ONE 53 is 99 seats serving American/Euro Bistro cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere and features a seasonally changing menu. ONE 53, which received flattering reviews from the NYT, Star Ledger, Trenton Times, NJ Monthly and other local publications, combines local hospitality with traditional and contemporary dishes. ONE 53 uses only the best and freshest seasonal ingredients, a commitment its owners have delivered on for years at Lucy’s, their nearby market. ONE 53 features wines from around the world along with a full bar offering a variety of traditional and specialty cocktails.
"Love this local gem. The food is consistently good and it is nice to know they use local produce and Griggstown poultry. We have eaten here many, many times and are always pleased. My husband and I had the swordfish special, which was cooked to perfection, thoroughly done, but yet moist inside, and our guests had the flounder (regular menu) which they compllmented, as well. The wine list is good with prices to suit all wallets. We were there on a Tuesday night and there was a 25% discount on bottles of wine. For dessert, I had the chocolate bread pudding which was outrageously delicious, a chocaholic's dream. We had a wonderful dinner as usual and will certainly be back."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"We choose this restaurant as it was one of the few that offered a regular menu on Mothers instead of a restricted Menu, as my family all have very different tastes. My teen children chose the cheese platter which was really appealing. The chocolate soufflé is also a wonderful dessert. This is my second time here this year and will be coming back. Great atmosphere, upscale but not stuffy!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"My wife and I have been dining at one 53 for years, and I must say that the thing we appreciate the most is the consistency. Everything about the restaurant is always consistent."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Terrific service and very good food. If the tables were not so closely packed and with lower decibels, this would be easily one of the top restaurants in NJ. Overall, the experience was excellent.,"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Comfort food nicely turned out and a great bartender make this a neighborhood favorite in Rocky Hill. Th pasta is from the sister retail establishment Lucy's, fresh-made and always a good choice. But for me it's entrees like the juicy double-cut pork chop and the house burger that make One 53. The veal milanese on fresh arugula is the best in this area. Special touches are hummus with the bread basket as opposed to the usual butter or olive oil, and the parting ginger cookies with the bill at the end. Don't ever change that!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"This was our first time at One 53. The restaurant is attractively furnished, but with all the hard surfaces (hardwood floors, walls, etc.) and the relatively close seating, it was noisy. We were seated at a table for two, with one person on a banquette, the other in a chair. The tables on either side were about 18" away. However, that's my only negative. The food was absolutely outstanding and portions ideal. The grilled Caesar salad was delicious and the lamb chops cooked perfectly. The service was impeccable (other than a slight delay in bringing cocktails) - plates were taken as soon as we finished, but never rushed, and there was no delay between salad and entree. Would definitely go back - maybe not on Sat. night."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"My husband and I have been coming to 153 since it first opened. It has become our "go to" place not only for the good quality food and AMAZING drinks but for the warm welcome we always receive when we walk through the door. Now I must give a shout out to a few people...Craig, the bartender extraordinaire is hands down the finest bartender in the area and possibly the tri-state area. Aside from his knowledge in making the perfect drink, he is a great guy who we always enjoy talking to. Carla, our favorite server, is professional, sweet, and always gives us a warm welcome. Danielle, the manager is extremely accommodating and always makes time to come over and greet us. 153 is a perfect addition to the lacking restaurant scene."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"One 53 is consistently high quality and an enjoyable place. We dine here on a regular basis. Wish it was a bit quieter, but the food and service are very good."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Took my 12 yr old niece for her birthday. She loved it. Shared the mussels appetizer. Very good. Loved the Coconut Almond Joy dessert. I come here often and first time I had this dessert. Fabulous if you're an Almond Joy fan."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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"We brought friends for my friend's birthday. he called ahead and the chef made him special vegetarian dishes which was very thoughtful all of us enjoyed the outstanding food and outstanding service"
Dined on 04/04/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"We had a delicious meal downstairs in the wine cellar, a definate plus for us as we like a quieter dining room. The food was delicious and the service excellent."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Food was delicious, well prepared with interesting depth of flavors and lovely presentation. Had the scallops, cooked perfectly with fennel puree and minced parsnip sauce. House salad fresh, a little under-seasoned but very light which is good.
Room had temperature swings and was too cold at times."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Fabulous! Went or a business dinner. Returned two days later. Smoked Gouda ravioli and famed Rossini burger with going gras - heaven! Desserts are incredible and out of his world. Chocolate Bread Pudding and Grilled Poundcake with ice cream are magnificent!"
