Go on Thursday nights when the owner's band plays. They play two lively sets of French gypsy jazz. Food is consistently good, and the specials help provide some additional variety. BYOB is a must, and fortunately, there is a liquor store right around the corner.
(4)
Andrea C.
Loved the food here!! BYOB plus cozy, cute and great service. Called ahead and got a reservation - had a late dinner and it was excellent. Cheese plate to start... fruits, fresh French bread - generous cheese sampling! Sea bass special for me, steak frites for my better half -- both awesome Dessert was tempting but after eating too much bread and cheese to start with - had to skip it. Restaurant is small and gets pretty loud, but it adds to the charm. Outdoors seating is available. Would go here any night of the week.... oh yeah, bring cash!
(5)
Adrien B.
This is my all-time favorite restaurant. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is so cozy and relaxing. I feel like I'm at my friend's house when I am here. I would go here at least 1x a week if I lived in the area! They just catered my wedding and the food was amazing, all of the guests kept raving about it. Love. Alice & Mattias are the best. Try to catch Thursday jazz night if you can!
(5)
Jeri H.
The food has always been excellent and I love that it's BYOB. Although I don't frequently dine here, I appreciate that the waiter remembers my favorite dishes and makes other spectacular recommendations. This is a place where you won't be rushed out the door and can enjoy a relaxing meal with friends.
(4)
The Kosher Porkchop A.
the food is generally good, but have had some uneven streaks ... the ambiance is trendy and the place seems to sustain itself off a combination of image and hipness and the lack of alternatives in jersey city. but it is french ... what can i say ;-) for a byob that does not take cc, survival in a marginal part of downtown jersey city is an accomplishment.
(3)
Julie S.
I really like this place. I have only been a few times, but the food is always good/very fresh and the service is friendly. Love their crepes and coffee. And it's also a BYOB, which is good! The only down side is that the place is really tiny and doesn't have the greatest ambiance. The menu is somewhat limited as well.
(4)
Yoko K.
I've been here a few times and most of the time I enjoy it. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate. It's BYOB. The food is usually pretty good. I usually get the hanger steak. Last time I tried a scallop appetizer from the Special menu. The sauce was a little too rich. The service is usually a little slow but very polite. Once time they completely botched up the timing but made up for it with free dessert. I recommend making reservations since the space is small. I'm looking forward to the out-door seating when the weather is nicer.
(4)
Bayete L.
Six of us ate at this jersey city gem. Reading the previous reviews on yelp prepared us for the longer than usual wait. It ended up being perfect for a group of friends looking to catch up. The staff was very friendly and the food was awesome. Icing on the cake was the liquor store around the corner of this BYOB restaurant.
(5)
Evan L.
My wife and I went here once a while ago. It was ok. The ambiance was very nice - small and cozy. The steak frites was average, the mussels were not very good. They did have a nice clam appetizer special. So food-wise, I'd go with ok, but your French options in the city are so much better. After our first trip, we decided to try again a few months later. Again, it's one of those neighborhood places you want to love. This time we didn't make it to our meal. We had a reservation for two at 7 on a Saturday. When we got there, the place was pretty full. It looked like there were two two-tops open, but there was a group of four in front of us waiting to be seated (as well as an ever-expanding line of people, with reservations, out the door). Instead of acting calm and collected, like a good host/hostess does, the host and his minion just ran around completely exasperated, not really tending to anyone's needs as they tried desperately clear a single table. It seemed that at once, 90% of the restaurant paid their tabs and left. There was a row of, say, eight open tables. Yet the host sat us at what was basically a patio table next to the bar (meaning a table *meant* for a patio, but they put inside, separated from the rest of the restaurant, next to the annoying glare of the kitchen lights). I asked if we could maybe take one of the other eight tables, and he explained to me that I couldn't, because they needed all of them. Then he tried to convince me that our table was actually very nice because it was "private." What an asshole. We decided to walk over to Lighthorse Tavern in Paulus Hook instead, where we had a great, albeit more expensive meal.
(1)
Dave S.
Just had a delicious brunch at Madame Claude. The eggs were delicious, and they came with really good crispy potatoes and a side of mesclun. The coffee was also very good. The service was a little slow, but very friendly. All in all, I'll be back to have more brunch, and probably try their dinner menu. I'm glad this place is in my new hood.
(4)
Tammy O.
A former 4-Star(er) tumbles down a notch. Please, We are rooting for you - pull it together Madame!
(3)
J C.
This is a charming place, very cute, and I felt the service was good. We were starving, so we started out with the small cheese plate and cod cake. The portions were good. Nothing stellar to speak of, but satisfying. I think the menu and choices were fantastic, but I think it lacked something to it. I think the flavors tasted like it was cooked for a day or two and it was microwaved. It didn't taste as fresh. We ordered the lamb and the duck and its sides were just -- eh.. Nonetheless, it was a fun night for me and a great place to sit, bring your own wine, and to enjoy a dish. Maybe, I will try to order something like the steak frites... maybe there are just go-to dishes and shouldn't expect too much from the other items on the menu. I would give it a try again, overall - good experience, but the food quality wasn't what I expected.
(3)
K, L.
Haven't been in a while, but this place is goodness! Kind of a trek from Path, but still definitely worth the trip. Plan wisely! It's small and gets busy really quickly. I'm a big brunch person, so this was always my go to place.
Have been several times, and love it more each time. Love the cous cous with Moroccan spices...and really, everything I've had there (down to the bread/butter, and mousse) is wonderful...the waitstaff is friendly...the "gypsy jazz" on Thursday nights is a rare treat...You will not be disappointed...and if you are, you're overly critical--lighten up!! :-)
(5)
S O.
Overall nice restaurant. Seems like a true gem in Jersey City. Will go back and see if it maintains it's charm and good food. Hanger steak and full trout were delicious.
(4)
S M.
Overall, this place is great. The atmosphere is quaint and cozy. The staff that we interacted with were cool. We had very high expectations for the food and for the most part, they did not disappoint. The only real catch was toward the end of our sitting, the female owner was apparently freaking out about a large table of customers who were messing up reservations for the evening. She grabbed an empty wine bottle and smashed it repeatedly near the kitchen. Yeah, I said she smashed a bottle right there in the place. The whole restaurant came to a standstill. Our server's response? "Well, you know, she's French!" Yikes!!
(3)
Deanna M.
Disclaimer: I've only been here for brunch. This is a great little place for brunch. Cozy, not overly decorated, and a great/fresh menu. I love getting a spinach/goat cheese/ham omelette, or the Madame Croque. I'm not a coffee drinker, but when I see people with their huge mugs, it almost makes me want to convert!
(5)
M B.
MUCH better this time around. We went earlier in the week to try and have some dinner, but we had to turn around and find an ATM after seeing a sign on the door that said Cash Only. When we came back and asked for a table, we were told it would've been 15+ minutes for an outdoor table (not fun on a hot night), so we left and found another place for dinner. We still wanted to have dinner there, though, so we called Madame Claude's the following night and made a reservation for 6:45 p.m., and this time we were seated indoors right away. We got our water and bread basket right away and our wine was opened, and our first courses came out rather quickly ... my husband had the soup of the day (a cold cucumber and avocado soup) and I had the mesclun salad with Granny Smith apples and large toasted bread croutons topped with warm goat cheese. Both dishes were delicious. I wish the table water carafe had some ice in it, though ... it wasn't warm but it wasn't all that cold, either. We also didn't get a wine bucket although a table next to us had one. Oh well, not a big deal. The main courses also came out pretty quickly ... pork tenderloin with polenta and green beans for me, and duck confit and roasted potatoes for my husband. Both meats were nice and moist, and the sides were very good as well. For dessert, we got a baked pear crepe with warm chocolate sauce and ice cream, which was a great ending to our meal. The restaurant started to get crowded as we were finishing our entrees, so it took a few minutes to get a dessert menu and place our dessert order. It also took a little longer to pay the bill and get some change at the end. We're very glad we gave Madame Claude's another shot, because we had a very pleasant and delicious meal, just like we did on our very first visit with friends. However, we've learned our lesson ... make a reservation, make it an EARLY reservation (your best bet is probably starting your meal prior to 7 p.m), and bring cash. And remember to BYOB if you want a drink.
(4)
Paul B.
I've been to this place a couple times and have really enjoyed it. The staff is very friendly and the food is fantastic. I highly recommend the Steak Frites with the pepper sauce. The meat is always so tender and the sauce is to die for. It's also great that it's BYOB. In case you forget to bring something you can run across the street and grab a bottle at the liquor store. My only negatives is that it's a very small place (especially when the outdoor area isn't open). I highly recommend making a reservation if you can. The other negative is that since it's so small they somewhat rush you in and out and it isn't really a place to relax and enjoy an after dinner drink.
(4)
Chris R.
Excellent food. Cozy atmosphere. Friendly staff.
(4)
Anjuli S.
Food was delicious! But the inside is a little cramped. Hubs and I went last night to celebrate our anniversary, had the small cheese plate (definitely enough for 3-4 people), he had the skirt steak and I had the whole orate as a main course. It rained a bit outside, but I'd recommend sitting out there. We sat on a two top that had to be pulled out for us to use it. The decor is cute inside, but once they sit folks next to you it becomes quite loud and intimate with people you don't know. But this is all in retrospect - when we left all we could talk about was how good the food was. Will definitely be back to try the crepes!
(4)
Cathleen T.
Being that I'm French and have spent time living in the Caribbean, I wanted to be infatuated with this place. There are a lot of great things going for this place; BYOB (with liquor store right around the corner), street seating, and a home cooked meal kind of touch. Cons are that service is excruciatingly slow both for drinks and food. After ordering what I thought were quite simple dishes, La Salade de Canard Confit (which is clearly a cold dish) and Couscous Madame Claude, we did not even get our food until at least 45 minutes later, and this was on a Tuesday night! Thank god the taste of the food made up for the painful service. We ordered the La Bronzee with our food for an after dinner treat. You'd think that at $9 a pop that it'd be heavenly. Ho hum I make better crepes! Another con is that they do not accept credit cards! What?! My advice to Madame Claudes, welcome yourself to the 21st century by having faster service and a credit card machine! Overall, food is great. I would give this place closer to 5 stars if the service was faster.
(3)
Kat K.
This place is a gem! We tried the pork, gespacho, and the small cheese plate. Everything was wonderful! The service was top notch, and the atmosphere was welcoming and made me feel like I was in a cafe in Paris. The crepes are a must!
(5)
Michelle J.
Madame Claude Cafe is super cozy and sweet. The staff is wonderful, always happy and helpful. My fiance and I are vegetarians so there isn't a ton of things we have tried on the menu but we've customized a few dishes to our liking and they are all wonderful. Thursday nights are a total delight with music. Love their wine shop as well near Hamiliton Park. My one wish is that they accepted credit card, I live so close but have to walk 4x the distance to hit a bank so it's not a place i can go to at the drop of a hat. Great place to take visiting family or friends. Super delightful!
(4)
Becky O.
Madame Claude's is such a treat for downtown JC. An adorable little restaurant with an authentic French feel. Brunch is great, and going for some soup and crepes is always nice too. It can get tight, and there's really no place to wait. It's also BYOB and cash only. All in all, a great place that I live bringing out-of-towners to.
(4)
Susan L.
Madame Claude's is a charming neighborhood restaurant. My husband and I have been there twice, once for dinner and once for brunch and we enjoyed ourselves each time. The food is a bit pricey for the area (brunch prices were more reasonable), but it was tasty and satisfying and we love the atmosphere - we sat outside both times. The service abeit slow, was very friendly- so totally forgiveable. I wish there were more restaurants like this around here.
(4)
Carrie H.
I was really wanting to like this place, as you can't beat BYOB and I was excited to see the mussels on the menu. Our appetizers were good (stuffed mushrooms and escargot). Unfortunately, our main dishes left a lot to be desired. The Steak Frites (ordered medium rare) and mussels were both overcooked. Unlike the other reviews, I found the staff friendly and thought it was a nice atmosphere, but the food didn't do it for me.
(2)
M S.
I really liked the atmosphere and vibe of Madame Claude. We had a great brunch and enjoyed our Sunday afternoon here.
(4)
Pimp D.
Great spot in Chilltown. Very good Bistro food served in a tiny place. Service was friendly but slow. BYOB a huge plus. Cash only policy sucks...WTF who carries cash anymore?
(4)
Miranda B.
I really thought this place would be better. I was mistaken sadly.. This is the only french restaurant downtown JC so I really wanted good french food..not someone else's idea of what they thought it should be, because it wasn't. The portions really sucked too. Other than that, it's a real cute place to see. VERY small though..VERY.
(3)
Sarah K.
Food is always perfect. Staff and owners are lovely. My favorite place in Jersey City by a mile! Cash only. Bring your own wine.
(5)
Renee R.
Cute little place with a nice atmosphere. BYOB which automatically adds some stars for places around here. Not a huge vegetarian selection, but what they do have is really good.
(4)
Amanda O.
I cannot say enough good things about this place. Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in downtown Jersey City and consistently great food! It's BYOB and cash only...and reservations are a must for the weekend.
(5)
justin p.
The food was excellent. the Steak was charred on the outside and cooked to temp (Medium Rare) on the inside. The fries, while seemingly store bought frozen's, were cooked properly and stood phallically erect. The goat cheese appeared homemade as did the french onion soup, right down to the non uniformity of the onions. DONT EVEN GET ME STARTED ON HOW AMAZING THE CREPES ARE. All the food is great, stupendous, amazing.... The wait staff is beyond courteous and knows preciously how to direct the indecisive eater. Its like France sans attitude. Did I mention it's BYOB? Bring some champagne or a white or a red or both, they got your stemware covered and will put your white on ice and move your red to a more convenient locale. All in all i'd give it a five, except one strike to it's perfection..... Ghandi fought a battle of moral turpitude based on it and the Romans's and Spanish sowed there enemies land with it. Of course I'm referring to salt. This place is perfect sans the salt. I somehow found my self needing extra salt on everything except the dessert... And the desserts are beyond phenomenal. So please Madame Claude, don't be stingy with the sodium. Until than ill just add my own.
(4)
Projectshave L.
I only go for the excellent french toast. Unfortunately, only one chef there seems to make it right. The brioche has a slightly caramelized exterior and a sweet soft interior. I've had the crepes once and it's pretty good.
(4)
Susan S.
OK, I'm a big enough person to admit that I was wrong. If this is the first time you're reading this review, you might want to go down below the *** and read that part first. Update: We called the owner, who in fact was not the person I had originally spoken with, and she was so apologetic. She asked us to come back, and we did, and we had a great meal. I was wary after reading other reviews which dissed the food for lack of taste, but our dishes were really good, and not just "really good for Jersey City." The service was fantastic; friendly without being overbearing, and the atmosphere was very relaxing with perfect lighting and music. We had pheasant fricasee and moules frites, and a duck confit appetizer, and were very satisfied. We will definitely go back. ******************** I can't review the food because I've never eaten at this place, although not for lack of trying. It's close to a fifteen minute walk for us to get there, but we thought we'd try it out because we normally eat so late and this is one downtown JC restaurant that serves food after hours, and because they are BYO. I made the latest reservation I could, at 10:30 pm on a Thursday, and we arrived at 10:34. It didn't look promising as the chairs were all up on the tables, and we walked in to see the staff either carrying out bags of trash or dancing. "We're closed," they told us. When I said I had a reservation, first they claimed to know nothing about it, then they said that there was a "problem with the bathroom." They hadn't called to tell us that they were closing early; this might have been because I wasn't asked for my phone number when my reservation was taken. Although they apologized in a rather perfunctory way, it was clear that the two women working there were eager for us to leave so that they could get back to leaving work early. I called the next day, and another worker told me "actually, the bathroom has been fixed for a while." So I assume that someone f**ked up, told a partial lie about the bathroom (there had indeed been a problem, only not on the night that we were there), and we were left with half an hour walking in the cold with no alternative places to go. I've been trying to get in touch with the owner, with whom I made the original reservation, to see if she can convince me that we should try again. If so, I'd be happy to revise my review as I would love it if there were a good late-night BYO place on this side of the river.
(4)
David F.
French country cooking in Jersey city. Great food and service. Great brunch, especially the lamb and goat cheese crepe, omelets and butter crepe! It is a small restaurant so it is best to make reservations for dinner. This is a BYOB place so go around the corner to the local liquor store and buy your favorite french wine for dinner.
(4)
David M.
I had passed this place on several occasions and always wondered about it, given it's French name in such an unlikely location. Then last Sunday, while searching for a decent place to eat without having to cross the river, I came across a few pretty good reviews for this place praising it mainly for it's atmosphere and decent "French comfort food". After eating there, I can honestly say that I truly believe most of these reviews were overly sympathetic to the idea of opening a small, neighborhood bistro serving simple fare that, unlike all the others in the neighborhood, is French. When I think of French cuisine, whether in the form of peasant food or haute cuisine, I think of food that is made with more passion than is present in most other kinds of food... and that is also made by following certain guidelines and rules that will ensure the food will be as enjoyable as possible. One example is the proper seasoning of food, which can definitely make or break a dish... or in this case it broke the whole meal. Almost everything was lacking in salt and therefor bland, other than the "imported pates", which since imported were obviously not house made anyway. I was constantly reaching for the salt shaker (which of course contained not fleur de sel, not regular sea salt, not even kosher salt... but regular table salt with it's horrible texture). Other than being horribly under-seasoned, mussels has bits of unappetizing seaweed stuck in them (although they were not the least bit sandy). I managed to somehow finish them but it was a struggle (and took a lot of salt shaking). The fries that came with them seemed too much like fast food fries to be appealing at a French restaurant. I mean, we all know that not many restaurants in this price range make fresh cut french fries... but don't make it that obvious that you just opened a bag of frozen shoestrings. French onion soup wasn't too bad or too good but again I had to reach for the salt... and it's not too easy to mix and dissolve salt into a soup with a crouton and melted cheese floating in it. Escargots were decent but again desperately needed salt, as they tasted as if they were simply sauteed and coated in unsalted butter without even the slightest pinch added before or during the cooking process. Desserts were decent, but then again so are the ones at the diner. Like most places on this side of the river, I really really hoped it would be good, and I was wrong. After discovering Marco and Pepe a month or two, I had finally felt some kind of hope for dining in Jersey and particularly Hudson county... this place unfortunately pinched me and woke me up from my dream, at least for now. It is simply the French counterpart to the seas and seas of shitty overrated Italian "comfort food" restaurants that dominate this price range in New Jersey.
(2)
H B.
Love Madame Claude. The food is excellent, cozy atmosphere and oh yeah, it's relatively cheap. Love that! BYOB keeps the price tag down.
(4)
trisha o.
we had an impromptu meal @ mc's a few month's ago. it was a friday night, it was packed. the food was much better than when i last went there a few years ago. it's byob, which is always a fantastic benefit (to me). the crepes are amazing!
(4)
Ketan P.
**WARNING** CASH ONLY ESTABLISHMENT My wife and I went to Paris last year and we loved the food and flavors found in restaurants throughout Paris. We were pleased to see that Madame Claude's fosters the same authentic French cuisine and cooking styles. We were very pleased with the food we ordered and the hospitality. First, the restaurant is on the corner of 4th and Brunswick, small little family style place, not very big inside, definitely recommend making reservations. They're also BYOB so make sure to bring your own bottle of wine. We choose to sit outside, it was great weather and the area is pretty peaceful. I would recommend that they upgrade to slightly larger tables for outside, but it wasn't that big of a deal. Our waitress (unfortunately forgot her name), was very nice and knew the menu well. We relied on her for several recommendations and she was on the money each time. We got the calamari which was NOT fried; I actually prefer it that way, more natural taste. Anyways, it was delicious, good flavor from the sauce and veggies in the dish. For our entrees, my wife got the seafood stew (special of the day) and I got the Mussels in mustard and white wine. We went to Paris/Brussels/Amsterdam about a year ago and I was in missing the great mussels we had there so that's why I ordered the mussels; also on the menu was a chicken and lamb sausage stew; which would have been my 2nd choice. My wife dish had monk fish, mussels, shrimp and I think one more fish, they slow cook the broth by itself for HOURS and then add the seafood and bring it to perfection. The texture of the seafood just melted away in your mouth. There was so much flavor with each bite of the seafood. She explained what was in the broth, lots of spices, specifically noting on saffron, but they all combined to provide an explosion of flavor in your mouth. Also included with the dish was bread croutons, a saffron cream spread and cheese. As she explained, you're supposed to apply the spread to the croutons, added the cheese and then dip the bread into the broth, this was one of my wife's favorite part of the dish. You really pick up a lot of the broth's flavor. My dish, was great as well, not much to mention as its just mussels, the flavor of the mustard and wine white really came through, mussels were cooked just right; simply put I was pleased to get my mussel cravings satisfied. For dessert we have creme brulee, nothing specific to mention, well made like another quality creme brulee. **WARNING** this is a cash only establishment; embarrassingly, we did not have enough cash, but they were really nice about it not asking for any type of collateral, so we both left the restaurant (after offering to leave our credit card, drivers license, my WIFE behind) drove to a BofA ATM (by Exch Pl) and came back about 10/15 minutes later, and paid the waitress. So, bit of an awkward ending to the dinner, but great food and great service.
(5)
Martin L.
A great neighborhood place. I'm not sure why i waited so long as all my friends keep raving about it. We started off with mussels with curry sauce, which isn't what you think, but just mussels with a hint of curry flavors, which was delicious. I had the duck confit, which was decently cook, and my friends swear by the lamb chops. Added bonus being that it's BYOB, which means you can get as drunk as you want without splurging too much. The ambiance is more of a laid back cozy french style, with dim lighting and pictures all around. The wait staff were solid. Definitely worth a visit and a go to place if you're in the area.
(4)
S A.
went for dinner. ok spot. slow service. you'd expect the bread at a French restaurant to be really good but it was not.. overall, there is so much potential if the sourced their ingredients better. cute spot but mediocre execution
(3)
Tyrone T.
Okay, I really enjoyed Madame Claude's when I first started to go there despite the crowded, cramped seating and at times oblivious staff. Twice had to wait so long on one occasion that my party simply walked out after half an hour or so. After an auspicious start, the food has been on the downhill. On another occasion, it took 4 tries for them to get over easy eggs correct in the huevos rancheros dish. This problem has been repeated on a few occasions. I would think a basic chef would know what an over easy egg is. One of the real attractions of Madame Claude for us had been the merguez, which initially was very spicy, flavorful and the perfect complement to the huevos rancheros. That is no more, the last order i had was bland, tasteless and ground too fine making the sausages hard. And the last item of particular note, is that the crepes are horrible and in place of nuttella they seem to be using some cheap chocolate sauce. The staff: In particular, there have been one or more particularly rude, lazy female hosts (perhaps this is there impression of the effete french wait staff). From being rude about replacing dishes which were incorrect to most recently when i called to provide feedback that the over easy eggs where cooked all the way through, the hosts response was along the lines of "so what ...you want it replaced now? No... ohh so you just called to complain!" Some needs to explain to these women that they are not the next french top model and teach them about manners and service.
(1)
Alex N.
My husband took me here when we first started dating two years agp. We both fell in love with this place. Yes, you do need a reservation if you intend to go later in the evening. It becomes so packed that they will turn you away if you don't have a reservation. So I highly recommend one. We normally like to go early so we can get a table of our choice outside and take our time eating. The staff is super friendly and know most of their patrons by their first names which makes it a welcoming neighborhood place. The food is by far the best thing about Madame Claude. They always have great specials and I have tasted most of their menu. I have always been impressed with every appetizer and entree I have ordered there. Everything is tasty and fresh. My husband and I love the food so much that we had decided to hold our wedding reception there. It was everything we had expected and more. The food was so tasty and the portions were a lot bigger than we had expected. The best part was that we didn't spend as much as a normal wedding would have cost. We were able to purchase several crates of wine at their wine store for a discount too. Matis, the owner, was able to pair the wines with our menu. All of our family and friends had a great time and were so impressed with the food.
(5)
Analee C.
I came here for dinner and wasn't upset, but it wasn't the most amazing food I've had. The only thing that I really enjoyed was the Escargot. As a virgin to the escargot eatin' world - it was tasty! BYOB is nice. Cash only isn't.
(3)
Irene H.
Came here for brunch. We got a table outside. I'm not sure how the waiter was monitoring us since we were not within line of sight but he was somehow because a few seconds after someone dropped a fork, he was there. Seating is right off the street, so there was a lot of honking going on at some point. We waited for our friends for a while so we started w/ the crepe Helene with poached pear and chocolate. It was good. I got the OJ (freshly squeezed!), some coffee, and the scrambled eggs and salmon with croissant. Everybody else got savory crepes. CASH ONLY!
(4)
michele m.
By far one of my favorite restaurants in Jersey City. Intimate, comfortable I'm a big fan of the Duck entree... also love brunch as well. One of my friends from France said it is the best crepes she has had since being in the states! Its a great date place with its cozy atmosphere and french fare! Fun, Romantic and one of the best spots to visit in Downtown Jersey City! Thursday nights Live Music a real fun place that feels like your home away from home! Love it!!! If the chocolate mousse is on the menu order it you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Tim H.
I came here to try something new. The restaurant was located on some corner in an obscure location and not as part of any main strip. The inside however did have a nice ambiance and was well decorated. The small hole-in-the-wall feel made it seem more laid back and less like a fancy restaurant, which really it was not. I ordered escargo (snails) and chicken/lamb stew with veggies over couscous. Although I was not crazy over the garlic/butter sauce the snails were ok. The main dish however was very tasty not to mention I love couscous. It came with a sauce you pour over the couscous, which complemented the meal well. For dessert, I had baked pear and chocolate crepes, which was ok as pear does not mix well with crepes and chocolate. The service while a little slow was good and the waiter was friendly and made small talk. Overall the staff was very nice and made for an overall nice vibe. While I did feel that $40 is a bit much to spend on a frequent basis, I can't complain considering the specialty of the fare. In spite of any pet peeves I brought up here, I felt the overall experience was good and I'd certainly like to come again to try their other selections.
(4)
Marlon O.
This is by far my favorite restaurant in Jersey City. Not only is it BYOB (which removes the uncertainty associated with the typical wine menu), but it also has a charm that is very reminiscent of bistros that you find in France and Italy. Among the highlights of my meal were the cheese plate, the lamb shank, and the mussels in saffron sauce; all well prepared and sufficiently filling. The wait staff were excellent and the experience was such that 2 hours flew by without it seeming that long. The only downside I would say is that the restaurant is cash-only, but given the reasonable prices of the food, it's a downside that I'm happy to live with. Highly recommended!
(5)
Russell N.
I hate places that don't take credit cards. The liquor store around the corner was closed so had to walk 4 blocks to find an ATM and pay $3 extra.
(2)
Sarah K.
This is my favorite restaurant in Jersey City for several reasons: *The atmosphere reminds me of Paris. *It's BYOB and there's a liquor store right around the corner. *The chocolate pot de creme is fantastic. *The steak frites always a reliable and yummy choice. *They make a lovely cappuccino. *On certain nights they have live music. *The service is slow, but you never feel rushed.
(4)
James L.
Had a "guys night out" dinner there and the place was amazing. Food was excellent - especially the specials. Very nice decor, great service but the place is very small so a large crowd can overwhelm the place. Even then, the staff was very accommodating. The hanger steak was perfectly prepared and all the sides were delicious. The BYOB is a huge plus so that we were able to pair our meals with some terrific wines. Bring cash!
(4)
Kris F.
In a word... Perfection! I have been going to Madame Claude's for over 4 years now and will continue to go there until I am asked to leave! :) The food is magnificent, the staff friendly, and I love the BYO aspect. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
(5)
Valerie F.
My boyfriend and I went here for dinner on a Friday night. Even though they were busy, we were seated immediately. I thought the service was excellent, if a bit slow. Our server did forget to bring out our appetizer, but when another noticed that we weren't eating, he asked if we were waiting on anything and brought it out right away. That appetizer, calamari, was decent - I wouldn't pick it again, but it was cooked well. Our dinners were fantastic. I got the Moroccan crepe, which was delicious - the lamb sausage was savory and spicy and it was filled with some wonderful creamy sauce. My boyfriend got the steak frites. It was a hangar steak, cooked perfectly medium-rare, and the fries were like butter. We were very happy with our meals, and felt that the price accurately reflected the quality of the food.
(5)
Jaz V.
Please do yourself a favor and don't come here. If you really have to come, braise yourself to eat literally right next to your neighbor. Its a very small place and you basically have to be super friendly to one another because its like dining with strangers. Please also note that you are going to wait for a long time for everything--service wise and for your food. The only decent entree to get here are: the lamb shank and duck. Aside from those two I meantioned, nothing else is good. Don't even bother for desserts here because the crepes were horrible. We had the nutella which wasn't so bad but how can you really go wrong with hazelnut chocolate? The pear crepe with the chocolate drizzling was the horrible. I don't think I will ever come back here which makes me sad because I really had high expectations for the place.
(1)
James C.
Local bistro with very limited seating. Lately being a regular has not helped since they do not try to accommodate their regulars! Opening a second local business never helps out since management has to concentrate elsewhere! Nothing wrong with the food and it is reasonably priced! Things rarely get better with expansion!
(2)
Paul R.
First things first: this place is definitely authentic French (ambiance, food, coffee and, unfortunately, service) The croissant with ham egg and cheese was delicious, everything looked and tasted very fresh. Chocolate and banana crepe was very good (nicely made crepe), just the perfect size for brunch or a dessert for two. Good coffee, as you would expect. This was a great place for brunch, we'd definitely go back another weekend. But it will have to be a cool weekend, as the lack of any real air conditioning made the place a bit too warm.
(4)
Eric W.
I've only been for brunch, but I definitely plan to come back for dinner eventually. The merguez sandwich was fantastic. It's tiny and a little cramped, but the service was good. All in all, a great little find in what for all intents and purposes is a pretty desolate neighborhood. If it were in a better location, it would rival some of the little cafes in Paris to sit outside and relax for hours.
(3)
Brian B.
I've given this place four stars merely on the strength of the food, which is excellent in my opinion. We've had quite a lot of things from both the brunch and dinner menus, and we've never had a bad meal: steak frites, mussels, duck confit, lentil salad, eggs benedict, dinner crepes--all have been excellent. And the desserts have always been top-notch. The fact that it's BYOB can also make this a really nice meal on the relatively cheap. The problem with this place is that the service is just horrendous. It's slow, and you feel like you're constantly being scoffed at. As much as I love the food (and it really is the best French food in Jersey City), I often dread going here because of the servers. But I've still given it four stars because the food, the prices, the place itself--all of these are great. It's too much to expect that the servers will fall all over themselves for you, or to act like the service is the only part of the meal (but a little bit less thinly-veiled contempt would be nice, too).
(4)
Andrea D.
Get the Pork. Ask them to cook it medium rare. Seriously, that is all.
(5)
Meghan T.
This place was pretty good but the service was off. Inside the ambiance is very authentic feeling. The patrons are loud, the walls are cute and eclectically decorated, and the staff is very hip. Feels like you are in some real local restaurant in France. The food was good. Our group of 4 ordered the warm goat cheese salad and stuffed mushrooms for apps. The stuffed mushrooms were quite good. The salad was typical. For entrees, 2 people ordered the salmon, 1 person ordered the pork tenderloin, and I ordered the filet mignon special. My filet came with a yummy ratatoullie on the side. Everyone else was satisfied with their food except there were complaints that some of the salmon was not cooked all the way through. For dessert, 2 of my dining mates ordered the flourless chocolate cake, 1 ordered the vanilla and caramel crepe, and I ordered the creme brulee. All were good again. Our biggest complaint was the timing of the service. The 2 salmon dishes came out a good 8 minutes after the pork and beef dishes. Same thing with the dessert -- the 2 chocolate cakes came out well after the other dishes. Poor timing -- the kitchen and/or the waitstaff needs to address that.
(3)
Josh J.
Eggs Benedict were cooked to perfection
(5)
Emily B.
This place is just great. Delicious food (awesome crepes), cozy atmosphere, great staff & owners - if you're looking for a restaurant in Jersey City (especially a BYOB restaurant), Madame Claude's is it. Couldn't recommend it more!
Not my favorite. foods soso and its really tight inside.
(2)
Anthony S.
What a spectacular evening at Madame Claude Cafe! Delicious Duck Confit Salad and Steak Frites with a surprisingly good bottle of Merlot from Cape May Vineyard made for atop notch night. Madame ClaudeCafe is a gem in downtown JC. We're lucky to have them here.
(5)
Shen P.
i get it.....it's cute. I get it....it's cozy. i get it....it's romantic and charming. I also get the fact that the food is kinda average and a little overpriced for the amount you receive. The crepes were ok, the omelet was meh, the service was attentive. Most of my friends like Madame Claude and it's a great place to take a date but I don't like paying strictly for ambiance. Well.....unless i really like the gal.....then I'll take her wherever her tummy wants to go. (Hopefully to White Castle so we can share a Crave Case....kidding.....kinda....not really) As mentioned by everyone else..........but it's BYOB! And Binny's liquor store is right around the corner. Binny's has a great selection of malt based bevys so you and your lady/man friend can slug back a couple of 40s while you shove the pretty decent cheese and fruit plate down your throats. Or just get a nice bottle of Pinot Noir, preferably from Oregon but a Napa Valley Cab will do just as well.
