Cellar 335 Restaurant Review: A must try spot in Jersey City, NJ

Cellar 335 sits beneath White Eagle Hall in Jersey City, delivering a lively, tiki-inspired underground escape that pairs creative cocktails with bold Pan-Asian shareable plates.

Cuisine: Chef, Culinary Style, and Menu Highlights

Price:

Moderate - expensive

Fare:

Chinese-influenced New American

Chef:

Jamie Knott (Founder/Partner & Culinary Director); Chris Abbamondi (Chef). Formal culinary training at Academy of Culinary Arts. Prior experience includes: Executive sous-chef for Fishtail by David Burke, chef de Cuisine for Beasts and Bottles, and executive sous-chef for Versa.

Culinary Style:

Small plates and shareable large-format dishes designed for adventurous eating, blending tropical tiki flavors with Asian techniques and global comfort food twists.

Menu Highlights

The menu leans heavily into shareable formats. Standouts include:

• Korean Style Wings, Pork Belly Bao Buns, Drunken Noodles, Salmon Tartar & Crispy Rice, and Garlic Shrimp.
• For groups, the large-format Zombie Priest Punch or In the Navy cocktails (serving 2–4) are a popular way to start the night
• Those with dietary needs will find gluten-free and vegan options available.

Ambiance

Décor & Vibe:

A "sexy, low-lit" basement space with funky, colorful tiki décor, dim lighting, and art-filled rooms. It feels like a hidden, playful escape from the street.

Striking Features:

Tiki mugs, elaborate cocktail presentations, and a moody atmosphere that encourages lingering over drinks.

Table Spacing & Noise:

Tables can feel intimate, but the room gets lively and often loud, especially on weekends. Group conversation can be difficult when it's packed.

Background Music:

Beat-driven reggae and hip-hop are intentional parts of the vibe.

Service & Policies

Staffing:

Generally described as friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the eclectic menu. Reservations are based on 90 minutes for the table.

Alcohol/Bar Service:

Full bar with a heavy focus on craft tiki cocktails. They also offer beer, wine, and a BYO wine option with a corkage fee.

Child-Friendly:

Not particularly. It functions more as a bar/lounge with a lively, adult-oriented atmosphere.

Best For:

Date nights, celebrations, group dinners, and cocktail enthusiasts looking for a fun, high-energy vibe.

Not Ideal For:

Quiet, intimate conversations, business dinners requiring focus, or those seeking a calm, low-volume meal.

Parking:

Street parking only (municipal/paid roadside); it can be challenging, so arriving early or using a rideshare is advisable.

What Sets Them Apart

Cellar 335 thrives on contrast. It takes the kitschy, carefree spirit of tiki culture and plants it in a moody, sophisticated basement, then backs it with a kitchen that takes Asian fusion seriously.

Unlike a standard cocktail bar with mediocre food, or a stiff restaurant with a forgettable drinks list, Cellar 335 treats both as equal attractions.

The large-format cocktails and shareable plates are designed to be an event in themselves, making it a reliable "neighborhood gem" for a fun night out rather than just a place to eat.

Managing Expectations: A Balanced Look

To really enjoy Cellar 335, it helps to align your expectations with what the restaurant is designed to be.

Best mindset to bring:

• Go for the drinks and the energy, not for a quiet, slow paced fine-dining experience.
• On a busy Friday or Saturday, expect a packed room where you'll need to lean in to hear your companions.
• The food is flavorful and creative
• Service is usually warm, but the tight 90-minute window means the pacing can feel rushed if you aren't proactive about ordering.
• If you want to experience the best of what Cellar 335 offers with fewer crowds, aim for an early weeknight (Tuesday–Thursday) visit when the room is calmer and the staff has more breathing room.

Updated: October, 2026