city hall. The service is pretty good overall; depending on when you came you might have a short wait. I tried the steak salad and lobster roll and they were both very good. They also have organic coffee which I never had before till I came here. Overall good place and I will definitely be back.
(4)
Cristhian P.

Great service, great food. I always felt like they are really taking care of each customer. This place is for you if you don't want to spend that much money and need a place to talk with your friends, significant other, family, coworkers or even your boss.
(5)
Sara S.

For the first time that I have been at this establishment, I was pleasantly surprised by the decor and it's environment upon arrival; it was welcoming and has this cool old world quality to it with the worn out walls and the antique mirrors/furniture. It's just the right place to go to on a fine weekend morning or afternoon; there really aren't too many small cafes in Jersey City and hence, it allows this business to stand out. Much like a restaurant cafe in Manhattan, it was bustling with many customers who were mostly young to mid age professionals. Regarding food, I ordered the organic poached eggs with a side of pommes frites and double cut bacon, my husband ordered the spanish omelette, and a friend who joined us ordered the ham & eggs. I personally did not like my poached eggs as much as I would have liked to. It was slightly overcooked when it should have been runny, but the mushrooms that came with it were good and had the right amount of flavor to counteract the somewhat overcooked eggs. The country bread that came on the side was also a little too hard (not a fan of hard breads). The double cut bacon I had on the side was okay, but again, I felt this was also slightly overcooked or it could have been just the quality of the bacon. The pommes frites, otherwise, tasted good. My husband's spanish omelette was cooked just right, and my friend's ham & eggs came in a sufficient portion while also looking succulent. The only main problem I had at the time of my visit was that the food took awhile to come out. We might have been sitting around for at least 30 min or more before the food came. The people next to us had seemed to wait awhile as well. I think it has to do partially with the fact of how busy it was at the time, or there is not enough staff to chef in the back, but whatever it was, they definitely need to address the wait time for food. Nonetheless, I would probably come here again.
(3)
Joe A.

After moving here from Manhattan, it was great to see a local place like this in downtown JC. We went here for dinner and the Grilled Chicken Sandwich and side salad was awesome as well as the Mac & Cheese. Safe bet for good and affordable food
(4)
M B.

Awesome food--best in JC. Great service and wine and beer selections.
(5)
Lady J.

Um yes to all this! A great atmosphere. Wonderful food, great prices and I especially love being served by staff in lumberjack-esk outfits with plaid shirts and rugged good looks;) Nice jobs guys. Will def be going back!
(5)
Luiz R.

I've been trying to come back. Yelp says it opens at 10am on Saturdays. It is never open on time. The phone is not working... I decided to try the other coffee place across the street (Beechwood Cafe) - really good by the way.
(3)
Kriti S.

I visited Marco & Pepe for my second brunch yesterday and loved it! They definitely have the atmosphere/relaxed-yet-trendy vibe down pat. But the food has been wonderful too! On our visit yesterday, I had the organic poached eggs with mushrooms and toast. As simple as you might consider my order to be, I've had bad soggy eggs and mushrooms at too many spots to count. Marco's nailed it, however - everything was absolutely delicious and satisfying in perfectly presented portion sizes. I also got some Sriracha when I requested hot sauce rather than the generic tobasco most places lazily plop on your table. My friends and husband were also extremely happy with their BLT, spanish omelette and skillet sandwiches. The coffee was good and strong and my bellini was delicious! Despite other great options for food in JC and of course, NYC, I hope to make M&P's a regular on my brunch roster!
(4)
Cara D.

I do not often give places 5 stars; you have to really bowl me over in order to earn the coveted 5 star rating. But this place definitely deserved it. Came here for brunch this past Sunday with my bf and 2 friends. They claimed there was a 20 minute wait, but it wound up being much less than that (they took my phone number and called me when our table was ready, which I appreciated.) It's not a big place but was perfect for our party of 4. All of the waiters, the host, were all the nicest people and were both attentive and would joke around with us. The best part, however, was the FOOD. O. M. G. Not one of us had a bad meal (we had 2 vegetarians and 2 avid meateaters). I had a grilled cheese but it was hands down best grilled cheese I've ever had...I didn't know you could make grilled cheese so fancy and delicious. My bf had the mac n cheese, my one friend had the veggy trio, and my other friend had the fish n chips. These all sound like simple meals, but they wound being the best "simple" fare we've ever had. We had 2 pitchers of delicious sangria as well, and the prices were pretty affordable. My only complaint was the coffee stunk, but I think we got the bottom of the pot (I used to wait tables in college, SOMEONE has to get the bottom of the pot, odds are it will eventually be you). Can't wait to come back here for dinner! Something tells me they'll knock it out of the park again.
(5)
Amani M.

Friends made fun of the "unfinished decor" Tight seats Got parts of our order wrong and I heard others complain as we left Went for sunday brunch: French toast - delicious Mac and cheese - delicious Grilled cheese looked like all bread no cheese Hardly got our water carafe refilled --- probably wont get back. I really wanted to like this place =(
(3)
Jennifer G.