(3)
Jono P.
I need to write a review of this place simply to offset some of their one star reviews, which are complete baloney. Madam Claude is really a superb neighborhood restaurant, with very friendly staff and a nice menu. The food is well prepared. And it tastes really good. We have been many many times and I have never felt there was any kind of issue with consistency. One of the best spots in JC.
(5)
Kelly T.
An attractive restaurant but this pretty lady is definitely relying too much on her looks. The food was sub-par and the service frustrating.
(2)
C M.
I think this place is super charming. I've lived in JC for almost three years, and after getting an earful of rave reviews, I went for brunch, and was disappointed. Lack luster crepe, burnt-to-a-crisp merguez (how do you spell it? it's the sausage.), and subpar coffee. The service was friendly, the decor eclectic and adorable, but the food was...not great. Well two weeks ago my boyfriends parents were in town and mentioned they'd heard wonderful things about Madame Claude's so we decided to go to dinner. I am SO glad we gave this place a second chance. First we went to their wine shop and grabbed a bottle of French farmhouse saison and a white that was highly recommended by the owner. I'm sorry I don't know the name of either of them, because if I did, I would totally recommend them--they were delicious. We sat outside in the shade and the weather was so perfect. The owner was there and chatted us up, very sweet, and we had a very nice, attentive waiter. We started with the escargot, mushrooms in beschamel and the lentil salad. All of them were seriously so good. The escargot was cooked well, the texture was spot on, the butter and herbs were sweet and rich. The mushrooms were lovely--the sauce was so creamy and luscious, the mushrooms earthy and tender. The lentil salad was cold, and had apples, it was crisp and refreshing. For dinner we got the braised lamb shank, steak frites, a veggie crepe and the couscous. Everyone was very happy with their meals. The steak was cooked as requested, was extremely flavorful and tender. The fries were super crispy, which I love. The only other dish I tried was the couscous and I would definitely order that myself. We'll be going back, for sure. I can't wait! PS. This place is CASH ONLY.
(4)
Robert J.
Lets start with some truths! 1) extremely small. I am 6'9" and my date was about 5'11". Neither of us are small. So we waited for a table that would accommodate our size. 1 hour. 2) BYOB (Thank God!!!) We enjoyed a delicious bottle of a classic Bordeaux even before we were seated. 3) Jennifer is synonomous with AWESOME!! She made sure we were taken care of as we stood by the big oak tree outside on one of the warmest nights of the year so far enjoying our classic red. Once inside and seated, with the band directly behind us and a group of alternative lifestyle males hunckered down next to us, we began to appreciate why this place is worth the wait on a Thursday night! The cod fish cake appetteaser (1 cake is not enough!) was OUTRAGEOUS! It was better than most crabcakes I have had!! They really should consider making it an entree option. The cheddar laced Cous Cous that came with my medium rare pork loin was also a homerun!!! Not to mention the mussels in the ginger leeks and lemon broth!! I am not a dessert guy, but the warm pear and chocolate crepe made me want to invest money in this place. Please..... Grab 3 great bottles of wine, call and make a reservation for Thursday night when they have music and prepare yourself for a culinary experience non compare!! Make sure the wine is french and if you plan on having the mussels , make sure it is a crisp white bordeaux!! This place is one of legends!!!
(5)
Johnny T.
I find it very hard NOT to order the mussels for an app and the steak frites every single time I go into this place. go on Thursday nights and you can see the manouche bags.
(5)
Jessica W.
The best French restaurant I've been to in Jersey City. Just kidding, are there other French restaurants in Jersey City? Intimate and cute, which can go both ways. Do call ahead and seriously, beware the live music ... it can be a little overpowering in a space this size. Food is sublime 4 times out of 5. The less said about the 5th time the better. BYOB really works for this place. It's good food, but the prices make it seem like you're stealing.
(4)
Megan S.
Hands down, my favorite restaurant in Jersey City. Delicious food, lovely service (slow, but it's meant to be a leisurely meal), and a short walk from my apartment. What else could you ask for? I've had many of their dishes, and none have disappointed. It is cash only and byob, but that doesn't diminish from it at all. It is absolutely wonderful, definitely check it out, you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Helen W.
I had a seafood soup: fish, calamari, shrimp, and mussels in a tomato based soup. It was okay. It was the special for the day. About 15 of us were here for a bday party. It's small so it was kind of hard for big groups.
(3)
cory b.
Great date spot, cozy, with good food. Loses a star because of the price point, and the coziness often means a wait for a table at busy times (like brunch).
(4)
Orville W.
We had dinner there over the Labor Day weekend because we had to stay overnight in Jersey City. The space is extremely cramped, what's known in the business as "greed seating" with tables touching each other. Only one waitress was serving the main room and she was completely overwhelmed. That led to delivery of the food being slow and even more inexcusable, the wrong dish being brought. After we had the first course, a gray-haired gentleman (the owner, I believe) approached me and said he'd like some feedback. I told him that I'd be glad to speak to him after the meal, but he never again asked. Oddly, when he brought over an order of pommes frites (fries), he said in French, "avec la sauce ketchup," maybe one of the few reasons left in France for using the guillotine. (I don't know, perhaps he overheard us chatting in that language.) But in France, pommes frites are not served with ketchup but with Dijon mustard. In any event, they were SOGGY! Memo to Monsieur Claude: take the PATH to Manhattan and try some fries at Pastis or Balthazar. The restaurant's website lists reviews that are eight years old which is why it's mystifying that they write, "we do not yet accept Credit Cards." Yet? After eight years? This is inexcusable. Draw your own conclusions about cash businesses. I'm really confused by some of the other comments here. If there is a wine shop "around the corner" that was news to our waitress as well as Google Maps both of which say eight blocks. The couple next to us was really peeved and left "for a cocktail." The verdict: food 4, service and ambience 1. The prescription: get a bigger location with a bar, liquor license and credit card machine. And hire more staff. I'd like to eat the meal while I still remember what I ordered. Madame Claude leaves you sad for what could be accomplished with only a little more effort since ultimately, we enjoyed the food.
(2)
Jessica J.
I finally went to Madame Claude's for dinner last night and I am so happy I did- it truly is a hidden gem in JC! The atmosphere is very romantic and cozy, soft lighting with candles everywhere. The wait staff is so friendly and made us feel welcomed and taken care of right away. To start I had the French Onion Soup which was flavorful and a great portion, and also the Stuffed Mushrooms which were really delicious. For dinner I had the Mussels in White Wine and the portion was great- I couldn't eat all of them. My friend had the Steak Frites in Roquefort Sauce which was the perfect portion. The french fries that the dinners come with are thin and crispy and delicious. One important heads up: the restaurant is very small (it seats no more than 25 people) so definitly make a reservation, they had to turn a few people away because the restaurant was full. Another great perk is that Madame Claude's is BYOB. I will definitly be back!
(4)
Eric S.
Really good French diner food for a good price, and the ambience is amazing. Great for brunch especially. Try the merguez sandwich. Unfortunately, a huge wait for the line, and it can be a bit crowded; when service is slammed, even a refill on coffee can take a while.
(4)
Ana S.
I agree, the mussels... bland. I agree, the french fries... straight out of a McDonald's box. But the duck..... oh the duck. Tender, skin thin and crispy, with just the minimal amount of fat. Side of potatoes.... meh. Its possible that they were stored in too cold a temperature, hence the discoloration (some chunks are purple in color). And make sure to come knockin' with your own bottle of booze. But still, the french liquid soap in the bathroom, the wistful crepe griddles, the smoky bourgeoisie lighting, the romantic greeting when you call to reserve .. make this an ideal spot for some nice conversation between a few friends or loved ones and a few decent menu items. Don't miss out if you're in the area, come on weekdays and think before you order something. Remember, that Paris is mostly known for the coffee, the croissants and dessert. Ooh, dessert. Order the chocolate mousse, and your frown will turn upside down. Tiny chunks of rich dark chocolate in fluffy mousse will have your feet find their way back here soon.
(3)
P C.
French meets trailer park, how can we cook what's left in the fridge. Absolutely the worst meal I've had in NYC area. Better food at a street fair. No squash in squash soup. Sausage was from walmart's grocery aisle. 12 tables, and very slow service. Honestly, a frostee and a slice would have been better.
(1)
Dawn G.
My boyfriend and I decided to go here on our date night a few weeks ago. I really like the atmosphere- small, cozy, romantic and charming. It was packed, so make a reservation. My only complaint is that we were seated at what they call a "private" table- a small table next to the beverage bar and away from all the cute tables. Considering we had a reservation, I was a bit disappointed. But other than that- I really enjoyed it. We ordered a bunch of small plates and shared everything. The stuffed mushrooms were my favorite. The cheese plate had a nice variety. The Creme Brulee was fantastic. I will be going back- and not sitting at the private table :-)
(4)
John M.
This place is solid. Nice atmosphere. Good menu. Quality coffee. BYOB. I went for brunch the other week with my family. Everyone's food was very good. Croque Monsieurs, quiches, crepes. I had a tasty smoked salmon sandwich. My GF had poached eggs. The portions were a bit small for the price, but everything was tasty. The service, however, was a totally different story. The waiters were all over the place. There was a really young guy, who was very sweet, and trying very hard, but kept making mistakes. 3 different tables that got seated AFTER us, ended up ordering and getting their food BEFORE us. The young waiter claimed that he wasn't the person who was supposed to take our order, so we waited for an older gentlemen (by older, I mean in his early 20s). He was extermely cold, rude, and rushed with us. Very impolite. The owners are very sweet people, so I'm sure they didn't know that their servers were doing such a bad job. Great food. Awful service.
(3)
Estelle T.
I visited Madame Claude Cafe for brunch and dinner a few times each. It's definitely a cute little place that's great to have in JC because we have few French bistros in the area. However, the restaurant definitely needs to improve on increasing the quality of the food and consistency. I can't pinpoint any one issue with the restaurant's food. I think overall they need to improve the quality. I found it to be pretty mediocre. I would also note that one time I saw a roach climb up the side of a wall, another issue that needs to be addressed.
(2)
M H.
I definitely agree with other reviewers who commented on the service at Madame Claude's slacking as of late. I actually think everything there has gone a bit down hill in the last year or so. The last time I was there for dinner, the waiter gave my sister a bread plate that had a chunk of old dried sauce of some kind on it. And it wasn't just a smear, or something small - it was an absolutely unwashed dish. I could possibly be completely incorrect in saying this but, I suspect the owners stopped paying as much attention to the restaurant once their wine store got up and running in Hamilton Park. I just feel like some of the attention to detail was lost at Madame Claude right around the time the wine store opened. I hope it's just a passing phase, as I do think it's a charming little neighborhood spot.
(3)
Nate T.
Reasonably priced French restaurant. Just peachy. Service is good and friendly. It isn't THAT slow, relax. Go on a lazy Sunday. Play with the babies. Order something French (why are you ordering Huevo Rancheros?) La Salade de Canard Confit is delicious. Get a crepe. They're real crepes. The wheat flour/buckwheat flour kind, not the pancakes you get from the mall. Now go take a nap.
I went to this quaint little place not too far from my residence the other night for dinner, and was impressed by the neighborhood vibe I got when I walked into the restaurant. The restaurant very cozy and staff was friendly and the food was great. I ordered the Escargot for the app and the special Filet Mignon for the Entree. My GF ordered the Hanger steak well done but it came medium. I understand nobody really orders their steak well done but I still think it should of came how it was ordered. The dessert was great but by the time I was already too full to fully enjoy it. I will definitely go back again and try out other things, (as well as try out their breakfast menu)
(4)
Karen C.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Jersey City. Its nice and cozy, great for 2 a bit tight for 4 but definitely doable. They take reservations. The owners are french and on Thursdays, the French gypsy band is excellent. Food is really good and its BYOB. There is a liquor store right around the corner, but if you go to the owners wine shop in Hamilton Park - Madame Claude Wine they have an excellent selection of reasonably priced wines. If you purchase a bottle at the shop and bring it over to the restaurants you get free dessert. This restaurant is a win win!
Im very disappointed with my last visit. The overall quality if the food has gone down. I ordered the duck which was highly recommended by the staff. Well, that was a big mistake. The duck was burnt, overcooked and dry as if trying to cover up an old piece of fowl. Not only was it nasty, but i believe that it gave me food poisoning as I was laid out for the next 24 hours unable to keep anything down. I dont know what happened to this restaurant but it definitely is not the same place it was a few years ago. This opinion was also shared by my party who were all disappointed with their food as well. Good bye Madam Claude.
(1)
Becca T.
I live close by and wanted to do a girls night with my best friend-this was the perfect choice! Got the cheese and veg/fruit platter, lentil salad, and grilled shrimp. They were all great, but I didn't think the shrimp was with the $. Wasn't open to the escargot until we smelled another table order it-had to get one and trust me and it was amazing! I was grossed out at the idea of snail but was over-the-top pleasantly surprised. Two people, two salads, and 3 small plates later (including byo wine) I am just the right amount of full and satisfied with Madame Claude's. Would definitely come back. Btw- the restaurant is very small and tight- we sat right near the front door. If it wasn't pouring we would have been outside and it would have been a great (more comfortable) experience. If the weather isn't nice make sure you call ahead-the aren't a ton of tables inside.
(4)
Sarah C.
I was so excited to try out this cute little french bistro but I am underwhelmed :( I made birthday reservations for a party of 6 to be seated outdoors, but we lost our table bc we were running late. When we got there, it was a full house. We were seated next to a group of rowdy older women that were super loud & equally wasted. Annoying. It took awhile for us to get menus and place our orders, but the manager was very sweet!! We started with the grilled octopus (extremely tender but small portion), pate (2 diff types), escargot & watermelon gazpacho. I normally do not like pate, but I gorged on one of them. Escargot was DELISH as always, and I didn't try the gazpacho. They also give you a small amount of bread with prob a pound of butter. Safe to say there was 5 lbs of uneaten butter on the table by the end of our meal. I had the lamb shank and this was the biggest letdown. It was very under-seasoned with crusty, hard, dry meat on the outside and a lottt of fat. The sauce was lacking and I wished there was more of it to compliment the lamb. The cheese on the potato gratin wasn't melty at all; it was dry and lukewarm from prob sitting out too long. I should've went with my gut and ordered the duck, which was YUM-O! I wanted to eat my friend's entire plate. We also had the salmon, spicy sausage crepe, and steak frites. They all enjoyed their dish, and my friend was esp over the moon about the crepe. For dessert, the flourless chocolate cake (?) with vanilla ice cream was divine but the creme brulee was a fail. It had the perfect caramel top that didn't crack when tapped with a spoon, but once I dug in, it fell apart into a liquid mess. Where art thou, my lovely custard :( I think if I gave this spot another shot with a date and tried other items on the menu, I'd be all over this ish. Till next time, Madame Claude! BYOB
(3)
Ariel J.
Madame Claude is solid and I really look forward to going back for brunch. I came for dinner and got the octopus special (DELICIOUS) and shrimp (just OK) to start. The portions were decent for three people. Same goes for dinner - I had the rabbit and linguini special which tasted great. The other people I was with had the duck and the braised lamb. I tried both of those, definitely liked the duck better out of the two. But my rabbit is still my favorite of everything I tried. Madame Claude is a cute, tiny place. The staff is friendly, it's BYOB and overall pretty tasty food. I would definitely come back here again for dinner!
That is the best place in the world. We come here every Friday for 2 years and we always leave satisfied and happy. Phil is awesome as a waiter, ask for him. Always make a reservation, especially for Friday and Saturday night. Their special whole-fish Branzini is amazing, duck is always tender and yum, steak fries is classic and I personally love lamb with their special secret recipe for that amazing potatoes.. Oh my, I love this place! Try crepes, they are delicious, I usually take one with Nutella and finish it with a cup of true strong cappuccino. Bella!
(5)
Mark R.
Meh.... Went there for Brunch. First time there for me but my wife has been there for dinner and loved it. I ordered an omelette and it came with diced potatoes. Both were bland. I was not impressed. My wife ordered the game sandwich with an egg and she thought it was good. I was not impressed. The dessert crepes were not anything amazing. They were a bit slimy and was not very favorable. Service was kinda slow. Again I wasn't impressed. Have fun
(3)
Rich A.
We loved our dinner at Madame Claude. The room is small and intimate. The walls are festooned with photos of people - I assume French actors and musicians - we did not know them. We went on Thursday night, so we had music from the three piece band. It was lively and pleasant. They played French and Gypsy style jazz and folk, as advertised. Conversation was a little tough, but still possible, during the music. The patrons are not expected to be quiet during the music, it isn't a jazz club. The large pate platter appetizer was generous and delicious, with three different pates. The bread could have been crustier. The daily special appetizer, Hen-of-the-Woods (maitake) mushroom sauteed on toast, was scrumptious. The soup of the day, mango gazpacho, was lively and flavorful. Lentil salad with apples was a perfect texture and had subtle, mild flavors - this would be the vegan choice. Service was very attentive. With such a small room, it was easy to call the waiter. The mussels in a delicious lemon-butter sauce was a good value. There were plenty and they were quite large and fresh, first-rate, and cooked just enough. The steak with pepper sauce was properly seared and done as ordered, juicy, and delicious, with crisp "French Fries". The very lively sauce was wisely served on the side in its own little cup, to use it according to taste. The lamb shank was extremely tender and flavorful, and not at all gamy. The Crepe Marocaine contained plenty of mushrooms and delicious, peppery lamb sausage, and just enough rich creamy sauce. The lightly dressed mesclun salad that came with the crepe balanced it well, but it could have been shredded smaller, and perhaps a choice of dressings would be nice. At this writing, no credit cards are accepted, and BYOB if you want wine. (If you don't want wine, are you sure you like French food?) French food is rarely cheap. We each ordered an appetizer or soup, and a main dish each, and paid $33 each (before tax and tip). Portions were generous - we were too full for ice cream afterwards (except the teenager!).
BYOB !! Just stopped in for quick appetizers .. Beet salad & garlic shrimp ! Yum ! I'm going to come back to try out more options on the menu ..
(4)
An S.
I liked this place. Everything was good, aside from the lamb, it just tasted microwaved for what ever reason. Like it taste like it was take out from a couple days prior and heated in the microwave. Escargot was great and staff was really attentive/friendly. Byob!
(4)
Dee B.
I like the dark, cozy atmosphere. The last time I came, it was a cold Saturday night and we made reservations. However when we got there, they had no table for the two of us and we were put in a makeshift table in a corner surrounded by cutlery and phones. It was like sitting at the kids table while the adults got to sit at the other tables. It sounds like a complaint, but I promise it's not. It felt cute. I appreciated that they made the best of the lack of space for us, and I liked that we were alone! A woman, who is maybe the owner or manager (?) Came over and apologized during our meal but we told her it was absolutely fine! I have only come twice and ordered the same thing, mussels in white wine. It's very tasty. I love the fries they serve. They are thin, and they kind of remind me of McDonald's fries (which has the best fries out of any fast food chain in my opinion). My partner got steak and fries, and he liked it. I would love to come back and try the crepes, but I was pretty full the last time. It is BYOB, and with good food, dark intimate atmosphere and delicious wine I had a great night.
(4)
Cheryl P.
Huh? I didn't even know that this place was a French restaurant. But this place definitely delivers pretty solid food. I usually never have the time to go visit spots for brunch, but I'm glad I finally could. It was definitely strange because there was absolutely no one in the restaurant on a Saturday at around noon-ish. And you'd think that the food would come out fast, but it took about 30 minutes to get our food out. I think my friend drew out his whole family tree before we got our food. Anyway, the food was very good. At least my food was. I had the french toast, which was the bombbbb. Does anyone use that phrase anymore? Doesn't matter. It was so good. Not a fan of french toast to begin with, but it was yummyyy! Friend had the lamb sausage mushroom crepe, which was ok. I didn't like the crepe, but the lamb sausage was pretty good. The dressing on the salad on the side was delicious! I think I want to come here for dinner one day...the seafood sounds yummy...but only when I have a lot of time cause it seems like we gotta wait for the food for a while...
(4)
Lauren F.
My favorite French restaurant. I've been here a few times. Atmosphere is very romantic. Had dinner there this past Friday night. Ate inside at a dimly lit table by candlelight. Good thing we made a reservation because walk-ins were told to come back after 9:30 for a table. I had the mussels the first time I came here which I remember were good. On Friday, the boyfriend and I shared escargot for an appetizer. They were served shellless, swimming in sauce, and were slightly on the salty side but I still found them to be very good. Ordered one of the specials that night which were 2 beautiful lamb loin steaks on the bone. They were served with a small stew pot of artichoke hearts with carrots and onions in a sort of Rosemary chicken broth. My meal was outstanding! The lamb was soft and delicious and I can't tell you how many times I just wanted to pick the steak up with my hands to gnaw the meat off the bone but etiquette prevented me from doing so. For dessert, we shared the house made creme Brulee and we weren't disappointed. Even ordered a crepe to go and ate it for breakfast the next morning. Great place for a date night or if you're looking to try something different.
(5)
Chris V.
This is a quaint little French restaurant in the ever improving jersey city neighborhood. The food for us was ok but we were a little spoiled as we had just returned from a trip to France. My duck did not inspire me in any was and it was a bit dry. But my wife's crepe was good. Perhaps our expectations were a little high after our trip. I really liked the atmosphere in the restaurant but the restaurant should tone down the fake French. The other reason I docked a point was because the restaurant did not accept any cards which can be a bit inconvenient.
(3)
Heather T.
After a Latin Mass (yes... it was done in Latin), we took my guy's mother (whom was visiting from Italy) to this place for a brunch before settling in for whiskey and Friday Night Lights marathons. This place is BYOB but we forgot to smuggle champagne into church and liquor stores dont open until 12pm on Sundays, so we marched onward to Madame Claude's liquor-less. We were seated immediately and brought waters. It took a bit to get our order in, but, even longer to chase someone down for the check (Just FYI: If youre in a hurry, make sure to request the check when they bring your food - we never saw our waiter after the plates were dropped at our table). The restaurant is cute - a bit claustraphobic (my seat was against someone else's), but enjoyable atmosphere. As for food: my guy's mom ordered the Huevos Rancheros, the guy got a Croque Madame sandwich, and I opted for an omelette with goat cheese, mushrooms and spinach. The homefries were tasty and I enjoyed my omelette - not sure it was worth the price tag though. The guy had a decent meal and finished his plate: his mom wasnt impressed for picked at it the best she could. I hear great things about this place: perhaps we just ordered the wrong thing or should come for dinner instead of brunch? Either way - nothing horrible, but nothing memorable. PS: Cash only, so make sure to hit the ATM prior to walking in.
Rather unimpressed. The boyfriend and I had g-brunch here with friends, and we were surprised to find the place relatively dead after all the hubub on Yelp about it. Fair warning: it looks REALLY shady out front. It's got the ambience of a serial killer's body disposal shack. Yikes. We ordered, and I got my old standard: two eggs over easy with fixings. Not only were the portions lacking, but the food was not even cooked very well. I was originally just going to get the croissant with jam but was very saddened to see that jam was just Smuckers in a small jar. C'mon. $5 for that? And $10 for two eggs, half a potato, and three leaves of arugala? What do you think this is: Manhattan? Regardless, the place still gets two stars because the atmosphere (INSIDE the restaurant) is cute, and if it was dinner, I would certainly appreciate the BYOB policy. I won't be returning though.
(2)
Eliza R.
Cozy, sweet, delicious place for dinner! They were out of mussels when I was there, unfortunately, but we had salmon, steak, potato gratin, and calamari and everything was amazing. Service is friendly and they had live music. Highly recommended! BYOB and cash only. It was very crowded on a Thursday night so I'd suggest making a reservation.
(5)
Michelle S.
Our friends suggested this as a good brunch place in Jersey City so we met them there on a Sunday morning. They brought Prosecco, which we mixed with orange juice provided by the restaurant. We each got a cafe ole, each one which came with different designs on the steamed milk. It doesn't take much to impress us... We started with croissants which were delicious. The four of us split two of them, which was plenty. They were buttery and warm and wonderful. For my entree I got the smoked salmon crepe which comes with mixed greens on the side. The crepe was good but I don't know why they included tomatoes in the crepe. December tomatoes are just sad and shouldn't be served. But the actual smoked salmon was good. Just be warned, the portions are normal sized, maybe smaller than what you would expect for brunch. We all cleared our plates. Also, no credit cards are accepted here so make sure you have cash. Luckily everything is reasonably priced so you don't need too much money on you. Definitely a very cozy and welcoming spot - I'd be happy to come back here in the future.
(4)
Missy J.
How have I waited five years to finally come here??! So intimate and romantic. And the food is really, really good. The server intuitively knew to give us space and definitely took notice of the fact that we were more interested in talking and taking our time eating...so he adjusted the timing of firing the entrees accordingly. I love the BYOB aspect...not too many BYOB spots in JC. I'm definitely interested in checking out brunch!
(5)
Priti K.
This may be my favorite restaurant in Jersey City. I'm kind of upset I've been missing out this whole time. The ambiance is quiet, charming, and romantic. They've got these hanging wine bottle lanterns that I love. It's a bit of an escape from Jersey City. We started off with the assiette de pate, a small size which came with two different kinds. The darker one was a little tough to spread. The white one was softer and creamy - both fantastic and a nice light start to the meal. For our main courses, we ordered the Couscous Madame Claude - stewed chicken and lamb sausage in Moroccan spices served with couscous and vegetables. Oh my goodness! What a lovely dish. It had both an eastern and french flare, warm and delicious spices. Chicken fell right off the bone. Everything was so tasty, especially drenched in brown gravy. We also got the lamb shank, it came with cheesy potatoes and peas. The lamb was amazing, tender and tasty. The portion sizes are rather large and we both had a ton of left over to take home. Duck confit was out that night, so will definitely have to return to try that. I have a feeling I'm going to back here sooner rather than later. Dinner was filling, but of course my sweet tooth scolded me for even having the thought of neglecting it. We got une crepe sucrees - the chocolate, vanilla ice cream, and caramel one. This wonderful meal was accompanied with one of my favorite bottles of wine, which happens to be French - Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Village. BYO is a godsend! I'm a lover of everything French and Madame Claude Cafe delivers nothing less than you'd expect. It's cash only. Française occupe toujours une place dans mon cœur (I think that's correct. It's been so long since I've practiced!)
(5)
Ava R.
I have come here previously for intimate dinners including this past Father's Day and have had a wonderful experience every time but this review is for a birthday dinner I helped plan this past Friday night. The staff and service here was amazing!!! I had no trouble making a reservation for 8 and then increasing our reservation to 11 at the last minute even though the dining space itself is on the smaller side. I arrived early with decorations that were welcome and our table was ready. Our party trickled in slowly but once everyone arrived our orders where taken quickly, the food came out delicious and without a lot of wait time and the staff was extremely accommodating. A lot of wine was had by all and we were not rushed out or made to feel we overstayed our welcome. I applaud them for their excellent service, patience, and I would recommend them for both larger birthday dinner and intimate dinners alike. And, the stuffed mushrooms, mussels and hanger steak are all are delicious!
(5)
Reena N.
BYOB in a cute French bistro. This is definitely a great date night spot it just a night with friends. You can bring your own wine and they'll open it for you without a corkage fee. The food is great but not the same quality as 5 star French restaurants. However, this place doesn't boast being a 5 star French place, it's a bistro and very casual at that. I'd highly recommend coming here for an affordable and charming night out.
(4)
Daniel G.
The atmosphere here is vibrant, servers are friendly and while they can work on utilizing the restaurant space a little better, their dining scene is expected of french cuisine with a hip-modern twist. Not too fancy, just about right. Just remember, BYOB. I wish I could rate this place a bit higher because don't get me wrong, the food here is great. Probably even better if it was sold as if it just came right out of the kitchen...not for us this time. We ordered a lot for two people: Les Escargot, Confit de Canard (duck), Jarret d'Agneau (lamb), Leek soup and ended the dinner with an obligatory Creme Brulee. Now, back to the three-star perspective. Granted, the wait for our food was a bit long (I'd like for them to make sure they put some quality time into cooking), I was expecting our meals to be hot. Sort of like the couple next to us who practically ordered the same thing, their food came out hot - sometimes sizzling. What happened here? Beats me. But what I do want them to consider is that food should not be served almost near cold. If that were the case I would've gone to shop-rite and hit the frozen aisle - that's being too nice especially when I know I can make my frozen meals a lot warmer than they did. Still, I think the servers should really be conscious of the temperature in which the food is served. Trust me, it makes a BIG difference. So as I said, the flavors in each dish were quite frankly delicious (albeit the food temperature).Lamb shank was cold - the white wine/rosemary sauce gave it a kick; Escargot was great as an appetizer, be sure to ask for bread! Creme Brulee was awesome - good thing this dish isn't served hot - they got lucky with this one. Would I come back? Potentially. I think for dinner, probably not. I hear their brunch is good though, but I like a hot brunch/breakfast so I might be taking a big gamble here.
(3)
Camille S.
We had a fantastic and authentically French meal at Madame Claude's on Valentine's Day. The ambiance is amazing if you like cozy and quaint vs stuffy for your French food (like me). Must be okay with sitting close with your neighbors/in tight quarters and a lively atmosphere. A very talented French jazz ensemble made our experience feel like a real night on the town. I'll be back!
(4)
Shilpa M.
Small, Low key spot for birthday dinner. Apple tart & flourless chocolate cake. Duck, steak frites, extensive mussels menu, pork, mushroom-clam soup. Friendly staff. BYO
(5)
Michele T.
Love this place! The only reason I gave 4 stars is because of the wait....it can be long! But the food is great...the cute little place is a hidden gem...honestly, if you have a hankering for some yummy French food, this is right in your backyard (JC folk). Can't wait to go back to get some more yummy escargot..
(4)
Lissette M.
This loction is in the heart of Jersey City. From the outside is not fancy and one would think it's not a restaurant. But once you walk into the place it has a very cozy warm feeling. Here you must BYOB... The food... AMAZING...... My favorite appetizer was the calamari. Excellent place for an intimate dinner. Cheers!
(5)
Angela P.
Took a party of nine for a birthday and they were very accommodating. A person was late almost an hour and they were very nice to wait. But don't do this, it's a small place so they can't accommodate all the time. Ambience was cozy, romantic and not loud so you can have a conversation. Good was very good,service even better. Byob and cash only.
(4)
Michael S.
Food was just ok, service good, atmoshphere unique but crampped
(3)
Jon P.
Great service and the food was great. Would highly reccommend. Also its BYOB
(5)
Alli M.
Friendly service. Traditional French menu with crepes and croque sandwiches. I enjoyed eggs Benedict with spinach and salmon. Sat outside. Mushroom crepe had a beautiful cream sauce. Felt like I was in Paris.
(5)
Ash P.
Escargot very salty. Cold salty mussels. Fries and steak were okay thus the 2 star.
(2)
Rocio H.
I had the eggs benedict with salmon. I have never had it with salmon and was pleased with it. At first I was hesitant towards the salad but once I gave it a chance I enjoyed it. I recommend checking this place out.
(4)
Chelsea A.
I love Madame Claude's. Been here many times for dinner and for brunch. For brunch I love the smoked salmon sandwich. The mayo, egg, salmon combination is perfect. Dinner favorites include the couscous Madame Claude and the lamb shank. For appetizers I highly recommend the stuffed mushrooms and escargots. Also shared a large cheese plate for four - very generous serving, well worth the price. If they have the octopus special you must try it!! Perfectly cooked (not chewy in the slightest). Unlike any octopus dish I've ever had. I'm not a fan of the crepes - too much dough in my opinion. Thursdays with Manouche Bag - live French jazz music - are so much fun! Adds great ambience! Try sitting closer to the door, furthest from the band, as it gets fairly loud.
I was in town this past October, visiting a friend. A girlfriend I grew up with also lives in NJ, so we planned an "unplanned" dinner date. We walked and walked and found this place. It was so cute. It was BYOB, which I would come to find out is pretty much the norm in NJ. Anyway, the hostess pointed us towards a liqueur store, we purchased our wine and made our way back to the restaurant. We both hat the Steak Frites. The steak was so tender, it was just melting in my mouth! Seriously, it was amazing. I will definitely go back if I ever find myself in the neighborhood again!
(5)
Scott G.
Delicious food and nice atmosphere.
(4)
Joy R.
I found this place through Yelp and the reviews are well deserved. 5 of us had brunch there today, including 4 French people and we were not disappointed at all. The food was good, the waiters were really nice, attentive and not pushy and the place itself is quaint. They played good music but we were able to have a conversation because it was not loud. All the other people in the restaurant also seemed very happy. Great coffee! (And i am picky with coffee)
(5)
Jeremy R.
