Classic American Cuisine. Comfortable Neighborhood Feel. Restaurant hours: 5pm to 10pm Monday-Thursday,
open 10am to 11pm on weekends.
Bar hours: 5pm-2am Monday – Thursday, open until 3am weekends
(doors close at 2am).Review Date: 6/9/00
     Looking to have dinner or drinks with your friends at a local friendly restaurant in Hoboken? Then look no further, because it’s closer than you think. Ted & Jo’s embodies the hospitality of Ireland, from the attentive bartenders to the friendly wait staff. It has an indoor bar and restaurant, with about 40 seats – some are closer to the bar, and some are in a secluded back room, for a more intimate dining experience. During the summer months, they open an additional 30 seats outside, so patrons can enjoy their meal under the stars.      It was upon a busy Thursday night at 9:15 that I, and my friends Andrea and Alisa, decided to take it upon ourselves to evaluate the restaurant. Upon first arriving we decided to take advantage of the warm weather to eat outside, and were informed by the maitre d’ that the wait was 30 minutes. As it turns out, the maitre d’ was none other than one of the owners, Gerry Farelly.      We could have eaten inside, without having to wait for a table. There was seating available in the back room, even on this busy night. We waited about 45 minutes and were seated outside, along Park Avenue.      The menu for the restaurant was quite large, and contained a variety of choices. Andrea, the vegetarian of the group, was very impressed at what was available to choose from. Often visiting a restaurant with Andrea can be difficult if they do not cater to those who prefer vegetarian meals.       The menu contains some “bar standards”; like Buffalo Wings, Nachos, Mozzarella Sticks and Potato Skins to a large salad list; like House, Caesar, Mesclun and Country. The two girls decided to order a plate of the Nachos ($6.95), which was described to be quite large. I ordered the Bruschetta ($6.25); I wanted to see how they compared to Cafe Michelina’s.       The entrees available from the menu have basic burgers & sandwiches, “Ted & Jo’s Classics”, Pasta, Chicken, Steak or Pork Chops. Andrea and Alisa split “The Park” Sandwich ($8.95). The sandwich is served on a soft roll, with a sliced portabello mushroom, fresh mozzarella and cole slaw. What impressed me most was that the restaurant was kind enough to serve both of my guests the split order on two plates. Often, a restaurant will serve a split order on one plate, and expect the diners to divide the order accordingly. Not at “Ted & Jo’s”. They cut the sandwich down the middle, serving each plate their own order of cole slaw and french fries. Alisa gave the sandwich a 9 out of 10, saying it “had a touch of ethnicity” to it. Andrea liked it also, giving similar kudos.           Since I was at “Ted & Jo’s”, I figured I had to order a “classic”. So, I decided to try Banger’s & Mash ($7.95). This entree has Irish style sausage, with mashed potatoes & the vegetable of the day (which was cauliflower and broccoli) topped with brown gravy & onions. I was not very impressed with what was served. The sausage was average to good, and the potatoes were a bit dry. The gravy with onions was excellent, however. I would give this meal a 6 out of 10, it was above average but I think I would try something else on the menu.       Overall, “Ted & Jo’s” would get a 9 out of 10 for service. They are helpful, amicable, courteous, and really make you feel welcome. The meals that we ordered were above average, and this rating it gets a 7 out of 10. The cost came to $46 (tip included), which could be a bit pricey (two of the girls were really eating as one since they shared everything) – the cost rating gets a 5 out of 10 (average).         I definitely would bring the guys or girls here to grab a beer after work or bring a date here for a casual night on the town.

Overall Rating: 8 out of 10

Reviewed by: Sean Iaquinto