The Blue Bottle Cafe
| Address: | 101 E Broad St, Hopewell, NJ 08525, USA |
| Phone: | +1 609-333-1710 |
| Site: | thebluebottlecafe.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | Closed 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 5–9:30PM Closed |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 13
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Aldrich Gamboa
If you are looking for an intimidate dinner with a date or friends with exceptional food, this is your place. A lot of their dishes are more on the savory side though, in keeping with French Cuisine, so if you are looking for a spicier affair, you may want to look elsewhere. Also it is BYOB (they have the proper glasses for your needs), so make sure to come prepared should you need libations. This was a bit of a drive from my house, but I had to give it a go because of all the reviews, I had high expectations, but it had met almost all of them. Ambiance wise, this place opened deceptively. A very simple exterior, one would say that the cover of this book was plain and modest. Even when you enter, it feels like you are entering the home of a friend as opposed to a well reviewed restaurant. The decor reminds me very much of a beach front restaurant. The tables are close, but you they try to balance seating so as to have people on top of each other. However I can see that during busy times, you will be a little close to other diners. It is quiet however as there is no exterior sounds. It was nice, but I wouldnt say elegant. The wait staff was friendly and helpful. Very knowledgeable and talkative. They were attentive as well and made sure that our drinks and needs were met exceptionally. Where this place shines though is in the food. The Lettuce Wrap Appetizer I had was outstanding. With a fine balance of ginger, shrimp and vegetables, all three tastes blended together an a fine symphony of sharp and savory. This made an excellent start to the very finely balanced Monk Fish. This dish was the essence of sweet and savory. The old bay sauce, mixed with the potatoes and garnishing helped to enhance the flavor the Monk Fish. Each bite not overly sweet like candy, it was perfect and enjoyable. Lastly were enjoyable Profiteroles, not the best I ever had, buts till a wonderful ending to the meal. Each dish was wonderfully plated and were visually appetizing, which just helped to enhance the dinner. Along with this, a nice set of three different breads helped to get your meal started. Overall Id highly recommend this place. It isnt too pricey compared to what you could spend, especially in the area, but it is in no way cheap either. Is it better than Rats? Maybe, maybe not. Depends on what you are looking for, but it certainly on par cuisine wise with Rats. Definitely put this on your list of places to try.
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A Private User
We have been hearing/reading about the Blue Bottle Cafe for months and decided to give it a try. We were not impressed. While the staff was nice and knowledgeable the food was just ok - the Foie Gras was served on soggy toast with an overdressed plate. The Ribeye was medium instead of medium rare and a poor cut (tough actually) also. The shrimp appetizer was an old school shrimp salad cocktail served in a martini glass with less than zero appeal (sloppy and no distinguishable flavor). While the area probably doesnt have anything better it is a far cry from Rats in Hamilton and EnoTerra in Princeton (what our friends compared it to. The desert was outstanding but unfortunately did not make up for the overall meal.
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Courtney Palmbush
The Blue Bottle has a good-looking menu. Weve been a few times, and last night ordered food to take home. Every time we eat from the place I have high hopes, but every time something is off. I cant put my finger on it. When weve dined-in, the vibe has been chilly--not from the waitstaff, which seems basically friendly, but from the place as a whole (management?). This was the first time bringing food from Blue Bottle home. The salad with hazelnuts was good. The broccoli rabe accompanying the arctic char was sour, which ruined the dish. My husbands selection was unremarkable (a take on pad-thai). It felt (and has felt in the past) like there is no real attention/love behind the food.
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A Private User
My job is to wine and dine clients, so I have the good fortune to eat at many of the top NYC/NJ restaurants. Blue Bottle is hands down the #1 restaurant for creative entrees that are a perfect balance of flavors and the menu prices are more than fair. I ate there last week and had a crab cake corndog that I asked for seconds on. TO DIE FOR! The gnocchi is something that I have always ordered and it consistently makes you clean your plate. My wife and I threw our rehearsal dinner at the Blue Bottle with an eclectic mix of foodies from London to China, and they were all blown away-- it is THE hidden gem on the northeast for culinary excellence. I give this 5x5 stars. KC
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Mmm Aaa
Last night, I sent our VIP volunteers and executive staff to The Blue Bottle and everyone was so very pleased. This is not the first time our company dined here, but the group was so well taken care of that it is worth mentioning. This has all to do with the keen attention to detail that Rory paid to us. She is possibly the most genial, friendly chef/proprietor that I have encountered in a long time making us all very excited at the prospect of dining with her and surpassing expectations once the experience was complete. To quote my colleague: "it was perfect." Cant wait to do it again.
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CC Mac
Perhaps the unsung hero in NJs pantheon of fine dining. The Blue Bottle Cafe is pleasant, home style, amazing and imaginatively created and served lunches and dinners. Be sure to check out the dessert menu, always a delightful experience! Try ANYTHING! I cant have a favorite at Blue Bottle, its all so good!
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A Private User
Just had an amazing dinner at the Blue Bottle Cafe. The food was really, really good. So tasty. The atmosphere is pleasant and the service was on point. The menu was a bit more limited than I anticipated, but everything, including the bread pudding dessert was outstanding.
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A Private User
The food is beyond fabulous....menu changes with the season. The freshest ingredients are used since they are supplied by local producers. No need for a "special of the night" every entree is special. You will want to keep going back just to taste everything on the menu!
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AJ Gio
Were real foodies and have enjoyed many of the finest restaurants in NYC, Philadelphia and Europe. The Blue Bottle is amazing and even more so because its off the beaten track in Hopewell. If you havent tried this gem your missing a real special treat.
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Gerald Goldstein
From the outside you would never know that there was a 5 Star restaurant inside. The menu is very creative and offers many choice. The service is attentive and caring. I had the barramundi fish, and it was one of the best fish dish I have ever had..
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Ted Inoue
Blue Bottles food is absolutely superb. They have game foods too, like wild boar, that are amazing. On top of that, the owner makes the dining experience even better. She really makes you feel welcome and appreciated.
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Dan Van Derveer
Went here for an anniversary date. The food is great. The prices are good too. BYO with no corkage fee. The only thing keeping this from 5 stars is that its a bit too crowded inside for my taste.
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Alyssa Bull
The Blue Bottle never disappoints. The menu is always changing, the environment is quaint and inviting and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. If you are in the area give it a try!
