MJ’s is what now occupies the location directly across the street, it use to be known as The Grist Mill for many, many years. I sure wish it was still the Grist Mill. (same owners as the Pour House and Sitting Duck, nothing fancy or gourmet about it, just decent family dining) MJ’s has taken Monmouth County by storm over the past 5 ± years, starting at this location they then took over the defunct Beacon Street location, then opened on 35 in Middletown, another defunct location which housed several failed establishments over the years, then The Buttonwood Manor and lastly The Cambridge Inn in Spotswood. An absolute mediocre brand at best experiences tremendous growth over the past 5 years and I cannot fathom why.
Agreed with La Cippolina being average, but honestly I find Lincroft Inn to be well below average, so average for that location in my opinion would be a vast improvement. The current owners live upstairs in the Lincroft Inn, complete with their dog, who can be seen wandering around the restaurant from time to time, I’m curious if they are still going to maintain their residence there.
Stage House Tavern is an interesting place. Restaurant, Bar, Outdoor bar, Band Venue et al, but they do have surprisingly good food. I do not know who the Chef’s or owners are, but I’ve enjoyed the food on the few occasions I have found myself in the area. A childhood friend of mine is one of the house bands there, Amp’d, tell him you are a friend of mine, he will dedicate a song to you. (Hopefully you are a fan of Motley Crue)
