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First Republic Lounge & Restaurant ico

First Republic Lounge & Restaurant
- 1204 E Grand St, Elizabeth, NJ 07201

Haitian restaurant, Bar ★4.0·$$

1204 E Grand St, Elizabeth, NJ 07201, USA

4.0
Wonderful ambiance. Delicious food. It was a little expensive, but well worth the money. It's a great spot to eat, drink, and dance. Highly recommended!!! - Bidjamson Darius
First Republic Lounge & Restaurant Overview Intro Food & drink Detail Photos Location Reviews

First Republic Lounge & Restaurant Introduce

For New Jersey residents seeking a sophisticated and culturally rich venue that perfectly blends high-quality ethnic dining with an engaging nightlife atmosphere, First Republic Lounge & Restaurant in Elizabeth is the premier destination. This establishment is far more than a simple restaurant; it is a successful fusion, expertly operating as an authentic Haitian restaurant, a fully-stocked Bar, a lively Lounge, and a dynamic entertainment destination all in one. It provides a rare opportunity for patrons to indulge in delicious, cultural cuisine—which serves as a key local specialty—and then transition into an engaging environment where they can enjoy superb drinks, live music, and dancing well into the late hours.

The atmosphere at First Republic is a significant part of its appeal, having achieved a unique duality that caters to virtually every social need. The ambiance is frequently praised by visitors, who describe it as "wonderful," successfully managing to be simultaneously Casual, Cozy, Romantic, Trendy, and Upscale all at once. During the early evening hours, the venue focuses on providing an excellent dinner experience, complete with dedicated Table service and a full Seating area, making it ideal for Lunch, Dinner, and even comfortable Solo dining. The emphasis during this time is on the culinary art of Haitian food and providing a relaxed, high-quality meal environment.

As the night advances, typically after 10 PM, the atmosphere shifts: the lounge component takes center stage. The venue transitions into an exhilarating "adult night" environment, celebrated for its Live music, impressive Liquor selection, and overall energetic vibe, offering a fantastic spot to "eat, drink, and dance," as enthusiastic customers often note. This crucial feature provides a much-needed, upscale nightlife option in the Elizabeth area. The dual concept allows the restaurant to attract a wide-ranging Crowd, including local College students, large Groups celebrating special occasions, and even Tourists looking for a definitive cultural experience coupled with a great night out in the New Jersey area.


Location and Accessibility

First Republic Lounge & Restaurant boasts a prime and accessible address at 1204 E Grand St, Elizabeth, NJ 07201, USA. Situated in Elizabeth, a key city in Union County, the location is both prominent and easy to reach for local residents and those visiting from surrounding communities. This central placement is crucial for its function as a vibrant nightlife and dining anchor in the region.

Crucially, the establishment strongly prioritizes guest comfort and accessibility. It is fully equipped to accommodate all visitors, offering a completely Wheelchair accessible entrance, a dedicated Wheelchair accessible restroom, and comfortable Wheelchair accessible seating. This commitment ensures that all patrons, regardless of mobility requirements, can comfortably enjoy the dining and lounge experience. This level of preparation highlights the venue's professional and inclusive operating standards.

Parking options are flexible and convenient for guests arriving by car. Free street parking is often available near the venue, supplemented by both a Paid parking lot and designated Paid street parking in the surrounding area. Furthermore, the availability of Outdoor seating provides an additional pleasant option for enjoying a meal or drinks, especially during warmer seasons in New Jersey, further enhancing the venue's appeal as a versatile social spot.


Services Offered

First Republic Lounge & Restaurant provides a comprehensive suite of services that spans dining, socializing, and event planning, making it a highly versatile and full-featured venue in Elizabeth.

