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PortuCale Restaurant & Bar ico

PortuCale Restaurant & Bar
- 129 Elm St, Newark, NJ 07105

Portuguese restaurant, Bar ★4.0·$$

129 Elm St, Newark, NJ 07105, USA

4.0
A cozy yet elegant spot in downtown Newark, couldn't ask for more! As someone who does not know Portuguese cuisine I was so happy to try and and throughly enjoyed it. The old world ambiance is also super intriguing and made me feel like I was both at home and somewhere I've never been. - Alivia Ashenfarb
PortuCale Restaurant & Bar Overview Intro Menu Detail Photos Location Reviews

PortuCale Restaurant & Bar Introduce

For New Jersey residents, especially those familiar with the rich cultural and culinary offerings of Newark's Ironbound district, PortuCale Restaurant & Bar stands as a beacon of authentic, high-quality Portuguese dining. More than just a local restaurant, PortuCale is a multifaceted venue, seamlessly blending the elegance of fine Portuguese dining with the casual, energetic atmosphere of a modern sports bar. This unique combination ensures that whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a family celebration, or simply looking for the best spot to catch the game with a great cocktail, this Newark gem has a space and a menu to perfectly fit the occasion.

The restaurant prides itself on being a family-owned and run establishment, serving authentic regional Portuguese food. This dedication to tradition is evident in the menu, which features an extensive selection of classic dishes that showcase the rich Mediterranean diet, emphasizing fresh, high-quality ingredients like olive oil, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and an abundant use of seafood. Patrons consistently praise the "old world ambiance," describing the setting as both cozy and elegant, creating a feeling of being simultaneously at home and transported to a foreign locale. The generous portions and top-notch service are frequently highlighted by local diners, confirming PortuCale's commitment to an exceptional and satisfying experience.

As a Portuguese restaurant, the menu is a deep dive into the nation’s celebrated cuisine. Signature dishes revolve around

Bacalhau

(codfish), with specialties like

Bacalhau A Portucale

and

Bacalhau Na Telha Com Grelos

being a must-try for any food enthusiast. Seafood lovers will be delighted by the abundance of options, from

Polvo A Lagareiro / Grilled Octopus

and

Camarao Jumbo Grelhado A Matozinhos / Grilled Jumbo Shrimp

to grand shared plates like the

Festival De Mariscos / Seafood Festival For 2 People

and various Paelhas. The commitment to providing an authentic experience extends to the beverage list, which boasts a

Great beer selection

,

Great cocktails

, and a

Great wine list

, including traditional Portuguese wines and refreshing sangrias that perfectly complement the bold flavors of the cuisine.

Location and Accessibility

PortuCale Restaurant & Bar is conveniently situated in the heart of Newark, NJ, at 129 Elm St, Newark, NJ 07105. This location places it squarely in the vibrant and historic Ironbound neighborhood, a hub for Portuguese and Spanish culture in New Jersey. The restaurant's strategic location makes it easily accessible for customers driving from surrounding towns across North and Central Jersey.

The establishment is highly focused on accessibility and convenience for all New Jersey visitors. Drivers will appreciate the availability of a Free parking lot, Free street parking, and general On-site parking, a significant advantage in the busy urban environment of Newark. Furthermore, PortuCale is fully committed to accommodating all patrons, featuring a Wheelchair accessible entrance, a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, a Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating. This attention to detail ensures that the dining experience is welcoming and stress-free for everyone in the community.

Services Offered

PortuCale provides a versatile array of service options designed to meet the diverse needs of its New Jersey clientele, from quick meals to elaborate events.

