BRBQ has opened at Journal Square Urby at 532 Summit Ave. in Jersey City — Courtesy: Urby
By Joshua Burd
Urby has welcomed a new restaurant from a familiar operator to the base of its 25-story, 317-unit apartment building in Jersey City’s Journal Square neighborhood.
The all-day eatery, BRBQ, is now open at 532 Summit Ave. with what it described as a fusion of Korean-American cuisine and wood-fired grilling in a stylish, contemporary setting. It marks the third location in Jersey City by Jae Park and Brian Kim, the co-owners of DOMODOMO and ONDO, bringing a new option to Journal Square Urby and the fast-growing district around it.
According to a news release, BRBQ’s menu centers on premium proteins and vegetables, char-grilled over real wood flames and finished with bold, Asian-inspired sauces, condiments and aromatics.
“Our goal with BRBQ was to create something unique, but still incredibly comforting,” said Kim, chef and cofounder of DOMODOMO. “We’re taking the deep, charred flavors of wood-fire grilling and pairing them with Korean elements we love, from galbi marinades to gochujang and fermented ingredients that add depth and complexity. The result is familiar but unexpected, and we’re excited to finally share it with the community.”
Menu highlights include double side-cut L.A. Galbi or marinated black angus beef short ribs, along with spicy pork bulgogi tacos and butterflied branzino, the operator said. It also offers lunch and weekend brunch items such as house-made Korean sausages, BRBQ burgers topped with kimchi relish and fluffy mochi pancakes.
A full bar anchors the space, serving eight signature cocktails alongside a rotating list of wines and a curated selection of craft beers, the news release said. Coffee and espresso drinks made with La Colombe beans on a La Marzocco machine are available daily starting at 11 a.m.
Designed by IDBD NYC, BRBQ’s interior blends reclaimed timber, exposed brick and sleek metal accents to create a warm yet contemporary atmosphere.
“BRBQ adds a new layer of excitement and culinary creativity to Journal Square,” said David Barry, founder and CEO of Urby. “It’s exactly the kind of chef-driven, community-focused concept we hoped to bring to this location, where residents and neighbors can connect over great food and drinks. We’re thrilled to see the doors open and energy flowing.”
The announcement comes roughly a year after the arrival of Journal Square Urby, which sits directly across from the Journal Square PATH station. Designed by Amsterdam-based Concrete, with HLW serving as executive architect, the project is part of a surge of construction in Journal Square that began more than a decade ago, building on a residential brand that began in downtown Jersey City and has expanded to other markets.
BRBQ, new concept by Jersey City restaurateurs, coming to Journal Square Urby on June 20