Dined on 03/28/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"We are frequent diners at One53. We had a guest in town so we chose it for our special meal. Everything was superb, from the drinks at the bar all the way through to the awesome ice cream sandwich for dessert. The fried chicken and Mac 'n'cheese entree was especially great. As usual, our server, Carla was perfect."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch
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"Service impeccable. Waiter well-versed on menu & easily able to colorfully describe contents & taste of each dish and make recommendations. Entertaining as he carefully crafted words as artist would select colors from palette. As far as quality, all ingredients fresh, local & organic as much as possible. Potato leek soup very good (maybe add pinch of salt) as was caesar salad. Entrees were crispy salmon & Day Boat scallops. We make great salmon at home (SW & Jamaican styles), however, as far as traditional salmon dish, this was best ever in a restaurant..medium well perfect, just right texture and subtle taste. Not only entrees good but side sauces carefully prepared to perfectly complement dish. Don't miss chocolate flourless cake!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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"service was great - hostess was extra wonderful - even labelled the gluten free foods on the menu for us and also made it easy to order sauce for the steak in a special way - one guest found his flat iron steak too tough and hard to eat so they comped us another whole portion much better piece and were very apologetic - I take it that doesn't happen very often as most people seem to rave about the flat iron steak- rest of the food was excellent and we love the grilled caesar salad and the creme brulee - food is very fresh and the staff is very friendly and accommodating - it's a neighborhood winner and we would happily come again though tables are close and it is a little noisy, still, it's a find"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Great place & great food for a small town, and there in lies the problem - maybe they have to charge alot because they are in a small town in a small space. If you really strip the menu down, 153 is a Bistro and as such should be priced as one. The food is excellent, but way overpriced. The wine list for bistro-like fare should also cater to moderately priced wines as well in addition to premium wines. Perhaps the restaurant doesn't have alot of traffice because of the space, and maybe thats why the prices are over the top...We like the place, but the prices just don't make it worthwhile."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"This place has been no.1 choice of my family dining out in recent months. We dined first time because of fabulous review. However, the more I go to this place, the less I am impressed. In fact, in last dining, quality of the steak my son ordered was terrible -- it was far less worth than mid 30 dollars we paid for it. Wines were consistently overpriced unless you visit during weekdays when they proclaim they have sales price (from overpriced to fair, right?). The service were mediocre at best. Waiters and waitress rarely smiles or at best indifferent. I would return back to Eno Terra and Rocky Hill Inn, the two places of my former favorites."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2010
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"Great vibe. Delicious food. This is a hot spot. We have been to One53 a few times and have always had a great meal with good service. Will go back. Thanks One53 for doing a BRAVO job!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"One53 is one of our very favorite restaurants. When guests come from out of state, we know they will enjoy excellent food and service at this modern style spot in Central Jersey. You do need to make your reservations well in advance or be willing to take an early or late seating. Most tables are set up for two or four, but larger groups can be accommodated with advance notice.
We always order the grilled caesar salad."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"The menu has a lot of variety, the food was wonderful and the ambiance is a bit modern but very comfortable. I wish I had known about this place sooner."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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"Haven't missed on a single dish, in fact, and we've been there 5 times. Despite being seated in a hidden corner (fine for us, but waitstaff can forget what they can't see) we got good, thoughtful service.
Signature first course: grilled caesar salad. Why didn't we all think of that decades ago? "Short ribs" (a special) was one long rib, ultra-tender and intense. Salmon had an intriguing, subtle glaze. Chocolate soufflé was--a soufflé! None of this "molten chocolate cake" stuff, and the crème Anglaise was like distilled vanilla ice cream."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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"This was a first date and first time dinner occasion at ONE 53. We were seated in the back at a table for 2. The noise level was moderate so it was easy to converse. The service was excellent. The wine was great. The course presentation was well done, the food above average. We had fish which was cooked to expectation however overall flavor could have had a bit more punch. The desert menu look wonderful, however we opted out. I totally enjoyed the evening and would recommend."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2010
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic
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"$36 for a hamburger?? You betcha, and worth every penny!! Don't miss the experience of eating their extraordinary "Rossini burger", Kobe beef burger, cooked to perfection, with a slice of grilled fois gras, chanterelle mushrooms on a fresh brioche, with a side of white truffle mayonnaise, to either put on the burger or dip the delicious pommes frites that come with the meal! Other standouts....every fish dish and the chocolate bread pudding. Come for the food....but be warned, if it is crowded night, the restaurant is extremely loud and noisy."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Most wines on the Captain's list are over a $100/bottle! A very few selections on the reverse side of the wine list are more modestly priced. The food was good; cocktails were priced right at about $10.
None of the Special Features listed above are applicable."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
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"Went for a birthday dinner.We had the kobe burger and the pork chops. Both were very good. Came with fries (no substitutions!). Also had the house salads as appetizers (they were OK)and ended with the chocolate souffle and also ice cream "sandwich". Dessert was the best part for me. Waiter was great. Has a NYC vibe inside which we liked. I'd go back."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Restaurant is very chic and inviting to look at but crammed with 10-15 too many tables. Our table was between a rock and a hardship. I was side swiped by each server either coming or going to areas. Dining here is like eating dinner in a lounge of a nice restaurant. I would prefer this with friends for a drink and appy vs a nice dinner with spouse/date. Dinner was good but by no means outstanding. Server very sweet but should know more about wine list (which has many great choices).Probably would not return for 3rd time due to seating and atmospere."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2006
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"The food selection was excellent and our orders were well prepared. The wait staff were attentive and visited our table with just the right frequency. Table seating is a little tight, so private conversations are difficult. Would definitely return and recommend to friends and family."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"Keeping it simple, sorry if I don't treat this like some holy obligation: GREAT food, enjoyable atmosphere, gets a bit loud when crowded, which is often. They make a great effort to patronize local farms, which is a plus. This is one of our favorite restaurants, and we're pretty choosy."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Loved just about everything about the place. Food was great and service was great. Only problem I had was we showed up a little early to enjoy a cocktail but the bar was full with people eating and it seemed there were some table available. Thats a pet peeve of mine. Bars are for drinking. If you want to eat get a table. Only other complaint is seating is very close to each other. Wine cellar is a cool place if you can get a seat down there.."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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