I was told over and over this was a great place for brunch. Maybe I expected too much. The whole scene seems to be "trying too hard." I also hate when people don't listen. I ordered poached eggs over spinach and lentils but they came out over mushrooms. That's a big difference. Also, the eggs were overcooked. It's very hipster...If I wanted to live in Williamsburg, I would move there.
(2)
Citizen J.

Marco & Pepe should be higher rated than 3 stars but they keep shooting themselves in the foot in certain areas. I'll give them 5 stars for their selection of beer, 4 stars for wait staff, 2.5 stars for value (depends on the items), and 3 stars for the kitchen. They are always very, very slow. And I don't know why -- but I suspect the kitchen simply isn't dialed in. I've been going here for years and it's been their achilles heal. So, consider yourself warned. However, they do have a very good menu and the quality of the food, when it shows up, is generally very, very good. I've had most things on the menu. I am put off by some of their prices which I estimate are at least 15-20% too high on certain items such as the $28 trout. M&P: mark this down to $22 and leave it there. The last time I was there was a little over a week ago. Stopped for a beer and ordred 2 burgers w/ fries to go. One burger needed to be well-done as my wife is preggers. The imperial stout on tap was great so had 1 while I waited. I miss some of the beers that are no longer on their menu. But when I got home the burger marked well done was actually medium rare. Honestly, there's no excuse for this. As a chef myself, I should have gone back and walked into the kitchen to show their staff how to cook. Even Ray Charles could tell when a piece of meat was well done just by feel. And that's what I do. Why M&P's kitchen staff doesn't know this simple technique is beyond me. Plus, I had to wait a long time for such a basic dish and they weren't that busy. The wait staff is nice. The ingredients are good. But the pricing and execution have been failing for years. It wouldn't take much to fix these things so I hope someone there reads my review and takes it to heart. I already have a job and the last think I want to do after work is to go and then have to do someone else's job!
(3)
Jennifer R.

As I live in Spain, I still drool thinking about the goat cheese, gruyere, pancetta, truffle mac'n'cheese and fresh caesar salad. A great brunch place! Plus, it's one of the closest things to American tapas and such shared plates, with a great atmosphere. Go here for supper then go bar to bar in this adorable area of Jersey City, or get it to go for Shakespeare or movies in the gorgeous Van Horst park round the corner.
(5)
Michael F.

Well the carafes are too small. No ice here. Mac and cheese was booji. Burger was ok. Fries was good. Avoid anything with Mahon. Overprice booji food. Spain cheese overpricing on that import. Never again. Loved Jessica though.
(2)
Josh R.

It's very unfortunate that this once little gem of a place has gone down hill so fast. I was there for breakfast this morning and it was an absolute mess. I knew that i should have walked out the minute I looked at other customers faces of disgust. To make a long story short, the waitress was terrible, the food bland & cold and the time to get our food I could have went to and from the grocery store and cooked my meal in the time it took to get our food.
(2)
Alex N.

I really love going here. I always have fun, great service and good food. The atmosphere is great because it is so laid and casual. Yes, the prices are on the higher end but its the quality you are paying for in the food. My favorite dishes are Eggs & Toast for brunch and for dinner Grilled Shrimp (app) and Grilled Filet Mignon (entree).
(5)
Emily N.

Marco and Pepe boasts an excellent beer and wine selection, crusty bread before your meal, quality ingredients, and an atmosphere all its own. Best picks: Brunch-- french toast Lunch-- grilled cheese Dinner-- mac and cheese (small plate) Dessert-- ice cream sundae for two Moody lighting, peeling industrial interiors decked out with modern furnishings, and a knowledgeable staff push this place above bar. Check with the bartender on what they have in stock before having your hopes dashed because the beer list is long and varied! The pricing keeps me from coming more often, but this is my go to for special occasions with a small group. Take a walk down Grove Street and you'll be drawn in by the cafe tables (just as with Beechwood across the street), turned off by the menu pricing, but intrigued enough to sit and give this a try. That's when you'll realize how special this place is. I've had the most interesting beer and conversation in Marco and Pepe, but that might be the company I'm keeping these days!
(5)
d t.

I had really high hopes for this spot after reading the reviews. The grilled corn was delicious with some sort of cheese generously sprinkled on top accompanied by a lime wedge to squeeze over it. It was so moist that I had never cleaned one off so well as in there weren't even any kernel skins left on the cob. I ordered the pan roasted chicken and matchstick potatoes with some sort of gravy on the side. The chicken was super moist with the skin still on. However, the potatoes tasted more burnt than like, well, potatoes. I could have made the same chicken and potatoes dish at home for well under $10 so for $26 i would expect a little better quality. Also, this is what really brought the ratings down, a pint of beer was $8! I can buy a high quality six pack for a few extra bucks.
(3)
Jessica J.