Just LOVED the whole experience of being there. Really cozy (small) joint without a liquor licence so BYOB. Food was good. Service was efficient and to have live music mid-week was romantic and wonderful. Oh, "cash only" as well... Thank you friends.
(4)
Mike C.
One of the best meals all around I've had in JC. Warm atmosphere. Attentive and genuine service. Fantastic food. Will certainly be back!
(4)
Melissa M.
Poor quality steak for steak frites. I couldn't eat it! Duck salad was mediocre, shrimp app was just spicy with no extra flavor. Jazz was nice atmosphere...but food should be drastically improved.
(1)
Arshi K.
Great, little quaint brunch spot. I had the vegetarian crepe with fresh goat cheese with freshly squeezed orange juice and it was great. My companions opted for the Merguez Sandwich (Spicy Lamb Sausage served with Arissa and Mesclu) and the Croissant with Scrambled Eggs and cheese and they loved it as well. The service was warm and attentive. I would give them 5 stars if they added or had more vegetarian options in their brunch menu. (Cash only)
(4)
Sara G.
Madame Claude's is one of my favorite JC restaurants of all time. I love grabbing a few of my closest friends, a few too many bottles of wine (BYOB AND cash only, btws!!!) and cramming into the restaurant to enjoy a long evening of gypsy jazz, pate, cheese plates and steak frites when they have gypsy jazz Thursdays. The service is laid back, and almost reminds me of a leisurely night at a French cafe where time seems to stop and everyone enjoys a casual evening of live music and fun. I've attended many of their events, including their anniversary party last year as well as my favorite day of the year -- Bastille Day, which is always such a great time, sitting outside and playing pentanque. Also -- a side note. Went for brunch today and noticed how fun their cappucino/latte's are -- with little faces swirled into the steam milk. I think I need to go back for that alone! :)
(5)
Andre N.
I want to be in Paris, France, better yet is there a French procurer that can assist me? I know, let me ask Madame Claude. Ok I am talking about a swanky little spot off the beaten path in Jersey City. This has to be the most famous yet infamous place in Jersey City. M. Claude has been serving us for about 10 years. Keeps me smiling each time I visit. The owners created something special here, something you find on a night when you plan on not going to that trendy restaurant in the city, and you want to be close to home. Maybe you want some BYOB action. Whatever you will be wondering "why haven't I stopped here before?" had the "les Escargots" figured I'm in France so go with that. Ohh was I happy with the snails, engrossed in the butter garlic made me smile ear to ear again. Go on Thursday nights there is Jazz ensemble. Unique and small Doesn't accept credit cards Only takes cash. Reservations a must This list reminds me of a woman I dated once, she wasn't French though. Thanks Madame Claude if this where the 60's, and I was a dignitary you know what's up "Shorty". In the end I just want my croissant and coffee good atmosphere to enjoy it. M. Claude you definitely fit that criteria.
(5)
Rachel R.
Thursday nights with Manouche Bag! BYOB and come for dinner and a show. The food is always amazing from the regular French staples to their daily specials. We have a hard time not ordering at least the duck confit salad every time we go. My other favorites include steak or mussels with frites. I like a simple delicious dish to save room for desert! Who can refuse a crepe? Tips: make a reservation on Thursdays and weekend brunch
(5)
Sui B.
My dinner experience at Madame Claude's has been great. The presentation is lacking, but the taste totally makes up for it!
(4)
Erin B.
Best brunch in town! Food is delicious, great ambiance, and awesome staff.
(5)
Sammy M.
Went there for dinner couple of weeks ago after seeing all the reviews. Love the small cozy atmosphere inside but it gets hot in there during the summer. We tried the calamari for appetizer, duck confit and steak frites for dinner. The calamari with the wine sauce was superb, the sauce went really well with the house bread and the red wine we brought along. The duck confit: this was cooked perfectly. With most restaurants duck is either a hit or a miss and here it was perfection. Now on the down side: Steak Frites - that was definitely the worst big chunk of meat I have ever had and I have had a ton of steak in my lifetime. The portion is huge but it was an awful quality. I would definitely prefer a good quality steak that is smaller in size than a big chunk of the worst quality. Service: definitely understaffed, I dont blame the server but the owner. The server was running around and we had to wait a long time to get his attention everytime we needed something. Please get more staff for busy weekends and please do not serve that kind of steak to anyone.
(3)
Avantika T.
This place was an unexpected find. We went there from work for a holiday dinner (about 12 of us) and the servers were very prompt and attentive to our needs. I'm a vegetarian and I had the vegetarian crepe for dinner which was very tasty. All my colleagues loved their dishes too. Special mention of the Green Mussels and Escargot. I'm told they were great :) Although the location is not extremely commuter friendly, this place is def a must visit if you're around the area! Don't forget to: - make a reservation coz it gets really busy - keep cash handy as it's a CASH only place - BYOB
(4)
Bliss G.
A quaint and cozy French restaurant in Jersey City! This place lets you BYOB. Overall the food and service were applaudable. Def will recommend to others.
(4)
Daath S.
Had Sunday Brunch with Eggs Benedict, Spicy Lamb Crepe and a Croissant with Jam. The Eggs Benedict were some of the best I've ever had - perfectly poached eggs and perhaps the best hollandaise sauce this side of the ocean. The Salad was beautifully seasoned. The lamb sausage was succulent and flavorful and the crepe was a great mix of crisp and soft. The croissant was to die for. Service was very quick, helpful and charming. The ambiance was that of a small cafe but very quaint. This has the makings of a weekly haunt.
(5)
Nimita L.
Food was delicious! We love French food. Wish it was a little bigger but it's great!
I have never been here before, and this was my first French style food. I trusted my friend, Magic Mike, in his selection and came along for the ride with mine and his girlfriend . Madame Claude is a unique styled French restaurant in the back parts of downtown Jersey City that makes you feel like you are in a rural area restaurant. The walls are cladded with little knickknacks that you would pick up from various flea markets. It was far different from what I expected, and attracts an very liberal type crowd as a result. This is a BYOB place, and we knew this going in, but I never looked at the pricing. I made an assumption that it would follow similar business models with lower priced food due to a lack of a liquor licence and no need for additional insurance it requires. I was a little taken back by the pricing though that starts at about $20/entree. They aren't obscenely priced, but they are priced at the same price as a some other non BYOB places in the area. The menu isn't very large, but there was a descent number of daily specials added to it, so be sure to listen up. We ordered the calamari as an appetizer and I ordered the lamb shank. I learned that the french style of calamari is a stolen recipe from Goodyear. It was way overcooked and better served as a patch for your tire. The lamb shank was excellent though, and I was really happy with it. The service was nothing to brag about, but it was acceptable. I would suggest a little more attention on the drinks though. Some of us were not drinking BYOB, and it took a little longer than I would have liked to get a new drink. That extra $4-$6 a plate doesn't buy you better service. I may come back here again, but if I do, I will not be trying the calamari.
(3)
Dan C.
On a Sunday in mid-November, we hosted a surprise brunch for my father's 60th birthday at Madame Claude Cafe. After our experience, I am definitely a fan. I live a little over a mile away from the restaurant, closer to the waterfront. Having heard great things about Madame Claude Cafe, and having visited the wine shop in Hamilton Park a few times, I had wanted to try the place out. After researching other spots in Jersey City for a party of 16-20 people, we settled on Madame Claude since their space, while a bit small, had a casual, warm vibe, parking was not impossible to find in that neighborhood, their price per person was reasonable, and they were very willing to work with all of our requests. We made a great choice. My family can be incredibly demanding. We began planning the event over two months in advance. We were able to settle on a set menu in which all of our picky eater relatives could find something to enjoy and finalize a contract to reserve enough space in the cafe at an otherwise busy brunch time. My mother, God Bless her, loves perfecting details and asking questions very frequently. The managers that spoke with her were friendly and accommodating every time they spoke and the plan slightly changed. When I visited ahead of the event to put down our 50% security deposit, the servers knew who I was based on their conversations with my mother. One even asked me how she was doing and told me to tell her hello. My only criticisms are that it would have been nice to pay on a credit card and get a better receipt for my deposit. Perhaps a digital copy, instead of a handwritten note. That said, Madame Claude was ready for us. They were attentive to our family members, they refrigerated way more alcohol than a party our size should have brought, and gave us additional space for presents and an obnoxiously large poster that we all signed for my father. The other patrons were equally friendly. Some even signed the poster. Also, everyone enjoyed the food. If you're looking to throw a casual brunch party for a reasonable price, I'd highly recommend Madame Claude.
Lovely place with a very good and friendly staff. Menu is good, we love to go there for a weekend brunch. 4 stars for the fact they don't take credit cards, otherwise I love it.
(4)
S E.
Just got back from my dad's birthday dinner. It was a really nice meal. The place is a little small, but it makes for a very nice atmosphere. We had the mussels and the cheese plate to start - both were very good. The mussels were large and flavorful, as opposed to just being a vehicle for broth. For dinner, we ordered glazed pork, bouillabaisse, chicken and lamb sausage stew, and duck confit. Everyone loved their dish. There was nothing left to take home. Dessert consisted of creme brulee and flourless chocolate cake. Both were delicious. All said, it was a very enjoyable meal. Everything was picked clean. Moreover, it was incredibly affordable. I'll be back.
(5)
Alexandra B.
We have been here plenty times for brunch... And always leave pretty happy with our meals. I usually get a croissant with eggs, ham & cheese. It's a pretty simple breakfast but the high quality of the ingredients is evident. Their coffee is delish with very little sugar or milk needed (if any at all). They are cash only which is my only complaint. I feel like nowadays every restaurant should accept credit cards. It's definitely been a reason that we would pick another place to eat on a random day that we don't have cash on us.
(4)
Tiff K.
I'm really glad I read about this cozy French spot on Yelp and started jogging by the area to scope out the exact location. The nondescript entrance leads to a small but cozy cafe space. My husband and I squeezed into a table and each started off with a large cup of coffee. I ordered a crepe and hubs ordered a merguez sandwich after starting out with . The whole place is very French- small space and small food portions. My crepe was tasty but hubs' lamb was a bit dry. The escargot was perfect and reminded me of past vacations to Europe. I will definitely be back, perhaps for some evening jazz. One more thing: The cafe is cash only so be sure to stop by an ATM beforehand.
(4)
Evgeny O.
Food was fine, but the service was awful. Went there for a brunch on Saturday, everything looked fine.. The restaurant was almost empty (3 or 4 other tables) We gave our order to the waiter and... had to wait 25 min for 2 eggs and crepes:)) That was just a beginning, otherwise i wouldn't leave a 1 star review.. They served our food to a different table, who ordered after us, that table returned it cause that was not what they wanted.. they received new portion in 5 min we had to wait for another 10! That was 35 min for a very, very simple order! After that they didn't even apologized. They brought us the check we paid and i went to discus the situation with the manager.. I was surprised when realized that the manager was actually the guy who messed up the orders! When i told him about waiting time and everything and said that they should've at least say "sorry" and maybe offer a discount or something, he said that "it is OK" and "we were busy",i was trying to reply, he started arguing and laughing on my complaints.. Never back.
(1)
Andre P.
Meh, I still feel the same way I did in 2011 along with the same complaints: uncomfortable chairs, wobbly tables, folksy interior, precluded bread and simply ok food. Steak frites was boring: steak was meh and the fries even more so. My partner's plate of pork, however, was delicious. "It's not you, it's me" is perhaps more reflective of my mood than anything else. I'm so tired of local art on the wall, but it is apparent I am preaching to an empty audience (but thank god there wasn't the very cheesy cliche pictures of all-things-French on the wall). I walked in feeling the restaurant needed a major face lift and that probably left me thinking the same of the food. What's surprising is the contrast between Madame Claude, the restaurant, and it's namesake wine store some blocks away. The latter is beautiful and French inspired, happy, exciting, and so welcoming. While the former is dull, dusty and lacking inspiration. And cash-only is annoying and rather frustrating. Get a credit card machine, charge an extra few dollars and join the 1990s dammit.
(3)
Charlotte M.
Enjoyed a lovely birthday dinner with my family and enjoyed the music as well as the flavor of the food. Wish the portions or additions were a wee bit more but I will try another entree next time to compare. It was well worth frequent visits!
(5)
Charlotte M.
So I may not be a fan of Madame Claude dinner, but I LOVE their brunch. the tartine, while just a toasted baguette, is yummy, and the coffee is delish. i typically get the scrambled eggs and potatoes and all is yum. i also enjoy because the servers are hands off, which is nice for a morning meal when you're too tired and don't want to talk too much.
(4)
James F.
One of the best dinners I had in a long while. Les escargots was so addicting, a loaf of bread was sacrificed in its honor. Also, a must have was the Filet de porc sauce Sonja et miel and the Moules Frites. Yum Yum Yum x10. By the way... BYOB.
(5)
Alex C.
I don't know where these people who call my 'Hood "scary", but you're a such bunch of sissies. If you want great food, one has to be adventurous - what's food without the ambience? Been going here on and off for most of it's existence since it was converted from a weird, local Diner owned by one of my daughter's classmates family, to a downtown JC institution. Try getting an early reservation on Fridays, where the specials such as Filet Mignon or Roasted Leg of Lamb are fabulous. They also used to serve Bouillabaise for the non-red meat eating believers. Start with the perfect escargot, some Pate, then go for the special, finish off with creme brulee and excellent espresso. The Duck breast with crunchy skin is also awesome, so is the Skirt Steak. Don't get put off by the south american looking staff in the kitchen, they cook like Jacques Pepin. BYO - get your wine at the Madame Claude Wine shop in Hamilton Square and get a free dessert! - how cool is that?
(5)
Jess F.
Intimate yet inviting, this little bistro serves up delicious French cuisine and on Thursday nights, live music. You can pretty much get lost in the feel of this place with it's gracious staff and candle-light atmosphere. It also helps that it is a BYOB establishment.
(5)
Cindy G.
The food is amazing! I went with a group of friends--we ordered the mussels in mustard sauce and the escargot to start. I wasn't brave enough to try the latter, but it got rave reviews. The sauce the mussels came in was heavenly, and we dipped our bread in it all night long. My hangar steak was great and the shallot sauce was full of flavor. Try the flour-less chocolate cake or banana and chocolate crepe for dessert. The place is very small, so make a reservation and get cozy with your neighbors at the next table. The icing on the cake...it's BYOB.
2.5 stars rounding up. Madame Claude Cafe is a small restaurant/cafe on the corner in JC... Type of place where if you don't mind sitting on top of the table next to you then it's ok... Don't get me wrong, the atmosphere was nice but it was just a little too tight... The owner/manager was very nice and tried to be as accommodating as she possibly could. She apologized for the seating and checked on us throughout the night. The food, to be honest was just ok... I wanted to love the place because I've heard some good reviews on it but it just didn't rock my world. Service was ok, not bad not great... Rounded up to 3 stars for the owner/manager who was very nice. I'm not against giving it another shot, I just hope I'm not disappointed.
(3)
Theresa Y.
Cute and cozy restaurant. Friendly service, but the food is so-so. I ordered everything on the menu, but nothing turned out to be impressive.
It's a cozy neighborhood spot and a breath of fresh air in the west-of-jersey-ave dearth of restaurants. Went for brunch with the baby last weekend. Strong, tasty coffee is a must for me at brunch and these guys brewed a nice cup so brownie points. The service is attentive but slow ie amiable but not super proactive. Luckily it's a small place so it's not hard to flag down a waiter. I had the croque madame and it came out piping hot, with bubbly cheese and a runny egg. The bread was crisp but not soggy. Haven't had a chance to have dinner here but the menu is appealing. BYOB is a big plus - I see people show up with pitchers of bloody Mary's!
(4)
Christina L.
I like to think I'm fair with my reviews, and when service improves (whether it's because Matisse & Co. saw my previous yelp review, or they just simply improved) I'll give an update! And that's exactly what has been consistently happening the last half a dozen times we went to Madame Claude's for brunch. The wait staff, particularly Jose is much more friendlier...he even remembers my husband's outrageous two meals per brunch order! He also remembers that we always order a OJ and cappuccino with our brunch. As usual, the food is always delicious...although I have to say their dinner quality has been a little shaky lately. Perhaps we'll give dinner another shot sometime, but brunch has been consistently good.
(4)
Marc C.
Great French food right in down town Jersey City! No need to go to Manhattan. The hangar steak was fantastic and the deserts even better. Service was exceptional (especially Jenn, Phil and the owners Matisse and Alice) and the atmosphere was perfect, especially if sitting outside on the street. Be prepared to break your diet for the night but totally worth it. Highly recommend!
(5)
Jo D.
This place is fantastic, its a little hidden gem. The service is great and the decor is warming. We had the croissants and and the bread to start. I got the cafe au latte and my friend got the hot cocoa - they are served in bowls!!! we got an array of dishes for brunch, I got eggs benny (the eggs were a little past over done) with the canadian bacon and spinach which made up for the overdone eggs so I was still very pleased. Other friends got omelet which was super fuffy, and 2 got the lamb sausage - perfectly spicy, and the salmon sandwich that had a great ratio for ingredients to bread. I am a huge fan and would love to come back and try the crepes! *Enjoy*
(4)
Gary M.
We'd been here for brunch in the past, but finally made it out for the semi-famous "Jazz Thursdays." Safe to say it was worth all of the false starts (trying to get in without a reservation) and the 3 calls trying to get a reservation that went un answered for what ever reason. The staff are insanely friendly and accommodating. The specials are creative and exciting. I had the pesto salmon which was perfectly cooked and presented beautifully. My wife enjoyed her hanger steak, though claimed it wasn't the best she's had. The French Onion soup is vegetarian and absolutely perfect. I have dreams about it. The BYOB aspect is great, as you can bring a nice bottle of wine and really enjoy it. As for the gypsy jazz on Thursday night, I can assure you I didn't want to leave. I felt like I'd been transported to 1920's Paris. I will be back, over and over. CASH ONLY.
(5)
Kristin U.
I really wanted to love this place, as I had heard nothing but good things, and it was just so cute inside. However, the service was astonishingly just not really there, and the food was inconsistent. I'd give 2.5 if I could. Everyone was very nice, but things took a long time. We had to wait at least ten minutes to even be acknowledged, once we had been seated (and it was not really busy), and I believe it took about half an hour and three to four requests of two different people to get water. A couple of attempts got us as far as glasses only, and then we had to try further to actually get the water. The lentil salad was quite tasty, a bit tangy, and filling. I got a side of ratatouille, also. The ratatouille was flavorful (a bit salty, but I like that), but it was cold. I had to send it back and get a new (or reheated) one. One of my co-diners ordered potatoes (au gratin-ish?), and those were cold, too. Other than that, we were happy with the quality and flavor of the food. The two guys in the party were very happy with their meals (one got steak, the other pork), so I wouldn't say stay away, but I feel like basics such as getting water and getting attention within a short time of sitting down are hard to overlook, even more so when a place is not inexpensive. I'd probably go back at least once, especially since it's BYO and just so charmingly decorated (including the bathroom!), but I would hope for more.
(2)
Sunny D.
i have been going to Madame Claudes for 8 years. the staff is always accommodating and friendly. steak and frites is what i like. i get the peppercorn sauce. the breakfasts are great and the atmosphere is very relaxed and cool and personable. mussels are always a pleasure. love the french fries. the owners are always a pleasure to see and make you welcome you are there. overall always a great experience.
(4)
Jenni B.
So fun to go on a Thursday night when they have live Gypsy Jazz! (I would give it 5 stars if I were including the music factor). Food is great and very high quality... try the duck. Make sure to make reservations a week in advance if you're going on a Thursday.
(4)
Valya V.
Dont came here!!!! I want this place all for my self!! Lol Very cozy with absolutely unique french atmosphere. And tasty food. 5 stars hands down.
Very good brunch menu and great cafe au laits. Sometimes there is a wait but it is a small place so that's understandable. Dinner here was also very good. Will return.
(5)
Kim G.
Madame Claude's is one of my favorite brunch places - I only wish that they were closer to my apartment. White all of the brunch entrees are good - the main attraction for me is their bowl sized cafe au laits. Sometimes, the barista gets creative and makes designs such as Pac Man or a Monkey in them, and he even made a cat for me on request! My only small complaint is that I wish they could make the au laits with skim milk. The service is always helpful - they are there to answer questions and explain the menus but I have never felt rushed or hurried. It is also BYOB :-)
(5)
Alessandra R.
Great ambiance, solid French bistro food with no surprises either good or bad. Good value & cash only. Would have given it five stars except the last time I was in, we were three couples in total, it was clear the waitress, who was friendly and competent, took advantage of our good humor and made a conscious effort to drive the bill up and get double-tipped. Despite being asked not to, she opened all of our wine at the very beginning saying I like to get this out of the way. She also brought desserts we didn't order. Had turned down in fact. There was also no mention that the tip had been added to the bill. Yes the onus probably on us to figure that out but it is a mark of professionalism to let your customers know this, or at least write it as such on the bill. Yes we had a fantastic dinner but when realized what happened left a sour taste.
(4)
Asmita K.
Go here for great croissants and coffee at brunch. I live about 2 blocks away and this is one of my usual weekend brunch spots. I love the croissants with eggs, ham and cheese and the Moroccan crepe. Their croque madame is ok but the flavors aren't as developed as other places. The coffee is above average. The sweet crepes are worth trying but I prefer salty at brunch. The BYOB policy is also nice if you want to do mimosas on the cheap. Their fresh squeezed orange juice is cheaper and better than most places in the area. The staff can be inattentive at times and we've had some burnt croissants served to us so it loses 1 star. But make sure to get a croissant with jam if you go.
(4)
Elizabeth P.
Delicious skirt steak love the ratatouille and the escargot is a must have. It's a cash only joint but definitely worth it and it's BYOB
(4)
Geoffrey C.
First thing - make a reservation, some didn't and had to be turned away. Picked up a bottle of wine at their nearby wine location with the same namesake in Jersey City. Quick tip - if you buy a bottle of wine, they credit you with a free dessert if you eat at their restaurant that night. The place is pretty small and the tables are really close to each other...like there's no way the thinnest of people could pass between two tables. I've been to Paris before, so this type of seating arrangement wasn't new to me, but to us Americans who like our space, it might be a problem for some. A good thing about sitting so close to other patrons was that we were able to not only see what other people were eating, everyone around us was so eager to talk about each other's food. So it was a nice communal place for everyone to discuss what we all love - good food! We had a reservation on a Friday night for 7pm and there were only 3 other tables at that time. But by the time our meal finished 2 hours later, every table was taken (my wife counted 30 people). The waiter didn't put our wine on ice, and we noticed that they did with other tables, so we had to ask before he did so. A slight oversight, but it would've been nice to have that done before our white wine got a little warm. For appetizers, we ordered the stuffed mushrooms with bechemel. This was outstanding - rich, creamy and we dipped our bread to scoop up the remaining sauce. For our entrees, we both wanted to try the mussels, so I ordered mine with curry & creme freche while my wife ordered hers with saffron & creme freche. I did remember that in Paris, the meals were not served quickly the way they are here, and this cultural way was also true at Madame Claude's. The time between the entree & the appetizers was long (about 20-30 minutes), which was ok for us, but might be annoying to some. The curry mussels were a home run...flavorful, delicious, and when the mussels were gone, I drank the broth like it was soup. My wife's were good too, but she was really jealous of mine. One negative thing about the mussels is that they are served in tall bowls and what I noticed was that the mussels on top of the dish were somewhat dry and not as flavorful because they didn't have as much contact with the delicious broth. Other than this, I thoroughly enjoyed the meal. For dessert we had the creme brulee, which was big enough to share and was ok, not mind-blowing, but we enjoyed it. Remember, our dessert was also free because we bought wine at their sister wine store nearby. Can't wait to come back, apparently we should order whatever is on their specials because they're always good.
I hate giving this place 2 stars based upon my French boyfriend's prior great experiences here, but he agrees that my first experience fell short in more ways than one. Firstly, as a BYOB, this place is a refreshing change from the typical Asian options. It is small, cramped, and has a lot of character. Service was fine, as 2 servers managed to handle the entire room. Our food was as follows: Les Escarots: The best thing we had, the little snails were tender and tasty while they swam in a green sauce of herbs, oil and butter. We were both surprised that they served them without the shells. Regardless, extremely tasty...we didn't leave one drop of the sauce on the plate. Jarret d'Agneau au Romarin et au Vin Blanc: This was ok, not great. The lamb was a bit overcooked but flavorful, the gratin potatoes fine, and the peas as if they were out of the freezer. Bouillabaisse (Special): The biggest disappointment, the portion of fish was meager and the sauce was thin and flavorless. Just plain bland. We left here dissatisfied with our food, but the 2 bottles of wine that we brought were saviors. My boyfriend insists we come back, so I will do an updated review upon our return with hopefully better results.
(2)
Mathilde B.
Great service, decoration and food. The waiters are very welcoming and chatty and kindly recommend you the best dishes. There are a lot of mussels choice and the side dishes are delicious. Our baby was with us and loved the gratin of cauliflower. The bread is also tasty. I am French and I highly recommend that place. :)
(5)
Douglas V.
Did you know its BYOB and CASH only? jeez i couldn't tell by every single review !!(including mine ...ha) The good: cute servers, food is very tasty and I really liked the menu, i would go back to try try again. I had the Marquez which is simple, slightly spicy and not too expensive. The bad: Its true, the waiters lack the courtesy to take your orders right away, he literally walked around us a few times before we could get his attention. It took about 10 minutes to put in an order for drinks. Tip: i would suggest getting a carafe of OJ and some prosecco from the lq store down the block ....hmmmmm perfect for brunch
(4)
Wesley M.
I dined here with my girlfriend tonight as a recommendation from a friend and I think it may have been my best meal all year. We over ordered just to be able to try as many things as possible - mussels in white wine, braised octopus, steak frites, and special of the day osso bucco. Everything was good! I'm not sure why this place doesn't have a least 4 stars. The mussels were great and the white wine broth was light and not overly buttery like some other ones I've had. The octopus was pretty cool and it was in this light, sweet-citrusy, curry broth. The steak frites was cooked absolutely perfect medium rare with a nice char. The fries were thin and crispy. The osso bucco was perfectly cooked and had tremendous flavor. I like how the dish came with bok choy and mashed taro (instead of potatoes). The BYOB really keeps costs down, too. The wonderful server gave us a cool bucket of ice to chill our beers down. One more thing I really liked was that the overall feel and vibe is that of a French farmhouse that played alternative rock softly in the background. I totally recommend this place!
The best birthday dinner of my life took place here. BYOFREAKINGB. does it get better? uh yah. MELODICA. If you're half the music geek that I am, Madame Claude on a Thursday night is an experience you don't want to continue to miss. I've seen the Django Reinhardt music festival with legendary guitarist Dorado Schmitt and lifelong gypsy jazz violinists, accordinists.... and still, they don't hold a candle to Madame Claude Thursday night 8 to late. I want to rave about the food too, but I honestly can't remember it. Since I love mussels, I'm sure that's what I had, and since it was my birthday, I am certain i had creme brulee. Throughout the entire night, we had a substantial amount of French wine and gypsy jazz. And we toasted to everything. Cause everything was awesome. I cannot wait to go back.
(5)
Morris M.
A good place to have brunch. Very tiny with some good food. Tried Cappuccino and Salmon crepe, which were fine. Eggs Benedict was good as well though the Hollandaise sauce was not excellent. Hot chocolate did taste like water. Might be it was a mistake. Will like to try the dishes next time.
(4)
Ramona P.
Very small restaurant with delicious, simple plates. Escargot was buttery and filled with herbs and garlic. The duck confit was cooked perfectly and the chocolate flourless cake was diviiiine. BYOW - pick a Malbec!
(4)
Jenna A.
This place was a great find thanks to Yelp. We planned ahead and brought our own vin rouge. We asked our waiter for tips on what to get. He recommended a lamb dish they had that was out of this world. My friend had the duck confit and it also was great. We also shared a crepe, I want to say it was the vegetarian version, but I can't exactly remember. Thought it was a bit on the higher side and got tight with all the people around us, but it is still worth a visit. Yum!
The law of averages applies here: 5 stars for cozy, authentic French atmosphere and proprietors - that certain oozing of ooh la la when you dine in here; 3.5 stars for food. Average of 4.25 stars, shown above. I love Madame Claude Cafe for really elevating the neighborhood (full disclosure: MY neighborhood), gentrifying it with all its Parisian charm and BYOB hospitality. The cafe au lait is very good (and very big) and the salads are well executed and tasty. The other French classics, however, such as the Croques - Madame and Monsieur, moules frites, and crepes - savory and sweet, were just comme ci, comme ca. Still more than I expected for Paris by way of JC! You will find: a cozy, warm space; hauntingly seductive French music, and several solid menu options for a dinner date spot that promises to be tres romantique. You will also find: a gas station right across the way and a local liquor store that attracts all types, yaknowwhaddamean. Try to ignore these things as you venture to Madame Claude's...unless you need some last-minute wine for your special meal. Recommend planning ahead and going to Madame Claude Wine Shop in Hamilton Park instead...and getting a voucher for a free crepe at the restaurant! WIn-win.
(4)
Stephanie Y.
BYOB. I wish I could end my review there but, I will keep yelpin'. This place is legit - really small with some outdoor seating. As the restaurant scene in JC expands, I feel this place may get lost in the shuffle but this is a solid meal. I actually didn't love my crepe (didn't hate either) when I came here but, with that, the other entrees are delicious. The croques - both madame and monsieur are delicious! Definitely a great brunch spot especially accompanied by a bottle of Prosecco that one can again bring and not pay for a marked up bottle. The owners are a delight, and I even got wooed by acoustic guitar when I came here for a bday dinner celebration with friends. Twas memorable and an enjoyable way to age. Overall, this is a solid meal in this neighborhood of JC. Bring a few bottles of vino, enjoy the evening then go and venture to Lucky 7's - you may see me enroute!
(4)
Natalia B.
J'adore Madame Claude's! I was a junior in HS the first time my french class visited this place. Needless to say, it made just as much of an impression on me nearly ten years later! Their delectable savory crepes are second to none, it does not matter whether you prefer yours with salmon or mushrooms, they will be simply succulent. And if you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, I recommend "La Belle Helene". But that is just a glimpse of their brunch menu. If you'd prefer to go for dinner, from escargots and pate to their "confit de canard au Miel et à l'Orange" (duck in orange honey sauce) with every bite you will feel like you are in a cafe in Saint Michel in Paris. The owners and staff are very pleasant which is just another reason why this place is always filled. Be sure to make a reservation! I would skip on going by car, this place is close enough to the Grove St. PATH (especially if you decide to BYOB).
(5)
Darla M.
Great place if you're looking for an intimate dinner for two or a night out with a small group of people (four max, I'm saying). Tiny space, packed seating, but lots of character and French food that's got a home-cooked feel to it. The duck confit is delicious, but I really like coming here for the escargots, which my husband and I always snag as an appetizer. And the last time we were here, the server knew to bring us extra bread to soak up the buttery goodness in the escargots dish! Best of all: you save a bunch on alcohol because it's BYOB. Also, be sure to call in for a reservation! It doesn't take much for this place to get crowded.
(4)
K R.
great ambience. delicious food. love the live French music.
(5)
Amanda P.
Very reliable! Always delicious and very friendly staff. Steak and frites is delicious. Don't forget the creme brulee!!
(5)
Erica S.
Love the food there. Everything tastes so delicious! I didn't want to leave. The waitress was super nice. Will definitely try to go back. The decor is also awesome! Such a small place, but very cozy! **No credit cards accepted!
I've been trying to like this place but I can't seem to say firmly that I like it. First the positive: Most of the staff is nice and the live music on some nights is pretty great too. It is BYOB. The escargots are very delicious. The crepes are pretty good Negatives: There is limited seating, the diners there always seem to be judgmental "snobs" (not the restaurants fault I know). Most of the food I just don't seem to enjoy that much. The steak frites were not good and the duck was meh. I'll probably be going back there someday soon because my gf likes it and it is the only french place in town. I'll try something different but I just don't see it working out...
(3)
Louis G.
It kills me to write this since I really love this place.....but a live cockroach on the table is where I draw the line. I know it is tough to keep pests at bay in an urban environment but the staff seemed kind of unfazed when we made them aware of the freshly smashed cockroach in the napkin on the table. I give two stars because the food was good....but still grossed out by the possibility of bugs in thatfood.
