Hudson County foodies are no strangers to Newark Avenue in downtown Jersey City. The street is a lively hub, packed with top-notch dining and drinks. But even in this competitive culinary scene, Better Days Restaurant and Bar stands out. The spot is a vibrant destination for connection and celebration.
Designed as a modern neighborhood spot, Better Days offers a welcoming atmosphere perfect for casual dinners or family-style feasts. “Great food and laughter are always on the menu,” says Founder and Owner Arto Ozgun.
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Two Great Experiences in One Location
Previously a Bareburger, Arto transformed the space into an entirely new concept in 2024. “The name ‘Better Days’ was inspired to build a place that felt like a fresh start,” Arto explains. It reflects our philosophy to raise the bar and do everything at a higher caliber. Better food, better drinks, better service.”
Adjoined to Better Days – just a few steps down a dimly lit corridor – is their sister business, 143 Social. This cozy speakeasy-style lounge takes inspiration from the charm of the 1920s and ‘30s. The intimate space offers a perfect setting for meaningful conversations or unforgettable nights out. At 143, creativity flows as smoothly as the top-shelf liquor, showcasing inventive drinks that elevate the experience.
Great Food Creates Culture
Many restaurants focus heavily on either the food or the bar, but rarely both. To truly stand out, Better Days needed a chef who could take its kitchen to the next level. Enter Executive Chef Jon-James (JJ) Vazquez, who curates a menu of Modern American cuisine with Mediterranean influence. The menu perfectly aligns with Chef JJ’s signature style: light, bright, and herbaceous.
“Our menu features three sections: Small Plates, Middle Courses, and Mains,” says Chef JJ. “It’s designed for sharing, so guests can explore diverse flavors and taste a little bit of everything while enjoying a cohesive dining experience.”
Chef JJ brings a passion for making vegetables the star of the plate. “Anyone can cook a great steak or seafood dish; but it takes real craftsmanship to transform simple vegetables into something mind-blowing,” he says.
The seasonal menu at Better Days brings bold flavors and refined technique while staying approachable and unpretentious. For instance, one standout spring dish is the Grilled Cabbage with Green Romesco, Poached Asian Pears, and Mustard. It’s a vegetable-forward plate where punchy mustard enhances the cabbage’s natural earthiness.
Another must-try is the Crispy Braised Lamb, a chef favorite. Whole legs of lamb are marinated overnight in yogurt, herbs, and spices, then pressed, wrapped in kataifi and feuille de brick, and fried to a golden finish. It’s served with harissa-spiced yogurt, lamb sauce, crispy kataifi pieces, and diced mint.
Visit Better Days Restaurant and Bar and 143 Social at 143 Newark Ave in Jersey City. To learn more:
| Visit Their Website | Reserve a Table | Order Online | Follow on Instagram | Call 201-905-8991 |
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All Photos: © Better Days Restaurant & Bar & 143 Social