Marco & Pepe is a neighborhood gem. Their dinner options are really great, and the craft beer selection is awesome! The Baby Lamp Chop lollipops for a starter are out of this world, incredible flavor in an almost Chimichurri-like sauce. The Kale Salad is a great choice too if your into kale, but I would definitly skip the flatbreads- they lack flavor for sure. The Macaroni and Cheese (mascarpone, goat cheese, bacon, mushrooms) is out of this world, I would eat it every day if I could. Another awesome dinner choice is the Pan Roasted Salmon, except the quinoa underneath can be very salty. The brunch is good but very straightforward egg dishes and sandwiches, I would definitly recommend coming here for dinner. Marco & Pepe: I will definitly be back!
(4)
Carlo L.

What started as a great morning ended in disappointment. Free hot chocolate, a huge bottle of water, and hot cappuccinos were promising - though I didn't order the cappuccino yet got one anyway. I ordered the BLT, and it looked better than it tasted. It was more like an HLT - ham, lettuce, tomato or at least that's what it tasted and looked like. My wife ordered their "eggs and bread" - basically scrambled eggs, melted manchego cheese on a toasted baguette. Also looked better than it tasted. Catching the theme yet? Placed a last minute order of bacon as we were told it would not take long. Have you ever waited 15 minutes for bacon while watching your eggs get cold - feels like eternity! So, to conclude, service was slow and horrible but the tables who arrived after us and got their meals first probably won't complain. We'd probably go back and give it one more shot cause a lot of things looked "promising" as plated meals were leaving the kitchen.
(2)
Nicole H.

In all reality this is more of a 3.5 star review. There is nothing truly offensive about M&P, but there also isn't anything to write home about either. It's slightly home to the JC hipsters which drives me a little crazy, but also makes me happy that JC even HAS hipsters. Surely that's a sign of great things to come, right? Went back to M&P for the first time in over a year, hoping that it would still stand as our old reliable. They've got a great selection of craft beers and wine, and the waiters aren't afraid to tell you if you're about to order crap (ahem, Amstel Light) when far superior selections are available for literally an extra dollar. Their menu is seasonal in nature, and I've always loved that they offer most dishes in small and large portions. It makes it so much easier to share and/or watch your waistline. Ordered the kale salad, red curry & coconut steamed mussels, and the lobster and corn risotto. Kale salad was meh... But in our attempt to be healthy felt like we had to have it. The muscles were delicious, and the risotto was good, but probably a little too rich. So why am I demoting a restaurant where I dont hate the food to 3.5 stars? Mainly for the service. While I would love to sit at the bar and chat with these guys, they're not exactly attentive or around... Which always strikes me as so odd because it's not a huge space. Consistently when I am there, there is at least one instance where I'm looking around and wondering where my food is (seriously, how hard is a tossed salad) or why it has taken them 15 minutes to swipe my credit card. I'll probably be back - it's one of the more consistent establishments around... But i would love to not be begging and wishing for my food to arrive in some type of timely manner.
(3)
N L.

I've been here for brunch a few times, but mostly dinners. Food is great, service is ok and music is ridiculous. I was there with a girlfriend for dinner a few weeks ago and the music was so loud and irritating (think the sound of machines when they are jammed or stuck) that we almost left. Dinner service is better than brunch service. Atmosphere is great.. kind of deconstructed style, but still bright and clean. Mac and cheese is to die for.. and the Fish dishes are a sure bet, as well as the burger. They did an M&P customer appreciate dinner night a while back which we thought was a nice touch. Free dinner and drink for all loyal customers. That'll keep me coming back for sure!
(3)
Ernie L.

I have eaten at Marco & Pepe's 3 times now. The first time I was pleasantly surprised. I had the sun choke soup, a baby lamb chop and a few other small plates. It was fine, nothing mind blowing but solid. We happened to get seated in the front corner which I learned later on, is the only good table in the establishment. the second time I ordered the overpriced Organic Chicken Breast... which was just boring. My friend ordered the Mushroom Butternut Squash ravioli that was the weekly special. This dish was utterly vile. *I* would have sent it back. It was so overly spiced with cinnamon one could barely taste anything else. I noted also that night that my table was rickety. Third time's not a charm. The table was rickety again. The chair was placed so one foot was on a slope. I was right next to a radiator and my partner was out in the bar traffic being hit by every passer by. So we moved... to another rickety table. Meanwhile we had ordered Manhattans that clearly no one knew how to make because it took 20 minutes to get them and when they got there, they weren't Manhattans. The broccoli Rabe side dish was good. My chicken sandwich was ok, partner's burger was ok. I won't be rushing back.
(2)
Alex M.

