First Republic Lounge & Restaurant

"Great Haitian food and good music been here a quit a few times, just wish i didn’t have to purchase a bottle/VIP to sit down I even wanted to buy food and was told I wouldn’t be able to sit down to eat it was a Saturday night the music was good how am supposed to to eat standing up like I said very nice place and good food need a bigger location or change that policy not a good look"

"This is my honest review and opinion on First Republic in Elizabeth NJ I’ve been here three times I’ve only been inside once which is why I give them 3.8 out of 5. First of all when we walked in this time there was no host my wife and I almost left and just went to the Brooklyn to get Haitian food. We finally found a server she didn’t even want to seat us and the restaurant was pretty empty. At most restaurants the waiters will give you water and ask you what do you want to drink with a smile not at first republic. I can’t blame them 100% I can tell they haven’t been trained. The cons were the service the only reason the ownership and management gets away with bs service is because the other Haitian restaurants in Essex and union county don’t have liquor licenses if they did first republic would be out of business. The pros we’re definitely the food and ambiance food was good the chef deserves a raise. I will reiterate again food was good service was trash like I understand In Haiti and the Caribbean service isn’t our strongest attribute but I’m in NJ I expect better it’s like they give us bs service because they know black people are coming to the business because we all know if white people were coming here they would accommodate and fix it in a matter of hours. So I’ll give them one more chance but I doubt they’ll change."

"Food 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."

"I 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."

"Hands down the best meal I’ve had the pleasure of tasting. This dish was phenomenal. I asked our server to tell the chef how amazing it was. The atmosphere was welcoming, the menu is small, so I can understand why the food was so delicious. If I’m still ever in New Jersey again, I’ll definitely make a point to go back to First Republic."