  • Dine-in Service: Enjoy full

    Table service

    in a choice of dining spaces, including a

    Romantic

    main room or a

    Casual

    sports bar lounge.
  • Outdoor Seating: Offers a pleasant al fresco dining experience, noted by reviewers as a lovely setting, sometimes featuring amenities like a waterfall wall.
  • Takeout and Delivery: Convenient options for enjoying the authentic Portuguese flavors at home or the office.
  • Catering: Available for special events, offering a selection of the restaurant's most popular Portuguese dishes.
  • Private Dining Room: An amenity for groups, corporate functions, or large family parties requiring a dedicated, secluded space.
  • Reservations: The restaurant

    Accepts reservations

    , with

    Lunch reservations recommended

    and

    Dinner reservations required

    to ensure seating during peak hours, reflecting its popularity.
  • Sports Bar Experience: A dedicated lounge area with large-screen TVs where patrons can watch all special sporting events while enjoying food and drink specials.

Features / Highlights

The reputation of PortuCale Restaurant & Bar in the New Jersey dining scene is built upon a strong foundation of quality, service, and a unique blend of offerings.

  • Culinary Authenticity: Recognized for its authentic, regional Portuguese cuisine, making it a go-to spot for

    Serves local specialty

    dishes like Codfish Bacalhau and Mariscada.
  • Exceptional Bar Program: Features a

    Great beer selection

    ,

    Great cocktails

    ,

    Great wine list

    ,

    Hard liquor

    , and offers

    Happy hour drinks

    and

    Happy hour food

    .
  • Diverse Dining Appeal: Caters to various crowds, including

    Groups

    ,

    Family-friendly

    diners, and

    Tourists

    , with an atmosphere that can be

    Casual

    ,

    Cozy

    ,

    Romantic

    , or

    Trendy

    .
  • Menu Inclusivity: Offers a wide range of choices, including

    Comfort food

    ,

    Small plates

    ,

    Quick bite

    options, and specific

    Healthy options

    ,

    Vegan options

    , and

    Vegetarian options

    .
  • Late-Night Availability: Serves

    Late-night food

    and remains open until the early morning hours on most days, making it ideal for the New Jersey nightlife crowd.
  • Efficiency and Quality Service: Noted for

    Fast service

    and a staff that is polite, professional, and attentive, as praised in customer reviews.
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Considered

    Good for kids

    and provides

    High chairs

    and a dedicated

    Kids' menu

    .

Contact Information

To experience the best of Portuguese dining and New Jersey hospitality, contact PortuCale Restaurant & Bar using the information below:

Address: 129 Elm St, Newark, NJ 07105

Phone: (973) 344-4407

Mobile Phone: +1 973-344-4407

The restaurant accepts various payment methods for customer convenience, including

Credit cards

,

Debit cards

, and

NFC mobile payments

.

What is Worth Choosing

For residents in New Jersey, particularly those in the Newark area, PortuCale Restaurant & Bar is an unequivocally worthy choice for several key reasons that differentiate it from standard dining establishments. The most compelling reason is the quality and authenticity of the cuisine. Unlike generic bars or restaurants, PortuCale offers a true taste of Portugal, with expertly prepared dishes such as

Bife A Portucale

(steak specialty) and the impressive

Seafood Festival

, ensuring a culinary journey every time you visit. The food is not only delicious but served in

abundant portions

, representing excellent value.

Beyond the food, the dual concept of a fine dining restaurant and a dedicated sports bar lounge caters to a wider audience and offers flexibility. You can enjoy a

Romantic

or

Elegant

dinner in one room and move to the sports lounge for

Late-night food

and

Happy hour drinks

. The highlight of the bar selection, which includes an extensive wine list and fantastic cocktails, is a significant draw, perfect for unwinding after work or celebrating a special occasion.

Finally, the excellent customer experience, consistently praised in reviews for being

top notch

and

quick

, combined with the high level of accessibility—including ample free parking and full ADA compliance—removes common urban dining hurdles. When considering where to dine in the Ironbound, PortuCale provides a complete, high-value, and culturally rich experience that is perfect for

Lunch

,

Dinner

,

Solo dining

, or a large

Catering

event. Choosing PortuCale means choosing authentic flavor, great atmosphere, and unparalleled local service right here in New Jersey.