  • Full Dining Schedule: Available for Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, with professional Table service and ample Seating throughout the venue.
  • Flexible Ordering Options: Offers Dine-in for the full experience, as well as convenient Takeout and Delivery services for those preferring to eat at home.
  • Bar & Beverage Excellence: Features a fully operational Bar onsite with a highly-rated Great beer selection, Great cocktails, a distinguished Great wine list, and Hard liquor options, ensuring all drink preferences are met.
  • Entertainment Features: Enhances the evening with Live music performances and screens dedicated to Sports viewing, fostering a lively and engaging atmosphere.
  • Event and Planning Services: The venue Accepts reservations, which is strongly recommended for peak times, and offers comprehensive Catering services for off-site events.
  • Late-Night Hospitality: Provides excellent value during specific hours with Happy hour drinks and Happy hour food, and ensures the lounge crowd stays satisfied with dedicated Late-night food options.
  • Family Amenities: Includes a Restroom and provides High chairs for families dining early in the evening, though patrons should note the "adult night" policy after 10 PM.
  • Payment Convenience: Accepts various modern payment forms, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features and Highlights

The distinctive fusion of authentic Haitian cuisine and a high-energy lounge atmosphere is what truly sets First Republic apart as a premier New Jersey establishment, offering features that cater to both the palate and the desire for entertainment.

  • Authentic Culinary Focus: A leading Haitian restaurant that Serves local specialty dishes with authentic flair. Menu highlights include the rich Goat Tassot ($36.00), the delicate Red Snapper ($38.00), and the classic fried pork dish Griot ($17.00).
  • Vibrant Entertainment Scene: The lounge successfully transitions into a dynamic nightlife venue, regularly hosting Live music and providing a space for guests to "dance," making it an ideal choice for a celebratory or casual night out.
  • Upscale Bar Program: Patrons consistently praise the Great cocktails menu, excellent Great wine list, and variety of Beer choices, highlighting the quality of the venue's beverage service.
  • Sophisticated Ambiance: The interior design is highly commended for its Trendy and Upscale feel, while simultaneously maintaining elements that make it feel genuinely Cozy and Romantic for intimate dining.
  • Late-Night Convenience: Ensures the enjoyment continues by offering Late-night food, Quick bite appetizers like Kreyol Wings, and Small plates during peak lounge hours, so guests can socialize without interruption.
  • Signature Menu Items: Must-try appetizers include the flavorful Tour Of Haiti platter ($22.00), which allows for sampling, and comforting side dishes like Black Mushroom Rice and Macaroni Au Gratin.
  • Service Quality: Noted for providing Fast service during the dining hours, a testament to its operational efficiency in a dual-purpose venue.
  • Accessibility Commitment: A leading example of an accessible venue, featuring comprehensive Wheelchair accessible amenities throughout, ensuring broad community inclusion.

Contact Information

To secure a reservation, inquire about private events, or place a convenient order for delivery or takeout, please use the following direct contact information for First Republic Lounge & Restaurant:

Address: 1204 E Grand St, Elizabeth, NJ 07201, USA
Phone: (908) 355-3940
Mobile Phone: +1 908-355-3940


What is Worth Choosing

For New Jersey residents planning a visit to First Republic Lounge & Restaurant, the most rewarding experience comes from embracing the establishment's full dual identity: start with the food and stay for the entertainment. Given the consistently positive reviews regarding the quality of the cuisine, prioritizing an authentic Haitian entrée is a must. High-value, traditionally prepared choices include the flavorful Goat Tassot ($36.00) or the rich Beef Tassot ($32.00) for a savory main course. The Tour Of Haiti appetizer platter ($22.00) is strongly recommended for first-time visitors or large groups, offering a delicious cross-section of the restaurant's popular small plates.

To enhance the dining experience, pairing your main dish with a classic side is essential. The savory Black Mushroom Rice ($11.00) or the rich Macaroni Au Gratin ($11.00) are excellent, highly-recommended accompaniments that complete the meal. While some patrons have noted minor issues—such as the price-to-portion ratio on certain items or the noise level complicating phone orders—the overwhelming consensus is that the food is a worthwhile indulgence, with one reviewer even noting it was "delicious, even better as left overs."

The true value of First Republic extends beyond the plate into the nightlife. Choosing to utilize the full Lounge features—including sampling the selection of Great cocktails or the Great wine list—while enjoying the Live music is what makes this spot a "highly recommended" night-out destination. Patrons should take advantage of the ability to Accept reservations, particularly if visiting with a large Group or during peak weekend hours, to ensure the full, seamless experience of high-quality dining and dynamic dancing that First Republic Lounge & Restaurant offers to the Elizabeth and wider New Jersey community.