My favorite restaurant in JC. Delicious food, warm ambiance, and great fun. I'm a bit worried to give this place 5 stars as it might fill this crowded place up even more, but they are worth it. The space is small, it probably can't seat more than 25 in a space about the size of a large NYC bedroom. But it's nothing to complain about, as they really go the extra mile to make this place feel like you've walked into a Parisian cafe. Dark, warm mood lighting sets the scene. Everyone always seems happy. NOTE: This place is BYOB, so bring your favorite wine! The food is spectacular, with new specials every time I've gone. Pork chop and fish and cous cous meals felt homemade. The expected french appetizers like French Onion Soup and Escargot are created in a way that's out of this world. Expect a bit of a wait on crowded nights (which seems like every night). One server usually runs the room, but every single one I've met is so jovial and welcoming. Madame Claude herself is also usually in view and livens up the room with her smile and personality. Thursdays has a fantastic Gypsy Jazz night with a small band absolutely killing it. It's so much fun, but MAKE RESERVATIONS well in advance if you want to come on a Thursday. Honestly, you're best bet is to call a week or two in advance anyway. I've been here multiple times with groups from 4 to 10 and we would never have been able to get a seat without a reservation. I've seen a few 2-person walk-ins get seated after a lengthy wait, so be prepared. Any small negative are nothing worth bringing down this 5 star review. Run, don't walk to this little piece of France in downtown JC.
(5)
Tara W.
Je t'aime! Madame Claude has made me so nostalgic for my trip to Paris. There was lots of French looking crap on the walls and French elevator music played in the background. Tiny cafe, cash only, BYOB. I went for brunch but I know I'll be back to try dinner. The lamb sausage crepe and lamb sausage sandwich were delicious.
(3)
Raquel P.
Great brunch and dinner spot! The food is delicious and their crepes are the best I've had. Great service and friendly staff. Love it here!!!
(5)
Trey R.
So, I've gone by this place hundreds of times, biking here or there. Decided it was finally time to sit down and eat. Awesomeness - Staff is very friendly. Talk to them. - Customers are very friendly. It's the kind of place you can talk to them, too. - Cod cake with sweet chipotle sauce. Heavy, but worth it. - Gazpacho special, with cantaloupe, was very refreshing on a summer day - Monkfish special in sweet curry with fruit...if you have never had monkfish, this is the way to try it. - The julienne'd vegetables are perfectly done. - They chilled our wine properly. - Very inexpensive for the quality and quantity of food you get...BYOB helps. This place is BYOB and cash only, so come prepared (liquor store right around the corner, though). That's nothing to fault it by, in fact, I find it quite charming...and the fact that it is always packed speaks to their ability to stay as such. Make a reservation, even on a weeknight...I almost didn't get a table on a wednesday at 8:45. On thursday nights, Manouche Bag plays all night. Definitely go. Still need to try brunch here...if you read my reviews, which of course you do, you'll know that brunch is a religious meal for me. Another go and they'll probably get five stars, but I'm being conservative with four for now.
(5)
Olivia R.
What a hidden gem! Such a small, cozy venue - very romantic and homey. Although I have to admit, it can be a bit overcrowded on some nights and the waitresses have trouble getting to your table. The French onion soup, crepes (both sweet and savory), and the mussels are just superb. Prices are reasonable and you can bring your own booze which is always a plus!
(4)
Lisa B.
Couldn't say anything bad about this place, from the service to the food and the ambiance - totally in love. There is live music on Thursdays and I am not a huge live music fan because it is always too loud you can never talk, but the noise level was perfect. The owner was so kind and ended up giving us free desserts because our mussels didn't have a lot of broth! Come prepared with cash (no credit cards accepted) and lots of wine, because you will never want to leave.
(5)
Lizzz E.
BYOB CASH ONLY Now that that is out of the way, I loved the friendly service, casual candlelit atmosphere and of course the food! We visited friends who live in the area for dinner who LOVE Madame Claude's on a rainy Tuesday evening. We arrived at 6.30 and by 7.30 the place was packed with happy eaters! The ratatouille crepe was wonderful as was the chocolate and banana dessert crepe. I will definitely visit again - and try the brunch too!
it's been about 6 months since I was here last - and it would have had 4 stars then- I feel like something has changed - chef? produce - something - this round however diff story - hot chocolate was awful- they try to convince u that the taste is bcuz of the coco they use - and tried to say its made with some milk - but anyone who drinks hot coco can tell the diff - I ordered just eggs soft cooked- came well done - not to mention they used to b the nice fluffy eggs - this time just boring - felt like I could make them better at home- the potatoes were sliced / fried and zero seasoning - we won't b back
Impressively large cafe au lait, served in a bowl as the French do. A bit pricey for my taste in dinner dining, but forgive me because the brunch here is a real treat and its the kind of thing if someone special came to town I would take them here and let them think I come here all the time, as the French do. And if I move to the Hamilton Park quarter, I will become more of a regular here. As it stands, the walk is quite far so we must plan ahead to bike to brunch, as the French do. If not by bike, we must instead commit our resolve to ignoring every other brunch option on our walk over to Madame Claude's, despairing our hunger with every step. Not saying that any place is better than Mm. Claude's, not at all, just that the others entice me with their proximity to the bed from which I have rolled, looking as disheveled as Jean Seberg in Breathless (which is actually pretty good if you can pull this off). And darling, when its brunch time I just need some coffee and a chance to think, as the French do. Its too bad that once I do wake up and take a bite of whatever I've ordered elsewhere, I throw my fist toward the heavens and lament, "I should have remembered to go to Madame Claude's!" The other patrons gasp. Lightning strikes me dead at that point and the movie credits reveal that this was based on a true story. You leave the theater with a slight chill down your spine and recommend the film to your friends the next day over brunch... at Madame Claude's.
(5)
Chris M.
A little taste of France in downtown JC. Just got back from brunch and where I enjoyed the Croque Monsieur and La Marocaine (spicy lamb sausage, mushroom and crème fraiche). Not only was the food mouth-watering (and reasonably priced), it's a cozy little spot with great atmosphere. Definitely need to go back on a Thursday night for Gypsy Jazz night. FYI, BYOB, cash only.
(4)
Scilla M.
I've been here twice now. I came back because the mussels and fries that I got were quite good the first time. The meal was acceptable the 2nd time, but my main complaint was that they gave me the smallest amount of broth. Ummm everyone knows you dip the fries in the broth!!!! That was kind of a bummer. The main reason I'm giving this place 2 stars though is the service. It's really not that good. I think the owners mean well and they are actually quite nice when they chat with you, but they have a tendency of forgetting about you -- especially when you eat outside. The service was like this on both my visits so I know its not a coincidence. The first time my husbands meal actually started getting cold by the time the waiter came back with a fork and they forgot to add ice cream to my crepe as I requested. The second time it took them 20 minutes just to take my appetizer order and I had to ask two times for the check. Even though the food is good, it really isn't worth it!
(2)
J M.
Been here a few times for dinner and brunch, food is usually 3-4 stars. My partner likes it, I think the entrees lean towards boring. This review is two stars because the latest trip for dinner was ruined due to a rude waitress/hostess (the other waitstaff were two young men who were nice). It seemed as though we were later mistakenly seated against her wishes because literally- not figuratively- 20 minutes after getting the menu, no one had come to take our order. Had to get up and leave. After being treated rudely at any place I fear for the cleanliness of my food. Walked to another nearly establishment and had a much better experience. This particular experience was one star, but ordinarily I would say a 3-4 star. This place is really cute and I really want to be able to enjoy it, but not sure if I would go back again.
(2)
Sam S.
Cute and good service but overall very unimpressed with all the food we tried (french onion soup, escargot, steak frites with shallot sauce, ham & mushroom crepe, & nutella banana crepe). Everything was quite bland other then the escargot. Not sure if we went on an off night......
(2)
Adriana D.
Fantastic food and service! The waitress brought our puppy a bowl of water too which was very sweet.
(4)
Carla M.
For my boyfriend's birthday, we went to Madame Claude's Cafe. It's BYOB and there is a liquor store around the street. Since it was my boyfriend's birthday, we splurged. Cheese plate, escargot, mussels, rabbit, creme brulee... Everything was so delicious! We went at 7pm on a Friday night and when we got there, there was just another couple there and by the time we left, every table was taken. It can get a little cramped. But it's BYOB and the food is delicious!
(4)
Matt T.
Meal: Brunch Rationale: We're running out of brunch spots within walking distance! Not that Madame Claude hadn't been high on my list since I found out about it. "A taste of France" in Jersey City? I could pretend to be in France, or even in Montreal, without even having to get in a plane/train/bus/car. Food: I ordered eggs benedict with spinach instead of meat. I also got a croissant with jam on the side, and a cup of decaf. Coffee and croissant were fine. I got way more jam with the croissant than I think anyone could possibly need. Like, a fistful, if jam can be measured in fistsful. The eggs were good. Not great, but good. Fairly runny, and the potatoes on the side were a little dry (but they soaked up the runny eggs nicely, and, in that respect, everything turned out okay). That said, I've never met an eggs benedict I didn't like. Service/atmosphere: We would have sat outside if it was just a tiny bit cooler out and if there hadn't been a baby. The outside seating is kind of weird because Madame Claude's corner shares an intersection with a gas station, some nondescript buildings, and some typical North Jersey rowhouses. But sitting outside is what the French do! It's just like France! It was a slow period, so service was pretty attentive. Conclusion: Overall, very satisfied. Now that I've tried the eggs benedict, I can move on to other menu items. Maybe dinner items. Preferably items with hollandaise.
(4)
M H.
Pork tenderloin- 4 stars Escargots- 3 Monkfish special- 3 stars Ham, cheese and mushroom crepes- 2 stars Hangar steak- 2 stars Service- 3 All in all, solid bistro food in a relaxed setting. Argent comptant seulement.
(3)
H K.
Live Bug crawled out of my crepe! Treated a friend to a birthday dinner here. Food was good, a little loud, but cute little French cafe style. Then comes the birthday crepe - we lift a corner of the crepe with our fork, and out crawls a LIVE BUG THAT SLITHERED OFF THE PLATE ONTO THE TABLE. When I let the staff know, they asked "well, would you like another crepe?" Seriously?!?! No apologies, no "let me take that plate off your table"???? Then they didn't even offer to comp us the crepe. Never coming back..and everyone, PLEASE PLEASE CHECK YOUR FOOD BEFORE YOU EAT.
(1)
Scott H.
J'aime beaucoup ce restaurant! I've been here dozens of times -- for brunch and for dinner -- and each meal has always been excellent. The service, while slow at some times, is usually attentive and friendly. An added bonus is that it's BYOB, so stop at Binny Liquors on Newark Avenue on your way over and pick up a bottle or two. For dinner I usually get the escargot and the hanger steak, which are both delicious. For brunch I'll often get the croque monsieur, which is also quite good. The restaurant is cute and reminiscent of a Parisian bistro, but it's about the size of a small studio apartment, so it can feel a little cramped when it's busy. Also, bring cash - they don't take cards.
(4)
Marissa P.
Super cute and cozy inside - really enjoyed the ambiance. I liked the Asian style lamps in the window and all the vintage, French pinup girls on the walls as well as the colorful cushions to sit on. The food tasted good - though we only tried two things. We loved the lamb sausage sandwich. It was quite delicious. Spicy and smokey. Harissa tasted really good with lamb. The bread was also very good. We also had a banana and chocolate crepe, which I was less impressed with. It was mediocre. Price was right and the service was prompt and friendly. Our waiter was polite, with a smile on his face, and made conversation. Definitely would come back!
(4)
Stefano T.
Food was okay, nothing spectacular. Downer for me was that this place is cash only....Not entirely convenient. Would go back though.
(3)
Anthony D.
Walked over here last nite with Belga for a late dinner. Picked up a bottle of Rioja around the corner and popped into this way cute and very romantic little bistro. We were greeted by an Italian waiter and the French owners. Next thing you know, we're all talking in English-French AND Italian. Much fun with great service and the food was delish. We had: Escargots Hanger steaks with frites Creme brulee Cafe Will definitely be back to this little neighborhood gem. BYOB and CA$H ONLY.
(4)
Greg P.
I had to spend some time thinking about 4 vs 5 stars since there are of course more high-end, expensive restaurants but I went for 5 because Madame Claude is an overall excellent experience. The food is that wonderful combination of delicious and french-homey, the atmosphere is comfortable and fun, and the service personable and accurate. Depending on how busy the kitchen is entrees can take shorter or longer times to arrive but I don't go there for fast food. It is, and deserves to be, a lot of JCer's favorite restaurant.
(5)
Chu Z.
Really nice restaurant, hospitable staff and delicious food. But it is located at kind of a SCARY area. Visited Madame Claude last Thursday to catch up with a girlfriend that I haven't seen for a year. We did not know that there was live music on Thursday night and were told to wait for at least an hour without a reservation. However, the waiter managed to arrange a table for us since a party of 5 was reduced to 3. Nice job! Small place. Very cute decor and cozy ambience. With live music on it was really hard to hear so we were like yelling to each other the whole time. The service was fast and the menu was well designed. We both got their special: we shared the potato salad, I ordered mussel in white wine sauce and my friend got the roasted duck. Food came pretty fast and were obviously freshly made. The mussels were tasty and my friend enjoyed her duck as well. BYOB is great as we brought Rose to pair the light dishes. For dessert we tried the crepe with banana and vinilla ice cream, yummy. Bill came out $42, defnitely worth the trip. CASH ONLY btw. I would like to come back for brunch or dinner. I will seriously consider having a guy friend come with me because the neighborhood seems really not safe. Street parking is another concern too.
(4)
Daniel H.
Been going here for a few years now, and the reason I am not giving it 5 stars is because not all of my experiences have been spot on. But, being that I am giving it a 4 means that out of the 30-40 times I have been here the majority have been great. Went last night and I think I had the best meal I have eaten at Madame Claude. Started with the potato and leek soup which was earthy and fresh and was pureed to a perfect consistency. The dark white color topped with chopped fresh, green herbs made It visually appealing as well as adding that much needed (in all dishes, not just this soup) 3rd flavor. My girlfriend had the mixed green salad which we ordered by mistake, we actually wanted the goat cheese salad--possibly my favorite salad in JC--and the waiter was nice enough to bring us out the goat cheese rounds on the toasted baguette slices after the appetizers arrived. These toast points, mixed with the goat cheese, mixed with the soup was a really fun combination. So, the apps were great, but I was not prepared for what was about to happen after this...The duck breast special! Beautifully cooked and well seasoned (just salt and pepper) every bite of this breast was slowly ingested and savored. Being the king of the doggie bag, I actually for the first time in a long time wished there was more. The duck was served with a generous portion of grilled mango as well as some sort of polenta. The combination of the three worked well and as stated, left me wanting more. My girlfriend's vegetarian crepe was ok as well, but I think that for a moment...maybe...while she was looking at me enjoying my dish...she questioned her vegetarianism. (That's just speculation on my part.) We finished up with a chocolate mouse and were on our way. Looking forward to visiting them again real soon though. Oh, and Manouche Bag, the owner's gypsy/jazz band were great as usual.
(4)
Elizabeth C.
Madame Claude Cafe is our go to place to eat! We love the steak frites and any fish special they have. For brunch I've been loving the smoked salmon crepe-yum! We always feel welcome and part of the family!
(5)
First L.
Absolutely love it! Great food. Friendly staff. Very traditionally prepared French food. If you like modern French cuisine, this isn't the place. But for the tried and true - they are great! Hope they stick around for years to come. Bit of a small place. Outside seating. You should reserve the table only cause of the size of the restaurant.
(5)
Gail Anthony T.
Nice, little, cozy, hidden French gem in Jersey City. Already been here twice. Food so far has been good (I had the steak and frites, and lamb shank, while my wife has had the mussels in curry sauce - twice). Each time, we brought two of own bottles of wine to compliment the meals. The staff there are friendly, courteous, and attentive. Looking forward to our 3rd visit.....
This place is amazing. Try to go with whatever their special is for the night... It will always be a good choice. The service is also GREAT.
(5)
D C.
So, I was craving to try the Steak Frit dish here but was rather disappointed after. I asked for medium, I received well done. Also, the steak was not a full steak portion but a long end cut of some sort. The heaping of shoe-string cut fries over-whelmed my plate beyond belief. So with that said, the portion of beef compared to french fries was very noticeable. Speaking of portion control: The appetizer: Cod Fish Cake served with mesclun and a chipotle sauce. Mind you, we ordered this to share, and we received ONE measly cod fish cake. My girlfiend had the Lamb Shank for dinner,which was more enjoyable then my steak frit dish, but still not anything I would go back for. Also, if your not situated in Jersey City, then getting here, and parking can be a total hassle. Another thing, they DO NOT take credit cards. So, make sure you have cash with you, or use the Mac machine inside the liquor store across the street. One upside to this place is the casual, but cozy feel of the restaurant.
(2)
Daria K.
Step 1.) Go to Madame Claude Wine, get bottle of delicious crisp white wine. Step 2.) Go to Madame Claude Cafe, order salads, crepes, specials, and dessert dessert dessert. Step 3.) Enjoy the benefits of warm delicious salmon, fresh mussels, french bread, rich goat cheese, and oozing scrumptious creme fraiche. Step 4.) Relax with coffee, feel full and happy. Step 5.) Leave craving more more more.
(5)
Mallory W.
Jersey City's hidden gem! Madame Claude's has excellent food, service, and ambiance. The mussels are to die for, and the BYOB makes the experience even more enjoyable. It could easily earn 5 stars, however the menu is limited. My boyfriend and I dine here often, and there are only a handful of entrees to choose from. Not that big of an issue as everything is so delicious! Since my last post I have tried many of the new nightly specials. This increase in variety, in combination with the consistently amazing dinners has bumped my rating to 5 stars.
(5)
Eric F.
This is my go-to place to eat, every time. And my father's and my brother's and my mother's... The owners are always around and know your name, the waitstaff is attentive. Now, you must get the mussels with the dijon broth, and then plenty of bread to sop up every drop of that golden liquid that has me losing my train of thought right now... A must is to finish the meal with a crepe, you cannot make a bad decision here, all are good to the last non-sharing get your own forkful. It's BYOB but there are liquor stores right around the corner. They could benefit from a broader dessert menu, but that's just my opinion.
(4)
Edward G.
Great place. Food okay. Snails filled with garlic - just fine. I had a savory crepe and it tasted as though it had been microwaved - very stodgy.
(2)
Kriti S.
Charming space (reminds me of a vacation I took years ago to Southern France), decent service, reasonably varied menu and BYOB factor adds an element of awesomeness. The food, itself, is just ok. I tried the veggie crepe while my husband had the fish (in his pre-vegan days). The crepe was waterlogged from the veggie juices which made things a bit too soggy for my taste buds. Husband indicated his fish was pretty good. I do want to revisit on one of their live band evenings (Thursdays, I believe) and for brunch - just because I am kind of in love with the cozy atmos.!
(3)
J D.
This is perhaps my favorite restaurant in Jersey City bar none. I've been several times with friends and family and I have not had a bad dish yet. My two most memorable dishes here was the Steak Frit which was beautifully cooked every time I had it and my husband probably gets it every time we go there. The other dish: shredded rabbit with linguine in a light beautiful sauce... it was AMAZING! I am not a dessert personal at all, but I had to get the Creme Brulee because my sister has been looking for one that was comparable to the Creme Brulee she had while in France. Needless to say, I took a picture of it and told her "I've found it, Ash!" Thursday nights are great fun, but make sure you have reservations as walking in might not be your best option to be seated quickly. But since it is BYOB you could just crack open a bottle (perhaps it is just my husband and myself who bring 2 bottles of wine to dinner on a Thursday night!) wait to be seated and enjoy the music...? However, if you want a more romantic evening with less hustle and bustle, you may want to go another night of the week. The staff is great, courteous and sweet. The owners are sometimes hanging about and might drop you a line which is cool, they make great recommendations. The fact that it is BYOB is excellent since we are members of a wine club and we enjoy pairing food to wines our self. Finally, the atmosphere is cozy , small but totally feels like you are in fact at a Parisian restaurant. In other words...I highly recommend.
(5)
Ãlvaro M.
Atmosphere: Nice and cozy, best for 2 people, doable with 4, more you probably will have to wait a good long while. We were 2 and sat right away on a Sunday night at 7. Service: Good. Our waiter was very pleasant and attentive. Food: So-so. The kitchen was slow to prepare it, with less than great results. - App: Clams in wine and ginger sauce (special of the day) - Good - Mussels with curry and fries: Not good. Poor quality, small mussels. At least a fourth of them appeared undercooked (unopened shells) - Gratin: On the bland side, not creamy, but acceptable. Prices: A bit expensive, for what it offers. A disappointment. Liked the relaxed intimacy of the place, seemed like a great little neighborhood joint (rare in JC), until the food arrived. Points for good service: The hostess looked at our uneaten mussels and offered to take $7 off our bill. She also said she would show them to the cook.
(2)
E. S.
good environment good people good food. i'm in!! I really enjoy myself every time I eat here and haven't had any issues with the food or service. Cash only and BYOB is annoying but other than that, it's a good local spot
(4)
Agustin K.
BYOB Authentic French restaurant. Suggested by my friend who just got his Yelp elite status, I thought I'll give it a try. I'll give it 3 stars for food, another star for ambiance and BYOB. Be ready to wait, they probably only have 20 tables in total and all the tables were always filled when we were there. We got seated right away since we got there early. But we had to wait more than 15 minutes for our bread and water. Good thing we have our riesling to keep us entertained in the meantime. Price is reasonable $30 each (without bev) Food is quite authentic. They also offer quite unique savory crepe options which is not just affordable, but also quite yummy. The french onion soup is the type that are not filled with too much cheese which I prefer. I wish they make the duck confit a little bit more tender but the orange balsamic reduction was good. The moroccan crepe (with spicy lamb sausage and mushroom) assures me that I should go back there again for more crepes. The ratatouille was just average, nothing to rave about.
(4)
Denise C.
Madame Claude's is a cozy, comfortable little hideaway in JC. I went for brunch with a friend and was happy I finally got my ass there. At around 12 on a Sunday, we were seated inside immediately. (All the tables outside were full.) We shared the tartine. Wanting more than just one entree on the menu, I got the croque madame and a side of lamb merguez. My friend got the butter and sugar crepe and a side of eggs. We both had the fresh squeezed orange juice. Our food was well-prepared; both the scrambled eggs and the egg on the croque were cooked perfectly (which sounds silly, but really, people mess up eggs all the time!). The lamb sausage had just enough spice without being overpowering, and the sandwich was tasty (although anything with gruyere is fantastic to me). The orange juice was fresh-squeezed in a press, and tasted like OJ should (generally I hate OJ, but I liked this). Service was a little forgetful; it took a little while for them to come over and take our order. They took our jam away (I have no idea why) when they brought the tartine and never brought another (we had to ask for a new one). They also forgot to bring my take-home food and we had to remind them of that as well. But overall, everyone was really friendly and polite; they even pulled over the table next to us because we ran out of room on our little two-top. Prices were more than reasonable; our bill (with tip) was about $40. All in all, it was a nice meal and I definitely want to return for dinner.
(4)
Shayla C.
Amazing food service and atmosphere. Close and personal space. Very busy on a weekends so I'd recommend reservations or at least a call Super authentic BYOB a major plus +++ I mean hello?!? One downside is it was pretty hard to hear conversation at my small table.
(5)
Joel R.
One of my favorites in Jersey City for brunch and dinner.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : No Good For : Brunch, Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual, Romantic Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Tyrone B.
The food is excellent and the service is down to earth with a policy of BYOB and nice small place for DINING. CLOSED ON MONDAYS
(4)Jon T.
Totally relaxed, cozy, and delicious. We had the paté plate, the cheese plate, duck confit and steak frites with ratatouille and gratin dauphinois. Our server, Jennifer, was fantastic - great personality and very helpful! We will definitely return and try out the patio on a warmer evening as well as many more of the tempting menu options. the jazz band on thursdays is a great plus! make reservations!
(4)David L.
Go on Thursday nights when the owner's band plays. They play two lively sets of French gypsy jazz. Food is consistently good, and the specials help provide some additional variety. BYOB is a must, and fortunately, there is a liquor store right around the corner.
(4)Andrea C.
Loved the food here!! BYOB plus cozy, cute and great service. Called ahead and got a reservation - had a late dinner and it was excellent. Cheese plate to start... fruits, fresh French bread - generous cheese sampling! Sea bass special for me, steak frites for my better half -- both awesome Dessert was tempting but after eating too much bread and cheese to start with - had to skip it. Restaurant is small and gets pretty loud, but it adds to the charm. Outdoors seating is available. Would go here any night of the week.... oh yeah, bring cash!
(5)Adrien B.
This is my all-time favorite restaurant. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is so cozy and relaxing. I feel like I'm at my friend's house when I am here. I would go here at least 1x a week if I lived in the area! They just catered my wedding and the food was amazing, all of the guests kept raving about it. Love. Alice & Mattias are the best. Try to catch Thursday jazz night if you can!
(5)Jeri H.
The food has always been excellent and I love that it's BYOB. Although I don't frequently dine here, I appreciate that the waiter remembers my favorite dishes and makes other spectacular recommendations. This is a place where you won't be rushed out the door and can enjoy a relaxing meal with friends.
(4)The Kosher Porkchop A.
the food is generally good, but have had some uneven streaks ... the ambiance is trendy and the place seems to sustain itself off a combination of image and hipness and the lack of alternatives in jersey city. but it is french ... what can i say ;-) for a byob that does not take cc, survival in a marginal part of downtown jersey city is an accomplishment.
(3)Julie S.
I really like this place. I have only been a few times, but the food is always good/very fresh and the service is friendly. Love their crepes and coffee. And it's also a BYOB, which is good! The only down side is that the place is really tiny and doesn't have the greatest ambiance. The menu is somewhat limited as well.
(4)Yoko K.
I've been here a few times and most of the time I enjoy it. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate. It's BYOB. The food is usually pretty good. I usually get the hanger steak. Last time I tried a scallop appetizer from the Special menu. The sauce was a little too rich. The service is usually a little slow but very polite. Once time they completely botched up the timing but made up for it with free dessert. I recommend making reservations since the space is small. I'm looking forward to the out-door seating when the weather is nicer.
(4)Bayete L.
Six of us ate at this jersey city gem. Reading the previous reviews on yelp prepared us for the longer than usual wait. It ended up being perfect for a group of friends looking to catch up. The staff was very friendly and the food was awesome. Icing on the cake was the liquor store around the corner of this BYOB restaurant.
(5)Evan L.
My wife and I went here once a while ago. It was ok. The ambiance was very nice - small and cozy. The steak frites was average, the mussels were not very good. They did have a nice clam appetizer special. So food-wise, I'd go with ok, but your French options in the city are so much better. After our first trip, we decided to try again a few months later. Again, it's one of those neighborhood places you want to love. This time we didn't make it to our meal. We had a reservation for two at 7 on a Saturday. When we got there, the place was pretty full. It looked like there were two two-tops open, but there was a group of four in front of us waiting to be seated (as well as an ever-expanding line of people, with reservations, out the door). Instead of acting calm and collected, like a good host/hostess does, the host and his minion just ran around completely exasperated, not really tending to anyone's needs as they tried desperately clear a single table. It seemed that at once, 90% of the restaurant paid their tabs and left. There was a row of, say, eight open tables. Yet the host sat us at what was basically a patio table next to the bar (meaning a table *meant* for a patio, but they put inside, separated from the rest of the restaurant, next to the annoying glare of the kitchen lights). I asked if we could maybe take one of the other eight tables, and he explained to me that I couldn't, because they needed all of them. Then he tried to convince me that our table was actually very nice because it was "private." What an asshole. We decided to walk over to Lighthorse Tavern in Paulus Hook instead, where we had a great, albeit more expensive meal.
(1)Dave S.
Just had a delicious brunch at Madame Claude. The eggs were delicious, and they came with really good crispy potatoes and a side of mesclun. The coffee was also very good. The service was a little slow, but very friendly. All in all, I'll be back to have more brunch, and probably try their dinner menu. I'm glad this place is in my new hood.
(4)Tammy O.
A former 4-Star(er) tumbles down a notch. Please, We are rooting for you - pull it together Madame!
(3)J C.
This is a charming place, very cute, and I felt the service was good. We were starving, so we started out with the small cheese plate and cod cake. The portions were good. Nothing stellar to speak of, but satisfying. I think the menu and choices were fantastic, but I think it lacked something to it. I think the flavors tasted like it was cooked for a day or two and it was microwaved. It didn't taste as fresh. We ordered the lamb and the duck and its sides were just -- eh.. Nonetheless, it was a fun night for me and a great place to sit, bring your own wine, and to enjoy a dish. Maybe, I will try to order something like the steak frites... maybe there are just go-to dishes and shouldn't expect too much from the other items on the menu. I would give it a try again, overall - good experience, but the food quality wasn't what I expected.
(3)K, L.
Haven't been in a while, but this place is goodness! Kind of a trek from Path, but still definitely worth the trip. Plan wisely! It's small and gets busy really quickly. I'm a big brunch person, so this was always my go to place.
(4)tee s.
Looking back, I say, 5 for the food! Then I bumped it down to 3, for the time it took for the food to come out. Then I bumped it up to 4 stars for the servers'/cooks' consideration and acknowledgment in our super long wait time. We arrived. We were quickly seated, and our orders were immediately taken. Then, we waited. A long time. Like, an hour type of long. I came with a friend, and luckily we were so busy chatting, we didn't realize the time lapse until the timer on my phone went off to remind me to fill the meter on my parking. I stepped out to feed the meter and returned just in time to witness our server place some things that we didn't order on our table. I asked what was all that, and he apologized for the long wait. He gave us complementary appetizers and croissants, and even raspberry and hazelnut spread. He said this was thank you for being patient, and that our cook apologized for the wait as well. We gladly took it, and were honestly impressed that we didn't even need to complain to be appeased and acknowledged. Our dishes arrived and...yikes, it was so worth the wait. Talk about fresh!!!! I thought they might've went shopping for my one dish alone! I had La Norvégienne (the Norwegian) Smoked salmon with tomatoes, capers, scallions and Crème Fraîch. So good. I have to note that it did seem we were the only ones who encountered this long-wait problem. Seemed like an isolated situation. Everyone else's food came in a timely manner; people ate and leisured in a lapse shorter than we did. Although we noticed of our wait time too late, we did notice however, nobody else seemed upset nor did anyone else receive anything complimentary, so there you go. I still highly recommend for a nice brunch.
(4)Jesse C.
Have been several times, and love it more each time. Love the cous cous with Moroccan spices...and really, everything I've had there (down to the bread/butter, and mousse) is wonderful...the waitstaff is friendly...the "gypsy jazz" on Thursday nights is a rare treat...You will not be disappointed...and if you are, you're overly critical--lighten up!! :-)
(5)S O.
Overall nice restaurant. Seems like a true gem in Jersey City. Will go back and see if it maintains it's charm and good food. Hanger steak and full trout were delicious.
(4)S M.
Overall, this place is great. The atmosphere is quaint and cozy. The staff that we interacted with were cool. We had very high expectations for the food and for the most part, they did not disappoint. The only real catch was toward the end of our sitting, the female owner was apparently freaking out about a large table of customers who were messing up reservations for the evening. She grabbed an empty wine bottle and smashed it repeatedly near the kitchen. Yeah, I said she smashed a bottle right there in the place. The whole restaurant came to a standstill. Our server's response? "Well, you know, she's French!" Yikes!!
(3)Deanna M.
Disclaimer: I've only been here for brunch. This is a great little place for brunch. Cozy, not overly decorated, and a great/fresh menu. I love getting a spinach/goat cheese/ham omelette, or the Madame Croque. I'm not a coffee drinker, but when I see people with their huge mugs, it almost makes me want to convert!
(5)M B.
MUCH better this time around. We went earlier in the week to try and have some dinner, but we had to turn around and find an ATM after seeing a sign on the door that said Cash Only. When we came back and asked for a table, we were told it would've been 15+ minutes for an outdoor table (not fun on a hot night), so we left and found another place for dinner. We still wanted to have dinner there, though, so we called Madame Claude's the following night and made a reservation for 6:45 p.m., and this time we were seated indoors right away. We got our water and bread basket right away and our wine was opened, and our first courses came out rather quickly ... my husband had the soup of the day (a cold cucumber and avocado soup) and I had the mesclun salad with Granny Smith apples and large toasted bread croutons topped with warm goat cheese. Both dishes were delicious. I wish the table water carafe had some ice in it, though ... it wasn't warm but it wasn't all that cold, either. We also didn't get a wine bucket although a table next to us had one. Oh well, not a big deal. The main courses also came out pretty quickly ... pork tenderloin with polenta and green beans for me, and duck confit and roasted potatoes for my husband. Both meats were nice and moist, and the sides were very good as well. For dessert, we got a baked pear crepe with warm chocolate sauce and ice cream, which was a great ending to our meal. The restaurant started to get crowded as we were finishing our entrees, so it took a few minutes to get a dessert menu and place our dessert order. It also took a little longer to pay the bill and get some change at the end. We're very glad we gave Madame Claude's another shot, because we had a very pleasant and delicious meal, just like we did on our very first visit with friends. However, we've learned our lesson ... make a reservation, make it an EARLY reservation (your best bet is probably starting your meal prior to 7 p.m), and bring cash. And remember to BYOB if you want a drink.
(4)Paul B.
