Sabores Hoboken

Sabores had the misfortune of opening in the fall of 2012, right around the time Hurricane Sandy arrived and put most of the city in the dark and under water for weeks. Suzanne and I remember walking past the restaurant in those early weeks and remarking that we hoped it would survive the storm and bring a welcome lift to Hoboken’s food scene. In the months since the restaurant has opened, they have done just that – Sabores is a great addition to the multiple Mexican establishments in town, as the owners and chefs have installed a bright, vibrant version of authentic Mexican cuisine. The restaurant is BYOB, so feel free to bring your favorite 6 pack or a bottle of wine for sangria. I have to say that out of all the Mexican places i have eaten at in my life, this is one of the most authentic and enjoyable I have visited. When you first walk into the restaurant, there is an immediate assault on the senses from the neon pink paint that seems to leap out from the walls and the colorful decorations that adorn them. You might be put off by this potentially tacky color scheme, but once your eyes adjust and you relax at your table you are in for a great meal. You start off with house made tortilla chips and salsa, which is unique and packs just the right amount of heat. You can add house-made guacamole, however it is relatively expensive and I’m not certain if it’s good enough to justify the price, especially given the small quantity that you get. With that caveat, I have personally eaten just about everything on the menu and enjoyed it to the max, which for me is a rarity, especially in Hoboken. I really enjoy some of the small touches that elevate this restaurant – the small side salad that often comes with the entrees really helps to counter any heat you may encounter in your dish, and has a unique dressing. The mole is authentic, as are the tacos – don’t expect to get any cheese on them here! Their menu on Fridays during Lent is equally fantastic, with special family recipes that cater to those observant Catholics avoiding meat. Taco Tuesday is also a great deal here, and the variety of meats and fillings means you can taste a wide variety of flavors for a very reasonable price. The service might leave something to be desired if you’re in a rush, but I enjoy the fact that they let you sit and enjoy not only your meal, but the company you brought with you. We’ve never been rushed here, and on a Friday night that can be hard to find. Another aspect of this restaurant that I really enjoy is the fact that the owner is always present and walking around, talking to the patrons, asking how everything was and if you enjoyed yourself. Feel free to talk to her and explain any issues you may have had. She loves to know about any issues, even if you dont think it was seasoned enough. This information is crucial for any restaurant owner to know in order to make the changes necessary to keep patrons happy and stay in business. I give her all the credit in the world for actually collecting this information; too often, restaurant owners have an unreasonably high opinion of themselves and their food, and won’t listen to valid critiques that could elevate their establishment. All in all, Sabores is a great place that i personally love to eat at. The prices are great, the service is friendly, the authentic taste of Mexico is hard to find anywhere else, and it’s great to support a family-run restaurant in a town that is quickly being filled with chains. You will find me there once a week, trying not to eat all the chips before dinner and enjoying a great meal of Mexican cuisine.