First Republic Lounge & Restaurant Food & drink

  • Appetizers

  • Akra $9.00

    Fried taro root grated with herbs. Served with pikliz.

  • Kreyol Wings $16.00

    Smothered wings in a spicy creole sauce.

  • Macaroni Au Gratin $11.00

    Vegetarian.

  • Tour Of Haiti $22.00

    A sample of akra, plantains, marinade, and potato with griot or chicken.

  • Sake Pase Shrimp $16.00

    Served with a sweet and spicy creole sauce.

  • Fried Plantains $6.00

    Vegetarian. Gluten Free.

  • Calamari Lakay $16.00

    Served with a sweet and spicy creole sauce.

  • Dessert

  • Pound Cake $5.00

    Drizzled with kremas. Kremas is a sweet and creamy coconut alcoholic cocktail.

  • Entrees

  • Soup Joumou $12.00

    Savory pumpkin soup.

  • Red Snapper $38.00

    Whole red snapper with bell peppers and onions. Served either steamed or fried.

  • Beef Tassot $32.00

    Tender chunks of fried beef.

  • Chicken Pike $24.00

    Marinated Haitian style. Served smothered with extra spicy seasoning.

  • Goat Tassot $36.00

    Tender chunks of fried goat.

  • Basa $18.00

    Light flavorful white fish simmered in creole sauce or fried.

  • Salt Fish $38.00

    Poisson gos sel. A whole broiled red snapper in a reduction of shallots, lime juice, and green herbs.

  • Chicken $24.00

    Marinated Haitian style. Served smothered.

  • Legume With Vegetarian $24.00

    Vegetarian. Gluten Free. Vegetable stew made from cabbage, chayotes, carrots, and lima beans.

  • Griot $17.00

    Tender chunks of fried pork. Served with pikliz.

  • Lambi $28.00

    Savory conch simmered in a creole sauce.

  • Kreyol Shrimp $29.00

    Sauteed in classic Haitian seasoning. Served in creole sauce.

  • Sides

  • Vegetables $6.00

    Vegetarian. Gluten Free.

  • Fries $6.00

    Vegetarian.

  • White Rice With Sauce Pois $13.00

    Vegetarian.

  • Rice & Beans $11.00

    Vegetarian.

  • Black Mushroom Rice $11.00

    Vegetarian.

  • Fried Plantains $6.00

    Vegetarian.

  • Macaroni Au Gratin $11.00

    Vegetarian.

  • Salad

  • Republic House Salad $10.00

    Romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, sliced fruit, red onions, red cabbage, and with dressing.

First Republic Lounge & Restaurant Details

  • Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Great wine list
  • Live music
  • Serves local specialty
  • Sports
  • Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Comfort food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Happy hour food
  • Hard liquor
  • Late-night food
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Wine
  • Dining options

  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Romantic
  • Trendy
  • Upscale
  • Crowd

  • College students
  • Groups
  • Tourists
  • Planning

  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
  • Children

  • High chairs
  • Parking

  • Free street parking
  • Paid parking lot
  • Paid street parking
  • Parking

First Republic Lounge & Restaurant Photos

First Republic Lounge & Restaurant Picture 1First Republic Lounge & Restaurant Picture 2First Republic Lounge & Restaurant Picture 3First Republic Lounge & Restaurant Picture 4First Republic Lounge & Restaurant Picture 5First Republic Lounge & Restaurant Picture 6First Republic Lounge & Restaurant Picture 7First Republic Lounge & Restaurant Picture 8First Republic Lounge & Restaurant Picture 9First Republic Lounge & Restaurant Picture 10

First Republic Lounge & Restaurant Location

First Republic Lounge & Restaurant

1204 E Grand St, Elizabeth, NJ 07201, USA

First Republic Lounge & Restaurant Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 641 user reviews.

musicDJbartenderblack ricelegumeplantainpartygriotpiklizpunch

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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