About

Introducing The Kitchen Step, a neighborhood modern-American bistro in the downtown Van Vorst section that celebrates Jersey City’s rich history and delivers thoughtful market-inspired cuisine and craft cocktails in an intimate and inviting atmosphere.

Just as appropriate for an after-work drink as it is for a full-course dinner, The Kitchen Step offers a market-inspired modern American menu marked by executive chef Ryan DePersio’s creative, flavorful interpretations of classic American cuisine.

A ‘CORNERSTONE OF LIBERTY’

We take our name from one of Jersey City’s most notable residents, Cornelius Van Vorst. In the days of the “courtly Cornelius,” his mansion enjoyed great local fame for its generous hospitality and its kitchen step, which used to attract so many people to the Van Vorst garden gate. By appearance nothing more than a simple slab of marble, the step held great historical significance; before it was used by Van Vorst as a step from his kitchen to his beautiful garden, it served as the pedestal to a statue of King Edward III taken down in revolt by patriotic American citizens and served as a gravestone of Major John Smith of Britain’s army, thus earning its name 'a cornerstone of liberty.'

We hope to honor the spirit of Cornelius’ hospitality and celebrate his mark in Jersey City history by turning out fresh, welcoming cuisine for all of our guests.