John’s Lunch

$ 10 min on card. Place is packed with HS. Kids during the week lunch hours. Love the lunch specials on Friday: seafood! Had the seafood in spicy sauce over choice of pasta. It was well done and delish. Must try other things but since this was so good might stick to it every Friday!

Good food, but don’t order delivery. They cannot deal with volume delivery so if they are busy expect an hour plus wait. Also, anytime it has been an order for four or more, they screw it up. If the girl answers the phone, just order from somewhere else.

This review is for John’s Luncheonette at 553 Newark Ave– I assume this is the same place because the full name is not locatable on Google Maps.
Because the quality of delivery around this area of Jersey City can be so iffy, I ordered a range of different dishes from John’s today, in the hopes at least one of them would be at least worth three stars itself. This did not happen.
The ONE thing I gotta give credit for:
John’s willingly (and within a reasonable 45 minute range between ordering and delivering) delivered a number of lunch foods to me at 10AM. They also have a breakfast menu, but unlike many places around here, did not make a fuss about me not ordering from it during the very-​obviously-​breakfast time.
Now, everything else:
— The WORST was the fact that I paid $ 6.50 for «Buffalo Calamari,» an appetizer which was supposed to be calamari tossed in buffalo sauce. Sauce coming on the side is no problem– but the squid wasn’t even breaded! That’s actually a totally different dish and not one I would have paid ANY money for– it’s the equivalent of buying onion rings and instead receiving only a mass of cooked onions.
— The main title ingredients of the Chicken and Vegetable soup were overcooked and bland, and floating in a very greasy broth.
— The chicken parmigiana was technically edible, but pretty meh taste-​wise and not in any way worth the calories.
I ordered bacon to be added as an extra for extra money, and had to remove it because it was undercooked. There was little to no marinara sauce, and I was pretty creeped out trying to figure out what parts of the chicken had ended up breaded and in the sandwich… If none of that bothers you, know that the sandwich was at least well-​stuffed.
— I’d give the Italian Express Grinder a 3 out of 5 stars. It definitely had the potential to be a good mix of ingredients, just needs someone with a trained palate to taste-​test the recipe. The cured meats overwhelmed the other ingredients a tad too intensely, and the melted cheese didn’t seem right (not sure whether it was the melted quality or its taste or both).
When I removed the majority of the cured meat, and, from my own fridge, added some mild smoked ham, a little mayo and some mustard, it became relatively good. I would also recommend John’s add some fresh herbs.
Overall, I do not recommend this place.

How could this place have no reviews? The food is excellent. Im pretty sure they are only open for breakfast and lunch, but they deliver both!
Delivery does take some time but they tell you that. I plan ahead, an hour later delicious hot brunch. Love it!
The menu is unique for the area and have very interesting sandwiches. The pasta salad that comes with them is pretty good too.
decent prices.