I've been to this place a couple times and have really enjoyed it. The staff is very friendly and the food is fantastic. I highly recommend the Steak Frites with the pepper sauce. The meat is always so tender and the sauce is to die for. It's also great that it's BYOB. In case you forget to bring something you can run across the street and grab a bottle at the liquor store. My only negatives is that it's a very small place (especially when the outdoor area isn't open). I highly recommend making a reservation if you can. The other negative is that since it's so small they somewhat rush you in and out and it isn't really a place to relax and enjoy an after dinner drink.
(4)Chris R.
Excellent food. Cozy atmosphere. Friendly staff.
(4)Anjuli S.
Food was delicious! But the inside is a little cramped. Hubs and I went last night to celebrate our anniversary, had the small cheese plate (definitely enough for 3-4 people), he had the skirt steak and I had the whole orate as a main course. It rained a bit outside, but I'd recommend sitting out there. We sat on a two top that had to be pulled out for us to use it. The decor is cute inside, but once they sit folks next to you it becomes quite loud and intimate with people you don't know. But this is all in retrospect - when we left all we could talk about was how good the food was. Will definitely be back to try the crepes!
(4)Cathleen T.
Being that I'm French and have spent time living in the Caribbean, I wanted to be infatuated with this place. There are a lot of great things going for this place; BYOB (with liquor store right around the corner), street seating, and a home cooked meal kind of touch. Cons are that service is excruciatingly slow both for drinks and food. After ordering what I thought were quite simple dishes, La Salade de Canard Confit (which is clearly a cold dish) and Couscous Madame Claude, we did not even get our food until at least 45 minutes later, and this was on a Tuesday night! Thank god the taste of the food made up for the painful service. We ordered the La Bronzee with our food for an after dinner treat. You'd think that at $9 a pop that it'd be heavenly. Ho hum I make better crepes! Another con is that they do not accept credit cards! What?! My advice to Madame Claudes, welcome yourself to the 21st century by having faster service and a credit card machine! Overall, food is great. I would give this place closer to 5 stars if the service was faster.
(3)Kat K.
This place is a gem! We tried the pork, gespacho, and the small cheese plate. Everything was wonderful! The service was top notch, and the atmosphere was welcoming and made me feel like I was in a cafe in Paris. The crepes are a must!
(5)Michelle J.
Madame Claude Cafe is super cozy and sweet. The staff is wonderful, always happy and helpful. My fiance and I are vegetarians so there isn't a ton of things we have tried on the menu but we've customized a few dishes to our liking and they are all wonderful. Thursday nights are a total delight with music. Love their wine shop as well near Hamiliton Park. My one wish is that they accepted credit card, I live so close but have to walk 4x the distance to hit a bank so it's not a place i can go to at the drop of a hat. Great place to take visiting family or friends. Super delightful!
(4)Becky O.
Madame Claude's is such a treat for downtown JC. An adorable little restaurant with an authentic French feel. Brunch is great, and going for some soup and crepes is always nice too. It can get tight, and there's really no place to wait. It's also BYOB and cash only. All in all, a great place that I live bringing out-of-towners to.
(4)Susan L.
Madame Claude's is a charming neighborhood restaurant. My husband and I have been there twice, once for dinner and once for brunch and we enjoyed ourselves each time. The food is a bit pricey for the area (brunch prices were more reasonable), but it was tasty and satisfying and we love the atmosphere - we sat outside both times. The service abeit slow, was very friendly- so totally forgiveable. I wish there were more restaurants like this around here.
(4)Carrie H.
I was really wanting to like this place, as you can't beat BYOB and I was excited to see the mussels on the menu. Our appetizers were good (stuffed mushrooms and escargot). Unfortunately, our main dishes left a lot to be desired. The Steak Frites (ordered medium rare) and mussels were both overcooked. Unlike the other reviews, I found the staff friendly and thought it was a nice atmosphere, but the food didn't do it for me.
(2)M S.
I really liked the atmosphere and vibe of Madame Claude. We had a great brunch and enjoyed our Sunday afternoon here.
(4)Pimp D.
Great spot in Chilltown. Very good Bistro food served in a tiny place. Service was friendly but slow. BYOB a huge plus. Cash only policy sucks...WTF who carries cash anymore?
(4)Miranda B.
I really thought this place would be better. I was mistaken sadly.. This is the only french restaurant downtown JC so I really wanted good french food..not someone else's idea of what they thought it should be, because it wasn't. The portions really sucked too. Other than that, it's a real cute place to see. VERY small though..VERY.
(3)Sarah K.
Food is always perfect. Staff and owners are lovely. My favorite place in Jersey City by a mile! Cash only. Bring your own wine.
(5)Renee R.
Cute little place with a nice atmosphere. BYOB which automatically adds some stars for places around here. Not a huge vegetarian selection, but what they do have is really good.
(4)Amanda O.
I cannot say enough good things about this place. Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in downtown Jersey City and consistently great food! It's BYOB and cash only...and reservations are a must for the weekend.
(5)justin p.
The food was excellent. the Steak was charred on the outside and cooked to temp (Medium Rare) on the inside. The fries, while seemingly store bought frozen's, were cooked properly and stood phallically erect. The goat cheese appeared homemade as did the french onion soup, right down to the non uniformity of the onions. DONT EVEN GET ME STARTED ON HOW AMAZING THE CREPES ARE. All the food is great, stupendous, amazing.... The wait staff is beyond courteous and knows preciously how to direct the indecisive eater. Its like France sans attitude. Did I mention it's BYOB? Bring some champagne or a white or a red or both, they got your stemware covered and will put your white on ice and move your red to a more convenient locale. All in all i'd give it a five, except one strike to it's perfection..... Ghandi fought a battle of moral turpitude based on it and the Romans's and Spanish sowed there enemies land with it. Of course I'm referring to salt. This place is perfect sans the salt. I somehow found my self needing extra salt on everything except the dessert... And the desserts are beyond phenomenal. So please Madame Claude, don't be stingy with the sodium. Until than ill just add my own.
(4)Projectshave L.
I only go for the excellent french toast. Unfortunately, only one chef there seems to make it right. The brioche has a slightly caramelized exterior and a sweet soft interior. I've had the crepes once and it's pretty good.
(4)Susan S.
OK, I'm a big enough person to admit that I was wrong. If this is the first time you're reading this review, you might want to go down below the *** and read that part first. Update: We called the owner, who in fact was not the person I had originally spoken with, and she was so apologetic. She asked us to come back, and we did, and we had a great meal. I was wary after reading other reviews which dissed the food for lack of taste, but our dishes were really good, and not just "really good for Jersey City." The service was fantastic; friendly without being overbearing, and the atmosphere was very relaxing with perfect lighting and music. We had pheasant fricasee and moules frites, and a duck confit appetizer, and were very satisfied. We will definitely go back. ******************** I can't review the food because I've never eaten at this place, although not for lack of trying. It's close to a fifteen minute walk for us to get there, but we thought we'd try it out because we normally eat so late and this is one downtown JC restaurant that serves food after hours, and because they are BYO. I made the latest reservation I could, at 10:30 pm on a Thursday, and we arrived at 10:34. It didn't look promising as the chairs were all up on the tables, and we walked in to see the staff either carrying out bags of trash or dancing. "We're closed," they told us. When I said I had a reservation, first they claimed to know nothing about it, then they said that there was a "problem with the bathroom." They hadn't called to tell us that they were closing early; this might have been because I wasn't asked for my phone number when my reservation was taken. Although they apologized in a rather perfunctory way, it was clear that the two women working there were eager for us to leave so that they could get back to leaving work early. I called the next day, and another worker told me "actually, the bathroom has been fixed for a while." So I assume that someone f**ked up, told a partial lie about the bathroom (there had indeed been a problem, only not on the night that we were there), and we were left with half an hour walking in the cold with no alternative places to go. I've been trying to get in touch with the owner, with whom I made the original reservation, to see if she can convince me that we should try again. If so, I'd be happy to revise my review as I would love it if there were a good late-night BYO place on this side of the river.
(4)David F.
French country cooking in Jersey city. Great food and service. Great brunch, especially the lamb and goat cheese crepe, omelets and butter crepe! It is a small restaurant so it is best to make reservations for dinner. This is a BYOB place so go around the corner to the local liquor store and buy your favorite french wine for dinner.
(4)David M.
I had passed this place on several occasions and always wondered about it, given it's French name in such an unlikely location. Then last Sunday, while searching for a decent place to eat without having to cross the river, I came across a few pretty good reviews for this place praising it mainly for it's atmosphere and decent "French comfort food". After eating there, I can honestly say that I truly believe most of these reviews were overly sympathetic to the idea of opening a small, neighborhood bistro serving simple fare that, unlike all the others in the neighborhood, is French. When I think of French cuisine, whether in the form of peasant food or haute cuisine, I think of food that is made with more passion than is present in most other kinds of food... and that is also made by following certain guidelines and rules that will ensure the food will be as enjoyable as possible. One example is the proper seasoning of food, which can definitely make or break a dish... or in this case it broke the whole meal. Almost everything was lacking in salt and therefor bland, other than the "imported pates", which since imported were obviously not house made anyway. I was constantly reaching for the salt shaker (which of course contained not fleur de sel, not regular sea salt, not even kosher salt... but regular table salt with it's horrible texture). Other than being horribly under-seasoned, mussels has bits of unappetizing seaweed stuck in them (although they were not the least bit sandy). I managed to somehow finish them but it was a struggle (and took a lot of salt shaking). The fries that came with them seemed too much like fast food fries to be appealing at a French restaurant. I mean, we all know that not many restaurants in this price range make fresh cut french fries... but don't make it that obvious that you just opened a bag of frozen shoestrings. French onion soup wasn't too bad or too good but again I had to reach for the salt... and it's not too easy to mix and dissolve salt into a soup with a crouton and melted cheese floating in it. Escargots were decent but again desperately needed salt, as they tasted as if they were simply sauteed and coated in unsalted butter without even the slightest pinch added before or during the cooking process. Desserts were decent, but then again so are the ones at the diner. Like most places on this side of the river, I really really hoped it would be good, and I was wrong. After discovering Marco and Pepe a month or two, I had finally felt some kind of hope for dining in Jersey and particularly Hudson county... this place unfortunately pinched me and woke me up from my dream, at least for now. It is simply the French counterpart to the seas and seas of shitty overrated Italian "comfort food" restaurants that dominate this price range in New Jersey.
(2)H B.
Love Madame Claude. The food is excellent, cozy atmosphere and oh yeah, it's relatively cheap. Love that! BYOB keeps the price tag down.
(4)trisha o.
we had an impromptu meal @ mc's a few month's ago. it was a friday night, it was packed. the food was much better than when i last went there a few years ago. it's byob, which is always a fantastic benefit (to me). the crepes are amazing!
(4)Ketan P.
**WARNING** CASH ONLY ESTABLISHMENT My wife and I went to Paris last year and we loved the food and flavors found in restaurants throughout Paris. We were pleased to see that Madame Claude's fosters the same authentic French cuisine and cooking styles. We were very pleased with the food we ordered and the hospitality. First, the restaurant is on the corner of 4th and Brunswick, small little family style place, not very big inside, definitely recommend making reservations. They're also BYOB so make sure to bring your own bottle of wine. We choose to sit outside, it was great weather and the area is pretty peaceful. I would recommend that they upgrade to slightly larger tables for outside, but it wasn't that big of a deal. Our waitress (unfortunately forgot her name), was very nice and knew the menu well. We relied on her for several recommendations and she was on the money each time. We got the calamari which was NOT fried; I actually prefer it that way, more natural taste. Anyways, it was delicious, good flavor from the sauce and veggies in the dish. For our entrees, my wife got the seafood stew (special of the day) and I got the Mussels in mustard and white wine. We went to Paris/Brussels/Amsterdam about a year ago and I was in missing the great mussels we had there so that's why I ordered the mussels; also on the menu was a chicken and lamb sausage stew; which would have been my 2nd choice. My wife dish had monk fish, mussels, shrimp and I think one more fish, they slow cook the broth by itself for HOURS and then add the seafood and bring it to perfection. The texture of the seafood just melted away in your mouth. There was so much flavor with each bite of the seafood. She explained what was in the broth, lots of spices, specifically noting on saffron, but they all combined to provide an explosion of flavor in your mouth. Also included with the dish was bread croutons, a saffron cream spread and cheese. As she explained, you're supposed to apply the spread to the croutons, added the cheese and then dip the bread into the broth, this was one of my wife's favorite part of the dish. You really pick up a lot of the broth's flavor. My dish, was great as well, not much to mention as its just mussels, the flavor of the mustard and wine white really came through, mussels were cooked just right; simply put I was pleased to get my mussel cravings satisfied. For dessert we have creme brulee, nothing specific to mention, well made like another quality creme brulee. **WARNING** this is a cash only establishment; embarrassingly, we did not have enough cash, but they were really nice about it not asking for any type of collateral, so we both left the restaurant (after offering to leave our credit card, drivers license, my WIFE behind) drove to a BofA ATM (by Exch Pl) and came back about 10/15 minutes later, and paid the waitress. So, bit of an awkward ending to the dinner, but great food and great service.
(5)Martin L.
A great neighborhood place. I'm not sure why i waited so long as all my friends keep raving about it. We started off with mussels with curry sauce, which isn't what you think, but just mussels with a hint of curry flavors, which was delicious. I had the duck confit, which was decently cook, and my friends swear by the lamb chops. Added bonus being that it's BYOB, which means you can get as drunk as you want without splurging too much. The ambiance is more of a laid back cozy french style, with dim lighting and pictures all around. The wait staff were solid. Definitely worth a visit and a go to place if you're in the area.
(4)S A.
went for dinner. ok spot. slow service. you'd expect the bread at a French restaurant to be really good but it was not.. overall, there is so much potential if the sourced their ingredients better. cute spot but mediocre execution
(3)Tyrone T.
Okay, I really enjoyed Madame Claude's when I first started to go there despite the crowded, cramped seating and at times oblivious staff. Twice had to wait so long on one occasion that my party simply walked out after half an hour or so. After an auspicious start, the food has been on the downhill. On another occasion, it took 4 tries for them to get over easy eggs correct in the huevos rancheros dish. This problem has been repeated on a few occasions. I would think a basic chef would know what an over easy egg is. One of the real attractions of Madame Claude for us had been the merguez, which initially was very spicy, flavorful and the perfect complement to the huevos rancheros. That is no more, the last order i had was bland, tasteless and ground too fine making the sausages hard. And the last item of particular note, is that the crepes are horrible and in place of nuttella they seem to be using some cheap chocolate sauce. The staff: In particular, there have been one or more particularly rude, lazy female hosts (perhaps this is there impression of the effete french wait staff). From being rude about replacing dishes which were incorrect to most recently when i called to provide feedback that the over easy eggs where cooked all the way through, the hosts response was along the lines of "so what ...you want it replaced now? No... ohh so you just called to complain!" Some needs to explain to these women that they are not the next french top model and teach them about manners and service.
(1)Alex N.
My husband took me here when we first started dating two years agp. We both fell in love with this place. Yes, you do need a reservation if you intend to go later in the evening. It becomes so packed that they will turn you away if you don't have a reservation. So I highly recommend one. We normally like to go early so we can get a table of our choice outside and take our time eating. The staff is super friendly and know most of their patrons by their first names which makes it a welcoming neighborhood place. The food is by far the best thing about Madame Claude. They always have great specials and I have tasted most of their menu. I have always been impressed with every appetizer and entree I have ordered there. Everything is tasty and fresh. My husband and I love the food so much that we had decided to hold our wedding reception there. It was everything we had expected and more. The food was so tasty and the portions were a lot bigger than we had expected. The best part was that we didn't spend as much as a normal wedding would have cost. We were able to purchase several crates of wine at their wine store for a discount too. Matis, the owner, was able to pair the wines with our menu. All of our family and friends had a great time and were so impressed with the food.
(5)Analee C.
I came here for dinner and wasn't upset, but it wasn't the most amazing food I've had. The only thing that I really enjoyed was the Escargot. As a virgin to the escargot eatin' world - it was tasty! BYOB is nice. Cash only isn't.
(3)Irene H.
Came here for brunch. We got a table outside. I'm not sure how the waiter was monitoring us since we were not within line of sight but he was somehow because a few seconds after someone dropped a fork, he was there. Seating is right off the street, so there was a lot of honking going on at some point. We waited for our friends for a while so we started w/ the crepe Helene with poached pear and chocolate. It was good. I got the OJ (freshly squeezed!), some coffee, and the scrambled eggs and salmon with croissant. Everybody else got savory crepes. CASH ONLY!
(4)michele m.
By far one of my favorite restaurants in Jersey City. Intimate, comfortable I'm a big fan of the Duck entree... also love brunch as well. One of my friends from France said it is the best crepes she has had since being in the states! Its a great date place with its cozy atmosphere and french fare! Fun, Romantic and one of the best spots to visit in Downtown Jersey City! Thursday nights Live Music a real fun place that feels like your home away from home! Love it!!! If the chocolate mousse is on the menu order it you will not be disappointed!
(5)Tim H.
I came here to try something new. The restaurant was located on some corner in an obscure location and not as part of any main strip. The inside however did have a nice ambiance and was well decorated. The small hole-in-the-wall feel made it seem more laid back and less like a fancy restaurant, which really it was not. I ordered escargo (snails) and chicken/lamb stew with veggies over couscous. Although I was not crazy over the garlic/butter sauce the snails were ok. The main dish however was very tasty not to mention I love couscous. It came with a sauce you pour over the couscous, which complemented the meal well. For dessert, I had baked pear and chocolate crepes, which was ok as pear does not mix well with crepes and chocolate. The service while a little slow was good and the waiter was friendly and made small talk. Overall the staff was very nice and made for an overall nice vibe. While I did feel that $40 is a bit much to spend on a frequent basis, I can't complain considering the specialty of the fare. In spite of any pet peeves I brought up here, I felt the overall experience was good and I'd certainly like to come again to try their other selections.
(4)Marlon O.
This is by far my favorite restaurant in Jersey City. Not only is it BYOB (which removes the uncertainty associated with the typical wine menu), but it also has a charm that is very reminiscent of bistros that you find in France and Italy. Among the highlights of my meal were the cheese plate, the lamb shank, and the mussels in saffron sauce; all well prepared and sufficiently filling. The wait staff were excellent and the experience was such that 2 hours flew by without it seeming that long. The only downside I would say is that the restaurant is cash-only, but given the reasonable prices of the food, it's a downside that I'm happy to live with. Highly recommended!
(5)Russell N.
I hate places that don't take credit cards. The liquor store around the corner was closed so had to walk 4 blocks to find an ATM and pay $3 extra.
(2)Sarah K.
This is my favorite restaurant in Jersey City for several reasons: *The atmosphere reminds me of Paris. *It's BYOB and there's a liquor store right around the corner. *The chocolate pot de creme is fantastic. *The steak frites always a reliable and yummy choice. *They make a lovely cappuccino. *On certain nights they have live music. *The service is slow, but you never feel rushed.
(4)James L.
Had a "guys night out" dinner there and the place was amazing. Food was excellent - especially the specials. Very nice decor, great service but the place is very small so a large crowd can overwhelm the place. Even then, the staff was very accommodating. The hanger steak was perfectly prepared and all the sides were delicious. The BYOB is a huge plus so that we were able to pair our meals with some terrific wines. Bring cash!
(4)Kris F.
In a word... Perfection! I have been going to Madame Claude's for over 4 years now and will continue to go there until I am asked to leave! :) The food is magnificent, the staff friendly, and I love the BYO aspect. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
(5)Valerie F.
My boyfriend and I went here for dinner on a Friday night. Even though they were busy, we were seated immediately. I thought the service was excellent, if a bit slow. Our server did forget to bring out our appetizer, but when another noticed that we weren't eating, he asked if we were waiting on anything and brought it out right away. That appetizer, calamari, was decent - I wouldn't pick it again, but it was cooked well. Our dinners were fantastic. I got the Moroccan crepe, which was delicious - the lamb sausage was savory and spicy and it was filled with some wonderful creamy sauce. My boyfriend got the steak frites. It was a hangar steak, cooked perfectly medium-rare, and the fries were like butter. We were very happy with our meals, and felt that the price accurately reflected the quality of the food.
(5)Jaz V.
Please do yourself a favor and don't come here. If you really have to come, braise yourself to eat literally right next to your neighbor. Its a very small place and you basically have to be super friendly to one another because its like dining with strangers. Please also note that you are going to wait for a long time for everything--service wise and for your food. The only decent entree to get here are: the lamb shank and duck. Aside from those two I meantioned, nothing else is good. Don't even bother for desserts here because the crepes were horrible. We had the nutella which wasn't so bad but how can you really go wrong with hazelnut chocolate? The pear crepe with the chocolate drizzling was the horrible. I don't think I will ever come back here which makes me sad because I really had high expectations for the place.
(1)James C.
Local bistro with very limited seating. Lately being a regular has not helped since they do not try to accommodate their regulars! Opening a second local business never helps out since management has to concentrate elsewhere! Nothing wrong with the food and it is reasonably priced! Things rarely get better with expansion!
(2)Paul R.
First things first: this place is definitely authentic French (ambiance, food, coffee and, unfortunately, service) The croissant with ham egg and cheese was delicious, everything looked and tasted very fresh. Chocolate and banana crepe was very good (nicely made crepe), just the perfect size for brunch or a dessert for two. Good coffee, as you would expect. This was a great place for brunch, we'd definitely go back another weekend. But it will have to be a cool weekend, as the lack of any real air conditioning made the place a bit too warm.
(4)Eric W.
I've only been for brunch, but I definitely plan to come back for dinner eventually. The merguez sandwich was fantastic. It's tiny and a little cramped, but the service was good. All in all, a great little find in what for all intents and purposes is a pretty desolate neighborhood. If it were in a better location, it would rival some of the little cafes in Paris to sit outside and relax for hours.
(3)Brian B.
I've given this place four stars merely on the strength of the food, which is excellent in my opinion. We've had quite a lot of things from both the brunch and dinner menus, and we've never had a bad meal: steak frites, mussels, duck confit, lentil salad, eggs benedict, dinner crepes--all have been excellent. And the desserts have always been top-notch. The fact that it's BYOB can also make this a really nice meal on the relatively cheap. The problem with this place is that the service is just horrendous. It's slow, and you feel like you're constantly being scoffed at. As much as I love the food (and it really is the best French food in Jersey City), I often dread going here because of the servers. But I've still given it four stars because the food, the prices, the place itself--all of these are great. It's too much to expect that the servers will fall all over themselves for you, or to act like the service is the only part of the meal (but a little bit less thinly-veiled contempt would be nice, too).
(4)Andrea D.
Get the Pork. Ask them to cook it medium rare. Seriously, that is all.
(5)Meghan T.
This place was pretty good but the service was off. Inside the ambiance is very authentic feeling. The patrons are loud, the walls are cute and eclectically decorated, and the staff is very hip. Feels like you are in some real local restaurant in France. The food was good. Our group of 4 ordered the warm goat cheese salad and stuffed mushrooms for apps. The stuffed mushrooms were quite good. The salad was typical. For entrees, 2 people ordered the salmon, 1 person ordered the pork tenderloin, and I ordered the filet mignon special. My filet came with a yummy ratatoullie on the side. Everyone else was satisfied with their food except there were complaints that some of the salmon was not cooked all the way through. For dessert, 2 of my dining mates ordered the flourless chocolate cake, 1 ordered the vanilla and caramel crepe, and I ordered the creme brulee. All were good again. Our biggest complaint was the timing of the service. The 2 salmon dishes came out a good 8 minutes after the pork and beef dishes. Same thing with the dessert -- the 2 chocolate cakes came out well after the other dishes. Poor timing -- the kitchen and/or the waitstaff needs to address that.
(3)Josh J.
Eggs Benedict were cooked to perfection
(5)Emily B.
This place is just great. Delicious food (awesome crepes), cozy atmosphere, great staff & owners - if you're looking for a restaurant in Jersey City (especially a BYOB restaurant), Madame Claude's is it. Couldn't recommend it more!
(5)Anna F.
This place actually reminds me of France! My friend and I made a reservation for a Thursday night, when they have live jazz. The atmosphere is adorable and the service was superb. The jazz music was spot on and really complimented the restaurant. The seating is a bit small, but one of the jazz musicians helped me pull out my table, sit, and then push the table back in. Everyone is very friendly. I ordered La Gratinée aux Champignons (crepe with ham, cheese, and mushroom) and it was excellent. My friend ordered the Braised Lamb Shank and thoroughly enjoyed it. We split the Baked Apple and Caramel Sauce crepe for dessert. Delicious! Considering it's BYO, the excellent quality of the food, and the portions of the food (I took the other half of my crepe home), it's a great deal. Vive Madame Claude Cafe!
(5)Eric K.
Not my favorite. foods soso and its really tight inside.
(2)Anthony S.
What a spectacular evening at Madame Claude Cafe! Delicious Duck Confit Salad and Steak Frites with a surprisingly good bottle of Merlot from Cape May Vineyard made for atop notch night. Madame ClaudeCafe is a gem in downtown JC. We're lucky to have them here.
(5)Shen P.
i get it.....it's cute. I get it....it's cozy. i get it....it's romantic and charming. I also get the fact that the food is kinda average and a little overpriced for the amount you receive. The crepes were ok, the omelet was meh, the service was attentive. Most of my friends like Madame Claude and it's a great place to take a date but I don't like paying strictly for ambiance. Well.....unless i really like the gal.....then I'll take her wherever her tummy wants to go. (Hopefully to White Castle so we can share a Crave Case....kidding.....kinda....not really) As mentioned by everyone else..........but it's BYOB! And Binny's liquor store is right around the corner. Binny's has a great selection of malt based bevys so you and your lady/man friend can slug back a couple of 40s while you shove the pretty decent cheese and fruit plate down your throats. Or just get a nice bottle of Pinot Noir, preferably from Oregon but a Napa Valley Cab will do just as well.
(3)Jono P.
I need to write a review of this place simply to offset some of their one star reviews, which are complete baloney. Madam Claude is really a superb neighborhood restaurant, with very friendly staff and a nice menu. The food is well prepared. And it tastes really good. We have been many many times and I have never felt there was any kind of issue with consistency. One of the best spots in JC.
(5)Kelly T.
An attractive restaurant but this pretty lady is definitely relying too much on her looks. The food was sub-par and the service frustrating.
(2)C M.
I think this place is super charming. I've lived in JC for almost three years, and after getting an earful of rave reviews, I went for brunch, and was disappointed. Lack luster crepe, burnt-to-a-crisp merguez (how do you spell it? it's the sausage.), and subpar coffee. The service was friendly, the decor eclectic and adorable, but the food was...not great. Well two weeks ago my boyfriends parents were in town and mentioned they'd heard wonderful things about Madame Claude's so we decided to go to dinner. I am SO glad we gave this place a second chance. First we went to their wine shop and grabbed a bottle of French farmhouse saison and a white that was highly recommended by the owner. I'm sorry I don't know the name of either of them, because if I did, I would totally recommend them--they were delicious. We sat outside in the shade and the weather was so perfect. The owner was there and chatted us up, very sweet, and we had a very nice, attentive waiter. We started with the escargot, mushrooms in beschamel and the lentil salad. All of them were seriously so good. The escargot was cooked well, the texture was spot on, the butter and herbs were sweet and rich. The mushrooms were lovely--the sauce was so creamy and luscious, the mushrooms earthy and tender. The lentil salad was cold, and had apples, it was crisp and refreshing. For dinner we got the braised lamb shank, steak frites, a veggie crepe and the couscous. Everyone was very happy with their meals. The steak was cooked as requested, was extremely flavorful and tender. The fries were super crispy, which I love. The only other dish I tried was the couscous and I would definitely order that myself. We'll be going back, for sure. I can't wait! PS. This place is CASH ONLY.
(4)Robert J.
Lets start with some truths! 1) extremely small. I am 6'9" and my date was about 5'11". Neither of us are small. So we waited for a table that would accommodate our size. 1 hour. 2) BYOB (Thank God!!!) We enjoyed a delicious bottle of a classic Bordeaux even before we were seated. 3) Jennifer is synonomous with AWESOME!! She made sure we were taken care of as we stood by the big oak tree outside on one of the warmest nights of the year so far enjoying our classic red. Once inside and seated, with the band directly behind us and a group of alternative lifestyle males hunckered down next to us, we began to appreciate why this place is worth the wait on a Thursday night! The cod fish cake appetteaser (1 cake is not enough!) was OUTRAGEOUS! It was better than most crabcakes I have had!! They really should consider making it an entree option. The cheddar laced Cous Cous that came with my medium rare pork loin was also a homerun!!! Not to mention the mussels in the ginger leeks and lemon broth!! I am not a dessert guy, but the warm pear and chocolate crepe made me want to invest money in this place. Please..... Grab 3 great bottles of wine, call and make a reservation for Thursday night when they have music and prepare yourself for a culinary experience non compare!! Make sure the wine is french and if you plan on having the mussels , make sure it is a crisp white bordeaux!! This place is one of legends!!!
(5)Johnny T.
I find it very hard NOT to order the mussels for an app and the steak frites every single time I go into this place. go on Thursday nights and you can see the manouche bags.
(5)Jessica W.
The best French restaurant I've been to in Jersey City. Just kidding, are there other French restaurants in Jersey City? Intimate and cute, which can go both ways. Do call ahead and seriously, beware the live music ... it can be a little overpowering in a space this size. Food is sublime 4 times out of 5. The less said about the 5th time the better. BYOB really works for this place. It's good food, but the prices make it seem like you're stealing.
(4)Megan S.
Hands down, my favorite restaurant in Jersey City. Delicious food, lovely service (slow, but it's meant to be a leisurely meal), and a short walk from my apartment. What else could you ask for? I've had many of their dishes, and none have disappointed. It is cash only and byob, but that doesn't diminish from it at all. It is absolutely wonderful, definitely check it out, you will not be disappointed!
(5)Helen W.
I had a seafood soup: fish, calamari, shrimp, and mussels in a tomato based soup. It was okay. It was the special for the day. About 15 of us were here for a bday party. It's small so it was kind of hard for big groups.
(3)cory b.
Great date spot, cozy, with good food. Loses a star because of the price point, and the coziness often means a wait for a table at busy times (like brunch).
(4)Orville W.
We had dinner there over the Labor Day weekend because we had to stay overnight in Jersey City. The space is extremely cramped, what's known in the business as "greed seating" with tables touching each other. Only one waitress was serving the main room and she was completely overwhelmed. That led to delivery of the food being slow and even more inexcusable, the wrong dish being brought. After we had the first course, a gray-haired gentleman (the owner, I believe) approached me and said he'd like some feedback. I told him that I'd be glad to speak to him after the meal, but he never again asked. Oddly, when he brought over an order of pommes frites (fries), he said in French, "avec la sauce ketchup," maybe one of the few reasons left in France for using the guillotine. (I don't know, perhaps he overheard us chatting in that language.) But in France, pommes frites are not served with ketchup but with Dijon mustard. In any event, they were SOGGY! Memo to Monsieur Claude: take the PATH to Manhattan and try some fries at Pastis or Balthazar. The restaurant's website lists reviews that are eight years old which is why it's mystifying that they write, "we do not yet accept Credit Cards." Yet? After eight years? This is inexcusable. Draw your own conclusions about cash businesses. I'm really confused by some of the other comments here. If there is a wine shop "around the corner" that was news to our waitress as well as Google Maps both of which say eight blocks. The couple next to us was really peeved and left "for a cocktail." The verdict: food 4, service and ambience 1. The prescription: get a bigger location with a bar, liquor license and credit card machine. And hire more staff. I'd like to eat the meal while I still remember what I ordered. Madame Claude leaves you sad for what could be accomplished with only a little more effort since ultimately, we enjoyed the food.
(2)Jessica J.
I finally went to Madame Claude's for dinner last night and I am so happy I did- it truly is a hidden gem in JC! The atmosphere is very romantic and cozy, soft lighting with candles everywhere. The wait staff is so friendly and made us feel welcomed and taken care of right away. To start I had the French Onion Soup which was flavorful and a great portion, and also the Stuffed Mushrooms which were really delicious. For dinner I had the Mussels in White Wine and the portion was great- I couldn't eat all of them. My friend had the Steak Frites in Roquefort Sauce which was the perfect portion. The french fries that the dinners come with are thin and crispy and delicious. One important heads up: the restaurant is very small (it seats no more than 25 people) so definitly make a reservation, they had to turn a few people away because the restaurant was full. Another great perk is that Madame Claude's is BYOB. I will definitly be back!
(4)Eric S.
Really good French diner food for a good price, and the ambience is amazing. Great for brunch especially. Try the merguez sandwich. Unfortunately, a huge wait for the line, and it can be a bit crowded; when service is slammed, even a refill on coffee can take a while.
(4)Ana S.
