Light Rail Cafe

237 Randolph Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07304, United States
$$$ Cafe
(571 Reviews)

Nestled in the heart of Jersey City at 237 Randolph Ave, Light Rail Cafe is a delightful haven for anyone seeking a casual yet vibrant dining experience. This multi-level cafe stands out with its four floors, each buzzing with an ambiance that embodies camaraderie and joy. Its walls are adorned with nostalgic photographs of family and friends, creating a welcoming and warm atmosphere that feels just like home.

Light Rail Cafe's menu is a treasure trove of mouthwatering options, expertly crafted to satisfy various palates. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty Meatball Sandwich or the comforting Spaghetti and Meatballs, you'll find delicious eats at every turn. Among their offerings, the Chicken Stew Special is a crowd favorite, known for its rich, savory flavors that embrace you like a hug. On Taco Tuesdays, the excitement ramps up with an array of vibrant tacos that are not only flavorful but also incredibly affordable. Don’t miss the Tinga de Pollo for a smoky kick, or the Guac'n Chips, perfect for friends looking to share an appetizer or two.

The cafe also boasts generous big plates for those with a hearty appetite—think succulent Oxtails or the impressive Surf and Turf that promises to tantalize your taste buds. Each dish showcases the chef's commitment to quality and flavor, leaving diners eagerly anticipating their next meal.

Customer reviews paint a picture of Light Rail Cafe as a beloved community gem. Chef Rene Hewitt encapsulates the charm perfectly, highlighting the joyous atmosphere filled with patrons indulging in both food and the lively vibe. Haleemah Watson raves about the delicious bites, especially the macaroni and cheese that would leave you craving more. DiVa ErYkAh describes it as one of her favorite hangouts, returning not just for the food but for the enjoyable experience that the cafe consistently delivers.

The friendly staff, like the attentive server Mabel, ensure that you feel valued and taken care of during your visit. Even during busy nights, the service remains quick and responsive, making for a hassle-free dining experience. With a rooftop deck and outdoor seating, Light Rail Cafe is an ideal spot to unwind, sip tasty beverages, and enjoy good company.

In summary, Light Rail Cafe serves up not just food but an experience steeped in community warmth and nostalgia. For anyone in Jersey City looking to indulge their culinary cravings or just enjoy a leisurely hangout, Light Rail Cafe is a must-visit destination that will surely become a cherished part of your dining adventures.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
From the business
Identifies as Black-owned
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Has great wine list
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
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Monday

07:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Tuesday

07:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday

07:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Thursday

07:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

571 Reviews
Chef Rene Hewitt's Jams

02 Sep 2025

Light Rail Cafe Review Writer: Chef Rene Hewitt Chef Rene Hewitt a few seconds ago 2 min read Located at 237 Randolph Ave, Jersey City, NJ sits this wonderful restaurant which includes a nice size bar. It's not big but it has 4 floors of pure fulfillment with people really enjoying themselves. Let's start with the restaurant's look. One wall showcases photos of family and friends. The bar is extensive and was lively with customers enjoying themselves. There was an abundance of laughter, dishes being served, and fantastic music playing, creating a festive vibe that made you want to dance to the beat. I accompanied a friend, Crystal the Pound Cake Lady, who mentioned that there is space on the side of the restaurant as well as in the back. I explored the back area and was pleasantly surprised by how cozy the outdoor space is. However, she informed me that there's more to the place. In fact, there are three floors above. The second floor is available for rent for special occasions and features nice warm decor and a fireplace, making it quite comfortable and spacious. I didn't have the opportunity to see the third floor, but I was told that they offer entertainment on the roof. When the weather changes, I'll go back for the thrill of the rooftop. Regarding the food. We began with fried catfish as the appetizer, which I must admit was quite good. It was crispy but could have used a bit more spice and the pieces were quite small, which surprised me. After the appetizer, I had smothered turkey wings, which were really good but needed much more sauce, along with collard greens that were excellent, and mac and cheese topped it off. Crystal also had the same appetizer, smothered turkey, collard greens, but had candied yams. She said they were very good and recently went back for their chicken sandwich. Regarding The Light Rail Cafe as a whole, I love visiting places where you can see people truly enjoying the food, their company, and the surroundings. The atmosphere was lively and bustling, which can be contagious. The bartenders and waitstaff were very friendly. I didn't have to wait long to be served, and the food was hot. The chef clearly knows how to prepare perfectly cooked comfort food. I would rate The Light Rail Cafe a 10 out of 10. If you're looking for a good time and great food, don't hesitate to visit them. Mention that Chef Rene Hewitt sent you.

Haleemah Watson

17 Aug 2025

Food was delicious! Good prices and the Mac n cheese was maccin’ !! The server Mabel was sweet as well. They don’t accept Apple Pay but I was able to zelle my server :). Definitely coming here for my birthday!!!

DiVa ErYkAh

21 Jul 2025

One of my fav hangouts in Jersey City! The street name has special meaning to me ,so I keep going back for the food, music and atmosphere! The vibe is always good and the sips are tasty. I've been twice in 2024 and both times , had a great time. This is a multi level venue with a rooftop deck and a lower outside area. The servers are always pleasant. I'll be back before winter for sure!

Hema K

09 Jul 2025

I would suggest anyone reviewing this place, understand it's setting and vibe before doing so.. This is a small, casual place, that offers good food and drinks at a reasonable price.. They are not "Fancy", so don't expect that.. We were 8 people in total and showed up without reservation since it was unplanned, and we were all just hungry, after a long and tiring evening, and this was the only place nearby with a good rating.. It was 1st time for all us.. Place was packed with barely any room but they got us seated right away by opening up the upper level.. Service was a little slow, but that was expected with the crowd, and the fact that we were seated separately from the rest of tables.. There was no complaints on the Taste or Quantity of the Food, especially for the price.. There was mix up with the getting separate checks, but again, it was understandable and they were quite apologetic about it..

Alejandro Santana

05 Jun 2025

Came in for a quick brunch and got the French toast sandwich. Sandwich was great, cheap since it was brunch menu. Jupiter our server was great as well! Very quick no fuss service. Definitely recommend.

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