There is a post on Chilltown Lunch saying that American Masala is kaput following a feud between the owner and the building (95 Greene) over opening hours and signage--apparently the building refused to let the restaurant open on weekends or to put up any signs. Weird. Supposed to reopen under the name 95 Greene. I think Restaurant Management Associates is involved somehow, but not sure.

Wouldn't surprise me. If no one knows you're there, it's hard to stay in biz.

You're right though, whenever I walk by it looks closed, but hopefully that's not the case.

Has this place closed? The website isn't working, and I never see it open in the evenings. I thought they were doing happy hour and dinner?

The lam burger is delicious, and the potato "crisps" are addictive, I wish they were open on weekends though.

I was in here with my wife late last week (perhaps Thursday) and we went in for a drink & some appetizers. I gotta say the food was awesome. We had the Lamb-Burger sliders and liked them so much we had a 2nd order. Happy Hour specials were pretty decent as well: $2 drafts & $4 or $5 mixed drinks.

One of the previous posters is exactly right about the fries... They aren't really fries but more like potatoe chips in the shape of a fry. Very interesting, but they go incredibly well with beer!

Anyway, while speaking w/ the bartender he told me that due to city ordinances / historical status of the building that he's not allowed to put up a sign letting people know....oh i don't know... the name of his restaurant! The green awnings on his building that say something like "Food" or "Lunch" or something non-descript can't be changed to say "American Masala".

I found this last part a little strange seeing as magic johnson has his signs posted so they can be seen from the walkway in front of the building. Guess he paid off the right people....

Anyway, check 'em out - they're very good.

yeah totally blows that they're not opened on the weekends...i live close by so i sometimes order dinner out from them during the week.

someone mentioned their fries-- they're not typical french fries. they're more like potato sticks with some type of salty/tangy spice on them-- i actually liked them b/c it had a nice "zing" to it.

Quote:

Tried to check it out yesterday for lunch...CLOSED.

Guess they are not open on the weekends. So annoying that these businesses are not around for the residents, just the people who work here.

I went to American Masala recently for dinner. The veggie burger was pretty tasty. My husband ordered the lamb burger which was half the size of a normal burger so that was a pretty disappointing meal for $14. Also, the "french fries" that came with both of the burgers were not real fries and were hard, crunchy, and pretty disgusting. We probably won't be dining there again.

walked by this place and noticed the lights on at 7:30pm we found out they just recently opened their doors for dinner (originally just a lunch spot- we don't work in JC so never knew about the place) so i guess that explained why the place was kinda empty. its new american fare with indian and middle-eastern influences-- it's really delicious, innovative menu and has a clearn, modern ambience! hoping this place does well!

found out they're having a "grand opening" event to let the neighborhood know they're open for dinner. it's TONIGHT, Thursday 10/8, from 6-8pm with 25 cent wings, $1 lamb burger sliders (these were awesome!) and $2 pints of draft beer. thought i'd spread the word! they're at 95 Greene Street, at the corner, next to the Magic Johnson cafe with a green awning.

here's their website:
http://www.americanmasala.com
(btw, that buttermilk fried chicken on their website tastes as good as it looks...)

This is a great new addition to the Jersey City restaurant scene, near Exchange Place. The food is innovative and reasonably priced. We loved it!

http://www.izzyeats.com/2009/08/perfe ... ty-lunching-american.html

New York Times:

AMERICAN MASALA
Suvir Saran, an owner of D?vi, will open this colorful casual eat-in, take-out cafe on April 8. Burgers are slathered with chutneys and there are curries and salads, with $9 being the top price: 95 Greene Street, Jersey City, (201) 721-6603.

http://www.devinyc.com
About Devin in NYC:

"And where I dined with the companion mentioned at the beginning of this post was Devi, perhaps the city?s best Indian restaurant. We had no trouble finding vegetarian dishes that she could eat and that the rest of us wanted to try as well...."
? Frank Bruni, Food Critic, The New York Times Diner's Journal

"The team that created the brilliant and refined tasting menu at D?vi that quickly became a smash hit is back..."
? New York Magazine

?Devi is one of the most closely watched Indian restaurants in New York.?
? The New York Times

Awarded Michelin One-Star Rating ??It?s no wonder that the dining-room d?cor of D?vi seems fit for a goddess??
? 2008 Michelin Guide to New York City