I agree, the mussels... bland. I agree, the french fries... straight out of a McDonald's box. But the duck..... oh the duck. Tender, skin thin and crispy, with just the minimal amount of fat. Side of potatoes.... meh. Its possible that they were stored in too cold a temperature, hence the discoloration (some chunks are purple in color). And make sure to come knockin' with your own bottle of booze. But still, the french liquid soap in the bathroom, the wistful crepe griddles, the smoky bourgeoisie lighting, the romantic greeting when you call to reserve .. make this an ideal spot for some nice conversation between a few friends or loved ones and a few decent menu items. Don't miss out if you're in the area, come on weekdays and think before you order something. Remember, that Paris is mostly known for the coffee, the croissants and dessert. Ooh, dessert. Order the chocolate mousse, and your frown will turn upside down. Tiny chunks of rich dark chocolate in fluffy mousse will have your feet find their way back here soon.
(3)P C.
French meets trailer park, how can we cook what's left in the fridge. Absolutely the worst meal I've had in NYC area. Better food at a street fair. No squash in squash soup. Sausage was from walmart's grocery aisle. 12 tables, and very slow service. Honestly, a frostee and a slice would have been better.
(1)Dawn G.
My boyfriend and I decided to go here on our date night a few weeks ago. I really like the atmosphere- small, cozy, romantic and charming. It was packed, so make a reservation. My only complaint is that we were seated at what they call a "private" table- a small table next to the beverage bar and away from all the cute tables. Considering we had a reservation, I was a bit disappointed. But other than that- I really enjoyed it. We ordered a bunch of small plates and shared everything. The stuffed mushrooms were my favorite. The cheese plate had a nice variety. The Creme Brulee was fantastic. I will be going back- and not sitting at the private table :-)
(4)John M.
This place is solid. Nice atmosphere. Good menu. Quality coffee. BYOB. I went for brunch the other week with my family. Everyone's food was very good. Croque Monsieurs, quiches, crepes. I had a tasty smoked salmon sandwich. My GF had poached eggs. The portions were a bit small for the price, but everything was tasty. The service, however, was a totally different story. The waiters were all over the place. There was a really young guy, who was very sweet, and trying very hard, but kept making mistakes. 3 different tables that got seated AFTER us, ended up ordering and getting their food BEFORE us. The young waiter claimed that he wasn't the person who was supposed to take our order, so we waited for an older gentlemen (by older, I mean in his early 20s). He was extermely cold, rude, and rushed with us. Very impolite. The owners are very sweet people, so I'm sure they didn't know that their servers were doing such a bad job. Great food. Awful service.
(3)Estelle T.
I visited Madame Claude Cafe for brunch and dinner a few times each. It's definitely a cute little place that's great to have in JC because we have few French bistros in the area. However, the restaurant definitely needs to improve on increasing the quality of the food and consistency. I can't pinpoint any one issue with the restaurant's food. I think overall they need to improve the quality. I found it to be pretty mediocre. I would also note that one time I saw a roach climb up the side of a wall, another issue that needs to be addressed.
(2)M H.
I definitely agree with other reviewers who commented on the service at Madame Claude's slacking as of late. I actually think everything there has gone a bit down hill in the last year or so. The last time I was there for dinner, the waiter gave my sister a bread plate that had a chunk of old dried sauce of some kind on it. And it wasn't just a smear, or something small - it was an absolutely unwashed dish. I could possibly be completely incorrect in saying this but, I suspect the owners stopped paying as much attention to the restaurant once their wine store got up and running in Hamilton Park. I just feel like some of the attention to detail was lost at Madame Claude right around the time the wine store opened. I hope it's just a passing phase, as I do think it's a charming little neighborhood spot.
(3)Nate T.
Reasonably priced French restaurant. Just peachy. Service is good and friendly. It isn't THAT slow, relax. Go on a lazy Sunday. Play with the babies. Order something French (why are you ordering Huevo Rancheros?) La Salade de Canard Confit is delicious. Get a crepe. They're real crepes. The wheat flour/buckwheat flour kind, not the pancakes you get from the mall. Now go take a nap.
(4)Tina W.
Madame Claude's is a local gem. The restaurant has an artsy local hole-in-the-wall atmosphere and good food. They also let you bring your own booze, which is fantastic. I just wish they had a bigger entrée selection.
(4)Donovan C.
This is my favorite Jersey City restaurant! Great staff, atmosphere, and food. For brunch my favorite is croque Madame, a fantastic ham egg and cheese on bread. The coffee/latte is great, too. For dinner, there are great choices but I can hardly ever resist going for the classic steak frites. And I always finish my night with La Bronzée - a crepe with chocolate and caramel topped with vanilla ice cream. Since it's BYOB anyway, you can buy wine/beer at "Madame Claude Wine" and show your receipt and get your dessert free!!!! Oh, and most Thursday nights, the owner performs with his Gypsy Jazz quartet. So much fun.
(5)Roman W.
I went to this quaint little place not too far from my residence the other night for dinner, and was impressed by the neighborhood vibe I got when I walked into the restaurant. The restaurant very cozy and staff was friendly and the food was great. I ordered the Escargot for the app and the special Filet Mignon for the Entree. My GF ordered the Hanger steak well done but it came medium. I understand nobody really orders their steak well done but I still think it should of came how it was ordered. The dessert was great but by the time I was already too full to fully enjoy it. I will definitely go back again and try out other things, (as well as try out their breakfast menu)
(4)Karen C.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Jersey City. Its nice and cozy, great for 2 a bit tight for 4 but definitely doable. They take reservations. The owners are french and on Thursdays, the French gypsy band is excellent. Food is really good and its BYOB. There is a liquor store right around the corner, but if you go to the owners wine shop in Hamilton Park - Madame Claude Wine they have an excellent selection of reasonably priced wines. If you purchase a bottle at the shop and bring it over to the restaurants you get free dessert. This restaurant is a win win!
(4)Andy L.
The heavenly creme brûlée was an amazing way to cap off an evening of equally sumptuous dishes like the Chicken w/ Lam Sausage on Couscous, stuffed mushrooms and cauliflower au gratin! What a transformative European experience in the middle of Jersey City especially being surrounded by French folks who clearly adored the food as well! Bravo!
(5)Jake M.
Im very disappointed with my last visit. The overall quality if the food has gone down. I ordered the duck which was highly recommended by the staff. Well, that was a big mistake. The duck was burnt, overcooked and dry as if trying to cover up an old piece of fowl. Not only was it nasty, but i believe that it gave me food poisoning as I was laid out for the next 24 hours unable to keep anything down. I dont know what happened to this restaurant but it definitely is not the same place it was a few years ago. This opinion was also shared by my party who were all disappointed with their food as well. Good bye Madam Claude.
(1)Becca T.
I live close by and wanted to do a girls night with my best friend-this was the perfect choice! Got the cheese and veg/fruit platter, lentil salad, and grilled shrimp. They were all great, but I didn't think the shrimp was with the $. Wasn't open to the escargot until we smelled another table order it-had to get one and trust me and it was amazing! I was grossed out at the idea of snail but was over-the-top pleasantly surprised. Two people, two salads, and 3 small plates later (including byo wine) I am just the right amount of full and satisfied with Madame Claude's. Would definitely come back. Btw- the restaurant is very small and tight- we sat right near the front door. If it wasn't pouring we would have been outside and it would have been a great (more comfortable) experience. If the weather isn't nice make sure you call ahead-the aren't a ton of tables inside.
(4)Sarah C.
I was so excited to try out this cute little french bistro but I am underwhelmed :( I made birthday reservations for a party of 6 to be seated outdoors, but we lost our table bc we were running late. When we got there, it was a full house. We were seated next to a group of rowdy older women that were super loud & equally wasted. Annoying. It took awhile for us to get menus and place our orders, but the manager was very sweet!! We started with the grilled octopus (extremely tender but small portion), pate (2 diff types), escargot & watermelon gazpacho. I normally do not like pate, but I gorged on one of them. Escargot was DELISH as always, and I didn't try the gazpacho. They also give you a small amount of bread with prob a pound of butter. Safe to say there was 5 lbs of uneaten butter on the table by the end of our meal. I had the lamb shank and this was the biggest letdown. It was very under-seasoned with crusty, hard, dry meat on the outside and a lottt of fat. The sauce was lacking and I wished there was more of it to compliment the lamb. The cheese on the potato gratin wasn't melty at all; it was dry and lukewarm from prob sitting out too long. I should've went with my gut and ordered the duck, which was YUM-O! I wanted to eat my friend's entire plate. We also had the salmon, spicy sausage crepe, and steak frites. They all enjoyed their dish, and my friend was esp over the moon about the crepe. For dessert, the flourless chocolate cake (?) with vanilla ice cream was divine but the creme brulee was a fail. It had the perfect caramel top that didn't crack when tapped with a spoon, but once I dug in, it fell apart into a liquid mess. Where art thou, my lovely custard :( I think if I gave this spot another shot with a date and tried other items on the menu, I'd be all over this ish. Till next time, Madame Claude! BYOB
(3)Ariel J.
Madame Claude is solid and I really look forward to going back for brunch. I came for dinner and got the octopus special (DELICIOUS) and shrimp (just OK) to start. The portions were decent for three people. Same goes for dinner - I had the rabbit and linguini special which tasted great. The other people I was with had the duck and the braised lamb. I tried both of those, definitely liked the duck better out of the two. But my rabbit is still my favorite of everything I tried. Madame Claude is a cute, tiny place. The staff is friendly, it's BYOB and overall pretty tasty food. I would definitely come back here again for dinner!
(3)Lori L.
I walked into Madame Claude's Cafe on a particularly warm weekend afternoon, and the first thing I noted was the lack of air conditioning in the venue. That, I suppose, was the first strike. That's not to say Madame Claude's doesn't have its merits. It's a rustic, charming bistro-café located in The Village of Jersey City, a solid 10-15 minute walk from the PATH. They also happen to be BYOB, and have a wine shop by the same name located in Hamilton Square; if you're in an adventurous mood, you could make an evening of the trip to the wine store and the cafe. While reservations by phone are taken during the evenings, brunch is still walk-in only - and yes, they only accept cash. Thankfully, my two friends and I were able to secure a table without issue, and after getting our glasses filled with lukewarm water, started going through the menu. Dishes follow a pretty classic brunch vein, with plenty of egg-based plates, sandwiches, and a variety of sweet and savory crêpes. My friend and I opted to share one of their pastries to start, and we each decided on our mains. We started off with a piping hot croissant served with a side of jam, which was the perfect starting bite. The outside of the pastry was crisp and flaky, while the interior had just the right doughyness and chew to counter. As with most baked goods, I'm probably better off not knowing the amount of butter that was utilized... but a little smear of jam on each portion was the ideal complement. For my main, I went with an omelette filled with mushrooms, onion, and diced ham. The omelette shell was a little too dry for my liking, and my friends noted that the mushrooms used were probably canned, given the slightly rubbery chew. It wasn't, by any means, a bad omelette, but neither was it particularly remarkable, and the side of potatoes and a mesclun salad didn't contribute much either. I've heard stronger reviews for Madame Claude's Cafe during their dinner service, so for the curious, it might be better to drop by later in the evening. But given the strong showing of brunch places that are significantly closer to where I live, I probably won't be making a return visit.
(3)Alia A.
That is the best place in the world. We come here every Friday for 2 years and we always leave satisfied and happy. Phil is awesome as a waiter, ask for him. Always make a reservation, especially for Friday and Saturday night. Their special whole-fish Branzini is amazing, duck is always tender and yum, steak fries is classic and I personally love lamb with their special secret recipe for that amazing potatoes.. Oh my, I love this place! Try crepes, they are delicious, I usually take one with Nutella and finish it with a cup of true strong cappuccino. Bella!
(5)Mark R.
Meh.... Went there for Brunch. First time there for me but my wife has been there for dinner and loved it. I ordered an omelette and it came with diced potatoes. Both were bland. I was not impressed. My wife ordered the game sandwich with an egg and she thought it was good. I was not impressed. The dessert crepes were not anything amazing. They were a bit slimy and was not very favorable. Service was kinda slow. Again I wasn't impressed. Have fun
(3)Rich A.
We loved our dinner at Madame Claude. The room is small and intimate. The walls are festooned with photos of people - I assume French actors and musicians - we did not know them. We went on Thursday night, so we had music from the three piece band. It was lively and pleasant. They played French and Gypsy style jazz and folk, as advertised. Conversation was a little tough, but still possible, during the music. The patrons are not expected to be quiet during the music, it isn't a jazz club. The large pate platter appetizer was generous and delicious, with three different pates. The bread could have been crustier. The daily special appetizer, Hen-of-the-Woods (maitake) mushroom sauteed on toast, was scrumptious. The soup of the day, mango gazpacho, was lively and flavorful. Lentil salad with apples was a perfect texture and had subtle, mild flavors - this would be the vegan choice. Service was very attentive. With such a small room, it was easy to call the waiter. The mussels in a delicious lemon-butter sauce was a good value. There were plenty and they were quite large and fresh, first-rate, and cooked just enough. The steak with pepper sauce was properly seared and done as ordered, juicy, and delicious, with crisp "French Fries". The very lively sauce was wisely served on the side in its own little cup, to use it according to taste. The lamb shank was extremely tender and flavorful, and not at all gamy. The Crepe Marocaine contained plenty of mushrooms and delicious, peppery lamb sausage, and just enough rich creamy sauce. The lightly dressed mesclun salad that came with the crepe balanced it well, but it could have been shredded smaller, and perhaps a choice of dressings would be nice. At this writing, no credit cards are accepted, and BYOB if you want wine. (If you don't want wine, are you sure you like French food?) French food is rarely cheap. We each ordered an appetizer or soup, and a main dish each, and paid $33 each (before tax and tip). Portions were generous - we were too full for ice cream afterwards (except the teenager!).
(5)Ashley V.
Went here with my beau last night. The food was really great. The service was good. We had 2 appetizers - The calamari - which is not really my thing, but it was very good. The mushrooms were amazing. 2 Entrees - He had the halibut special which he enjoyed thoroughly. I had the couscous which was very tasty as well. We split a crème brûlée and it was amazing. It was a great night and we will definitely go back. :)
(4)Breelyn M.
BYOB !! Just stopped in for quick appetizers .. Beet salad & garlic shrimp ! Yum ! I'm going to come back to try out more options on the menu ..
(4)An S.
I liked this place. Everything was good, aside from the lamb, it just tasted microwaved for what ever reason. Like it taste like it was take out from a couple days prior and heated in the microwave. Escargot was great and staff was really attentive/friendly. Byob!
(4)Dee B.
I like the dark, cozy atmosphere. The last time I came, it was a cold Saturday night and we made reservations. However when we got there, they had no table for the two of us and we were put in a makeshift table in a corner surrounded by cutlery and phones. It was like sitting at the kids table while the adults got to sit at the other tables. It sounds like a complaint, but I promise it's not. It felt cute. I appreciated that they made the best of the lack of space for us, and I liked that we were alone! A woman, who is maybe the owner or manager (?) Came over and apologized during our meal but we told her it was absolutely fine! I have only come twice and ordered the same thing, mussels in white wine. It's very tasty. I love the fries they serve. They are thin, and they kind of remind me of McDonald's fries (which has the best fries out of any fast food chain in my opinion). My partner got steak and fries, and he liked it. I would love to come back and try the crepes, but I was pretty full the last time. It is BYOB, and with good food, dark intimate atmosphere and delicious wine I had a great night.
(4)Cheryl P.
Huh? I didn't even know that this place was a French restaurant. But this place definitely delivers pretty solid food. I usually never have the time to go visit spots for brunch, but I'm glad I finally could. It was definitely strange because there was absolutely no one in the restaurant on a Saturday at around noon-ish. And you'd think that the food would come out fast, but it took about 30 minutes to get our food out. I think my friend drew out his whole family tree before we got our food. Anyway, the food was very good. At least my food was. I had the french toast, which was the bombbbb. Does anyone use that phrase anymore? Doesn't matter. It was so good. Not a fan of french toast to begin with, but it was yummyyy! Friend had the lamb sausage mushroom crepe, which was ok. I didn't like the crepe, but the lamb sausage was pretty good. The dressing on the salad on the side was delicious! I think I want to come here for dinner one day...the seafood sounds yummy...but only when I have a lot of time cause it seems like we gotta wait for the food for a while...
(4)Lauren F.
My favorite French restaurant. I've been here a few times. Atmosphere is very romantic. Had dinner there this past Friday night. Ate inside at a dimly lit table by candlelight. Good thing we made a reservation because walk-ins were told to come back after 9:30 for a table. I had the mussels the first time I came here which I remember were good. On Friday, the boyfriend and I shared escargot for an appetizer. They were served shellless, swimming in sauce, and were slightly on the salty side but I still found them to be very good. Ordered one of the specials that night which were 2 beautiful lamb loin steaks on the bone. They were served with a small stew pot of artichoke hearts with carrots and onions in a sort of Rosemary chicken broth. My meal was outstanding! The lamb was soft and delicious and I can't tell you how many times I just wanted to pick the steak up with my hands to gnaw the meat off the bone but etiquette prevented me from doing so. For dessert, we shared the house made creme Brulee and we weren't disappointed. Even ordered a crepe to go and ate it for breakfast the next morning. Great place for a date night or if you're looking to try something different.
(5)Chris V.
This is a quaint little French restaurant in the ever improving jersey city neighborhood. The food for us was ok but we were a little spoiled as we had just returned from a trip to France. My duck did not inspire me in any was and it was a bit dry. But my wife's crepe was good. Perhaps our expectations were a little high after our trip. I really liked the atmosphere in the restaurant but the restaurant should tone down the fake French. The other reason I docked a point was because the restaurant did not accept any cards which can be a bit inconvenient.
(3)Heather T.
After a Latin Mass (yes... it was done in Latin), we took my guy's mother (whom was visiting from Italy) to this place for a brunch before settling in for whiskey and Friday Night Lights marathons. This place is BYOB but we forgot to smuggle champagne into church and liquor stores dont open until 12pm on Sundays, so we marched onward to Madame Claude's liquor-less. We were seated immediately and brought waters. It took a bit to get our order in, but, even longer to chase someone down for the check (Just FYI: If youre in a hurry, make sure to request the check when they bring your food - we never saw our waiter after the plates were dropped at our table). The restaurant is cute - a bit claustraphobic (my seat was against someone else's), but enjoyable atmosphere. As for food: my guy's mom ordered the Huevos Rancheros, the guy got a Croque Madame sandwich, and I opted for an omelette with goat cheese, mushrooms and spinach. The homefries were tasty and I enjoyed my omelette - not sure it was worth the price tag though. The guy had a decent meal and finished his plate: his mom wasnt impressed for picked at it the best she could. I hear great things about this place: perhaps we just ordered the wrong thing or should come for dinner instead of brunch? Either way - nothing horrible, but nothing memorable. PS: Cash only, so make sure to hit the ATM prior to walking in.
(2)Karen E.
My husband and I went to Madame Claude's for the first time today. The outside can be deceiving with its humble store front, but the food was exactly what we were hoping for in a Sunday brunch. We ordered the eggs Benedict and were able to mix a meat along with the spinach on each Benedict. The dish was served with crispy home fries and a small salad. Our café au laits were a work of art and came in a generously sized mug. We look forward to eating here again soon!
(4)Jacob M.
Rather unimpressed. The boyfriend and I had g-brunch here with friends, and we were surprised to find the place relatively dead after all the hubub on Yelp about it. Fair warning: it looks REALLY shady out front. It's got the ambience of a serial killer's body disposal shack. Yikes. We ordered, and I got my old standard: two eggs over easy with fixings. Not only were the portions lacking, but the food was not even cooked very well. I was originally just going to get the croissant with jam but was very saddened to see that jam was just Smuckers in a small jar. C'mon. $5 for that? And $10 for two eggs, half a potato, and three leaves of arugala? What do you think this is: Manhattan? Regardless, the place still gets two stars because the atmosphere (INSIDE the restaurant) is cute, and if it was dinner, I would certainly appreciate the BYOB policy. I won't be returning though.
(2)Eliza R.
Cozy, sweet, delicious place for dinner! They were out of mussels when I was there, unfortunately, but we had salmon, steak, potato gratin, and calamari and everything was amazing. Service is friendly and they had live music. Highly recommended! BYOB and cash only. It was very crowded on a Thursday night so I'd suggest making a reservation.
(5)Michelle S.
Our friends suggested this as a good brunch place in Jersey City so we met them there on a Sunday morning. They brought Prosecco, which we mixed with orange juice provided by the restaurant. We each got a cafe ole, each one which came with different designs on the steamed milk. It doesn't take much to impress us... We started with croissants which were delicious. The four of us split two of them, which was plenty. They were buttery and warm and wonderful. For my entree I got the smoked salmon crepe which comes with mixed greens on the side. The crepe was good but I don't know why they included tomatoes in the crepe. December tomatoes are just sad and shouldn't be served. But the actual smoked salmon was good. Just be warned, the portions are normal sized, maybe smaller than what you would expect for brunch. We all cleared our plates. Also, no credit cards are accepted here so make sure you have cash. Luckily everything is reasonably priced so you don't need too much money on you. Definitely a very cozy and welcoming spot - I'd be happy to come back here in the future.
(4)Missy J.
How have I waited five years to finally come here??! So intimate and romantic. And the food is really, really good. The server intuitively knew to give us space and definitely took notice of the fact that we were more interested in talking and taking our time eating...so he adjusted the timing of firing the entrees accordingly. I love the BYOB aspect...not too many BYOB spots in JC. I'm definitely interested in checking out brunch!
(5)Priti K.
This may be my favorite restaurant in Jersey City. I'm kind of upset I've been missing out this whole time. The ambiance is quiet, charming, and romantic. They've got these hanging wine bottle lanterns that I love. It's a bit of an escape from Jersey City. We started off with the assiette de pate, a small size which came with two different kinds. The darker one was a little tough to spread. The white one was softer and creamy - both fantastic and a nice light start to the meal. For our main courses, we ordered the Couscous Madame Claude - stewed chicken and lamb sausage in Moroccan spices served with couscous and vegetables. Oh my goodness! What a lovely dish. It had both an eastern and french flare, warm and delicious spices. Chicken fell right off the bone. Everything was so tasty, especially drenched in brown gravy. We also got the lamb shank, it came with cheesy potatoes and peas. The lamb was amazing, tender and tasty. The portion sizes are rather large and we both had a ton of left over to take home. Duck confit was out that night, so will definitely have to return to try that. I have a feeling I'm going to back here sooner rather than later. Dinner was filling, but of course my sweet tooth scolded me for even having the thought of neglecting it. We got une crepe sucrees - the chocolate, vanilla ice cream, and caramel one. This wonderful meal was accompanied with one of my favorite bottles of wine, which happens to be French - Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Village. BYO is a godsend! I'm a lover of everything French and Madame Claude Cafe delivers nothing less than you'd expect. It's cash only. Française occupe toujours une place dans mon cœur (I think that's correct. It's been so long since I've practiced!)
(5)Ava R.
I have come here previously for intimate dinners including this past Father's Day and have had a wonderful experience every time but this review is for a birthday dinner I helped plan this past Friday night. The staff and service here was amazing!!! I had no trouble making a reservation for 8 and then increasing our reservation to 11 at the last minute even though the dining space itself is on the smaller side. I arrived early with decorations that were welcome and our table was ready. Our party trickled in slowly but once everyone arrived our orders where taken quickly, the food came out delicious and without a lot of wait time and the staff was extremely accommodating. A lot of wine was had by all and we were not rushed out or made to feel we overstayed our welcome. I applaud them for their excellent service, patience, and I would recommend them for both larger birthday dinner and intimate dinners alike. And, the stuffed mushrooms, mussels and hanger steak are all are delicious!
(5)Reena N.
BYOB in a cute French bistro. This is definitely a great date night spot it just a night with friends. You can bring your own wine and they'll open it for you without a corkage fee. The food is great but not the same quality as 5 star French restaurants. However, this place doesn't boast being a 5 star French place, it's a bistro and very casual at that. I'd highly recommend coming here for an affordable and charming night out.
(4)Daniel G.
The atmosphere here is vibrant, servers are friendly and while they can work on utilizing the restaurant space a little better, their dining scene is expected of french cuisine with a hip-modern twist. Not too fancy, just about right. Just remember, BYOB. I wish I could rate this place a bit higher because don't get me wrong, the food here is great. Probably even better if it was sold as if it just came right out of the kitchen...not for us this time. We ordered a lot for two people: Les Escargot, Confit de Canard (duck), Jarret d'Agneau (lamb), Leek soup and ended the dinner with an obligatory Creme Brulee. Now, back to the three-star perspective. Granted, the wait for our food was a bit long (I'd like for them to make sure they put some quality time into cooking), I was expecting our meals to be hot. Sort of like the couple next to us who practically ordered the same thing, their food came out hot - sometimes sizzling. What happened here? Beats me. But what I do want them to consider is that food should not be served almost near cold. If that were the case I would've gone to shop-rite and hit the frozen aisle - that's being too nice especially when I know I can make my frozen meals a lot warmer than they did. Still, I think the servers should really be conscious of the temperature in which the food is served. Trust me, it makes a BIG difference. So as I said, the flavors in each dish were quite frankly delicious (albeit the food temperature).Lamb shank was cold - the white wine/rosemary sauce gave it a kick; Escargot was great as an appetizer, be sure to ask for bread! Creme Brulee was awesome - good thing this dish isn't served hot - they got lucky with this one. Would I come back? Potentially. I think for dinner, probably not. I hear their brunch is good though, but I like a hot brunch/breakfast so I might be taking a big gamble here.
(3)Camille S.
We had a fantastic and authentically French meal at Madame Claude's on Valentine's Day. The ambiance is amazing if you like cozy and quaint vs stuffy for your French food (like me). Must be okay with sitting close with your neighbors/in tight quarters and a lively atmosphere. A very talented French jazz ensemble made our experience feel like a real night on the town. I'll be back!
(4)Shilpa M.
Small, Low key spot for birthday dinner. Apple tart & flourless chocolate cake. Duck, steak frites, extensive mussels menu, pork, mushroom-clam soup. Friendly staff. BYO
(5)Michele T.
Love this place! The only reason I gave 4 stars is because of the wait....it can be long! But the food is great...the cute little place is a hidden gem...honestly, if you have a hankering for some yummy French food, this is right in your backyard (JC folk). Can't wait to go back to get some more yummy escargot..
(4)Lissette M.
This loction is in the heart of Jersey City. From the outside is not fancy and one would think it's not a restaurant. But once you walk into the place it has a very cozy warm feeling. Here you must BYOB... The food... AMAZING...... My favorite appetizer was the calamari. Excellent place for an intimate dinner. Cheers!
(5)Angela P.
Took a party of nine for a birthday and they were very accommodating. A person was late almost an hour and they were very nice to wait. But don't do this, it's a small place so they can't accommodate all the time. Ambience was cozy, romantic and not loud so you can have a conversation. Good was very good,service even better. Byob and cash only.
(4)Michael S.
Food was just ok, service good, atmoshphere unique but crampped
(3)Jon P.
Great service and the food was great. Would highly reccommend. Also its BYOB
(5)Alli M.
Friendly service. Traditional French menu with crepes and croque sandwiches. I enjoyed eggs Benedict with spinach and salmon. Sat outside. Mushroom crepe had a beautiful cream sauce. Felt like I was in Paris.
(5)Ash P.
Escargot very salty. Cold salty mussels. Fries and steak were okay thus the 2 star.
(2)Rocio H.
I had the eggs benedict with salmon. I have never had it with salmon and was pleased with it. At first I was hesitant towards the salad but once I gave it a chance I enjoyed it. I recommend checking this place out.
(4)Chelsea A.
I love Madame Claude's. Been here many times for dinner and for brunch. For brunch I love the smoked salmon sandwich. The mayo, egg, salmon combination is perfect. Dinner favorites include the couscous Madame Claude and the lamb shank. For appetizers I highly recommend the stuffed mushrooms and escargots. Also shared a large cheese plate for four - very generous serving, well worth the price. If they have the octopus special you must try it!! Perfectly cooked (not chewy in the slightest). Unlike any octopus dish I've ever had. I'm not a fan of the crepes - too much dough in my opinion. Thursdays with Manouche Bag - live French jazz music - are so much fun! Adds great ambience! Try sitting closer to the door, furthest from the band, as it gets fairly loud.
(4)Bob G.
For bistro atmosphere. Try the escargot app - nice butter and garlic flavor. Endive, beet and goat cheese salad app very refreshing. Blazed Lamb Shank tasty and falling off the shank. Worth it. Home made Creme Brûlée with good top crust and cool custard very nice with our Sauternes- good match. Phil, our server, made our evening a fun event for a party of 11.
(4)Deanett U.
I was in town this past October, visiting a friend. A girlfriend I grew up with also lives in NJ, so we planned an "unplanned" dinner date. We walked and walked and found this place. It was so cute. It was BYOB, which I would come to find out is pretty much the norm in NJ. Anyway, the hostess pointed us towards a liqueur store, we purchased our wine and made our way back to the restaurant. We both hat the Steak Frites. The steak was so tender, it was just melting in my mouth! Seriously, it was amazing. I will definitely go back if I ever find myself in the neighborhood again!
(5)Scott G.
Delicious food and nice atmosphere.
(4)Joy R.
I found this place through Yelp and the reviews are well deserved. 5 of us had brunch there today, including 4 French people and we were not disappointed at all. The food was good, the waiters were really nice, attentive and not pushy and the place itself is quaint. They played good music but we were able to have a conversation because it was not loud. All the other people in the restaurant also seemed very happy. Great coffee! (And i am picky with coffee)
(5)Jeremy R.
Just LOVED the whole experience of being there. Really cozy (small) joint without a liquor licence so BYOB. Food was good. Service was efficient and to have live music mid-week was romantic and wonderful. Oh, "cash only" as well... Thank you friends.
(4)Mike C.
One of the best meals all around I've had in JC. Warm atmosphere. Attentive and genuine service. Fantastic food. Will certainly be back!
(4)Melissa M.
Poor quality steak for steak frites. I couldn't eat it! Duck salad was mediocre, shrimp app was just spicy with no extra flavor. Jazz was nice atmosphere...but food should be drastically improved.
(1)Arshi K.
Great, little quaint brunch spot. I had the vegetarian crepe with fresh goat cheese with freshly squeezed orange juice and it was great. My companions opted for the Merguez Sandwich (Spicy Lamb Sausage served with Arissa and Mesclu) and the Croissant with Scrambled Eggs and cheese and they loved it as well. The service was warm and attentive. I would give them 5 stars if they added or had more vegetarian options in their brunch menu. (Cash only)
(4)Sara G.
Madame Claude's is one of my favorite JC restaurants of all time. I love grabbing a few of my closest friends, a few too many bottles of wine (BYOB AND cash only, btws!!!) and cramming into the restaurant to enjoy a long evening of gypsy jazz, pate, cheese plates and steak frites when they have gypsy jazz Thursdays. The service is laid back, and almost reminds me of a leisurely night at a French cafe where time seems to stop and everyone enjoys a casual evening of live music and fun. I've attended many of their events, including their anniversary party last year as well as my favorite day of the year -- Bastille Day, which is always such a great time, sitting outside and playing pentanque. Also -- a side note. Went for brunch today and noticed how fun their cappucino/latte's are -- with little faces swirled into the steam milk. I think I need to go back for that alone! :)
(5)Andre N.
I want to be in Paris, France, better yet is there a French procurer that can assist me? I know, let me ask Madame Claude. Ok I am talking about a swanky little spot off the beaten path in Jersey City. This has to be the most famous yet infamous place in Jersey City. M. Claude has been serving us for about 10 years. Keeps me smiling each time I visit. The owners created something special here, something you find on a night when you plan on not going to that trendy restaurant in the city, and you want to be close to home. Maybe you want some BYOB action. Whatever you will be wondering "why haven't I stopped here before?" had the "les Escargots" figured I'm in France so go with that. Ohh was I happy with the snails, engrossed in the butter garlic made me smile ear to ear again. Go on Thursday nights there is Jazz ensemble. Unique and small Doesn't accept credit cards Only takes cash. Reservations a must This list reminds me of a woman I dated once, she wasn't French though. Thanks Madame Claude if this where the 60's, and I was a dignitary you know what's up "Shorty". In the end I just want my croissant and coffee good atmosphere to enjoy it. M. Claude you definitely fit that criteria.
(5)Rachel R.
Thursday nights with Manouche Bag! BYOB and come for dinner and a show. The food is always amazing from the regular French staples to their daily specials. We have a hard time not ordering at least the duck confit salad every time we go. My other favorites include steak or mussels with frites. I like a simple delicious dish to save room for desert! Who can refuse a crepe? Tips: make a reservation on Thursdays and weekend brunch
(5)Sui B.
My dinner experience at Madame Claude's has been great. The presentation is lacking, but the taste totally makes up for it!
(4)Erin B.
Best brunch in town! Food is delicious, great ambiance, and awesome staff.
(5)Sammy M.
