The newly conceived The View, at Lokal is worthy of applause.
Lokal has been a staple on the Jersey City shorefront for a number of years, exhibiting the elevation of experience that a restaurant with a location as high-caliber as directly across from Manhattan should live up to. With sweeping views and exemplary flavors, there was little need to change the formula. Yet, that’s exactly what owner Mona Panjwani did.
The View was born, a brand new extension of Lokal that will exist as its own entity, deemed The View at Lokal. With prospects of a gorgeous May sunset imminent, I arrived at the venue to celebrate a preview night before the official opening on May 21. What an immediately beautiful sight to behold! The space was angled to directly face the gleaming NYC skyline across the Hudson, and standing in the completely open air terrace filled with ample seating amidst lush foliage, even just existing in the space was an experience. Stringed lights decorated the ceilings, illuminating guests as a DJ spun pulsating beats.
Cocktail offerings at the bar and selected a delicate Afterglow, a concoction of bourbon, amaro nonino, earl grey reduction, crème de cacao, and burnt orange honey. Sipping this heavenly drink, and chatting away while watching the twinkle of bustling commuters directly adjacent me, brought a certain level of stillness that few other evenings could match.
Cocktails with a view
Courtesy of The Knockturnal
Waiters flittered around, stopping by and filling empty plates with delicious samples of The View’s future menu. I happily scarfed down a small bite of a grilled cheese with tomato soup to dip, as well as an artichoke fritter that came lathered with a dill feta sauce that was to die for. Finally, dessert was brought out, a stunning formulation of strawberries & cream in a drink glass, complete with layers of fresh strawberries, shortcake, cookie crumble, mascarpone, and mint. While I enjoyed this, a waiter came around and placed an Aperol spritz in my hand, and my guest and I walked inside to check out the venue’s indoor offerings. This area was also pristine, elegant, and gave the same stunning views of NYC, just from behind a glass. With a full bar to boot, I knew this venue would be a destination for many, regardless of the weather outside.
Dessert was divine
Courtesy of The Knockturnal
This location is going to be seeing an immense volume of traffic this summer. Off of the sheer exuberance that it gave me from the stellar views, top tier cocktails, and amazing food, it hit the mark at every turn.