Outdoor seating: Gauge of success?
15
May
5/15/2008:
The advent of warmer weather brings people out of hibernation, and the buzz back into Hoboken. One of the sure signs that spring and summer are here, is the outdoor sidewalk seating many restaurants and eateries have.
I’ve noticed a peculiar trend over the past four or five “nice” days in town. It’s the 500 block of Washington Street. No matter what time of the day or evening, I’ve seen people eating, laughing and enjoying their time at restaurants like East LA and Juniors Papaya. However, each time, The Original Soup Man (which neighbors the places I just mentioned) was pretty much deserted, both inside and out.
Is soup just a winter weather food? Or are residents and visitors alike dissatisfied with the “product” the Soup Man provides? Or is it just an economic/value issue?
21. Red Haven | May 16th, 2008 at 9:16 am
kal-el wrote:
I agree kal-el, and don’t let a nasty poster drive you off away. Thanks for not using all-caps!
22. jscirish27 | May 16th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Never been to the Soupman, but Junior’s was good the time I went there. Outdoor seating is definitely a boon to a restaurant but it also gives the impression, oftentimes, that it is busier than it is. Most people that sit outside tend to linger; restaurants make money by turning tables as many times as possible. It isn’t unusual to see a restaurant totally full outside (like Elysian) and empty inside.
23. kal-el | May 16th, 2008 at 9:48 am
RED HAVEN see we can get along !! just dont piss me off ! lol just kidding
24. Numero Six | May 16th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Their problem, as I see almost every one else here has mentioned, is that the soup is WAY TO EXPENSIVE. I went there one time and the bill was over $10 for soup and a drink…and I’ll NEVER go back there again.
25. rag246 | May 16th, 2008 at 10:36 am
You folks complaining about expensive soup: I assume you realize why the soup is expensive?
26. Biffy B For Mayor | May 16th, 2008 at 10:40 am
rag246 wrote:
IT’S MADE OF PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
27. emarche | May 16th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Biffy B For Mayor wrote:
Don’t be ridiculous. It’s made out of kittens.
28. whewwhewwhew | May 16th, 2008 at 10:48 am
GUY: “Honey since we have not been out in weeks, and it is beautiful out let’s go out to dinner tonight”
GIRL: “Oh Stan. You know how stressed I’ve been at work with the quarter closing. Times like this confirm how much I know you love me”
GUY: “Oh Cindy (blush) Just to confirm my undeniable love for you let’s sit outside and slurp some hot soup”
GIRL: “You insensitive prick! It’s over. I am getting back together with my ex-boyfriend”
29. jscirish27 | May 16th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Soup=profit. I can make 10qts of chicken soup for probably about $10 bucks at home. Basically a dollar a quart, give or take. Think about how inexpensively they are able to make soup in buying in bulk and using a 30 gallon stockpot. Remember people, much like coffee, water is the key ingredient in soup and it’s free. Love the Soylent Green reference btw.
30. TPain | May 16th, 2008 at 10:54 am
They need to re-evaluate the prices. I went once (won’t go back), spent $11 on Soup & a drink. This comes with a piece of chocolate and Fruit but still not worth while.
31. MidnightRacer | May 16th, 2008 at 10:55 am
How about puppy dog tails
32. emarche | May 16th, 2008 at 11:08 am
MidnightRacer wrote:
Please. You don’t use hotdog ingredients to make soup. Stew, maybe, but not soup.
33. YipYap | May 16th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Gosling soup is all the rage now in Hoboken.