Went there for dinner couple of weeks ago after seeing all the reviews. Love the small cozy atmosphere inside but it gets hot in there during the summer. We tried the calamari for appetizer, duck confit and steak frites for dinner. The calamari with the wine sauce was superb, the sauce went really well with the house bread and the red wine we brought along. The duck confit: this was cooked perfectly. With most restaurants duck is either a hit or a miss and here it was perfection. Now on the down side: Steak Frites - that was definitely the worst big chunk of meat I have ever had and I have had a ton of steak in my lifetime. The portion is huge but it was an awful quality. I would definitely prefer a good quality steak that is smaller in size than a big chunk of the worst quality. Service: definitely understaffed, I dont blame the server but the owner. The server was running around and we had to wait a long time to get his attention everytime we needed something. Please get more staff for busy weekends and please do not serve that kind of steak to anyone.
(3)Avantika T.
This place was an unexpected find. We went there from work for a holiday dinner (about 12 of us) and the servers were very prompt and attentive to our needs. I'm a vegetarian and I had the vegetarian crepe for dinner which was very tasty. All my colleagues loved their dishes too. Special mention of the Green Mussels and Escargot. I'm told they were great :) Although the location is not extremely commuter friendly, this place is def a must visit if you're around the area! Don't forget to: - make a reservation coz it gets really busy - keep cash handy as it's a CASH only place - BYOB
(4)Bliss G.
A quaint and cozy French restaurant in Jersey City! This place lets you BYOB. Overall the food and service were applaudable. Def will recommend to others.
(4)Daath S.
Had Sunday Brunch with Eggs Benedict, Spicy Lamb Crepe and a Croissant with Jam. The Eggs Benedict were some of the best I've ever had - perfectly poached eggs and perhaps the best hollandaise sauce this side of the ocean. The Salad was beautifully seasoned. The lamb sausage was succulent and flavorful and the crepe was a great mix of crisp and soft. The croissant was to die for. Service was very quick, helpful and charming. The ambiance was that of a small cafe but very quaint. This has the makings of a weekly haunt.
(5)Nimita L.
Food was delicious! We love French food. Wish it was a little bigger but it's great!
(5)Devashis R.
Came to this place originally just for crepes, but we diverged a bit after seeing the whole menu. Here is what we ordered: Champignons Farcis En Persillade (stuffed mushrooms), Crevettes Grillées Au Gingembre (grilled shrimp), La Marocaine (lamb sausage crepe), and La Belle Helene (pear and chocolate crepe). All were quite good overall. The shrimp is served with the head and complete shell on in case there are squeamish folks in your party. The mushrooms were delicious though they come very (temperature) hot, the lamb sausage crepe was decent but nothing special in my opinion, and the pear crepe was a great finish to the meal. We came on a Sunday around early dinner time, and it wasn't busy. However, as we were wrapping up, it began to get quite hopping. Staff is happy to offer suggestions and BYOB with a liquor store around the corner is nice. A somewhat hidden gem in the neighborhood worth checking out multiple times.
(4)Scott L.
I have never been here before, and this was my first French style food. I trusted my friend, Magic Mike, in his selection and came along for the ride with mine and his girlfriend . Madame Claude is a unique styled French restaurant in the back parts of downtown Jersey City that makes you feel like you are in a rural area restaurant. The walls are cladded with little knickknacks that you would pick up from various flea markets. It was far different from what I expected, and attracts an very liberal type crowd as a result. This is a BYOB place, and we knew this going in, but I never looked at the pricing. I made an assumption that it would follow similar business models with lower priced food due to a lack of a liquor licence and no need for additional insurance it requires. I was a little taken back by the pricing though that starts at about $20/entree. They aren't obscenely priced, but they are priced at the same price as a some other non BYOB places in the area. The menu isn't very large, but there was a descent number of daily specials added to it, so be sure to listen up. We ordered the calamari as an appetizer and I ordered the lamb shank. I learned that the french style of calamari is a stolen recipe from Goodyear. It was way overcooked and better served as a patch for your tire. The lamb shank was excellent though, and I was really happy with it. The service was nothing to brag about, but it was acceptable. I would suggest a little more attention on the drinks though. Some of us were not drinking BYOB, and it took a little longer than I would have liked to get a new drink. That extra $4-$6 a plate doesn't buy you better service. I may come back here again, but if I do, I will not be trying the calamari.
(3)Dan C.
On a Sunday in mid-November, we hosted a surprise brunch for my father's 60th birthday at Madame Claude Cafe. After our experience, I am definitely a fan. I live a little over a mile away from the restaurant, closer to the waterfront. Having heard great things about Madame Claude Cafe, and having visited the wine shop in Hamilton Park a few times, I had wanted to try the place out. After researching other spots in Jersey City for a party of 16-20 people, we settled on Madame Claude since their space, while a bit small, had a casual, warm vibe, parking was not impossible to find in that neighborhood, their price per person was reasonable, and they were very willing to work with all of our requests. We made a great choice. My family can be incredibly demanding. We began planning the event over two months in advance. We were able to settle on a set menu in which all of our picky eater relatives could find something to enjoy and finalize a contract to reserve enough space in the cafe at an otherwise busy brunch time. My mother, God Bless her, loves perfecting details and asking questions very frequently. The managers that spoke with her were friendly and accommodating every time they spoke and the plan slightly changed. When I visited ahead of the event to put down our 50% security deposit, the servers knew who I was based on their conversations with my mother. One even asked me how she was doing and told me to tell her hello. My only criticisms are that it would have been nice to pay on a credit card and get a better receipt for my deposit. Perhaps a digital copy, instead of a handwritten note. That said, Madame Claude was ready for us. They were attentive to our family members, they refrigerated way more alcohol than a party our size should have brought, and gave us additional space for presents and an obnoxiously large poster that we all signed for my father. The other patrons were equally friendly. Some even signed the poster. Also, everyone enjoyed the food. If you're looking to throw a casual brunch party for a reasonable price, I'd highly recommend Madame Claude.
(4)SN M.
Went there for a super early dinner on Saturday. Was told by an attentive waiter that if a purchase was made at their wine store (Madame Claude near Hamilton park), we'd get a free desert - just make sure the receipt is stamped! So we hiked over from the restaurant to Hamilton park for a bottle of white since we time to kill before starting supper at 430ish. We had the calamari, monkfish (special of the day), mussels with saffron and creme brûlée. The calamari was excellent. Monkfish and mussels were decent. The creme brûlée was out of this world. Overall, 4 stars for the wonderful waitstaff, food and ambiance. The owner said they are hoping to settle into their new location across the street, which will be larger and also will accept credit cards. Looking forward to it!
(4)Natalia R.
Lovely place with a very good and friendly staff. Menu is good, we love to go there for a weekend brunch. 4 stars for the fact they don't take credit cards, otherwise I love it.
(4)S E.
Just got back from my dad's birthday dinner. It was a really nice meal. The place is a little small, but it makes for a very nice atmosphere. We had the mussels and the cheese plate to start - both were very good. The mussels were large and flavorful, as opposed to just being a vehicle for broth. For dinner, we ordered glazed pork, bouillabaisse, chicken and lamb sausage stew, and duck confit. Everyone loved their dish. There was nothing left to take home. Dessert consisted of creme brulee and flourless chocolate cake. Both were delicious. All said, it was a very enjoyable meal. Everything was picked clean. Moreover, it was incredibly affordable. I'll be back.
(5)Alexandra B.
We have been here plenty times for brunch... And always leave pretty happy with our meals. I usually get a croissant with eggs, ham & cheese. It's a pretty simple breakfast but the high quality of the ingredients is evident. Their coffee is delish with very little sugar or milk needed (if any at all). They are cash only which is my only complaint. I feel like nowadays every restaurant should accept credit cards. It's definitely been a reason that we would pick another place to eat on a random day that we don't have cash on us.
(4)Tiff K.
I'm really glad I read about this cozy French spot on Yelp and started jogging by the area to scope out the exact location. The nondescript entrance leads to a small but cozy cafe space. My husband and I squeezed into a table and each started off with a large cup of coffee. I ordered a crepe and hubs ordered a merguez sandwich after starting out with . The whole place is very French- small space and small food portions. My crepe was tasty but hubs' lamb was a bit dry. The escargot was perfect and reminded me of past vacations to Europe. I will definitely be back, perhaps for some evening jazz. One more thing: The cafe is cash only so be sure to stop by an ATM beforehand.
(4)Evgeny O.
Food was fine, but the service was awful. Went there for a brunch on Saturday, everything looked fine.. The restaurant was almost empty (3 or 4 other tables) We gave our order to the waiter and... had to wait 25 min for 2 eggs and crepes:)) That was just a beginning, otherwise i wouldn't leave a 1 star review.. They served our food to a different table, who ordered after us, that table returned it cause that was not what they wanted.. they received new portion in 5 min we had to wait for another 10! That was 35 min for a very, very simple order! After that they didn't even apologized. They brought us the check we paid and i went to discus the situation with the manager.. I was surprised when realized that the manager was actually the guy who messed up the orders! When i told him about waiting time and everything and said that they should've at least say "sorry" and maybe offer a discount or something, he said that "it is OK" and "we were busy",i was trying to reply, he started arguing and laughing on my complaints.. Never back.
(1)Andre P.
Meh, I still feel the same way I did in 2011 along with the same complaints: uncomfortable chairs, wobbly tables, folksy interior, precluded bread and simply ok food. Steak frites was boring: steak was meh and the fries even more so. My partner's plate of pork, however, was delicious. "It's not you, it's me" is perhaps more reflective of my mood than anything else. I'm so tired of local art on the wall, but it is apparent I am preaching to an empty audience (but thank god there wasn't the very cheesy cliche pictures of all-things-French on the wall). I walked in feeling the restaurant needed a major face lift and that probably left me thinking the same of the food. What's surprising is the contrast between Madame Claude, the restaurant, and it's namesake wine store some blocks away. The latter is beautiful and French inspired, happy, exciting, and so welcoming. While the former is dull, dusty and lacking inspiration. And cash-only is annoying and rather frustrating. Get a credit card machine, charge an extra few dollars and join the 1990s dammit.
(3)Charlotte M.
Enjoyed a lovely birthday dinner with my family and enjoyed the music as well as the flavor of the food. Wish the portions or additions were a wee bit more but I will try another entree next time to compare. It was well worth frequent visits!
(5)Charlotte M.
So I may not be a fan of Madame Claude dinner, but I LOVE their brunch. the tartine, while just a toasted baguette, is yummy, and the coffee is delish. i typically get the scrambled eggs and potatoes and all is yum. i also enjoy because the servers are hands off, which is nice for a morning meal when you're too tired and don't want to talk too much.
(4)James F.
One of the best dinners I had in a long while. Les escargots was so addicting, a loaf of bread was sacrificed in its honor. Also, a must have was the Filet de porc sauce Sonja et miel and the Moules Frites. Yum Yum Yum x10. By the way... BYOB.
(5)Alex C.
I don't know where these people who call my 'Hood "scary", but you're a such bunch of sissies. If you want great food, one has to be adventurous - what's food without the ambience? Been going here on and off for most of it's existence since it was converted from a weird, local Diner owned by one of my daughter's classmates family, to a downtown JC institution. Try getting an early reservation on Fridays, where the specials such as Filet Mignon or Roasted Leg of Lamb are fabulous. They also used to serve Bouillabaise for the non-red meat eating believers. Start with the perfect escargot, some Pate, then go for the special, finish off with creme brulee and excellent espresso. The Duck breast with crunchy skin is also awesome, so is the Skirt Steak. Don't get put off by the south american looking staff in the kitchen, they cook like Jacques Pepin. BYO - get your wine at the Madame Claude Wine shop in Hamilton Square and get a free dessert! - how cool is that?
(5)Jess F.
Intimate yet inviting, this little bistro serves up delicious French cuisine and on Thursday nights, live music. You can pretty much get lost in the feel of this place with it's gracious staff and candle-light atmosphere. It also helps that it is a BYOB establishment.
(5)Cindy G.
The food is amazing! I went with a group of friends--we ordered the mussels in mustard sauce and the escargot to start. I wasn't brave enough to try the latter, but it got rave reviews. The sauce the mussels came in was heavenly, and we dipped our bread in it all night long. My hangar steak was great and the shallot sauce was full of flavor. Try the flour-less chocolate cake or banana and chocolate crepe for dessert. The place is very small, so make a reservation and get cozy with your neighbors at the next table. The icing on the cake...it's BYOB.
(5)Kiki K.
Be prepared for coup de foudre (love at first sight) What's better than strolling into a local, upbeat, hip-n-humble French Restaurant in Jersey City? Having your crêpe and eating it too! This little gem is just what the doctor ordered if you want to take a French Happy Pill and vivre heureux. It is Fresh and friendly, soft and sexy vibe will immediately have you turning off your cell phones and smiling until your face hurts. What's really cool about Madame Claude Cafe is that it is unpretentious and easy. The staff is attentive, engaging and most importantly showing their restaurant synergy on their sleeves. We ordered the Le Plateau de Fromage (assortment of imported French cheeses, apple, and greens) to share. For the entree, I ordered the Duck l'Orange while my boyfriend ordered the Duck Magret with a flawless, balanced mushroom sauce. Don't do something stupid like count calories or cholesterol when perusing the side dish options. Go straight for the Gratin Dauphinois (sliced layered potato with cheese and cream fraiche) and don't look back. But wait....the story gets even better. Visit Madame Claude's adorable little wine shop first and pick up your favorite bottle (or bottles... lol) of wine and you will receive a free dessert when you show your receipt. We selected the La Belle Hélène (Baked Pear and Chocolate Sauce) and were immediately inducted into the "clean plate club." Paris can wait..... go to Jersey City. Wine Shop: madameclaudewine.com/mcw
(4)Steven C.
2.5 stars rounding up. Madame Claude Cafe is a small restaurant/cafe on the corner in JC... Type of place where if you don't mind sitting on top of the table next to you then it's ok... Don't get me wrong, the atmosphere was nice but it was just a little too tight... The owner/manager was very nice and tried to be as accommodating as she possibly could. She apologized for the seating and checked on us throughout the night. The food, to be honest was just ok... I wanted to love the place because I've heard some good reviews on it but it just didn't rock my world. Service was ok, not bad not great... Rounded up to 3 stars for the owner/manager who was very nice. I'm not against giving it another shot, I just hope I'm not disappointed.
(3)Theresa Y.
Cute and cozy restaurant. Friendly service, but the food is so-so. I ordered everything on the menu, but nothing turned out to be impressive.
(3)Sona D.
I've been going since Alice and Martine first opened. It's a solid choice for good food at fair prices and wonderful ambience. Alice's husband plays here Thursday nights--wonderful gypsy Jazz. Outdoor seating, pleasant staff. bYOB (they can have wine delivered to your table by Vespa from their excellent wine shop) Crepes are always a good bet, creme brûlée rocks, soups can be salty for my taste. The featured entrees are good to extraordinary. Mostly I go here because they treat everyone so nicely.
(5)Binna K.
It's a cozy neighborhood spot and a breath of fresh air in the west-of-jersey-ave dearth of restaurants. Went for brunch with the baby last weekend. Strong, tasty coffee is a must for me at brunch and these guys brewed a nice cup so brownie points. The service is attentive but slow ie amiable but not super proactive. Luckily it's a small place so it's not hard to flag down a waiter. I had the croque madame and it came out piping hot, with bubbly cheese and a runny egg. The bread was crisp but not soggy. Haven't had a chance to have dinner here but the menu is appealing. BYOB is a big plus - I see people show up with pitchers of bloody Mary's!
(4)Christina L.
I like to think I'm fair with my reviews, and when service improves (whether it's because Matisse & Co. saw my previous yelp review, or they just simply improved) I'll give an update! And that's exactly what has been consistently happening the last half a dozen times we went to Madame Claude's for brunch. The wait staff, particularly Jose is much more friendlier...he even remembers my husband's outrageous two meals per brunch order! He also remembers that we always order a OJ and cappuccino with our brunch. As usual, the food is always delicious...although I have to say their dinner quality has been a little shaky lately. Perhaps we'll give dinner another shot sometime, but brunch has been consistently good.
(4)Marc C.
Great French food right in down town Jersey City! No need to go to Manhattan. The hangar steak was fantastic and the deserts even better. Service was exceptional (especially Jenn, Phil and the owners Matisse and Alice) and the atmosphere was perfect, especially if sitting outside on the street. Be prepared to break your diet for the night but totally worth it. Highly recommend!
(5)Jo D.
This place is fantastic, its a little hidden gem. The service is great and the decor is warming. We had the croissants and and the bread to start. I got the cafe au latte and my friend got the hot cocoa - they are served in bowls!!! we got an array of dishes for brunch, I got eggs benny (the eggs were a little past over done) with the canadian bacon and spinach which made up for the overdone eggs so I was still very pleased. Other friends got omelet which was super fuffy, and 2 got the lamb sausage - perfectly spicy, and the salmon sandwich that had a great ratio for ingredients to bread. I am a huge fan and would love to come back and try the crepes! *Enjoy*
(4)Gary M.
We'd been here for brunch in the past, but finally made it out for the semi-famous "Jazz Thursdays." Safe to say it was worth all of the false starts (trying to get in without a reservation) and the 3 calls trying to get a reservation that went un answered for what ever reason. The staff are insanely friendly and accommodating. The specials are creative and exciting. I had the pesto salmon which was perfectly cooked and presented beautifully. My wife enjoyed her hanger steak, though claimed it wasn't the best she's had. The French Onion soup is vegetarian and absolutely perfect. I have dreams about it. The BYOB aspect is great, as you can bring a nice bottle of wine and really enjoy it. As for the gypsy jazz on Thursday night, I can assure you I didn't want to leave. I felt like I'd been transported to 1920's Paris. I will be back, over and over. CASH ONLY.
(5)Kristin U.
I really wanted to love this place, as I had heard nothing but good things, and it was just so cute inside. However, the service was astonishingly just not really there, and the food was inconsistent. I'd give 2.5 if I could. Everyone was very nice, but things took a long time. We had to wait at least ten minutes to even be acknowledged, once we had been seated (and it was not really busy), and I believe it took about half an hour and three to four requests of two different people to get water. A couple of attempts got us as far as glasses only, and then we had to try further to actually get the water. The lentil salad was quite tasty, a bit tangy, and filling. I got a side of ratatouille, also. The ratatouille was flavorful (a bit salty, but I like that), but it was cold. I had to send it back and get a new (or reheated) one. One of my co-diners ordered potatoes (au gratin-ish?), and those were cold, too. Other than that, we were happy with the quality and flavor of the food. The two guys in the party were very happy with their meals (one got steak, the other pork), so I wouldn't say stay away, but I feel like basics such as getting water and getting attention within a short time of sitting down are hard to overlook, even more so when a place is not inexpensive. I'd probably go back at least once, especially since it's BYO and just so charmingly decorated (including the bathroom!), but I would hope for more.
(2)Sunny D.
i have been going to Madame Claudes for 8 years. the staff is always accommodating and friendly. steak and frites is what i like. i get the peppercorn sauce. the breakfasts are great and the atmosphere is very relaxed and cool and personable. mussels are always a pleasure. love the french fries. the owners are always a pleasure to see and make you welcome you are there. overall always a great experience.
(4)Jenni B.
So fun to go on a Thursday night when they have live Gypsy Jazz! (I would give it 5 stars if I were including the music factor). Food is great and very high quality... try the duck. Make sure to make reservations a week in advance if you're going on a Thursday.
(4)Valya V.
Dont came here!!!! I want this place all for my self!! Lol Very cozy with absolutely unique french atmosphere. And tasty food. 5 stars hands down.
(5)Jami A.
I loved this place! Diamond in the rough. The area is so hit or miss I didn't know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. Its a cute little cafe situated on the corner. We were able to eat outside which was nice I almost forgot I was in Jersey City- almost. The staff is so nice and helpful and the atmosphere is awesome BYOB doesn't hurt either. As for the menu it's small but everything on it seemed pretty authentic. We opted for the escargot for our app, they were excellent. My friend ordered the mussels in saffron and cream and for my entree I got the couscous madame claude (Stewed chicken and lamb sausage in Moroccan spices served with vegetables and couscous) We both loved our entrees. For dessert we a had La Bronzée, a crepe with Chocolate, Vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce I thought it was delicious however my friend told me she thought it didnt come close to crepes in Paris. I'll take her word for it. Overall it was an great experience. They had a sax player playing throughout the night and lights strung up in the trees to really give it a Parisian feel in an urban setting.
(4)Dave R.
Very good brunch menu and great cafe au laits. Sometimes there is a wait but it is a small place so that's understandable. Dinner here was also very good. Will return.
(5)Kim G.
Madame Claude's is one of my favorite brunch places - I only wish that they were closer to my apartment. White all of the brunch entrees are good - the main attraction for me is their bowl sized cafe au laits. Sometimes, the barista gets creative and makes designs such as Pac Man or a Monkey in them, and he even made a cat for me on request! My only small complaint is that I wish they could make the au laits with skim milk. The service is always helpful - they are there to answer questions and explain the menus but I have never felt rushed or hurried. It is also BYOB :-)
(5)Alessandra R.
Great ambiance, solid French bistro food with no surprises either good or bad. Good value & cash only. Would have given it five stars except the last time I was in, we were three couples in total, it was clear the waitress, who was friendly and competent, took advantage of our good humor and made a conscious effort to drive the bill up and get double-tipped. Despite being asked not to, she opened all of our wine at the very beginning saying I like to get this out of the way. She also brought desserts we didn't order. Had turned down in fact. There was also no mention that the tip had been added to the bill. Yes the onus probably on us to figure that out but it is a mark of professionalism to let your customers know this, or at least write it as such on the bill. Yes we had a fantastic dinner but when realized what happened left a sour taste.
(4)Asmita K.
Go here for great croissants and coffee at brunch. I live about 2 blocks away and this is one of my usual weekend brunch spots. I love the croissants with eggs, ham and cheese and the Moroccan crepe. Their croque madame is ok but the flavors aren't as developed as other places. The coffee is above average. The sweet crepes are worth trying but I prefer salty at brunch. The BYOB policy is also nice if you want to do mimosas on the cheap. Their fresh squeezed orange juice is cheaper and better than most places in the area. The staff can be inattentive at times and we've had some burnt croissants served to us so it loses 1 star. But make sure to get a croissant with jam if you go.
(4)Elizabeth P.
Delicious skirt steak love the ratatouille and the escargot is a must have. It's a cash only joint but definitely worth it and it's BYOB
(4)Geoffrey C.
First thing - make a reservation, some didn't and had to be turned away. Picked up a bottle of wine at their nearby wine location with the same namesake in Jersey City. Quick tip - if you buy a bottle of wine, they credit you with a free dessert if you eat at their restaurant that night. The place is pretty small and the tables are really close to each other...like there's no way the thinnest of people could pass between two tables. I've been to Paris before, so this type of seating arrangement wasn't new to me, but to us Americans who like our space, it might be a problem for some. A good thing about sitting so close to other patrons was that we were able to not only see what other people were eating, everyone around us was so eager to talk about each other's food. So it was a nice communal place for everyone to discuss what we all love - good food! We had a reservation on a Friday night for 7pm and there were only 3 other tables at that time. But by the time our meal finished 2 hours later, every table was taken (my wife counted 30 people). The waiter didn't put our wine on ice, and we noticed that they did with other tables, so we had to ask before he did so. A slight oversight, but it would've been nice to have that done before our white wine got a little warm. For appetizers, we ordered the stuffed mushrooms with bechemel. This was outstanding - rich, creamy and we dipped our bread to scoop up the remaining sauce. For our entrees, we both wanted to try the mussels, so I ordered mine with curry & creme freche while my wife ordered hers with saffron & creme freche. I did remember that in Paris, the meals were not served quickly the way they are here, and this cultural way was also true at Madame Claude's. The time between the entree & the appetizers was long (about 20-30 minutes), which was ok for us, but might be annoying to some. The curry mussels were a home run...flavorful, delicious, and when the mussels were gone, I drank the broth like it was soup. My wife's were good too, but she was really jealous of mine. One negative thing about the mussels is that they are served in tall bowls and what I noticed was that the mussels on top of the dish were somewhat dry and not as flavorful because they didn't have as much contact with the delicious broth. Other than this, I thoroughly enjoyed the meal. For dessert we had the creme brulee, which was big enough to share and was ok, not mind-blowing, but we enjoyed it. Remember, our dessert was also free because we bought wine at their sister wine store nearby. Can't wait to come back, apparently we should order whatever is on their specials because they're always good.
(4)Gina M.
3.5 stars. Hubs and I have eaten here twice now. Once for dinner and for brunch. The BYOB factor is amazing. That's one of my favorite parts about this place. The ambiance is great (although teeny tiny place) and the service has always been solid. Food is hit or miss. Dinner we had stuffed mushrooms, French onion soup and sautéed calamari for appetizers. Calamari was tasty. Soup needed some serious flavor. Mushrooms were okay. Hubs had a giant pork dish which was super tasty. I had duck, which was cooked perfectly but super sweet. Whatever glaze that was used was way too sweet. Had a chocolate/pear crepe for dessert and it was really good. Highly recommend!! Brunch was pretty good. Hubs and I both had eggs Benedict. Who can resist that when it's on the menu?? My eggs were overcooked but hubs seemed fine. We also tried some sort of sausage sandwich which was delicious!! Best part of the meal, it was $22 per person since it's byob. I love that! Overall, we'll go back for sure. Decent food for decent prices.
(3)Tanya G.
I hate giving this place 2 stars based upon my French boyfriend's prior great experiences here, but he agrees that my first experience fell short in more ways than one. Firstly, as a BYOB, this place is a refreshing change from the typical Asian options. It is small, cramped, and has a lot of character. Service was fine, as 2 servers managed to handle the entire room. Our food was as follows: Les Escarots: The best thing we had, the little snails were tender and tasty while they swam in a green sauce of herbs, oil and butter. We were both surprised that they served them without the shells. Regardless, extremely tasty...we didn't leave one drop of the sauce on the plate. Jarret d'Agneau au Romarin et au Vin Blanc: This was ok, not great. The lamb was a bit overcooked but flavorful, the gratin potatoes fine, and the peas as if they were out of the freezer. Bouillabaisse (Special): The biggest disappointment, the portion of fish was meager and the sauce was thin and flavorless. Just plain bland. We left here dissatisfied with our food, but the 2 bottles of wine that we brought were saviors. My boyfriend insists we come back, so I will do an updated review upon our return with hopefully better results.
(2)Mathilde B.
Great service, decoration and food. The waiters are very welcoming and chatty and kindly recommend you the best dishes. There are a lot of mussels choice and the side dishes are delicious. Our baby was with us and loved the gratin of cauliflower. The bread is also tasty. I am French and I highly recommend that place. :)
(5)Douglas V.
Did you know its BYOB and CASH only? jeez i couldn't tell by every single review !!(including mine ...ha) The good: cute servers, food is very tasty and I really liked the menu, i would go back to try try again. I had the Marquez which is simple, slightly spicy and not too expensive. The bad: Its true, the waiters lack the courtesy to take your orders right away, he literally walked around us a few times before we could get his attention. It took about 10 minutes to put in an order for drinks. Tip: i would suggest getting a carafe of OJ and some prosecco from the lq store down the block ....hmmmmm perfect for brunch
(4)Wesley M.
I dined here with my girlfriend tonight as a recommendation from a friend and I think it may have been my best meal all year. We over ordered just to be able to try as many things as possible - mussels in white wine, braised octopus, steak frites, and special of the day osso bucco. Everything was good! I'm not sure why this place doesn't have a least 4 stars. The mussels were great and the white wine broth was light and not overly buttery like some other ones I've had. The octopus was pretty cool and it was in this light, sweet-citrusy, curry broth. The steak frites was cooked absolutely perfect medium rare with a nice char. The fries were thin and crispy. The osso bucco was perfectly cooked and had tremendous flavor. I like how the dish came with bok choy and mashed taro (instead of potatoes). The BYOB really keeps costs down, too. The wonderful server gave us a cool bucket of ice to chill our beers down. One more thing I really liked was that the overall feel and vibe is that of a French farmhouse that played alternative rock softly in the background. I totally recommend this place!
(5)Heather M.
I noticed Madame Claude Cafe a couple of months ago during a car ride and thought it looked like buried Jersey City treasure. Based on the exterior it seems like it belongs closer to Grove St. Instead it sits between the rough edge of Jersey City and the beginnings of "hip" Downtown. My boyfriend and I decided to try it out for once since we've become sick of our usual restaurants in the area. As we walked in we were impressed by the interior design and atmosphere although we were hoping to sit outside. Shortly after walking in a woman wearing partly neon colored socks in heels asked us if we had a reservation. My boyfriend said, "No." I'm not sure if her eyes rolled but her whole body rolled for her eyes in almost an interpretive dance to inform us that we were INTRUDING. She then conferred with her male counterpart about where she should seat us for what seemed an uncomfortable amount of time. His reply with raised eyebrows was, "DEFINITELY NOT OUTSIDE." We stood there awkwardly, feeling unwelcome. I don't recall seeing a sign outside saying "Reservations Only" and we hadn't looked at their website beforehand. How can you guarantee that all customers have seen your website and your request for reservations to be made?! The tables were mostly empty when we arrived although I suppose they were expecting a party or two (this doesn't excuse their rudeness). Eventually we were seated in a window seat next to the entrance. The menu is mostly in French and hard to peruse; I had to read through all of the descriptions in English to get any idea of what the appetizer, entree, etc. titles meant. Actually I at first had trouble even finding the appetizers on the menu because of the language barrier. I think this was a pretentious choice on their part. We could clearly see a dilapidated gas station and a crappy auto repair shop from our window seat and I think that alone should make regular old English required on the menu. I had anxiety about placing my order because I had no idea how to pronounce the words. I refused to butcher them and said what I wanted in English based on the descriptions. I ordered the Ratatouille side to start. Being that this dish is described as a vegetable stew I was expecting the food to be warmer and when I was halfway through eating it I bit into two cold pieces of vegetables. Besides the temperature issue I wasn't sure if I liked the taste at first but as I kept eating I enjoyed it a bit more. My boyfriend ordered the French Onion soup to start and said it was "exceptional" and mentioned how good the cheese was. I ordered the La Norvégienne crepe which contains smoked salmon with tomatoes, capers, scallions and Crème Fraîche if you couldn't guess by "Norvégienne." (Maybe I'm being too harsh on this foreign language business because I chose to study Spanish rather than French in high school.) Anyway, the crepes come with a small (emphasis on small) side of mesclun greens with balsamic dressing. My first bite of the crepe was bland. As I took a few more bites and tasted the scallions it became more exciting but I still wondered where the Crème Fraîche was hiding out (and still unsure if it meant cream cheese or not). Eventually the Crème Fraîche made up for its earlier absence and ended up completely conquering the crepe to the point where the smoked salmon was swimming in it. Less would really be more in this case. As we were eating the restaurant filled up to the brim. I can't believe how loud such a little place can be! We had to listen to a boring upper middle class couple next to us talk/yell about their "companies" as they dipped their bread into snails. We had thought based on the hostess's earlier reaction to our lack of a reservation that we wouldn't have a problem getting our check. It came to a point where I considered grabbing the miniature eiffel tower lamp to my right and raising it in the air like a baton to get someone's attention. My boyfriend thought he should wave his arms wildly and yell. I thought maybe the decorative pebbles sitting in the windowsill should be lightly thrown but not hard enough to injure. I don't know how but we finally got our check. Somehow we knew before arriving that Madame Claude prefers cash and cash only. I don't understand this other than the owners wanting their money and wanting it NOW. This is definitely a hassle for customers. If we do return for a second try, and I doubt we will, it will be mainly to see what Gypsy Jazz is like. Until then, au revoir Madame Claude Cafe!
(2)Rebekah H.
The best birthday dinner of my life took place here. BYOFREAKINGB. does it get better? uh yah. MELODICA. If you're half the music geek that I am, Madame Claude on a Thursday night is an experience you don't want to continue to miss. I've seen the Django Reinhardt music festival with legendary guitarist Dorado Schmitt and lifelong gypsy jazz violinists, accordinists.... and still, they don't hold a candle to Madame Claude Thursday night 8 to late. I want to rave about the food too, but I honestly can't remember it. Since I love mussels, I'm sure that's what I had, and since it was my birthday, I am certain i had creme brulee. Throughout the entire night, we had a substantial amount of French wine and gypsy jazz. And we toasted to everything. Cause everything was awesome. I cannot wait to go back.
(5)Morris M.
A good place to have brunch. Very tiny with some good food. Tried Cappuccino and Salmon crepe, which were fine. Eggs Benedict was good as well though the Hollandaise sauce was not excellent. Hot chocolate did taste like water. Might be it was a mistake. Will like to try the dishes next time.
(4)Ramona P.
Very small restaurant with delicious, simple plates. Escargot was buttery and filled with herbs and garlic. The duck confit was cooked perfectly and the chocolate flourless cake was diviiiine. BYOW - pick a Malbec!
(4)Jenna A.
