Jersey City's Skinner's Loft

You don't go to a place called Skinner's Loft and sit on the bottom floor. Well, you can, but I don't, because that eliminates the "loft" part.

The missus and I headed into trendy Jersey City for an overdue visit to the digs of my son and his lady love, which happen to be a short walk from the historic 150-year-old building in which we'd be dining. Named after owner Maggie Veca's mom (nee Skinner), the place gives off an immediate good vibe upon entry, making visitors feel that they "belong" here.

A McSorley-esque downstairs (sans wishbones above the bar) has comfortable seating, but the long wooden staircase beckons the visitor to the second floor, which is a bit more open, but just as cozy. The walls are bedecked with fascinating historic maps and plaques, one of which announces that the loft was the Union House meeting of the first official Abraham Lincoln Association in 1867 to convene after the 16th President's death. The old, rare maps of NYC and the US are fascinating, as well.

But this place is decidedly not a museum. It is, in fact, a food and beer emporium of the first order, staffed by friendly, knowledgeable waitstaff. An even more enticing staircase, somewhat shrouded in mysterious semi-darkness, leads to the roof, where, in good weather, there's a rooftop patio the customer can utilize.

And utilize it they should, as it likely provides an interesting perspective of the bustling pedestrian walkway that is Newark Ave. in this section of town. The food was fabulous, and the beer list is unique and extensive. I thoroughly enjoyed my Spicy Baby Shrimp Rigatoni with Cauliflower, Pancetta, and Parmesan Cream. I paired it with Schlafly's Double Bean Blonde, a distinctive blonde ale with flavors of coffee, chocolate and vanilla, that matched up quite nicely with the not-too-spicy rigatoni dish. It could also serve as a breakfast beverage for those so inclined. The missus raved about her Vegan Cauliflower Parmigiana in Tomato-Basil Sauce, with Cashew Crema and Sautéed Kale, though she opted for white wine to accompany it. Kaz paired his usual burger choice with a hoppy Three C's IPA, and Emily was duly impressed by the Scallop Dish from the night's Special Menu. Waiter-in-training Luke provided great service, and as a male model, provided some nice eye-candy for the ladies. The Michigan native was friendly, efficient and pleasant and added nicely to the experience, as did a sparkling Jersey City gal who was eye candy for the men.

The dessert menu was formidable, but, quite honestly, thanks to the portion sizes and the appetizers of Crab Dip and Fried Calamari, we had no room...this time.

Although Maggie promised me a photo op, I had to settle for this rather interesting, avant-garde shot, since she had left briefly on an errand. By all means, engage her in discussion if you go. She's quite an interesting character, and her family has been part of the Jersey City restaurant/pub scene for eons. Skinner's Loft seemed to have an eclectic clientelé, with millennials, families and celebrations all occurring simultaneously in various sections of the place.

The walk back to Kaz and Emily's place was quick-- a lot quicker, in fact, than our walk from there to our car, which brings me to the only downside of the night--the parking situation in Jersey City. It took me as long to find a spot as it did to drive there from Perth Amboy. Parking seems to be a PITA in many of the great cities to dine and quaff, like JC, Hoboken, Princeton and Morristown. It reminds me of the famous Yogi Berra-ism: "Nobody goes there any more; it's too crowded."