When a respected food voice in New Jersey makes a proclamation, the dining community listens. And when that voice belongs to Kyle, better known by his handle Tipsy Critic, his words can turn a neighborhood restaurant into a statewide sensation overnight. This week, the popular reviewer turned his lens toward one of Jersey City’s most refined new dining rooms: 87 Sussex. The result? A glowing endorsement that sent local food lovers scrambling for reservations.
In a short but attention-grabbing Instagram post, Kyle declared that 87 Sussex “SHOULD BE one of the hardest resys to get… do what you will with that information!” For a restaurant still building its early following, few moments are as game-changing.
Who Is Kyle—aka Tipsy Critic?
Kyle has quickly become one of New Jersey’s most influential dining voices. What started as casual food and wine content has evolved into a full-fledged culinary platform spanning Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Part reviewer, part storyteller, his appeal lies in his honesty; he doesn’t chase hype, and he doesn’t give out praise lightly.
His brand—food, wine, travel, curiosity—has resonated with tens of thousands who rely on him to highlight the best of New Jersey’s dining scene. He has a knack for pinpointing restaurants on the verge of breaking into the spotlight, often visiting them early, before the crowds catch on. When he labels a dish a “favorite,” his followers take note. When he approves an entire restaurant, the phones start ringing.
That’s exactly what happened when he walked through the doors of 87 Sussex.
Inside the Meal That Caught His Attention
Kyle sampled an impressive cross-section of the menu, highlighting classics, signatures, and a few unexpected culinary twists. Among his self-identified favorites:
- Buona Notte cocktail
- Ox & Egg
- Black Tie Scallop
- Filet Mignon Tartare
- Bluefin Tuna
- Arctic Halibut
- Chateaubriand
- Almond Lace Cannoli
- Chocolate Turtle Cake
He also shouted out creative interpretations like the Escargot Wontons, which perfectly capture the restaurant’s blend of modern French technique and global flair.
From textures to temperatures, Kyle’s enthusiastic response suggests a meal that didn’t just hit the mark—it exceeded it.
But behind the elegant plating and refined flavors is the culinary mind steering the ship: Chef Brian Walter.
Meet Chef Brian Walter—the Vision Behind 87 Sussex
If Kyle is the voice elevating local restaurants, Chef Brian Walter is the kind of talent who gives influencers something worth talking about.
With years of classical training and fine-dining experience behind him, Chef Walter brings a polished but fresh approach to modern French cuisine. His style is defined by restrained creativity—a balance of technique, imagination, and deep respect for ingredients.
A Career Rooted in Technique and Innovation
Chef Walter’s background spans some of the region’s most respected culinary programs and kitchens. His approach to cooking is grounded in discipline and precision, but he approaches menu development with the curiosity of an artist. The result? Dishes that feel familiar yet entirely new.
At 87 Sussex, Walter has created a menu that reflects:
- The structure of French tradition
- The boldness of American creativity
- The precision of fine dining
- The warmth of neighborhood hospitality
It’s the kind of food that resonates with diners at every level—something Kyle picked up on immediately.
Signature Dishes That Define His Style
The dishes Kyle listed as favorites—like the Black Tie Scallop, Ox & Egg, and Arctic Halibut—are prime examples of Chef Walter’s craftsmanship.
- The Black Tie Scallop showcases minimalist elegance, where the quality of the seafood is allowed to shine.
- The Ox & Egg balances richness with refinement, a dish that blends rustic comfort with high-level execution.
- The Tartare reflects Walter’s commitment to perfect knife work and flawless seasoning.
- Even desserts, like the Almond Lace Cannoli, show a playful appreciation for texture and cross-cultural inspiration.
And of course, the Chateaubriand, a fine-dining staple, is treated with the reverence it deserves—meticulously prepared and presented with classic finesse.
This is food meant to linger in the memory. For Tipsy Critic, it clearly did.
A Critic’s Praise That Carries Weight
Kyle’s endorsement matters not just because of his following, but because of his credibility. He eats everywhere—from casual spots and hidden gems to Michelin-starred standouts. So when he says a restaurant should be “one of the hardest reservations to get,” it’s not hyperbole. It’s his version of a Michelin star.
And for Jersey City, a place experiencing a culinary renaissance, this recognition underscores something locals have known for a while: the city’s dining scene can compete with any in the region.
Why 87 Sussex Is Poised for a Breakout Moment
Several factors are converging at the same time:
- A chef with true fine-dining pedigree.
- A menu blending French roots with modern innovation.
- A dining room that feels intimate, elevated, and special without being pretentious.
- A critic with influence giving them his full stamp of approval.
This is how restaurants tip from “up-and-coming” to “fully arrived.”
A Restaurant That Reflects Jersey City’s Growth
87 Sussex is a microcosm of what Jersey City dining has become: ambitious, creative, and unafraid to stand toe-to-toe with Manhattan across the river. It’s not trying to copy anyone; it’s setting its own identity.
Kyle recognized that. And Chef Brian Walter is the reason that identity is so strong.
Tipsy Critic’s visit might go down as a defining moment for 87 Sussex. His declaration was bold, but also accurate: this restaurant should be one of the toughest reservations in town.
With Chef Brian Walter at the helm and the local dining community taking notice, it won’t be long before that becomes reality.
For now, consider this your friendly warning from both Kyle and New Theory:
Book a table while you still can, here is the link: https://87sussex.com/
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