PortuCale Restaurant & Bar Menu

  • Fish

  • Polvo A Lagareiro / Grilled Octopus W/ Onions Etc. $42.95

    Grilled Octopus topped w/ peppers & onions & olive oil served / unpeeled baked potatoes

  • Salmao Do Atlantico Grelhado / Grilled Atlantic Salmon $31.95

    Grilled salmon with rosemary and herb butter served with boiled potatoes and vegetables.

  • Filetes A Algarvia / Sauteed Fish Fillets $29.95

    Sauteed Fish Fillets Topped w/ Clams in White Wine Sauce Served w/ Mashed Potatoes & Vegetables

  • Salmao Grelhado C/ Camarao / Grilled Salmon Topped W/ Shrimp $35.95

    Grilled Salmon Topped w/ Shrimp Served w/ Boiled Potatoes & Vegetables

  • Filete De Salmao A Portucale / Stuffed Salmon Fillet $30.95

    Stuffed salmon with crab meat served with mashed potatoes and vegetables.

  • Grilled Meat

  • Bife A Portucale $42.95

    Grilled Shell Steak w/ Shrimp, Prosciutto, Mushrooms, Artichoke in Port Wine Reduction Served w/ Spanish Potatoes & Vegetables

  • Bitoque $35.95

    Angus Shell Steak Braised in Beer Sauce, Seasoned & Topped w/ an Egg Served w/ Spanish Potatoes

  • Entranha / Skirt Steak $42.95

    Grilled Skirt Steak Served w/ Rice & Sauteed Potatoes

  • T-Bone Steak A Maitre D' Hotel $38.95

    Grilled Angus Steak Topped w/ Garlic Butter Served w/ Sauteed Potatoes & Vegetables

  • Costeleta De Vitela / Grilled Veal Chops $37.95

    Charcoal grilled veal chops served with sauteed potatoes & asparagus

  • Filet Mignon Com Rabo De Lagosta/ Filet Mignon With Lobster Tail $62.95

    Surf and turf grilled lobster tail and tender filet mignon served with crispy potatoes and salad.

  • Costela De Vaca / Grilled Short Ribs $32.95

    Charcoal grilled short ribs served with fries and salad.

  • Bife A Portuguesa $37.95

    Grilled Angus Shell Steak in Portuguese Style Sauce, Topped w/ Ham & a Fried Egg Served w/ Spanish Potatoes

  • Costeletinha De Cabrito / Grilled Lamb Chops $62.95

    Grilled Lamb Chops w/ Dutch Sauce Served w/ Mashed Potatoes & Asparagus

  • Angus Prime Rib Na Brasa / Grilled Angus Prime Rib $42.95

    Grilled angus prime rib served with roasted potatoes and vegetables.

  • Costeletao De Novilho Angus / Grilled Porterhouse $52.95

    Grilled Angus Porterhouse Steak 22oz. Served w/ Spanish Potatoes & Asparagus

  • Angus NY Shell Steak Na Brasa/ Grilled Sirloin Steak $42.95

    Grilled Sirloin Steak Served w/ Sauteed Potatoes & Asparagus

  • Filet Mignon Com Bacon/ Filet Mignon With Bacon $52.95

    Grilled Filet Mignon Topped w/ Bacon Served w/ Asparagus & Mashed Potatoes

  • Angus Rib Eye Steak Na Brasa/ Grilled Angus Rib Eye Steak $47.95

    Grilled angus rib eye steak 22oz. Served with sautéed potatoes and vegetables.

  • Appetizers

  • Uma Combinacao Aperitivos Portugueses/ A Combination Of Portuguese Appetizers $28.95

    Flamed Portuguese sausage / octopus in garlic sauce / shrimp in garlic sauce / sautéed hot potatoes.

  • Buffalo Wings $17.95

    Buffalo wings.