After looking at the average review for rating for this place, my girlfriend and I decided to try it out. It was a nice evening so .we sat outside. That is where the pleasant experience ended. It took about 10 minutes to bring us water and we had to wait over an hour for our food. The wait staff just hangs out at the bar while their customers wonder where they are and whats going on with their food. When the food did arrive it was mediocre at best and completely overpriced for what it is. The woman sitting at the table next to us found a long hair in her burger and apparently all that warrants in this place is an apology from the waiter. The manager did not make any attempt to come to the table to apologize and offer an alternative. As far I can tell there really was no manager here, just a lot of people that look like they work there hanging out and having a good time while their customer wait in disappointment. I am amazed that anyone rated this place above 2 stars. Avoid this overpriced mess at all costs as it definitely ruined my evening.
(1)
Cynthia S.

Their mac and cheese is superb! It's "grown up" (not the trad elbows and 'yella') but not absurd nor pretentious...just satisfying and delicious. It's quite rich and still pretty addictive! The pasta has a nice tooth to it, never over cooked, which is a deal breaker for me. Generous portions. The entree size will be hard to finish if you have a starter too, but it keeps well and is great the next day. I've sampled several other dishes, all fine, some better than others...but I think this one is their star. Veg friends appreciate their thoughtful veg options. Good beer list, haven't delved into wines but list looked nice. Spotty slowish service but they're nice and that is what I care about-sometimes in restaurants waitstaff has to take the brunt for the kitchen and i'd rather wait for well prepared food than not wait for rushed food. Their mac and cheese really is a destination dish.
(4)
Tee T.

Sad, very sad. This restaurant has gone down. A few years ago, the service and the food were excellent. Now, I am forced to deal with lukewarm food and apathetic, pretentious waitstaff. You order decaf coffee and they serve you lukewarm, regular coffee like they didn't hear you. While you are trying to stomach your coffee, they place the check on your table without even asking if you want anything else. You ask for home fries and you get dried out potatoes, so hard they could break glass. You ask for takeout and the waitstaff don't even bother to close the box! I really had a hard time tipping during the last visit, they really didn't deserve a tip. I am really upset...I really enjoy the brunch, but is Marco and Pepe experiencing a slump? It's true, this is practically the only restaurant that serves brunch 6 days a week, but I will commute into the city if I have to! At these prices, I might as well.....Marco and Pepe, please please please get your act together!
(1)
Erica S.

The mac and cheese was awesome! The rest of the food was good but not worth the price.
(3)
Alice K.

My sister and I were exploring our new neighborhood and we found this place on yelp. I was pleasantly surprised with the ambiance, I felt I was in the West Village not Jersey City overlooking the busy intersection. I loved the staff and the people who dined there. No more tourists! I had french toast, which I thought was pretty basic except that it was made with croissants instead of bread. I had better french toasts at Toast in Chicago. My sister was able to by baguette for $2 from Balthazar. Pretty good even after a day old.
(4)
T M.

Food-So damn freaking good. I have tried the Caesar with white anchovies, salmon, sea bass, organic chicken, mushroom flat bread, mac and cheese, duck leg confit, and chocolate cake desert. All have been amazingly simple yet tasty, fresh, and thoughtfully prepared. I hate going places where I feel like I could have prepared the food better, Marco and Pepe has yet to disappoint. Not a place for greasy bar food or if you want something more commercial. My Canadian fiance loves the chicken with thin fries and pan gravy, he would bath in that gravy if I let him. My favorite thus far is the salmon with black rice. Good variety and price range for the wine and beer list. Half plates are where it's at for lighter eaters. Service- Since the place is small, we stop by and put our name in. They call us as soon as our table is ready if the bar is full. No big deal as there are several bars on the block. The servers we have had are charming, knowledgeable, and attentive. No complaints. The bartender this past Saturday went out of his way to find me a beer I would like as I noted I was in the mood for something fruity. He went down to the basement and found me an organic strawberry brew, iced it, and made sure I liked it. Also served me an interesting watermelon pilsner. Neither were on the menu, but hit the spot. Ambiance: The place is charming and has a vintage feel, kind of like if Anthropologie birthed a restaurant. Since it is tight in the dining area, you get a little closer to those at your table and even other diners near by at times. I kind of like that. Its the kind of place where the missing lantern above the bar area fits right in with the decor. Not uptight and simple. Of course there are many options across the water, but its so refreshing to have Marco and Pepe a few skips and swaggers from my front door.
(5)
Nina H.

Love! Excellent food. Where I discovered fiddlehead ferns and other delicious ingredients. Best during pleasant weather when you can sit outside at their cafe tables. And they serve Balthazar bread!
(4)
Brian E.

This trendy place attracts all the people who would live in Hoboken, but don't. I like to come in on a Saturday morning and get their Eggs & Toast, while all the yuppies are still in bed. They are closed on Mondays.
(4)
Noam W.

One of the best food joints in all of Jersey City, probably the best burger and definitely the best beer selection. Brunch is great too but the service could be better, it usually takes a while for the food to come out but definitely worth the wait.
(4)
anthony a.

You MUST try the French Toast made with croissants, it's heavenly, like an orgasm in your mouth. Money back guarantee!
(5)
Harry H.

