Gale’s Soul Food Restaurant

As far as I know, this is the only soul food restaurant in Jersey City. I came in on a Sunday night around 7 p.m. And there was hardly any food left. That’s always a good sign for a restaurant to be emptied out at the end of the work day. The chicken was deep fried, hard and it was not too salty if you like your chicken prepared that way. The macaroni and cheese to me was average and so was the collard greens. I was pleased with the price. As far as soul food restaurants go, the price was reasonable. I intend on going back there to try the fish. For now they are the only restaurant out here so I would recommend that if you are in Jersey City, that you try this restaurant.

Gale’s is 5 doors down from my house and it’s very pleasing to the stomach. Can’t eat it everyday cause I’ll be big as a house but I wish I could. Do something nice for yourself and eat at Gale’s.

Went to Gayle’s soul food tonight. Very friendly service but they were out of the meatloaf and BBQ chicken. Also when I asked if they had menus, was told that they didn’t have at that time. I called prior to going and the phone rang and than went to voice mail. Someone returned my call and when I asked what time they closed this evening the caller had to ask someone! I ordered the smothered pork chops with collard greens and Mac and cheese as my two sides. I also ordered a side of the candied yams. I wanted potato salad but they were out of that also! I got a huge slice of red velvet cake and a uptown (half lemonade half iced tea) all together paid $ 18.25. They serve huge portions and you will get a great amount for the price. All in all the food was just ok. I have had better soul food but I am willing to give them another try. The red velvet cake is delicious!

The location is great, since its a block away from the Richard Street Lightraill. The food is top notch, real soul food. The décor is awful. its not very inviting, the windows are always steamed up so it almost feels dangerous to go inside. I think this place can be great but it has still so much work to do. I think it can be a huge hit, the food is much better than most spots in JC including downtown, but they really need to update the décor and invest in better ventilation so the windows aren’t so steamy and greasy.

I recently found Gale’s by accident and I am so happy I did. This restaurant is small and quaint, just opened about 2 or 3 months ago. Run by Gale, and her family, they are very welcoming and friendly. There are a few small tables to eat in or you can take out. I always take out. Gale’s serves traditional soul food at very reasonable price. My favorites so far are the turkey wings and stewed oxtails (soooooo goood). They also have pork chops, fried tilapia, and porgie (similar fish to red snapper, not quite as sweet, and a lot more). She serves all the traditional sides: collard greens, macaroni and cheese, candied yams (my FAV side so far), stuffing, potato salad, etc. You get a full meal with 2 or 3 sides for $ 7 – 10 depending on what you get. They also serve sides individually and they have fried seafood sandwiches too.
I can’t leave out the best part (to me anyways): Gale’s CAKE. She has a few types of cake, carrot, red velvet, and chocolate, all a mile high, from scratch, served by the HUGE slice. The Red Velvet Cake is the best red velvet cake I’ve ever had… and trust me… i know red velvet cake. Only $ 3 for a giant slice that not one person could finish. She should consider opening a bakery, seriously, they are amazing.
I definitely recommend coming here if you’re craving some authentic, good, down home cooking made from scratch every day at really reasonable prices. The food is great, people are great, definitely worth trying.