  • Lulas Fritas/ Fried Calamari $18.95

    Fried calamari with cocktail sauce.

  • Salada De Polvo/ Octopus Salad $24.95

    Octopus salad (chopped onions and peppers drizzled with olive oil and vinegar).

  • Tábua Regional- Presunto, Queijo/ Board Regional - Ham, Cheese $27.95

    Tapas- prosciutto, cheese and Portuguese sausage.

  • Chourico Caseiro Sauteado / Homemade Roasted Chourico $18.95

    Flaming Portuguese sausage.

  • Mexilhao Marinheira / Mussels In Tomato Sauce $18.95

    Mussels in tomato sauce.

  • Ameijoas A Bulhao Pato/ Clams In White Wine $20.95

    Steamed clams in white wine sauce, garlic and cilantro.

  • Bolinhos De Bacalhau Feitos Em Casa/ Homemade Codfish Pastries $17.95

    Codfish pastries.

  • Camarao Ao Alho / Shrimp In Garlic $18.95

    Shrimp in garlic sauce.

  • Polvo Ao Alho / Octopus In Garlic Sauce $24.95

    Sautéed octopus in garlic sauce.

  • Ameijoas Casino / Clam Casino $18.95

    Clams stuffed with crab meat topped with bacon.

  • Pork & Chicken

  • Carne De Porco A Alentejana / Sauteed Cubed Pork & Clams $28.95

    Sautéed pork, clams and cubed potatoes in our “delicious Portuguese sauce".

  • Picadinho A “Portucale"/ Sauteed Pork,Beef & Chicken $25.95

    Sautéed pork, beef, chicken and Portuguese sausage with cubed potatoes in our “delicious Portuguese sauce".

  • Peito De Frango A Estoril / Estoril Chicken Breast $26.95

    Sauteed Chicken Breast w/ Shrimp in Mushroom & Garlic Sauce Served w/ Spanish Potatoes & Rice

  • Peito De Frango A "Portucale" / Portucale Chicken Breast $27.95

    Chicken Breast & Shrimp w/ Mushrooms, Artichokes in Port Wine Reduction Served w/ Rice & Spanish Potatoes

  • Peito De Frango Ao Alho / Garlic Chicken Breast $22.95

    Sautéed chicken breast in garlic sauce served with fries and rice.

  • Pastas

  • Frutos Do Mar / Seafood Combination Pasta $30.95

    Seafood Combination w/ Pasta in Alfredo Sauce or Tomato Sauce

  • Linguine C/ Marisco / Linguine W/ Seafood $30.95

    Linguine w/ Seafood Combination in a "Chefs Homemade Green Sauce"

  • Vegetarian

  • Esparguete / Spaghetti $22.95

    Spaghetti in Tomato & Oregano Sauce, Alfredo or Garlic Sauce

  • Paelha $27.95

    Vegetable Combination w/ Saffron Rice

  • Seafood

  • Paelha Marinheira $42.95

    Seafood Combination w/ Lobster, Mussels, Clams, Shrimp & Scallops Cooked w/ Saffron Rice

  • Acorda De Marisco $32.95

    Mix Bread w/ Assorted Seafood Combination Seasoned w/ Garlic, Cilantro Topped w/ an Egg

  • Rabo De Lagosta Recheado / Stuffed Lobster Tail $72.95

    Grilled Lobster Trail Stuffed w/ Crabmeat Served w/ Cripsy Spanish Potatoes & Salad

  • Festival De Mariscos / Seafood Festival For 2 People $102.95

    Grilled Seafood Festival for 2 (Lobster, shrimp, scallops, king crab legs, mussels, clams, jumbo shrimp, calamari & stuffed flounder fillets)

  • Paelha Valenciana $45.95

    Seafood Combination w/ Lobster, Mussels, Clams, Shrimp, Scallops, Portuguese Sausage & Boneless Chicken Cooked w/ Saffron Rice

