If I was just reviewing the coffee itself, I'd give it a 5-star. I would also give the location, atmosphere and free wi-fi a 5-star. Unfortunately, on multiple occasions, I have found OATMEAL BITS at the bottom of my iced coffee. Apparently, they have used the same spoon for preparing food, to stir my iced coffee. This did NOT make me happy. The food is definitely tasty, but I completely think many of their items are overpriced. Often, I choose this place for my coffee (albeit the oatmeal bits), but I go to Parkside Bistro to pick up my wraps...less expensive and better taste. read more

I love this place. I have only ever had breakfast, tea and coffee, but i find myself going there sometimes 3 or 4 times a week. The plus side includes loving the atmosphere, moe's egg, and the loose leaf tea. I most often go in for a latte and a bagel. But truth be told, there are better bagels at Wonder Bagel, and the latte is a hit or miss. (I used to be a barista so I'm sort of particular) But I don't know, something about this place, the neighborhood atmosphere and the book shelf keep me coming back. read more

Somewhat overpriced, but reliable place by Hamilton Park. Decent breakfasts and nice coffee. Don't ever think of trying their Korean dishes; disappointment is not the right word. For the ramen, they use the hot water from the coffee maker, which, if you are unlucky, had just been descaled. And, the residuals of the descaling solution is not a nice complementary taste that enhances the subtleties of pre-packaged ramen purchased at the nearest Asian warehouse club. And, avoid at all costs during the weekend. It is busy as the stroller army attacks Hamilton Park, and momagers need caffeine. They are a nasty bunch, and they love to stand in line with their little snowflake(s) educating them about the wider world ... During the week, it's an office. At night or the evenings, it's quiet. read more

I never even knew this place was here, I've walked past it a million times. But, today I noticed and decided to stop in for a coffee. First impression walking in, I wouldn't really say it was a deli, more of a cafe with a small eclectic seating area. A delightful smell of coffee (which I didn't end up having) filled the room, as I stood in line, noticing their interesting menu. One thing struck my eye, some Bi Bam Bap, which I've never had before, but sounded up my alley. I was with a friend and urged him to get the chicken pot pie (because I love Chicken pot pie, but can't eat the puff pastry). So, I got the Bi Bim Bap, and I was amazed, little sections of vegetables, spinach, bean sprouts, mushrooms, carrots, etc...over steaming brown rice, and topped with a fried egg with some red paste on the side. Oh man, it was the best thing ever! So good, my friend said he loved his pot pie too, and it looked really, really good, filled with huge chunks of chicken, and topped with a light and crispy puff pastry. A wonderful experience, will be back! read more

This place has all of the ingredients to be great, but it falls a bit short in pulling them together, so they are just good., not great. The atmosphere is very pleasant. The food always looks fresh, but it falls a bit short in flavor. The ingredients and menu description sound good, but they need a more talented chef to add that final touch of flavor and food craftsmanship vs. just throwing things between 2 slices of bread, etc. The service is great, people are friendly, and the place is clean. The coffee is a solid 4/5. I give it a 3.5 overall. read more

God I love Basic! I come here all the time before work, and get the same Peach Green tea (4.35) and say hi to the incredibly friendly, courteous staff. The food is also really delicious, the salads are fresh, the bagels are tender and yummy, and my little brother loves their mac and cheese! The environment is clean and fun and I would definitely recommend this place to anybody who needs a hot cup of joe near Hamilton Park! read more

Basic Food & Beverage - Peach Green Tea (4.35) - Delis Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

See all

I will hoof from the downtown area to get their veggie burger with a side of pesto salad and a Coke. That's my jiggity jam at this super cute neighborhood establishment. I know they've changed hands recently, but it's still a hot pile of awesome. I love their pumpkin pie...and their coffee....and just about anything else I can cram down my mouth hole at this place. It's cash only, but they have an ATM. Also, wifi. Yaaaay! read more

Really charming place, super small with only two tables and seating for 4. The owner was very friendly and addressed regulars by name. I had the Turkish Club, which was chicken and thin sliced cured beef served on grilled flat bread with red pepper pesto and aioli. I ended up putting the tiny salad garnish on the sandwich as the chicken was a bit dry. Despite the dryness everything was tasty and a very pleasant experience. They had some baked good wich looked yummy, maybe next visit. Patrons were coming in to place their reservation for a rotisserie chicken that evening, guess it's a neighborhood thing. I overheard the owner telling one patron that the chickens are free-range, hormone free and grain fed... I can see why people would want one. A very welcomed change of pace from the chain/fast food lunch places in Jersey City. read more