Though it tends to be loud at night, the food is quality and reminds me of a typical San Francisco neighborhood restaurant. I like the option of ordering smaller "tapas" portions of the entrees. Burgers are perfect. Fries even better. And I had a great fish special a few months back but forgot what it was (I should write these things sooner). Perhaps it is best for brunch on a nice weekend day so you can sit outside... It's definitely a place I will revisit often, and probably one of the only places that you can take your friends from Brooklyn to show that Jersey City has something cool to offer. (Yes, it's always hard to navigate between the pluses and minuses of neighborhood gentrification... but I can ignore the yuppies when the food is worth it, and this place is one of those places. We'll never be Hoboken... I hope.)
(4)
Yara C.

mmmmm! french toast is made with croissants whaaaaaaaat. and the eggs and ham, good stuff. brunch here is great and they have outdoor seating. service is fast and friendly. will def. come back to this place! my only complaint... $9 mimosas errr .... and it wasnt fresh squeezed oj.
(4)
jes c.

SO, i made an account yesterday JUST TO WRITE ABOUT HOW HORRIBLE BEECHWOOD CAFE was.- which is RIGHT across the street from m&p. (For those wanting to go there, DON'T) today, we ended up going to marco & pepe. and i was SO impressed with the food!!!! i read the raving reviews about the french toast made with croissants.. so, of course that's what i ordered. everyone, i mean EVERYONE, was right. it was AMAZING. my friend doesn't even like french toast but totally fell in love with this one!!!- i HIGHLY recommend it!! and the FRIES?? seriously, no lie... THE best fries ever. they are crispy- not because they're overly fried in oil.. but crispy to perfection. the service was a litttttttle slow.. but i'll pick slow service over beechwood's horrible/rude service. MOST DEFINITELY will be going back again... and again. :)
(5)
Rahkhee P.

This place is amazing for a sunday brunch! Try the Eggs and veggies!
(5)
Stefunny K.

Marco & Pepe looked like it would be a cute Sunday brunch place. We came in right when it opened and the restaurant filled up soon after. (I'm very glad I didn't endure any kind of waiting time for this place) You'd think if you were the 2nd customers to be seated and order you might get your food before everyone else. Wrong assumption. The service was terrible. They were either understaffed or very inefficient. I received the wrong order and informed about 4 different people who did nothing about it because every other person in the restaurant was complaining to them about something else. The menu is limited, I was expecting more options for brunch and its definitely way overpriced. The only upside is that they provide a ton of magazines (prob anticipating that you will be waiting a long time for them to serve you)
(2)
Megan D.

Not a stop I would have ordinarily made so I'm glad this joint came recommended. We stopped in for a late brunch and it was delish! Healthy glasses of wine are served and their bread is out of this world. Will certainly be a repeat offender here.
(4)
Emily A.

Ahh, Marco and Pepe! I might be their biggest fan. On the brunch-y side, their eggs with white truffle, and bourbon pecan waffles stand out. Cute touches like tasty and fresh cocktails let you enjoy your brunch with sophisticated and urbane style. As for dinner, their extremely rich Mac and Cheese is phenomenal, as are their fries, risotto..everything I've had has been very good. Even their cheeseburgers are done beautifully, with nice melty hunks of excellent cheese (I had a nice blue cheese..maybe roquefort) Really great list of cocktails and wines as well. I have not had a bad dish here, ever, and I go here frequently, probably more than any other restaurant. I think what really sets Marco and Pepe ahead of the pack for me is the beautiful room--airy, sunny and lively during brunch, candle-lit, muted and romantic for dinner. When I came here the first time with my friend who lived in Jersey City, I thought: "wow, I could live in New Jersey if I had a restaurant like this to go to". Now I do, and I give Marco and Pepe a large credit for my move.
(5)
Maya d.

A HORRENDOUS DINING EXPERIENCE. The ONLY redeeming quality about this pretentious excuse for a restaurant is its pseudo attempts at french rustic charm. I dined with admittedly high expectations...only to be completely disappointed. I ordered a bloody mary to begin. It cost 8$. A lot of money...nevertheless i put my head down and hoped for the best. All I received as a 12 oz. glass with a mere lime wedge. NO CELERY, NO OLIVE..! nothing.. for 8$ all I expect is some sort of garnish..but alas nothing. This bloody mary was a speed bump amidst my hellish excuse of a brunch... Next... Came the main event.. or shall i say bland event. I ordered the fried egg with shaved manchango cheese on a Portuguese muffin with 'Parma' ham. In reality, I received a thick slab of vile pathmark ham on an English muffin with NO manchango cheese. Upon asking my vacant frontal lobotomy patient/server for more cheese, I was greeted with a huff and rudeness. Not to mention.... I waited roughly an hour for my food...which I didn't care about in the end considering how awful the food was. All in all, i paid roughly 25 dollars for a disappointment. My advice is to all potential diners is to either save your money and keep your hangover. (trust me its worth it)... or support another jersey city restaurant that gets it right.
(1)
Tony B.

