Dear Maud - Hoboken

The portions were very small and the food was overly seasoned. The menu choices felt unusual given the Irish heritage of Dear Maud. The staff were all very frie... read more The portions were very small and the food was overly seasoned. The menu choices felt unusual given the Irish heritage of Dear Maud. The staff were all very friendly and attentive, which was a plus. However, would I come back? Probably not. Six tiny, overcooked shrimp or ten small, overcooked chicken bites for a $20 dish felt disappointing, as did the overly seasoned fries. You could get better quantity and similar quality at In-N-Out for less. It seems targeted toward Hoboken’s younger, hip crowd but doesn’t quite deliver on quality for the price, especially with so many excellent Irish-American fusion options nearby. Price per person: $20–30 Food: 3 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 4

Warning: Three of us, including myself, got food poisoning during dinner. Two guests became ill during the meal and had to leave the restaurant, while the third... read more Warning: Three of us, including myself, got food poisoning during dinner. Two guests became ill during the meal and had to leave the restaurant, while the third got sick later that evening. When I reported this to the manager, he was extremely kind and followed up with me both during and after the meal. Although the cause was never confirmed, I appreciate the team's effort to ensure our comfort and provide follow-up. Ambiance (3/5): The décor is very trendy and the space is quite large, making it ideal for bigger groups. However, the music was way too loud, making it hard to have a conversation even with someone right next to you. There’s a cool, dark, and almost club-like area near the bar that’s great for hanging out and having drinks. Service (5/5): Our server was attentive and gave excellent recommendations. The happy hour cocktails are an unbeatable $9 until 7 p.m.—I especially enjoyed their mango passion fruit cocktail, which was both flavorful and strong. Food (4/5): - Crispy rice with spicy tuna was my favorite appetizer. - Spicy sausage flatbread was okay but nothing special. - Short rib bao bun and chicken bao were both enjoyable. - Tostadas and hummus are skippable. - Short rib fried rice was a bit too salty but otherwise good. - Steak sandwich had a nice flavor. Overall ratings: Food: 4 / Service: 5 / Atmosphere: 3

Food fusion has a rich and complex background, blending ingredients, techniques, and flavors from various cultures to create something entirely new, often chall... read more Food fusion has a rich and complex background, blending ingredients, techniques, and flavors from various cultures to create something entirely new, often challenging traditional cuisine. These fusion concepts are becoming increasingly popular in the culinary scene, especially on restaurant menus. Since opening in June 2022, Dear Maud has quickly become a favorite brunch spot for both locals and visitors, located on First Street in Hoboken. Making a reservation through Resy was simple and straightforward. Inspired by the owner’s Irish heritage, Dear Maud pays homage to the Irish poet W. B. Yeats while presenting a modern American menu with subtle influences from Irish and Asian cuisines. As first-time visitors from outside the Washington Avenue area, my partner, a friend, and I were warmly welcomed by the host and seated in an earth-toned leather booth near the bar, nestled between two cozy dining areas highlighted by soothing sage green accents. The brunch menu includes a full bar with expertly crafted cocktails. We chose the Breakfast Burrito, Steak & Eggs, and Avocado Toast. Each dish was perfectly prepared and absolutely delicious, showcasing fresh, high-quality ingredients. The prices were very reasonable for the quality offered. Our experience was enhanced by Shane, our server from Sligo, who was exceptionally friendly, warm, and attentive from the start. We highly recommend Dear Maud. Price per person: $30–50 Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5