Basic is a good local place for those that live around Hamilton Park in JC. The udon is good, a nice warm treat on those colder days! I've also eaten the bulgogi sandwich which was nice, while not being spectacular. The service is a little underwhelming, although it's not the sort of place you'd expect someone running around after your every need. Overall, a good, convenient option for reasonably healthy food! read more

This was an absolute gem for us to find in Jersey City. Just around the corner from our apartment but it a 10 minute walk away from Grove st on the PATH line. It's a got a bit of a fusion vibe. Not in the sense of east blends into west, but more than they coexist on the menu and no one bats an eyelid. Between us we had a variety of things, including chicken wraps and BLTs (none of us were feeling korean food at 9am with jetlag) and everything was yummy. The coffee was far from stellar but also far from being the worst we had on our week in the states. read more

Great little restaurant here had a Cuban sandwich was great with lobster bisque soup. The staff was very helpful and it is a place I would recommend to others to stop bye and have some great food. Very friendly place to come with friends! read more

Not a very good experience. It was my first time visiting the café. Maybe it was because the establishment was closing early due to repairs but I felt that the employees were not helpful as I would have expected when I asked for suggestions for what was good to order. I decided to order iced coffee and asked them if they can add syrup. They seemed like they didn't know their product. When I stepped out of the location and tried the coffee I found out that it didn't have sugar. A "heads up" from attendant would've been nice. I had to go back to put sugar in my coffee. The taste was bitter and lack flavor. They added way too much ice. Overall not a good experience at all. I don't even think I'd give them another chance. read more

The food and coffee here is great. They have a little kitchen area inside where you can peak over and see them making your food. The menu is interesting and pretty big. There is a fair amount of seating for such a small place and they do have wireless. I'm taking one star off because it's a bit expensive and some of the staff are not very friendly. 4 out of 5 isn't bad though! read more

This is an updated review. My seventh year going to basic and now they have new owners. New anything is usually good because of new energy, changes, etc. I don't think they've changed anything with the menu. Good! Coffee is still some of the best in JC, the salads, and basic bagel. All yummy. However, I'm afraid I don't like what's going on with the service. The place just seems louder, more crowded with supplies (feeling more like a supply room), and I feel like I have to leave the cafe 90 minutes before they close because they start cleaning really early and putting up chairs. That atmosphere is not a good one and it makes me want to look for another place to hang out. Please work on your service because many folks have loved basic for a quite a long time. read more

Thank you Chef Daryl and Boss Niño for the best bibimbap in Jersey City! See you soon! read more

Basic Food & Beverage - Delis Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

See all

I ordered a Basic Burger, and the inside of the burger was still FROZEN. They MICROWAVE their FOOD in this place. Also their iced coffee doesn't taste good. I feel like they recycle their coffee. While eating here, I heard them talking trash about their customers. The place looks like a thrift shop. Their equipment is so noisy which makes the place sound like a factory. Overall, I didn't had a good time here. I suggest stop going to this place. read more

Basic is a terrific local coffee shop/deli/whatever. Their food is delicious, and the portions are spot on. That might be because I'd rather have a modest amount of something good than a lot of something bland, but others may disagree. The space has a great feel to it. I would have no trouble hanging out there on a Saturday using their free wifi while I finish off my protein shake. I find some of their baked goods can be bland and dry, so I tend to keep to the made to order items. I doubt I'd drive here just for the food, but I'm very glad I live nearby. read more

Great little cafe! I'm not a coffee drinker, but when my mother visited she got their coffee every morning. I love to stop there for lunch or dinner. Really good salads and sandwiches. A little bit pricier than I would like, but always very good. The atmosphere is great and it has a very nice neighborhoody feel. read more

Cute spot! Walked by today and grabbed a coffee. Heads up, it's cash only. They have an ATM inside.

Great spot. Brake for breakfast lunch sandwiches coffee Bagels they have a great variety. I have been going here for over 10 years as I work Close by. This os a nice established place with great food and service. Five stars all day!! I love this place read more

Cash only. Good selection of sandwiches, wraps, salads, some hot food, and juices (I can't speak to the coffee or baked goods here, as I haven't tried them or really felt like ordering them here). They have free Wi-Fi so I'll usually see at least one laptop user in there, even when it's pretty empty in the afternoon. So far, the Manhattan wrap, the turkey sandwich and the chicken pot pie are probably my favorite. I wasn't a big fan of the consistency/frothy feel of the fresh OJ, but I like that they have the fresh juices available. I typically get a to-go sandwich here, with a can of soda on the side. Not a big deal, but 90% of the time I've had to remind them to include the soda when they hand me my bagged food, as they almost always forget to add it. read more

