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.
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.
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**.
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.
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
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 Location
First Republic Lounge & Restaurant
1204 E Grand St, Elizabeth, NJ 07201, USA
First Republic Lounge & Restaurant Reviews
musicDJbartenderblack ricelegumeplantainpartygriotpiklizpunch
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Wonderful 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!!!
June 18 · Bidjamson DariusI’ve been here a few times but got food to go and wanted to make a review. The ambiance of the interior lounge is great, great music, great liquor selection. After i think 10 PM kids arent allowed to be in the lounge and it switches over to “adult night.” I ordered over the phone griot tour of haiti, diri jon jon, poule pike, macaroni gratin, and pikliz. The food was delicious, even better as left overs. They charge two dollars for each extra pikliz you want. For the size it’s okay but a little egregious. In total my order was 70 dollars. For that price i’d expect the portion to be better but it was very filling. The tour of haiti plato was too empty in my opinion for that price. One last thing, I wish they’d find a way to better take orders over the phone. Being that it’s a lounge, the music is loud, the recipient taking the order and the caller can barely hear each other. Even when ordering in person you have to yell to order. Antouka! Love this place. Thanks for all the hard work you guys do.
August 18 · LinaGood Haitian food. I ordered grio with diri jonjon. The food was actually good only complaint I had was they only served the meal with 2-3 plantains and the rice was hot when served. I was here with 3 other adults and we pretty much felt the same. The place is nice and clean and the grio was tender.
November 25 · Diane GaillardI have been to this place a few times but this is my first review. When I arrived I parked on the street and walked in. I was greeted by the bartender and she was very nice and had good conversation. I ordered a sangria and the vegitarian legume with black rice to go. The sangria was pretty good and so was the punch drink I ordered. The food usually takes long to come out so I am glad I had my drink while I waited. The food finally arrived and I paid about $47 for 2 drinks and the food. When I got home I dug in and it was pretty good and there was plenty. I had a pretty good experience.
November 14 · Des KFFood and music delish. You know Caribbean host have attitudes but they were nice enough that can always improve. Deejay was pretty good playing a range of music expected kompa and rumba and afrobeats and kozumba and more. Atmosphere is decent the entry fee is stupid since the food pricey for small portions but I would splurge again.
January 07 · Jenal Jones
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