Jersey City’s 87 Sussex Gets the Stamp of Approval From a Top Local Critic

When a respected local tastemaker speaks, New Jersey listens. And when that tastemaker is Tipsy Critic—the food-, wine-, and travel-obsessed social voice with an outsized influence on what’s hot across the Garden State—restaurant owners pay even closer attention. This week, he turned his spotlight on one of Jersey City’s newest fine-dining standouts: 87 Sussex. And his verdict? The restaurant “should be one of the hardest reservations to get.”

In the world of dining, especially in a city as competitive and rapidly evolving as Jersey City, that’s not just praise—it’s a coronation.

A Viral Moment for a Rising Star

Tipsy Critic, known offline as Kyle, posted a short but powerful video review to his Instagram account, where he chronicles his culinary adventures across New Jersey, New York, and beyond. What began as a simple round-up of the dishes he ordered quickly escalated into a full-throated endorsement of 87 Sussex.

He emphasized several standout items—many marked with an asterisk, his personal indicator of a favorite—including the Buona Notte cocktail, Ox & Egg, Black Tie Scallop, Filet Mignon Tartare, Bluefin Tuna, Arctic Halibut, and even the restaurant’s decadent desserts like the Almond Lace Cannoli and Chocolate Turtle Cake. His caption was simple, direct, and the kind of statement that ignites buzz:

“@87sussex SHOULD BE one of the hardest resys to get… do what you will with that information.”

Within hours, comments poured in. Followers tagged friends. Locals announced their plans to book a table. And the hospitality community took notice.

For 87 Sussex, which has been steadily building a loyal clientele since opening, the endorsement marks a milestone in its climb toward being one of Jersey City’s most talked-about modern French dining rooms.

A Neighborhood Gem Earns Regional Respect

Jersey City has matured dramatically over the past decade, especially its food scene. No longer simply an alternative to Manhattan dining, the city now sets its own pace with a growing roster of chef-driven concepts. Yet even in a crowded landscape, 87 Sussex has managed to distinguish itself with a blend of classic French technique, contemporary plating, and a warm, refined dining room that feels more Parisian townhouse than neighborhood restaurant.

What’s helped it stand out is its dual personality: elegant enough for milestone celebrations, yet relaxed enough for a spontaneous weeknight dinner. And lately, word-of-mouth has been pushing it toward “destination dining” status.

Tipsy Critic’s visit only accelerates that trajectory.

Inside Tipsy Critic’s Meal: The Dishes Making Waves

While his review was brief, it was revealing. Here are the dishes he singled out—and why they matter to the 87 Sussex story:

• Buona Notte (cocktail)

A balanced and aromatic start, the Buona Notte sets the tone for a restaurant that cares as much about its mixology as its cuisine.

• Thousand Layer Potato

A modern French staple elevated with precision, crispness, and buttery depth.

• Ox & Egg

A signature dish that blends richness and texture—one of the critic’s marked favorites.

• Black Tie Scallop

Dishes like this highlight the kitchen’s creativity: structured, elegant, and memorable.

• Bluefin Tuna

Fresh, clean, and simply presented—another standout in his review.

• Filet Mignon Tartare

A French fine-dining classic, executed with exceptional balance and quality.

• Escargot Wontons

Playful and unexpected, this dish showcases the kitchen’s ability to reinterpret tradition.

• Arctic Halibut

Light, flaky, and one of his clear favorites.

• Chateaubriand

An indulgent entrée that reflects 87 Sussex’s commitment to technique and quality ingredients.

• Almond Lace Cannoli & Chocolate Turtle Cake

Desserts that reinforce the restaurant’s through-line of craftsmanship.

When a critic with Kyle’s reach marks half a menu as “favorites,” something special is happening behind the line.

Why This Review Matters—Locally and Beyond

The food-critic ecosystem has fundamentally changed. While traditional critics once dominated the cultural conversation, today’s most influential degustateurs are often digital creators—people like Kyle, who merge authenticity with accessibility and share their experiences in real-time with large, engaged audiences.

For a restaurant like 87 Sussex, whose early success has been driven by a mix of local support, strategic marketing, and word-of-mouth momentum, this kind of social validation acts like jet fuel.

It’s not just publicity. It’s proof of concept.

And in a city where new restaurants open constantly, earning that vote of confidence is a competitive advantage.

A New Chapter for 87 Sussex

The timing of Tipsy Critic’s visit couldn’t be better. As Jersey City heads into its fall and winter dining season—typically a high-traffic period for restaurants—this spotlight positions 87 Sussex as a must-book destination for date nights, celebrations, and holiday gatherings.

Locals and visitors alike now have fresh reason to secure reservations before demand spikes. And based on Kyle’s closing line—“do what you will with that information”—he seems fully aware of the influence his stamp of approval carries.

The Bigger Picture: Jersey City’s Culinary Renaissance

87 Sussex is more than a restaurant; it’s part of a larger story unfolding across Jersey City. The city has become one of the most dynamic dining destinations in the region, attracting chefs with ambition, creativity, and a willingness to take risks. With establishments like 87 Sussex pushing boundaries, the city has entered a new era—one where fine dining no longer requires a train ride into Manhattan.

Tipsy Critic’s endorsement doesn’t just elevate the restaurant. It elevates the entire local culinary scene. Headed by renowned Chef Brian Walter of Scotch Plains draws crowds from the entire tri-state area.

For now, one thing is certain: 87 Sussex just earned one of the strongest endorsements a rising restaurant can ask for. Whether you’re a long-time Jersey City resident or someone looking to explore the area’s most exciting dining rooms, take Kyle’s advice seriously.

This may soon become one of the toughest reservations to book. And based on the critic’s experience—it deserves to be.

Book your reservation at 87 Sussex here: https://87sussex.com/