Basic Food & Beverage - Turkey sandwich w/ cranberry chutney from Basic - Delis Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

See all

Coffee here is ok, but not amazing. In an odd twist I find the iced coffee better than the regular hot stuff. Breakfast sandwiches are pretty solid. I've had a muffin from there before as well which was meh--fine; it had that "was delivered this morning in some sort of plastic wrapping" taste. There is a small issue in terms of service. The guys who seem to be the owners have a strange blend of being nice and neighborhood, but also terse. They're cordial enough and will vaguely remember what you order if you're a regular. But on the other hand they will begin ringing you up almost before you're done ordering and before they begin preparing your stuff. Relax guys, I'm right here. Tend to my order first; do you job then you get paid. Also when it gets too busy they get flustered and frustration seems to leak out onto customers. A woman picked up a coffee but then brought it back after walking and away realizing it was someone else's. They charged her for this simple misunderstanding. They do try to be friendly, but sometimes can also be straight up rude. A breakfast sandwich and coffee run over $7.00 which is a little pricey. Coffee could be cheaper but still better than other neighborhood joints like Dames. Another place that is CASH ONLY. GET WITH THE TIMES GUYS. It's super annoying and low class to have to use your ATM when I'm short on change. I go here when I don't feel like walking to and dealing with the wait at Wonder Bagels, which remains the best option in town. read more

Basic is such a wonderful coffee shop! Coffee is GREAT! Great place to bring your laptop and getting some work done or reading a book. The food is really good too! read more

I feel bad writing such a bad review about this joint, but I've gotten coffee there a half dozen times since it opened, and it's just never good. This place has the worst coffee of any "coffee shop" that I've ever been to. It's got that weak, burnt, diner style hot plate coffee that you'd be okay with from a gas station. I went there this past Saturday morning before the Hamilton Park BBQ Fest and bought six iced coffees for my and my friends, and two croissants. The iced coffees were terrible and the croissants were stale. I felt brutally ripped off by my latest purchase at Basic. It's rare to go to a place that bills itself as a "coffee shop" and wish that you had chosen Dunkin or Starbys instead. I feel like I wouldn't be judging them so harshly if they didn't claim to be a spot for coffee. I'm not sure how their food is, but I won't try it. read more

I really wanted to like this place just based on the menu, but I have to go by my experience. I came here twice. The first time the employee at the counter was extremely rude and dismissive. I decided to try giving it another chance. The second time, the same guy was just as rude. The worst, however, was that he forgot most of my order and my friend's. he forgot my drink, the dressing for my salad and my friend's entire meal. In fact, the only thing he did remember was my friend's soda. There was no sincere apology for this. I should also mention that the place was almost empty when this happened. The food was not bad and I believe in giving people/places second chances, but I also believe in treating others with courtesy. I will not be going back. read more

I'm starting to think I wasn't terribly fair with Basic in the beginning. After making many more (now, frequent) visits, I've begun to appreciate the consistency and friendliness of this place and the staff. I still don't love the bagels (sorry) but I'm actually pretty happy with the coffee and other breakfast items I've had here. read more

Came here for lunch when a friend suggested it and I'll definitely be coming back! I had the avocado salad and it was very good. The salad was fresh and the dressing tasted so good. The service was good...very friendly!! read more

Basic Food & Beverage - Avocado salad....fresh ingredients and the dressing was delicious!!! - Delis Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

Basic is, well, true to its name, I guess... basic. Nothing fancy or interesting. I want to give 3 stars to be nice, but I am just not much of a fan. I got a Basic Burger, which sounded great on the menu but was utterly underwhelming. The beef patty looked like it came out of a box (frozen? I hope not) and was pretty tasteless. pesto mayo? hardly any on there. cheddar cheese? looks like a processed American slice to me. sauteed onions? closer to raw. spring greens? more like limp lettuce. My wife got the Chicken Club with Bacon, similar ingredients, same conclusion. Dry, bland sandwiches. Left thinking maybe the Korean menu items are better, but reading the reviews I don't think I will even go back to find out. There are better options popping up all the time in JC. Oh, and who is cash only these days? read more

I'm not a big coffee drinker so I can't relate to the negative reviewers. Smells like coffee to me? As far as the food goes, I've yet to try something I didn't like. The wraps (Manhattan*) are absolutely delish. This is a really great neighborhood scene and very convenient to Hamilton Park. 4 stars because they are cash only, which I never carry. However they do have an ATM inside. read more