First off waited 20 minutes for them to clear one of three deserted tables while the hostess stared at us like a deer in headlights. Then our waitress, fresh from a bone cruise, struggled with telling us the juice list and other items on the scant menu. To top it all off we waited no less than 65 minutes for an omelette and tuna fish sangie which hardly knocked my socks off. They get 1 star for the corn on a stick and bloody Mary. Not going back.
(1)
Helen C.

Not sure what's going on here, but they must have changed chefs. I don't go here for dinner, cause I don't think the price matches the quality. Brunch is the way to go. I bring friends here and they always love it. Best things to order for brunch: - Ham and eggs - English muffin, with large slices of country ham, over easy eggs and a yummy brie sauce. - French toast - made with croissant! Oh so delicious. DO NOT ORDER: - Eggs in toast. A terrible, soggy mess with no flavor.
(3)
kay b.

marco and pepe has been a long-time crush for me. i would saunter over during summertime, creeping their menu, look longingly from the outside seating at beechwood during brunch. i didn't want this venture alone, but took a trusted foodie friend with me to assist and lay the truth on me, in case i was too enraptured by the talk. thursday night 8pm, there was no wait but a sufficient crowd lumbering over bar and table. the dim lighting and contemporary farmhouse digs are only yupster divine; gag or glee, depending on who you are. the space itself is a tucked in space, elbows touching industrial lamps over a sturdy alcohol section. i ordered the arugula salad appetizer that came heaping with radiches, a thick goat cheese, and a haphazard tower of greens. i loved the salad and was pleased with the portion, flavor, and subtle dressing. for dinner, i had roasted root vegetables that came with three sauces. the most appropriate sauce the were the salsa verde and the romesco. the salsify had an uncooked texture, meanwhile the yucca was rich and thick, savory, absolutely delightful and i would've loved more. lowlight was the pinchos we ordered. we were skeptical of truffled honey as we didn't want it to be too sweet or overshadow the ricotta, but for one miniscule crostini and small slathering of cheese, we expected far more for $2.50. it was laugh-worthy, practically insulting, i might have pitied the spanish snack as it looked dejected by the large plating. the honey hardly recognizable and the pincho itself needed a couple of friends on that plate to be taken seriously. the stellar player was the special, braised short ribs with butternut squash orzo, a nice solid entree! the short ribs fell off the bone to a knife's touch. the orzo was firm but not mush, not chunky but velvety with the squash rounded by sundried tomatoes and vincotto. this was enjoyable and our only complaint was we could do with a touch more orzo to cut the richness of the meat. also, we couldn't lick our plate in public. i want to give M&P 4 stars, but for the bill total, shameful pincho serving, an obvious and glum winter salad not worth $9, i must serve honesty. now, the braised short ribs were a high priced ($29) laudable standout and the arugula salad, a crisp starter that was comprised true and easy by its ingredients. our waitstaff was very kind but spotty, forgetting take out orders as the tightly scaled restaurant began to fill up. also taking into account the homogeneous crowd, i offer 3 stars hoping for 4.... someday.
(3)
Sakeenah M.

The croissant French toast! That's all I can say. Pure maple syrup, fresh strawberries. I know M&P is a hit or miss place, but this dish alone would keep me coming back
(3)
regina j.

This place is practically home away from home for us: we've been going there once a week for the last couple of years. It's always great: the service is lovely, the food is consistently good, and they're kid-friendly. I also appreciate the fact that they offer half-orders (which they refer to as "portion" size orders, as opposed to "entree" size), which are just the right size for me. They also offer a tapas menu, great bar snacks and a wonderful brunch.
(4)
Lucy F.

The breakfast here is great! The french toast made with croissant is a must try. The wait was a bit long but the food did make up for it.
(4)
Pimp D.

One of the best dining options in Jersey CIty aka Chilltown. The restaurant seems to be more Brooklyn than Chilltown. Their brunch is excellent...don't forget the to try the Bloody Mary and sangria. The dinner is very good as well - excellent mac n cheese and short ribs. The service is clueless, but friendly. Beer list is good, wine list is not so good. Better to BYOB, which they charge a $10 corkage.
(4)
Jeff C.

Shi-shi wannabe upscale place with Park Avenue prices. In JC? Gimme a break! You're a Grove St, an area that has been newly (but not fully) gentrified. Came here for dinner once. Probably the most expensive restaurant in the area. I still recall paying $5 for a fancy tin of shoestring fries. Not worth it.
(3)
TM P.

Love this local favorite spot. Great beer selection, and good menu. Especially the garlic shrimp appetizer. Friendly service all around!! I go on a weekly average, and look forward to M&P each time.
(4)
Karla C.

went here for brunch. we ordered the omelette and sangria. everything was delicious and affordable. nice environment. i would say this is easily one of the top 3 best restaurants in jersey city/grove street.
(5)
Joshua P.