  • Camarao Jumbo Grelhado A Matozinhos / Grilled Jumbo Shrimp $32.95

    Grilled Jumbo Shrimp in seafood reduction w/ crispy spanish potatoes & salad

  • Mariscada Em Molho Verde Ou Vermelho / Grilled Seafood Combination $48.95

    Grilled Seafood Combination w/ Lobster, Mussels, Clams, Shrimp, & Scallops in Green (Wine) or Red (Tomato) Sauce

  • Arroz De Marisco A Portuguesa / Portuguese Seafood Rice $38.95

    Portuguese seafood rice (lobster,clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops & king crab legs)

  • Gambas A Mocambique / Grilled Prawns $58.95

    Grilled Prawns in a light Hot Seafood sauce served w/ salad & crispy spanish potatoes

  • Beverage

  • Coke $3.25

    The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.

  • Diet Coke $3.25

    A crisp, refreshing taste you know and love with zero calories.

  • Sprite $3.25

    The cold, refreshing flavors of lemon and lime, perfectly blended.

  • House Specialty

  • Bacalhau A Portucale / Portucale Codfish $33.95

    Roasted Sliced Codfish w/ Cream, Shrimp, Spinach Topped w/ Cheese Gratin in the Oven

  • Bacalhau Na Telha Com Grelos / Cod On Tile With Broccoli Rabe $34.95

    Grilled Codfish on a Clay Tile Topped w/ Mashed Potatoes, Onions & Broccoli Rabe

  • Bacalhau Espiritual / Oven Baked Cod Fish $32.95

    Oven Baked Cod Fish w/ Onions, Eggs, Parsley & Potato Sticks

  • Bacalhau A Lagareiro / Codfish In Olive Oil $32.95

    Grilled codfish with peppers, onions, garlic and plenty of olive oil served with unpeeled baked potatoes.

  • Bacalhau A Braga / Fried Salted Cod Fish $31.95

    Fried salt codfish topped with sautéed onions served with fried round potatoes.

  • Salads

  • Salada Tropical / Tropical Salad $38.90

    Tossed salad with fruit (orange, apple, pineapple, strawberry and blueberry).

  • Salada A PortuCale (Large) $13.00

    Lettuce w/ Tomato,Onions, Heart of Palm & Shredded Carrot

  • Salada A Portucale (Small) $10.00

    Lettuce w/ Tomato,Onions,Heart of Palm & Shredded Carrots

  • Salada De Atum/ Tuna Salad $21.95

    Tuna salad.

PortuCale Restaurant & Bar Details

  • Service options

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

  • Fast service
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Great coffee
  • Great dessert
  • Great wine list
  • Serves local specialty
  • Sports
  • Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Happy hour food
  • Hard liquor
  • Healthy options
  • Late-night food
  • Private dining room
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegan options
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine
  • Dining options

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

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi
  • Wi-Fi
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Romantic
  • Trendy
  • Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • Tourists
  • Planning

  • Lunch reservations recommended
  • Reservations required
  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

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

  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu
  • Parking

  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • On-site parking
  • Parking

PortuCale Restaurant & Bar Photos

PortuCale Restaurant & Bar Picture 1PortuCale Restaurant & Bar Picture 2PortuCale Restaurant & Bar Picture 3PortuCale Restaurant & Bar Picture 4PortuCale Restaurant & Bar Picture 5PortuCale Restaurant & Bar Picture 6PortuCale Restaurant & Bar Picture 7PortuCale Restaurant & Bar Picture 8PortuCale Restaurant & Bar Picture 9PortuCale Restaurant & Bar Picture 10

PortuCale Restaurant & Bar Location

PortuCale Restaurant & Bar

129 Elm St, Newark, NJ 07105, USA

PortuCale Restaurant & Bar Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 1119 user reviews.

sangriaappetizerpatioparkingsalmonstuffedlobsterpitchercrabpotatoes

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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