I would have given them zero star if I could (THEY DO NOT WASH THEIR BOWLS) I had ordered their soup and they served it in an unwashed bowl.... how disgusting. The rim of the bowl had food stuck to it, when I went to tell them, the Korean guy just kept saying that is what happens with Meso soup. i asked him did he cook the soup in the bowl and he said no he cooked it in another container, then I asked him how could the rim have stuck food! He kept saying in his bad english that is how it is... I was so disgusted I just left the bowl on their counter. They never offered to make a new bowl or give me my money back. For $7 of the soup they have lost a customer that would have been there the rest of the year every week! Am disgusted by their attitude and want people to be careful when you go there. And on top of that the guy taking the order at the counter has such a long face! Hello! Aren't you in the business for making long term customers... read more

I used to love this place, but lately it's just not been the same. The friendly girl with the wacky glasses has gone, and in her place there's this sour-faced red-head guy who barely makes eye contact when he takes your order... I've actually walked out of here on a couple of occasions because I can't stand sulky attitudes with my coffee. The food and drinks however are good though. A varied menu of soups, salads & sandwiches, and fresh baked goods. Just wish they'd cover up the baked goods on the counter, as it's really not very hygienic to have flies landing on them! read more

I don't get the fascination with this place, outside of the free wifi. I'm not a coffee person so based on food and service alone, it's a 2 star at best. First off, cash only, inconvenient much? Secondly, the ready made, pre made, over priced foods are no better and of equal quality to any airport pick up and go place, if not worse. In another words, nothing special. I feel it's just a prime location so they take advantage of that. I live in the area and have only been here 3 times, each time the food was underwhelming and the last time I was there I ordered a simple bagel with cream cheese and one Horizon chocolate milk and a regular milk for the kids, nothing fancy. The guy forgot the cream cheese and forgot the chocolate milk, seems he was too busy chatting with his co-workers. Def not our go to place, which is unfortunate because IMO the area does need a solid gourmet sandwich, quality foods type of pick up and go place, where you can't go wrong. read more

this place makes yummy sandwiches. the atmosphere isn't bad. i ordered tea, but my friends (who are coffee snobs) said that they have good coffee, too. my complaint is that they don't have real coffee mugs for enjoying your coffee while you're there....they use 'to go' cups. this seems pretty idiosyncratic when my sandwich was served on really hearty diner ware plate. read more

I only give 1 star because the location is so convenient for me (and because yelp require at least 1 star). The food has never been bad however I never have gotten what I ordered. How does one have a Pepperjack Turkey Club special and forget to add the Pepperjack cheese?! The people working are just atrocious. I once asked to add swiss cheese to my sandwich and the girl behind the counter did not know what Swiss cheese was. Now fine...you don't have swiss? Totally understandable but how do you work in a restaurant and not know what Swiss cheese is?? I highly suggest sticking the the basic (no pun intended) and just order coffee and a bagel. Although I'm sure they'll manage to mess that up too! read more

Visiting in the area and took a chance on this place near my hotel after googling around. Fantastic neighborhood joint! Order at the counter, cash only. Friendly manager explained some stuff after learning it was my first visit. I had the Moe's breakfast sandwich.....and then another one! Cook brought them out himself and was also friendly about it. Great coffee. Excellent eclectic menu. Despite some of the other reviews, I experienced nothing near rudeness and told the manager the prices should be raised! read more

I go here for lunch every day. Their dishes are delicious and they have a wide variety of choices. I enjoy ordering the basic salmon and spicy kimchi ramen. They also have a large selection of coffees and teas to choose from - I recommend the Yerba mate tea. As a side note, the chefs, servers, and cashiers are all very kind, and their service is very fast. This place is anything but basic! read more

Basic is a staple of the Hamilton Park Neighborhood. Locals love it for its great food, reasonable prices and amazing customer service. Definitely stop by for a cappuccino and one of their many breakfast sandwiches if you're in the neighborhood. read more

Very unique place serving a rather eclectic mix of bisto /cafe food with korean thrown in the mix and a few comfort food staples plus a coffee / tea bar that also serves a nice yerba mate. whew that's a mouth full. The food is always good and they have one of the best cups of coffee in the area. Like many of these smaller places it's often a little hot and cramped with tiny tables. read more

Love this joint. Daniel and staff are so friendly. They have my coffee ready to go every day. Don't really understand the bad coffee reviews but alas not everyone has impeccable taste. Great food too. read more

Love this place but they are cash only which is so inconvenient. Their coffee and breakfast is great and, their sandwiches are solid. I have never had their ramen or udon but looks tasty and popular. Usually my go-to place for something quick... Unless I have no cash. read more