Light Horse Tavern Restaurant Review: A must try spot in Jersey City, NJ

Light Horse Tavern, Jersey City, NJ. A restaurant review

Light Horse Tavern Restaurant
199 Washington Street
Jersey City, NJ

Light Horse Tavern: Restaurant Highlights

Fare: American/Tavern

Price: Moderate - Expensive

Ambiance/Decor: Rustic tavern. Done up with an attractive display of mahogany, glass and brick with high ceilings, a working fireplace, photos of old Jersey City..

Overall Rating: 2 Stars

Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = Poor to Four stars = Best in Class

Recommended For: Date nights, anniversaries, business dinners, brunch with friends.

Not Recommended For: Those seeking ultra-quiet fine dining.

Recommended dishes: When available, Steak au poivre, Braised Striped Bass, Roasted Organic Chicken and The Grass Fed NY Strip Steak.

Liquor: Full bar service. Good selection of international beers and ales

Light Horse Tavern is a historic, upscale-yet-casual American tavern known for its rustic charm, seasonal cuisine, and lively neighborhood vibe. It blends history with modern dining, making it a standout destination for locals and visitors alike.

🏛 History & Vision

Established in 2002 by owners Bill Gray and Ron Smith, Light Horse Tavern was restored from an 1850s tavern that once served as a speakeasy during Prohibition.
Named after Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee III, a Revolutionary War figure, the restaurant honors Jersey City’s heritage.
Their vision: combine historic architecture with modern American dining, creating a neighborhood institution that feels timeless yet fresh.

🍽 Food & Cuisine

Their culinary philosophy emphasizes seasonality and balance, though specific awards or industry recognition are limited in public records. Known for classic American comfort elevated with bistro-style finesse.

Style: Contemporary American with tavern influences.
Quality: Seasonal, market-driven menu emphasizing fresh seafood, prime steaks, and farm-to-table ingredients.
Signature dishes:
- Fresh oysters and clams
- Grilled octopus salad
- House-made pastas
- Prime ribeye and steak sandwiches
Preparation: Focus on preserving ingredient integrity, with simple yet refined cooking techniques.
Organic/Farm-to-table: While not exclusively organic, the menu highlights seasonal produce and responsibly sourced seafood.

🎶 Ambiance

Décor: Rustic tavern with oak-plank floors, pressed-tin ceilings, soaring windows, mahogany bar, and iron scrollwork.
Vibe: Warm, bustling, and historic yet polished.
Noise level: Moderate, lively but not overwhelming.
Seating: Spacious two-story layout with intimate balcony seating overlooking the main room.
Outdoor dining: Available, especially popular in warmer months.
Style: Elegant rustic with industrial chic touches.

🤝 Service

Staff: Welcoming, knowledgeable, and attentive.
Consistency: Generally strong, though peak hours can slow service.
Bar service: Full mahogany bar with craft cocktails, wine list, and rotating beers.

📌 Other Factors

Child-friendly: Casual enough for families, though more suited to adults and special occasions.
Parking: Street parking in Paulus Hook; limited but manageable.
Dress code: Smart casual.
Holiday hours: Open Mother’s Day, Easter, and Thanksgiving
Private parties: Upstairs balcony and event spaces available for group dining.