Back in December, I was working on The Digest’s annual Restaurant Guide. Among the many restaurants that we featured was Jersey City’s Low Fidelity Bar, who Heights residents like myself know and love for their Detroit-style pizza. It was only a few months ago that I was practically elbow deep in cheese alongside our photographer, Peter Bonacci, trying to get the perfect shot for the issue. While many things have changed since then, Low Fidelity Bar is among the few pushing forward amid the chaos of COVID-19.
“We’re currently open for pizza pick-ups and limited delivery,” said owner Kent Baker, who I caught up with since we last spoke over the winter. Baker, along with Jesse Weeks and Joseph Policastro, make up the Archer Group—responsible for dining hotspots including Low Fidelity and downtown JC’s The Archer. The latter of the two is now temporarily shut down. Well, sort of.
In an attempt to continue serving customers during these strange times, Low Fidelity recently announced the opening of a new takeaway only location, LoFi Motor City—which is currently operating out of The Archer (176 Newark Avenue).
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Ga296D9UQ/
From what I’ve seen on social media, I know I’m not alone in saying how grateful we all are that they’ve been able to adapt. But it’s not just about expanding their reach, Baker has his employees best interests at heart.
“This pop-up will allow us to serve downtown while getting more of our staff back to work. Our staff at both places are made up of people who helped open both places and have been with us a long time. We have very little turnover, which from an operational standpoint has been great. It’s made us very much like a family, so this time is particularly difficult.”
Low Fidelity Bar also recently partnered with Slow & Low whiskey to give out complimentary meals for those who are a part of the bar and hospitality industry. They offered up a choice of any pizza or rice bowl plus a beverage, and those who participated had to call in and the food was available for pick-up only.
Baker added that during these times, they hope to give back to the community in any way possible. “We plan to continue to try and provide more meals to service staff, hospital staff and first responders. We will continue to do whatever we can to get everybody working and help in any way we can.”
As for what Low Fidelity is currently offering their customers, they’re open in The Heights for pick-up and delivery (call or order online) and they’ve adjusted their hours of operation to accommodate the masses. They also recently announced on social media that they’ll be trying out delivery to places that are usually out of reach such as Hoboken and downtown Jersey City.
A few Friday’s ago, I walked over and picked up my usual—a Motor City pizza that’s topped with cured pepperoni, smoked pepperoni, mozzarella, marinara sauce and hot honey. I’d also suggest trying the Earth First (crimini mushrooms, bourbon caramelized onions, ricotta, truffle oil and parsley), your standard Margherita or getting a side of burrata for snacking.
What I love (and miss) about Low Fidelity are their awesome cocktails that pair so well, and luckily they rolled out cocktail kits for purchase including classics like a Manhattan, Daiquiri, Negroni and Margarita. According to their Instagram, “each one comes with everything you need to make quality cocktails including garnishes and instructions.” They also have a wide variety of craft beers, ciders and wines to order as well.
For more on Low Fidelity Bar you can visit their website, hit them up on Instagram or place your order here.
Main image by Peter Bonacci