When this place opened in 2001, it was just a cafe that served wine, coffee, tea, and had a little sandwich presser. They expanded the liquor offerings and then built out the kitchen to make it a restaurant. The menu is kept relatively short, but all the food is excellent and they now have a great wine/beer/liquor selection. It is pricey, but if you are willing to eat a little light you can make it very affordable by ordering the small portions. Some people complain that it's too yuppie. But for those of us that have lived downtown this is a nice addition to Grove Street that came when there were very few business owners willing to take a risk on the area, so I will let them be a little pretentious.
(4)
carla S.

Best cheeseburger and fries in Jersey City and some of the most professional bartenders I've encountered. Great bloody marys!
(5)
Rachel P.

Amazing!!! I have never felt so strongly about a restaurant in terms of food/service/ambiance. Menu changes seasonally so my husband and I are absolutely regulars who never get bored of our meal choices....try the Halibut with Lobster Risotto (new addition to the menu)!!!
(5)
Brian C.

I've been here a few times for brunch and dinner and my overall impression is that this place is average. The food is fine, but nothing to write home about. I've had their mac and cheese and I found it to be a bit runny and I prefer it without bacon. They used to have a duck sandwich for lunch which wasn't bad, but I don't think its on their menu anymore. In any event, its not a bad place, but I think I would chose to go elsewhere (i.e. Lighthorse Tavern) if given the choise.
(2)
Gorges B.

rating is based on brunch on a saturday outside.... service was slow, coffee was cold and took 5 min. to get sugar... the eggs came with hollandaise although that was not described... the portuguese biscuit resembled a burger bun... the best part of the experience was a fruit taste of a smoothie...
(1)
David M.

After trying to find a good place to eat on this side of the river that could handle more than just a decent burger, I was disappointed over and over again. I was ready to write Jersey off as just being not cut out for anything other than diners, pizzerias, lunch trucks, Newark style hot dogs, and White Mana hamburgers. Then I ate at Marco and Pepe, and all of a sudden everything changed. This is just a great place... it just does everything it sets out to do. The food is good and creative without being overly ambitious. The prices are right on point, and for the cheap bastards that think it's expensive... go across the river and see if you find cheaper food that's this good. You won't even find it in Jersey... this is cuisine based on high quality ingredients, so you get what you pay for. Do you really believe that all these BYOB joints in Hoboken and similar places are cooking with the very best ingredients when they aren't making a dime off drinks? The tapas portion option makes it easy to try many dishes on the menu, especially if your there with a few people (share everything). I'm no expert on wine or beer but the selection does seem pretty impressive for this side of the river, particularly the extra long beer list. I've had a lot of dishes here and almost all of them were great, including calamari, filet mignon, rack of lamb, scallops, risotto, and more that I can't think of. The only flaw in any of those dishes that I can think of is that the potato gratin served with the filet was very under-seasoned. Other than that, the only dish I can recall not being in love with were the baby back ribs, which were just too sweet for me (probably good for less sophisticated palates though, if you happen to be dining with one). The sweet potato fries that came with them, however, were superb. Desserts here definitely get my seal of approval, especially the warm chocolate cake and the poached pear. They aren't doing anything extremely innovative here, but they are doing things extremely right. I can only hope that more places like this show up around here.
(4)
David F.

So simple and yet so perfect. new American cuisine with a twist. perfect balance of of micro breweries and Belgium greats to complement the amazing brunch and dinner fare. Start off with the french toast (croissant's) is it legal to sell that. It is hands down the best ever. becareful it is very addictive and you may have to force yourself not to get it all the time. Other brunch delectable are great and they should get your attention as well. Dinner all around is excellent, great duck, lobster scallop burger, salad, talpia fish and chips! and of course truffle mac and cheese. Hard to not leave without over eating. Brunch is served every day but on Saturdays and Sundays expect a crowd after 11.
(5)
Cary J.

Bunch is incredible. Dinner is phenomenal. The quality of the food is the highest you will find in JC by far. Brunch is totally reasonable ($10/person). Dinner is a little on the pricey side. Beer selection is really excellent.
(5)
David G.

the food here is great, but the service is turtle-like slow... we came here for brunch, and it literally took us 2 hours to finish our meal... the waiter claimed there was some kind of delay in the kitchen, but our guess (based on his responses when we asked about our order) was that he forgot to put in our order... the place is pretty popular, but they don't have enough people working, which could lead to problems like that... we haven't given it a second chance yet, though, so maybe that was a one-shot deal...
(3)
Jonathan F.

So Marco Pepe has become my go to restaurant for brunch, dinner or a snack. They have a good wine selection and relaxing out door seating that ends any day on a good note. Their brunch is quite yummy especially the ham and eggs. Their Lavazza coffee never lets you down. And if your in need of something sweet before your hit the sack for the night, their oatmeal cookie ice cream, just a couple bucks for a scoop, always hits the spot. The only down side of this cute and yummy spot is that the service is a bit spotty. I have experienced both great and friendly service as well as rude and neglectful. But nothing that has kept us from returning. We have scoped out the wait-staff and now sort of know what to expect from who. All in all, a worth while visit!
(4)
Evan L.

