- Attraction: Don Felix Bar & Restaurant
- Location: 559 Elizabeth Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07206
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://donfelixbar.com
Picture a building from the late 1800s transformed into Elizabeth’s go-to destination for Latin-American and Portuguese cuisine.
Don Felix Bar & Restaurant occupies what was originally a newsstand and stationery store until 1907, when the Schwind family converted it into one of Elizabeth’s pioneering saloons.
By the 1960s through 1980, the space operated as the Sportsmen’s Tavern, complete with a beer garden out back. Fast forward to June 2016, and the Felix family breathed contemporary life into these historic walls while preserving their character.
Walking inside, you’ll encounter the building’s original exposed brick walls serving as a dramatic backdrop to the bar area. The family-owned establishment balances its vintage roots with modern touches like eight high-definition televisions and a TouchTunes jukebox.
Whether you’re planning a business lunch, celebrating with friends, or looking for late-night eats, this multilevel venue adapts to your needs with its main dining room, enclosed patio, and semi-private space decorated with tavern memorabilia and vintage Elizabeth photographs.
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Keep Exploring →Menu Highlights: Generous Portions Meet Bold Flavors
The Legendary Picada Mix: This Portuguese-style sharing platter arrives loaded with an impressive assortment of mixed meats and cheeses. Expect such abundant portions that you’ll be packing up half for tomorrow’s meal. The variety ensures everyone at your table finds something to love, from savory cured meats to rich cheese selections.
Penne a la Vodka Perfection: The restaurant’s signature pasta dish features an incredibly rich and creamy sauce coating every piece of penne. The indulgent flavor profile makes this a must-try, and you can enhance it with chicken or grilled shrimp. Each order includes garlic bread that complements the dish beautifully.
Premium Grilled Selections: The Brazilian picanha (top sirloin) showcases traditional preparation methods that keep the meat tender and flavorful. New York strip steak arrives with grilled onions, while the grilled skirt steak and beef short ribs offer equally satisfying options. Each cut is prepared with attention to achieving the perfect char and juiciness.
Authentic Taco Options: Marinated pork topped with grilled pineapples, onions, and cilantro brings classic al pastor flavors to your table. The tender shredded beef in smoky guajillo sauce provides a deeper, more complex option. Fresh toppings and proper seasoning make these tacos stand out.
Thin-Crust Pizza Appeal: The pizzas feature a delightfully crispy yet pliable crust that hits all the right notes. Whether you order a classic variety or something more adventurous, the balance of crispy edges and properly melted cheese delivers satisfaction.
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Discover MoreImpressive Seafood Platters: Paella Valenciana combines clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp, calamari, chorizo, and chicken over saffron yellow rice. The Mariscada Enchilada offers similar seafood bounty in a lightly spiced tomato sauce with onions and peppers. Both dishes arrive overflowing with quality ingredients.
Appetizer Standouts: Homemade fried calamari provides perfectly crispy rings without any chewiness issues. Buffalo wings deliver tangy heat for spice enthusiasts. Pork rinds with yucca (chicharrones con yuca) bring authentic Latin-American flavor to the appetizer lineup. Fresh guacamole with crispy tortilla chips makes an excellent starter for sharing.
Classic American Fare: The bacon cheeseburger features crisp bacon, fresh lettuce, and tomato on a juicy patty. French fries come golden and crispy, making them an ideal accompaniment to any entree.
Grilled Salmon: This lighter option arrives with vegetables including broccoli and carrots, providing a balanced meal for those seeking something beyond the heavier meat dishes.
Drinks and Bar Offerings
Creative Cocktail Menu: The Passion Fruit Caipirinha blends Velho Barreiro Cachaca with passion fruit juice for a refreshing tropical twist. Becherovka, a traditional Czech herb liquor, offers something unique for adventurous drinkers. The bartenders mix drinks with a generous pour.
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Keep Exploring →Diverse Beer Selection: Choose from craft options like Goose Island IPA and Forgotten Boardwalk, Portuguese favorites Sagres and Super Bock, or classic choices like Samuel Adams Summer and Milwaukee Best. The beer list covers a range of styles and price points.
Daily Happy Hour Specials: From 4:00 to 9:00 PM every single day, special pricing applies to wine by the glass, beer bottles, beer buckets, and wine spritzers. This extensive happy hour window makes Don Felix an accessible choice for unwinding after work.
Atmosphere and Entertainment
Historic Meets Contemporary: The exposed original brick wall behind the bar creates an authentic connection to the building’s 1800s heritage. High-definition screens throughout the space ensure you catch every play of the game, while the jukebox provides musical variety during calmer periods.
Visual Interest Everywhere: Graffiti art mingles with vintage photographs of Elizabeth and old tavern memorabilia. The eclectic decor approach creates conversation without overwhelming the senses.
Flexible Spaces: The main dining room buzzes with energy and accommodates larger crowds easily. A semi-private room holds up to 10 guests for intimate gatherings or business discussions. The enclosed patio extends your dining options when weather cooperates.
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Discover MoreWeekend Energy: Live DJs spin tracks Friday and Saturday nights, elevating the atmosphere from casual restaurant to party destination. The music volume supports both conversation and dancing, depending on where you position yourself in the venue.
Hookah Lounge Element: Flavored hookah adds another dimension to the experience for those who enjoy it. Various flavors are available to customize your session.
Lighting and Ambiance: The lighting shifts from bright and welcoming during lunch hours to more subdued and atmospheric as evening approaches. This transformation helps the space serve multiple purposes throughout the day.
Practical Information
Exceptional Value: The massive portions essentially provide two meals in one order. You’ll consistently find yourself with enough leftovers for lunch the next day, making the pricing feel particularly reasonable.
Mid-Range Pricing: Entrees typically fall between $13 and $34, with most hovering in the $20s. Appetizers range from $15 to $18, while pasta dishes and pizzas land around $12 to $15. The portion sizes justify the investment.
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Keep Exploring →Late-Night Hours: Doors stay open until 2:00 AM Monday through Thursday and Sunday, stretching to 3:00 AM on Friday and Saturday. The late-night menu ensures you won’t go hungry regardless of when hunger strikes.
Convenient Parking: Valet parking service eliminates the hassle of finding street parking on Elizabeth Avenue. This amenity proves especially valuable during peak dinner and weekend hours.
Versatile Timing: Families feel welcome during daytime and early evening hours, with a kids menu available. As the clock pushes past 9:00 PM on weekends, the atmosphere transitions toward an adult nightlife crowd.
Group-Friendly Options: Large parties can arrange prefix menus that deliver generous servings at attractive group rates. Making reservations for bigger gatherings ensures smooth seating.
Multiple Ordering Methods: Don Felix appears on DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates, and Slice for delivery. Curbside pickup provides a convenient option when you prefer taking the food home.
Casual Approach: No dress code restrictions apply, and the service style adapts to your preference whether you’re at the bar or seated at a table.
Don Felix Bar & Restaurant
📍 559 Elizabeth Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07206
