Priory Restaurant

Last night was the first time I went to the Priory but It will not be my last time. I really enjoyed the band (Unfinished Bizzness) and I enjoyed the music that was played when the band took a break. A very nice mature crowd having a good time together… I can’t speak about the food because I had dinner prior to going to the Priory, however the food smelled and looked good… My first experience was a very pleasant experience… Can’t wait to go again!!!

All I have to say is I love!!! The old church is beautiful. I love the jazz and the food. It was a great party for my friend who was retiring. Just get there early. The parking lot fills up quick

I rode past the place at first! Smh Its inside what looks like an old church on the outside! The turned a church into a restaurant slash theatre… The comedy event that I went to was nice” This place just need more parking to accommodate its patrons.

If you are into real jazz… you’ll love this place… if you are coming here for great food… and you don’t like jazz… stay away… this IS the wrong place for you… This place has been renovated… I kinda liked the other setup… but…they never asked me… The music is always excellent… the patrons are people into the same thing… great Jazz… Its a church building and it has stained glassed windows… but that review where the woman lowered the rating because the religious stained glass freaked out her kid… it’s unfair to this Venue… you are in the just in the wrong place… This place is about great Jazz… not food… Its about Jazz… and being in a church won’t make an atheist go anywhere after they die… as they know… there is no place to go, so relax… right…so don’t worry… Come for the relaxing atmosphere… it’s a very nice venue with people who come for one thing… THE MUSIC…

Here’s the low down from someone who went in with very low expectations. I read the reviews, checked out the FB page, and went anyway because I’ve heard about the history of the place as a hot spot for Jazz on a Friday night in Newark. I walked in and was pleasantly surprised.
IN SHORT: Check the place out, expect a chill spot with casual food, a small menu, some nice jazz, a full bar, and most important a greater mission in mind. It’s not pricey so there is nothing to lose and by going, you support the community. The place has the potential to be 5 stars, with enough patronage– maybe it will get there.
The details…
MISSION: The night is there to keep Newark’s Jazz roots alive and support New Community Corp (a non-​profit with a plethora of programs in the community). I understand everyone that works there is a volunteer supporting the cause too. These facts make the place extra special. The only evidence of the connection though is the name of the org on the menu or prior knowledge of the organization.
BUILDING: It’s a contemporary converted church that I understand was just recently again remodeled and includes nods to its past like the stained glass windows (not sure what was scary about them) and large columns. The back area with a stained glass dome in the ceiling and large stunning wood bar wasn’t open but I passed it going to the restroom– the whole space would be awesome for holding a big event (not sure if they rent it out but they should). It’s also very safe– there is ample parking in back with a guard keeping an eye on things.
FOOD & DRINK: Ultimately, it’s like eating at an Auntie’s house — but this Auntie can cook; i.e. down home kind of meals, no pomp, but still decent. I think the menu changes regularly but I had the fried fish and it was pretty good. The rum punch is served in a tumbler– both tasty and generous on the pour. A meal will cost you $ 8 and so will a drink (no complaints here). There is no drink menu but they have a full bar. Vegetarians– you might want to call to check on options for the night in advance.
SERVICE & CROWD: Our service was great– the guy was funny and timing was fine; never a rush to leave or pressure to order more. The tables are large so you can sit with other guests (but there is enough room that you really don’t have to if you don’t want to). We sat we a gentleman who had been coming for over 15 years– he was awesome and let us ask him a million questions. The other guests were cool– some folks that had also been coming for forever but some younger people (I’m a millennial myself) and a bunch of couples; everyone is warm, welcoming with a smile and nod as you walk in. Basically it is a grown up crowd.
MUSIC: Straight ahead jazz and apparently good for a spontaneous jam session, we saw a talent flute player sit in and then sing a lovely version, «Skylark.»

The Priory is a great little unassuming treasure. The main things to know are that it’s run by a non-​profit, New Community Corporation, and staffed by volunteers. The purpose of its Friday night jazz concerts is to make great music accessible and affordable to all. There is no cover charge. They only ask that you buy something to eat or drink. That being said, there’s no pressure to reach any kind of dollar mark, in fact, the offerings are very reasonably priced and the service is a bit haphazard because of the nature of the staffing. You might need to be a little proactive if you’re in a rush to get your food or drink. The food is basic home-​style cooking. Usually there’s a choice of chicken done three ways, with rice and veg sides. There might be fish available some nights. Or mac and cheese. There’s also a house salad. The food is secondary to the music: every Friday night from 7 – 11 pm you’ll find high-​quality vocalists and musicians, and you’ll find a welcoming, hip yet approachable crowd of music lovers. You can settle in and feel right at home. It’s always been an interesting place because of the architecture. They’ve recently renovated the interior and it’s more open now. Brand new floors and walls, ornate columns, tables and chairs, but enough space to do a little dancing if you feel the spirit. You will have to roam far and wide to find a more comfortable, more affordable night out.

This place is … a little like being in a catholic church… a semi-​fancy restaurant… a soup kitchen… and a meeting hall… all at the same time. I’m serious! I think this place is somehow related to the church next door (obviously a non-​profit organization), and caters food for business meetings and physicians studying at UMDNJ (a medical school in Newark). When I first entered this restaurant, I loved its ambience with the pianist playing jazz on the grand piano. The music was lovely! (five stars). Then I realized that the room had stained glass windows around. Although I thought this was cool and very interesting, my son said,“I’m scared. I don’t like the pictures.” (three stars). The food we ordered was all cajun style, creole dishes: gumbo, jabalaya, and shrimp creole. My kids had their fried fish in mustard sauce. The food was fair (three stars) but the place gets pointers for being unique (four star). If you ever decide to stop by, call in advance to find out when there’s live music. I can’t see this trip being worthwhile for you unless you got some free music out of it.