Eh, we've been here before for lunch and brunch. Both have been pretty good, but nothing amazing. Went for dinner recently and we were really put off. The mac and cheese has cheap truffle oil in it (as opposed to real truffle), which is almost automatically a red flag. It was also completely underseasoned. The polenta-crusted cod was borderline inedible. No seasoning at all and overcooked, along with the rest of the seafood in the bouillabaisse. The broth was just not good, and also underseasoned. And as always, service is fairly embarrassing.
(2)
Joseph R.

I enjoyed their delicious brunch this past Saturday. The decor was urban minimalist, with exposed brick and trim seating. The menu was amazing - I had their brunch food, with a carafe of bellinis. A great Jersey City option for brunch, with reasonable prices. Plus it looks like there is adequate outdoor seating, though there were no umbrellas.
(4)
Jenny K.

Marco & Pepe provides a unique spin on traditional brunch dishes. i ordered the BLT which was made from a different cut of pork (not bacon). The saltiness of the pork was balanced perfectly by the sweetness of the roasted peppers (or was it tomatoes? I guess tomatoes make more sense since it's a BLT, but then again, this wasn't your ordinary BLT). Next time I go, I'm ordering the french toast ~ it's to die for! I found myself stealing bites off my friend's plate when she wasn't looking. Oh...skip the side order of home fries.
(4)
Mike Z.

The place recently switched their menu. Their fillet mignon with potatoes was a lot better before. They changed their potatoes and the fillet mignon now has what tastes like a goat cheese sauce on top. Way too strong for my taste. I use to go there at least twice a month now I might give them up all together.
(3)
JCandNyc J.

I live in NYC but am out in JC every weekend to visit my boyfriend. I never considered myself a creature of habit before as I like to try a variety of restaurants, but when in JC we find ourselves eating at M&P nearly every weekend because of their unparalleled consistency-- in both food quality and service. I love that I can graze on tapas (garlic shrimp) or get a delicious chicken sandwich (pounded thin and tender), mini burger (perfectly charred), or a half-portion of an entree (my favorites are any fish entree or the decadent mac and cheese), depending on my mood and appetite. The food is always perfectly seasoned and some dishes have a Spanish twist, which is a lovely change from the generic bar food typical of the neighborhood. The place is bustling so if you are very concerned about eating right away, I would suggest going early. Personally, I prefer to relax with a couple of glasses of wine and enjoy the candlelit atmosphere with various tapas courses rather than rushing through a meal. Service has always been expedient and unobtrusive. We wouldn't keep coming back if we didn't love the place, I can't imagine that anyone who appreciates fresh and thoughtfully prepared food wouldn't agree.
(5)
Susan S.

Clearly this is a good place for brunch, and I know from experience that it's a good place to hang out in the afternoon and have a massive cup of tea, but last night we were in the mood to celebrate and we tried Marco & Pepe for dinner. The service could have been better: we were informed that the draft beers were all pints, which turned out not to be the case (the amazing La Chouffe came in a 25 cl glass), and our drinks and food were slow in coming. The dinners are expensive (esp. for JC) and can be purchased as meals or "tapas" at two different prices. We had the meal size, and although the portions are not huge, every one of the three entrees that came to our table was phenomenally good. Their version of macaroni and cheese actually left me speechless, and the salmon with creme fraiche and lardoons was outstanding. The ambience is nice enough (dim lighting, candles, chatty noise level but no irritating muzak) that we didn't mind staying there a while and talking whilst awaiting the food. I'll be back when I want to drop some bank on a worthy meal.
(4)
Ron R.

My wife and I sat down in the outside seating area for a quick dinner, hoping to address a craving for mac & cheese. After what seemed like too long the busgirl noticed us and brought over menus. After another extensive wait, she brought over water and bread, but no glasses, plates or utensils. We finally caught our waiter, and asked for the missing ware, and ordered an entree portion of mac & cheese ($18), having liked the small portion ($11) we ordered a while back. Again, after too long a wait, the food finally arrived. We were shocked to see the size of the entree was barely much larger than a side - certainly not even close to justifying paying $18 in Jersey City. After asking for our check, and again waiting too long, we noticed we were charged $10 extra for a drink we never ordered. We waited a full 10 minutes to get our check corrected. At this point I asked to share with the owner/manager our experience. He mumbled an apology, gave some excuse about being understaffed (which surprised me - he seemed to have 4 waiters for no more than 20 tables) and that was that. I assured him we wouldn't return even though we live around the corner.
(1)

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Address : 289 Grove St
Jersey City, NJ, 07302
Phone (201) 860-9688
Website https://www.marcoandpepe.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Brunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Hipster, Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Marco & Pepe

289 Grove St, Jersey City, NJ, 07302

Marco & Pepe Menu

Sides

Starters

Tapas and Entrees

Cheeses

Sandwiches

Healthy Meal suggestions for Marco & Pepe

Sides

Starters

Tapas and Entrees

Cheeses

Sandwiches

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