This place was a great find thanks to Yelp. We planned ahead and brought our own vin rouge. We asked our waiter for tips on what to get. He recommended a lamb dish they had that was out of this world. My friend had the duck confit and it also was great. We also shared a crepe, I want to say it was the vegetarian version, but I can't exactly remember. Thought it was a bit on the higher side and got tight with all the people around us, but it is still worth a visit. Yum!
(4)Chris U.
Wow, what a find. And 5 mins from my house. The first sign that this place was legit was when I walked in and found half the restaurant speaking French. These may have been paid actors, but I doubt it. It was the perfect 9:15pm Saturday night dinner. The two of us were shoved in the corner with a good view of everything that was going on in this bustling little place. It's BYO, so you can save yourself the cash on an expensive wine menu. There is a liquor store around the block, which also has an ATM. This is good to know, since they don't take credit cards - probably the most annoying things about this place. Little things make the difference and starting the meal with a very good french baguette and real fatty french butter hits the spot. Our waitress was very funny, personable and really knew the menu. The regular menu looks solid, but they also had 5 or 6 great special that evening. We split an order of Moules Frites (mussels w/ fries), which was a huge portion in an excellent saffron creme sauce. I've had better fries at other french bistros, but these still hit the spot - perfect for dunking into the sauce. We followed up with the lamb shank and the cous cous w/ sausage and chicken. Both were excellent. We would have skipped dessert, but the crepes looked too good. They had two special crepes on the menu that evening, but we went with the on-menu Bronzé, which was out of this world. I really don't have any complaints, but I do have a warning: The service is very "French cafe". What i mean by that is that there is usually just one or two waiters working the whole dining room and doing everything from taking orders to seating new patrons to delivering the food. This means that you're not going to have someone hanging over you asking you if you need something every five seconds and you might not see your waiter for a bit. I have absolutely no issues with this whatsoever. We had a great, leisurely meal and when we needed the waitress, we found her. I mention this because some Americans - whether it be here or in France - find this style of service to be "bad service". It's not. If you need your waiter, just flag him/her down. it's not rude and it's not a big deal.
(4)Deborah D.
The law of averages applies here: 5 stars for cozy, authentic French atmosphere and proprietors - that certain oozing of ooh la la when you dine in here; 3.5 stars for food. Average of 4.25 stars, shown above. I love Madame Claude Cafe for really elevating the neighborhood (full disclosure: MY neighborhood), gentrifying it with all its Parisian charm and BYOB hospitality. The cafe au lait is very good (and very big) and the salads are well executed and tasty. The other French classics, however, such as the Croques - Madame and Monsieur, moules frites, and crepes - savory and sweet, were just comme ci, comme ca. Still more than I expected for Paris by way of JC! You will find: a cozy, warm space; hauntingly seductive French music, and several solid menu options for a dinner date spot that promises to be tres romantique. You will also find: a gas station right across the way and a local liquor store that attracts all types, yaknowwhaddamean. Try to ignore these things as you venture to Madame Claude's...unless you need some last-minute wine for your special meal. Recommend planning ahead and going to Madame Claude Wine Shop in Hamilton Park instead...and getting a voucher for a free crepe at the restaurant! WIn-win.
(4)Stephanie Y.
BYOB. I wish I could end my review there but, I will keep yelpin'. This place is legit - really small with some outdoor seating. As the restaurant scene in JC expands, I feel this place may get lost in the shuffle but this is a solid meal. I actually didn't love my crepe (didn't hate either) when I came here but, with that, the other entrees are delicious. The croques - both madame and monsieur are delicious! Definitely a great brunch spot especially accompanied by a bottle of Prosecco that one can again bring and not pay for a marked up bottle. The owners are a delight, and I even got wooed by acoustic guitar when I came here for a bday dinner celebration with friends. Twas memorable and an enjoyable way to age. Overall, this is a solid meal in this neighborhood of JC. Bring a few bottles of vino, enjoy the evening then go and venture to Lucky 7's - you may see me enroute!
(4)Natalia B.
J'adore Madame Claude's! I was a junior in HS the first time my french class visited this place. Needless to say, it made just as much of an impression on me nearly ten years later! Their delectable savory crepes are second to none, it does not matter whether you prefer yours with salmon or mushrooms, they will be simply succulent. And if you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, I recommend "La Belle Helene". But that is just a glimpse of their brunch menu. If you'd prefer to go for dinner, from escargots and pate to their "confit de canard au Miel et à l'Orange" (duck in orange honey sauce) with every bite you will feel like you are in a cafe in Saint Michel in Paris. The owners and staff are very pleasant which is just another reason why this place is always filled. Be sure to make a reservation! I would skip on going by car, this place is close enough to the Grove St. PATH (especially if you decide to BYOB).
(5)Darla M.
Great place if you're looking for an intimate dinner for two or a night out with a small group of people (four max, I'm saying). Tiny space, packed seating, but lots of character and French food that's got a home-cooked feel to it. The duck confit is delicious, but I really like coming here for the escargots, which my husband and I always snag as an appetizer. And the last time we were here, the server knew to bring us extra bread to soak up the buttery goodness in the escargots dish! Best of all: you save a bunch on alcohol because it's BYOB. Also, be sure to call in for a reservation! It doesn't take much for this place to get crowded.
(4)K R.
great ambience. delicious food. love the live French music.
(5)Amanda P.
Very reliable! Always delicious and very friendly staff. Steak and frites is delicious. Don't forget the creme brulee!!
(5)Erica S.
Love the food there. Everything tastes so delicious! I didn't want to leave. The waitress was super nice. Will definitely try to go back. The decor is also awesome! Such a small place, but very cozy! **No credit cards accepted!
(5)dennis c.
Madame Claude Cafe... Where to begin?? How about the negative.. Really there is none.. Anyone who has a complaint about this place needs to relax and let go.. Believe me I've read them and they seem silly.. Really?? Complain about cash only?? As much as I don't like to say it, go somewhere else with that complaint. And what do you expect of a place so busy.. There's going to be a wait for the check.. Almost Anywhere you go. As for the positive side.. Endless... The place is charming.. the vibe is similar of a Parisian bistro minus people speaking French.. The food consistently delicious. Don't go there as a critic. Go with an open mind to experience something different in jersey city.. Enjoy the fact that it's small, cramped and crowded..and re-lax. Bring a couple of bottles of wine, bring some loved ones or just a date.. You won't regret it. And if you want a little bit of extra vibe, go on a thursday(make reservations!!!!) and tune in to some gypsy jazz!!! Inmemorable!!! Santé Alice and Mattias!! You're doing just great!! Love it!! Bless!!
(5)Zook G.
I've been trying to like this place but I can't seem to say firmly that I like it. First the positive: Most of the staff is nice and the live music on some nights is pretty great too. It is BYOB. The escargots are very delicious. The crepes are pretty good Negatives: There is limited seating, the diners there always seem to be judgmental "snobs" (not the restaurants fault I know). Most of the food I just don't seem to enjoy that much. The steak frites were not good and the duck was meh. I'll probably be going back there someday soon because my gf likes it and it is the only french place in town. I'll try something different but I just don't see it working out...
(3)Louis G.
It kills me to write this since I really love this place.....but a live cockroach on the table is where I draw the line. I know it is tough to keep pests at bay in an urban environment but the staff seemed kind of unfazed when we made them aware of the freshly smashed cockroach in the napkin on the table. I give two stars because the food was good....but still grossed out by the possibility of bugs in thatfood.
(2)Anat S.
We came here for our anniversary, and Madame Claude definitely lived up to our expectations. My partner and I shared the mussels in white wine, the leg of lamb, and the creme brûlée. We were seated immediately upon arrival and the service was timely, friendly, and most certainly French. The food was great. For whatever reason, our waitress never asked us how we'd like the lamb cooked, so it came out more medium than we would've liked. But it was still delicious and soft. Absolutely loved that it was BYOB. I pretty much drank a whole bottle of red myself! Terrific place.
(4)Brian Y.
My favorite restaurant in JC. Delicious food, warm ambiance, and great fun. I'm a bit worried to give this place 5 stars as it might fill this crowded place up even more, but they are worth it. The space is small, it probably can't seat more than 25 in a space about the size of a large NYC bedroom. But it's nothing to complain about, as they really go the extra mile to make this place feel like you've walked into a Parisian cafe. Dark, warm mood lighting sets the scene. Everyone always seems happy. NOTE: This place is BYOB, so bring your favorite wine! The food is spectacular, with new specials every time I've gone. Pork chop and fish and cous cous meals felt homemade. The expected french appetizers like French Onion Soup and Escargot are created in a way that's out of this world. Expect a bit of a wait on crowded nights (which seems like every night). One server usually runs the room, but every single one I've met is so jovial and welcoming. Madame Claude herself is also usually in view and livens up the room with her smile and personality. Thursdays has a fantastic Gypsy Jazz night with a small band absolutely killing it. It's so much fun, but MAKE RESERVATIONS well in advance if you want to come on a Thursday. Honestly, you're best bet is to call a week or two in advance anyway. I've been here multiple times with groups from 4 to 10 and we would never have been able to get a seat without a reservation. I've seen a few 2-person walk-ins get seated after a lengthy wait, so be prepared. Any small negative are nothing worth bringing down this 5 star review. Run, don't walk to this little piece of France in downtown JC.
(5)Tara W.
Je t'aime! Madame Claude has made me so nostalgic for my trip to Paris. There was lots of French looking crap on the walls and French elevator music played in the background. Tiny cafe, cash only, BYOB. I went for brunch but I know I'll be back to try dinner. The lamb sausage crepe and lamb sausage sandwich were delicious.
(3)Raquel P.
Great brunch and dinner spot! The food is delicious and their crepes are the best I've had. Great service and friendly staff. Love it here!!!
(5)Trey R.
So, I've gone by this place hundreds of times, biking here or there. Decided it was finally time to sit down and eat. Awesomeness - Staff is very friendly. Talk to them. - Customers are very friendly. It's the kind of place you can talk to them, too. - Cod cake with sweet chipotle sauce. Heavy, but worth it. - Gazpacho special, with cantaloupe, was very refreshing on a summer day - Monkfish special in sweet curry with fruit...if you have never had monkfish, this is the way to try it. - The julienne'd vegetables are perfectly done. - They chilled our wine properly. - Very inexpensive for the quality and quantity of food you get...BYOB helps. This place is BYOB and cash only, so come prepared (liquor store right around the corner, though). That's nothing to fault it by, in fact, I find it quite charming...and the fact that it is always packed speaks to their ability to stay as such. Make a reservation, even on a weeknight...I almost didn't get a table on a wednesday at 8:45. On thursday nights, Manouche Bag plays all night. Definitely go. Still need to try brunch here...if you read my reviews, which of course you do, you'll know that brunch is a religious meal for me. Another go and they'll probably get five stars, but I'm being conservative with four for now.
(5)Olivia R.
What a hidden gem! Such a small, cozy venue - very romantic and homey. Although I have to admit, it can be a bit overcrowded on some nights and the waitresses have trouble getting to your table. The French onion soup, crepes (both sweet and savory), and the mussels are just superb. Prices are reasonable and you can bring your own booze which is always a plus!
(4)Lisa B.
Couldn't say anything bad about this place, from the service to the food and the ambiance - totally in love. There is live music on Thursdays and I am not a huge live music fan because it is always too loud you can never talk, but the noise level was perfect. The owner was so kind and ended up giving us free desserts because our mussels didn't have a lot of broth! Come prepared with cash (no credit cards accepted) and lots of wine, because you will never want to leave.
(5)Lizzz E.
BYOB CASH ONLY Now that that is out of the way, I loved the friendly service, casual candlelit atmosphere and of course the food! We visited friends who live in the area for dinner who LOVE Madame Claude's on a rainy Tuesday evening. We arrived at 6.30 and by 7.30 the place was packed with happy eaters! The ratatouille crepe was wonderful as was the chocolate and banana dessert crepe. I will definitely visit again - and try the brunch too!
(4)Dane B.
I would just like to update my review after frequenting this place so often. It is still deserving of the 5 stars as it goes above and beyond any normal restaurant. But, there are a few shortcomings that I do believe need some extra polish. I understand this place gets very busy, and I don't mean to be picky but three items must be addressed. 1. When getting the crepes at night, they do not seem fresh, they are chewy, cold and hard to even cut with a fork. 2. The creme brûlée is served cold...from the fridge to my table... it really should be warmed up. 3. The bread that is served to you when you first sit down is cold, not a big deal, but when a restaurant serves a nice crusty warm bread it really adds to the dining experience. Simple little things like that should really be looked into, it would really mean a lot to the customers.
(5)Niki P.
it's been about 6 months since I was here last - and it would have had 4 stars then- I feel like something has changed - chef? produce - something - this round however diff story - hot chocolate was awful- they try to convince u that the taste is bcuz of the coco they use - and tried to say its made with some milk - but anyone who drinks hot coco can tell the diff - I ordered just eggs soft cooked- came well done - not to mention they used to b the nice fluffy eggs - this time just boring - felt like I could make them better at home- the potatoes were sliced / fried and zero seasoning - we won't b back
(1)Loic C.
Probably 3 but considering the location and the fact that they are still open let's help them and display 4 stars. Don't be afraid, it is not the convenience store of the gas station but a french restaurant. The owner is french, the food is french. The bread basket is good. It is a small, but cute place. Make a reservation if you do not want to wait in the cold, outside, as there is pretty much no room for standing inside. The menu has several french classics, and includes crepes, steak frites, ducks. It is BYOB ( no corkage fee). Nothing is mind blowing but everything is good! It might be on the expensive side for the location but the ingredients are good. We tried: French Onion Soup: A nice and simple fresh onion soup with nice bread. Assortment of Imported Patés: Nice pates with cornichons ( gherkins) Steak Frites: A nice dish. Good fries. Three different sauces available. A nice piece of meat. Confit of duck served with a honey orange sauce with duck fat sauted potatoes: A really enjoyable dish. The duck was juicy and flavorful. Stewed chicken and lamb sausage in Moroccan spices served with vegetables and couscous: If you like tagines it is your dish. The lamb was delicate and tasty. It is probably the only fresh restaurant in Jersey City.
(4)Emily N.
Impressively large cafe au lait, served in a bowl as the French do. A bit pricey for my taste in dinner dining, but forgive me because the brunch here is a real treat and its the kind of thing if someone special came to town I would take them here and let them think I come here all the time, as the French do. And if I move to the Hamilton Park quarter, I will become more of a regular here. As it stands, the walk is quite far so we must plan ahead to bike to brunch, as the French do. If not by bike, we must instead commit our resolve to ignoring every other brunch option on our walk over to Madame Claude's, despairing our hunger with every step. Not saying that any place is better than Mm. Claude's, not at all, just that the others entice me with their proximity to the bed from which I have rolled, looking as disheveled as Jean Seberg in Breathless (which is actually pretty good if you can pull this off). And darling, when its brunch time I just need some coffee and a chance to think, as the French do. Its too bad that once I do wake up and take a bite of whatever I've ordered elsewhere, I throw my fist toward the heavens and lament, "I should have remembered to go to Madame Claude's!" The other patrons gasp. Lightning strikes me dead at that point and the movie credits reveal that this was based on a true story. You leave the theater with a slight chill down your spine and recommend the film to your friends the next day over brunch... at Madame Claude's.
(5)Chris M.
A little taste of France in downtown JC. Just got back from brunch and where I enjoyed the Croque Monsieur and La Marocaine (spicy lamb sausage, mushroom and crème fraiche). Not only was the food mouth-watering (and reasonably priced), it's a cozy little spot with great atmosphere. Definitely need to go back on a Thursday night for Gypsy Jazz night. FYI, BYOB, cash only.
(4)Scilla M.
I've been here twice now. I came back because the mussels and fries that I got were quite good the first time. The meal was acceptable the 2nd time, but my main complaint was that they gave me the smallest amount of broth. Ummm everyone knows you dip the fries in the broth!!!! That was kind of a bummer. The main reason I'm giving this place 2 stars though is the service. It's really not that good. I think the owners mean well and they are actually quite nice when they chat with you, but they have a tendency of forgetting about you -- especially when you eat outside. The service was like this on both my visits so I know its not a coincidence. The first time my husbands meal actually started getting cold by the time the waiter came back with a fork and they forgot to add ice cream to my crepe as I requested. The second time it took them 20 minutes just to take my appetizer order and I had to ask two times for the check. Even though the food is good, it really isn't worth it!
(2)J M.
Been here a few times for dinner and brunch, food is usually 3-4 stars. My partner likes it, I think the entrees lean towards boring. This review is two stars because the latest trip for dinner was ruined due to a rude waitress/hostess (the other waitstaff were two young men who were nice). It seemed as though we were later mistakenly seated against her wishes because literally- not figuratively- 20 minutes after getting the menu, no one had come to take our order. Had to get up and leave. After being treated rudely at any place I fear for the cleanliness of my food. Walked to another nearly establishment and had a much better experience. This particular experience was one star, but ordinarily I would say a 3-4 star. This place is really cute and I really want to be able to enjoy it, but not sure if I would go back again.
(2)Sam S.
Cute and good service but overall very unimpressed with all the food we tried (french onion soup, escargot, steak frites with shallot sauce, ham & mushroom crepe, & nutella banana crepe). Everything was quite bland other then the escargot. Not sure if we went on an off night......
(2)Adriana D.
Fantastic food and service! The waitress brought our puppy a bowl of water too which was very sweet.
(4)Carla M.
For my boyfriend's birthday, we went to Madame Claude's Cafe. It's BYOB and there is a liquor store around the street. Since it was my boyfriend's birthday, we splurged. Cheese plate, escargot, mussels, rabbit, creme brulee... Everything was so delicious! We went at 7pm on a Friday night and when we got there, there was just another couple there and by the time we left, every table was taken. It can get a little cramped. But it's BYOB and the food is delicious!
(4)Matt T.
Meal: Brunch Rationale: We're running out of brunch spots within walking distance! Not that Madame Claude hadn't been high on my list since I found out about it. "A taste of France" in Jersey City? I could pretend to be in France, or even in Montreal, without even having to get in a plane/train/bus/car. Food: I ordered eggs benedict with spinach instead of meat. I also got a croissant with jam on the side, and a cup of decaf. Coffee and croissant were fine. I got way more jam with the croissant than I think anyone could possibly need. Like, a fistful, if jam can be measured in fistsful. The eggs were good. Not great, but good. Fairly runny, and the potatoes on the side were a little dry (but they soaked up the runny eggs nicely, and, in that respect, everything turned out okay). That said, I've never met an eggs benedict I didn't like. Service/atmosphere: We would have sat outside if it was just a tiny bit cooler out and if there hadn't been a baby. The outside seating is kind of weird because Madame Claude's corner shares an intersection with a gas station, some nondescript buildings, and some typical North Jersey rowhouses. But sitting outside is what the French do! It's just like France! It was a slow period, so service was pretty attentive. Conclusion: Overall, very satisfied. Now that I've tried the eggs benedict, I can move on to other menu items. Maybe dinner items. Preferably items with hollandaise.
(4)M H.
Pork tenderloin- 4 stars Escargots- 3 Monkfish special- 3 stars Ham, cheese and mushroom crepes- 2 stars Hangar steak- 2 stars Service- 3 All in all, solid bistro food in a relaxed setting. Argent comptant seulement.
(3)H K.
Live Bug crawled out of my crepe! Treated a friend to a birthday dinner here. Food was good, a little loud, but cute little French cafe style. Then comes the birthday crepe - we lift a corner of the crepe with our fork, and out crawls a LIVE BUG THAT SLITHERED OFF THE PLATE ONTO THE TABLE. When I let the staff know, they asked "well, would you like another crepe?" Seriously?!?! No apologies, no "let me take that plate off your table"???? Then they didn't even offer to comp us the crepe. Never coming back..and everyone, PLEASE PLEASE CHECK YOUR FOOD BEFORE YOU EAT.
(1)Scott H.
J'aime beaucoup ce restaurant! I've been here dozens of times -- for brunch and for dinner -- and each meal has always been excellent. The service, while slow at some times, is usually attentive and friendly. An added bonus is that it's BYOB, so stop at Binny Liquors on Newark Avenue on your way over and pick up a bottle or two. For dinner I usually get the escargot and the hanger steak, which are both delicious. For brunch I'll often get the croque monsieur, which is also quite good. The restaurant is cute and reminiscent of a Parisian bistro, but it's about the size of a small studio apartment, so it can feel a little cramped when it's busy. Also, bring cash - they don't take cards.
(4)Marissa P.
Super cute and cozy inside - really enjoyed the ambiance. I liked the Asian style lamps in the window and all the vintage, French pinup girls on the walls as well as the colorful cushions to sit on. The food tasted good - though we only tried two things. We loved the lamb sausage sandwich. It was quite delicious. Spicy and smokey. Harissa tasted really good with lamb. The bread was also very good. We also had a banana and chocolate crepe, which I was less impressed with. It was mediocre. Price was right and the service was prompt and friendly. Our waiter was polite, with a smile on his face, and made conversation. Definitely would come back!
(4)Stefano T.
Food was okay, nothing spectacular. Downer for me was that this place is cash only....Not entirely convenient. Would go back though.
(3)Anthony D.
Walked over here last nite with Belga for a late dinner. Picked up a bottle of Rioja around the corner and popped into this way cute and very romantic little bistro. We were greeted by an Italian waiter and the French owners. Next thing you know, we're all talking in English-French AND Italian. Much fun with great service and the food was delish. We had: Escargots Hanger steaks with frites Creme brulee Cafe Will definitely be back to this little neighborhood gem. BYOB and CA$H ONLY.
(4)Greg P.
I had to spend some time thinking about 4 vs 5 stars since there are of course more high-end, expensive restaurants but I went for 5 because Madame Claude is an overall excellent experience. The food is that wonderful combination of delicious and french-homey, the atmosphere is comfortable and fun, and the service personable and accurate. Depending on how busy the kitchen is entrees can take shorter or longer times to arrive but I don't go there for fast food. It is, and deserves to be, a lot of JCer's favorite restaurant.
(5)Chu Z.
Really nice restaurant, hospitable staff and delicious food. But it is located at kind of a SCARY area. Visited Madame Claude last Thursday to catch up with a girlfriend that I haven't seen for a year. We did not know that there was live music on Thursday night and were told to wait for at least an hour without a reservation. However, the waiter managed to arrange a table for us since a party of 5 was reduced to 3. Nice job! Small place. Very cute decor and cozy ambience. With live music on it was really hard to hear so we were like yelling to each other the whole time. The service was fast and the menu was well designed. We both got their special: we shared the potato salad, I ordered mussel in white wine sauce and my friend got the roasted duck. Food came pretty fast and were obviously freshly made. The mussels were tasty and my friend enjoyed her duck as well. BYOB is great as we brought Rose to pair the light dishes. For dessert we tried the crepe with banana and vinilla ice cream, yummy. Bill came out $42, defnitely worth the trip. CASH ONLY btw. I would like to come back for brunch or dinner. I will seriously consider having a guy friend come with me because the neighborhood seems really not safe. Street parking is another concern too.
(4)Daniel H.
Been going here for a few years now, and the reason I am not giving it 5 stars is because not all of my experiences have been spot on. But, being that I am giving it a 4 means that out of the 30-40 times I have been here the majority have been great. Went last night and I think I had the best meal I have eaten at Madame Claude. Started with the potato and leek soup which was earthy and fresh and was pureed to a perfect consistency. The dark white color topped with chopped fresh, green herbs made It visually appealing as well as adding that much needed (in all dishes, not just this soup) 3rd flavor. My girlfriend had the mixed green salad which we ordered by mistake, we actually wanted the goat cheese salad--possibly my favorite salad in JC--and the waiter was nice enough to bring us out the goat cheese rounds on the toasted baguette slices after the appetizers arrived. These toast points, mixed with the goat cheese, mixed with the soup was a really fun combination. So, the apps were great, but I was not prepared for what was about to happen after this...The duck breast special! Beautifully cooked and well seasoned (just salt and pepper) every bite of this breast was slowly ingested and savored. Being the king of the doggie bag, I actually for the first time in a long time wished there was more. The duck was served with a generous portion of grilled mango as well as some sort of polenta. The combination of the three worked well and as stated, left me wanting more. My girlfriend's vegetarian crepe was ok as well, but I think that for a moment...maybe...while she was looking at me enjoying my dish...she questioned her vegetarianism. (That's just speculation on my part.) We finished up with a chocolate mouse and were on our way. Looking forward to visiting them again real soon though. Oh, and Manouche Bag, the owner's gypsy/jazz band were great as usual.
(4)Elizabeth C.
Madame Claude Cafe is our go to place to eat! We love the steak frites and any fish special they have. For brunch I've been loving the smoked salmon crepe-yum! We always feel welcome and part of the family!
(5)First L.
Absolutely love it! Great food. Friendly staff. Very traditionally prepared French food. If you like modern French cuisine, this isn't the place. But for the tried and true - they are great! Hope they stick around for years to come. Bit of a small place. Outside seating. You should reserve the table only cause of the size of the restaurant.
(5)Gail Anthony T.
Nice, little, cozy, hidden French gem in Jersey City. Already been here twice. Food so far has been good (I had the steak and frites, and lamb shank, while my wife has had the mussels in curry sauce - twice). Each time, we brought two of own bottles of wine to compliment the meals. The staff there are friendly, courteous, and attentive. Looking forward to our 3rd visit.....
(4)Volkan B.
Mussels are great especially the one with dijon mustard, you may also like stuffed mushrooms with béchamel. BYOB gives you all the flexibility to match the food with your favorite wines. I think it is gonna be a perfect dining spot for me for long years
(5)Michelle O.
This place is amazing. Try to go with whatever their special is for the night... It will always be a good choice. The service is also GREAT.
(5)D C.
So, I was craving to try the Steak Frit dish here but was rather disappointed after. I asked for medium, I received well done. Also, the steak was not a full steak portion but a long end cut of some sort. The heaping of shoe-string cut fries over-whelmed my plate beyond belief. So with that said, the portion of beef compared to french fries was very noticeable. Speaking of portion control: The appetizer: Cod Fish Cake served with mesclun and a chipotle sauce. Mind you, we ordered this to share, and we received ONE measly cod fish cake. My girlfiend had the Lamb Shank for dinner,which was more enjoyable then my steak frit dish, but still not anything I would go back for. Also, if your not situated in Jersey City, then getting here, and parking can be a total hassle. Another thing, they DO NOT take credit cards. So, make sure you have cash with you, or use the Mac machine inside the liquor store across the street. One upside to this place is the casual, but cozy feel of the restaurant.
(2)Daria K.
Step 1.) Go to Madame Claude Wine, get bottle of delicious crisp white wine. Step 2.) Go to Madame Claude Cafe, order salads, crepes, specials, and dessert dessert dessert. Step 3.) Enjoy the benefits of warm delicious salmon, fresh mussels, french bread, rich goat cheese, and oozing scrumptious creme fraiche. Step 4.) Relax with coffee, feel full and happy. Step 5.) Leave craving more more more.
(5)Mallory W.
Jersey City's hidden gem! Madame Claude's has excellent food, service, and ambiance. The mussels are to die for, and the BYOB makes the experience even more enjoyable. It could easily earn 5 stars, however the menu is limited. My boyfriend and I dine here often, and there are only a handful of entrees to choose from. Not that big of an issue as everything is so delicious! Since my last post I have tried many of the new nightly specials. This increase in variety, in combination with the consistently amazing dinners has bumped my rating to 5 stars.
(5)Eric F.
This is my go-to place to eat, every time. And my father's and my brother's and my mother's... The owners are always around and know your name, the waitstaff is attentive. Now, you must get the mussels with the dijon broth, and then plenty of bread to sop up every drop of that golden liquid that has me losing my train of thought right now... A must is to finish the meal with a crepe, you cannot make a bad decision here, all are good to the last non-sharing get your own forkful. It's BYOB but there are liquor stores right around the corner. They could benefit from a broader dessert menu, but that's just my opinion.
(4)Edward G.
Great place. Food okay. Snails filled with garlic - just fine. I had a savory crepe and it tasted as though it had been microwaved - very stodgy.
(2)Kriti S.
Charming space (reminds me of a vacation I took years ago to Southern France), decent service, reasonably varied menu and BYOB factor adds an element of awesomeness. The food, itself, is just ok. I tried the veggie crepe while my husband had the fish (in his pre-vegan days). The crepe was waterlogged from the veggie juices which made things a bit too soggy for my taste buds. Husband indicated his fish was pretty good. I do want to revisit on one of their live band evenings (Thursdays, I believe) and for brunch - just because I am kind of in love with the cozy atmos.!
(3)J D.
This is perhaps my favorite restaurant in Jersey City bar none. I've been several times with friends and family and I have not had a bad dish yet. My two most memorable dishes here was the Steak Frit which was beautifully cooked every time I had it and my husband probably gets it every time we go there. The other dish: shredded rabbit with linguine in a light beautiful sauce... it was AMAZING! I am not a dessert personal at all, but I had to get the Creme Brulee because my sister has been looking for one that was comparable to the Creme Brulee she had while in France. Needless to say, I took a picture of it and told her "I've found it, Ash!" Thursday nights are great fun, but make sure you have reservations as walking in might not be your best option to be seated quickly. But since it is BYOB you could just crack open a bottle (perhaps it is just my husband and myself who bring 2 bottles of wine to dinner on a Thursday night!) wait to be seated and enjoy the music...? However, if you want a more romantic evening with less hustle and bustle, you may want to go another night of the week. The staff is great, courteous and sweet. The owners are sometimes hanging about and might drop you a line which is cool, they make great recommendations. The fact that it is BYOB is excellent since we are members of a wine club and we enjoy pairing food to wines our self. Finally, the atmosphere is cozy , small but totally feels like you are in fact at a Parisian restaurant. In other words...I highly recommend.
(5)Ãlvaro M.
Atmosphere: Nice and cozy, best for 2 people, doable with 4, more you probably will have to wait a good long while. We were 2 and sat right away on a Sunday night at 7. Service: Good. Our waiter was very pleasant and attentive. Food: So-so. The kitchen was slow to prepare it, with less than great results. - App: Clams in wine and ginger sauce (special of the day) - Good - Mussels with curry and fries: Not good. Poor quality, small mussels. At least a fourth of them appeared undercooked (unopened shells) - Gratin: On the bland side, not creamy, but acceptable. Prices: A bit expensive, for what it offers. A disappointment. Liked the relaxed intimacy of the place, seemed like a great little neighborhood joint (rare in JC), until the food arrived. Points for good service: The hostess looked at our uneaten mussels and offered to take $7 off our bill. She also said she would show them to the cook.
(2)E. S.
good environment good people good food. i'm in!! I really enjoy myself every time I eat here and haven't had any issues with the food or service. Cash only and BYOB is annoying but other than that, it's a good local spot
(4)Agustin K.
BYOB Authentic French restaurant. Suggested by my friend who just got his Yelp elite status, I thought I'll give it a try. I'll give it 3 stars for food, another star for ambiance and BYOB. Be ready to wait, they probably only have 20 tables in total and all the tables were always filled when we were there. We got seated right away since we got there early. But we had to wait more than 15 minutes for our bread and water. Good thing we have our riesling to keep us entertained in the meantime. Price is reasonable $30 each (without bev) Food is quite authentic. They also offer quite unique savory crepe options which is not just affordable, but also quite yummy. The french onion soup is the type that are not filled with too much cheese which I prefer. I wish they make the duck confit a little bit more tender but the orange balsamic reduction was good. The moroccan crepe (with spicy lamb sausage and mushroom) assures me that I should go back there again for more crepes. The ratatouille was just average, nothing to rave about.
(4)Denise C.
Madame Claude's is a cozy, comfortable little hideaway in JC. I went for brunch with a friend and was happy I finally got my ass there. At around 12 on a Sunday, we were seated inside immediately. (All the tables outside were full.) We shared the tartine. Wanting more than just one entree on the menu, I got the croque madame and a side of lamb merguez. My friend got the butter and sugar crepe and a side of eggs. We both had the fresh squeezed orange juice. Our food was well-prepared; both the scrambled eggs and the egg on the croque were cooked perfectly (which sounds silly, but really, people mess up eggs all the time!). The lamb sausage had just enough spice without being overpowering, and the sandwich was tasty (although anything with gruyere is fantastic to me). The orange juice was fresh-squeezed in a press, and tasted like OJ should (generally I hate OJ, but I liked this). Service was a little forgetful; it took a little while for them to come over and take our order. They took our jam away (I have no idea why) when they brought the tartine and never brought another (we had to ask for a new one). They also forgot to bring my take-home food and we had to remind them of that as well. But overall, everyone was really friendly and polite; they even pulled over the table next to us because we ran out of room on our little two-top. Prices were more than reasonable; our bill (with tip) was about $40. All in all, it was a nice meal and I definitely want to return for dinner.
(4)Shayla C.
Amazing food service and atmosphere. Close and personal space. Very busy on a weekends so I'd recommend reservations or at least a call Super authentic BYOB a major plus +++ I mean hello?!? One downside is it was pretty hard to hear conversation at my small table.
(5)Joel R.
One of my favorites in Jersey City for brunch and dinner.
(4)