Brownstone: Remarkable Renovation or Lackluster Name Change

There is no doubt that the Metuchen Bar and Grille was a shoddy, theme-less, bar, that did not attract a particular crowd.  However, the Metuchen Bar and Grille underwent a complete restoration in early August, and is now known as Brownstone. But is Brownstone a suave, new, hot spot; or the same gift in different wrapping paper?

When my friends called me and said that we were to attend the business formerly known as the Metuchen Bar and Grille, I had no intention of attending. However, I reluctantly joined the group and made my way to route 27, near the Edison-Metuchen border. From nearly two blocks away, it was obvious that the outside of the bar was fully restored, and much more attractive than previously. However, a visitor can not fully appreciate the change until he or she enters. The restaurant's interior is beautiful -- appearing more like a 5-star restaurant than the Metuchen Grille. Moreover, the back-patio is gorgeous -- filled with plasma televisions, plush seating areas, well-landscaped greenery, and a twenty-foot-long, fully-stocked, bar. "Nice patio" is an understatement. The area puts to shame the patios at Big Shots Sports Bar (Woodbridge) and Black Thorn (Kenilworth).

The alcohol was cheap in comparison to other local bars, and the daily specials make enjoying an evening out possible for individuals with a petite budget. The food, on the other hand, is not cheap. The menu is extensive, and the food is prepared to the utmost quality; however, it is expensive -- especially the portion of the menu containing "traditional bar food".  The service (both indoors and on the patio) was exceptional; most likely due to the plethora of bar tenders and bus boys.

Though Brownstone's ambiance and service is remarkable, customers are not patronizing the bar. The patio was dead -- only containing about two dozen people on a Friday night. The poor quality of the Metuchen Bar and Grille has, most likely, deterred many former customers. However, the management is attempting to remedy this problem by following Black Thorn's map to success -- hosting outdoor, live, performances twice a week. This attempted fix is well-intended, but questionable. The bar opened in mid-August, and the patio will be undesirable during coming, colder, months. Unlike, Black Thorn and Big Shots, Brownstone can not accommodate large crowds in the restaurant/bar area. Moreover, the night-club atmosphere created by the patio will be difficult to create indoors, due to the number of tables near the bar and the ritzy look of the restaurant.

I am glad that I attended Brownstone; however, I will not return . If I am subject to paying 3-or-4-star restaurant prices for a meal -- I will dine at at a 3-or-4-star restaurant -- not Brownstone. Furthermore, If the patio can not be utilized, the bar is pitiful. Though it was an enjoyable time, Brownstone is not in the same league as Big Shots and Black Thorn, the other local bars with lavish patios.

Fox and the Hound: Unparralled Friday Night Festivites

When it comes to nightlife in Middlesex County, it is nearly impossible to have a conversation and not mention Fox and the Hound Pub and Grille -- located in the Menlo Park Mall complex of Edison. Does "Fox" live up to all it's hype? Fox and the Hound is unquestionably the most popular bar in the county; however, popularity is not synonymous with quality. Notre Dame's football team is arguably the most popular franchise in all of sports, yet the Fighting Irish have never won a national title, and disappoint odds makers and fans year after year. So is "Fox" one of the best rondevu points in the county, or another over-advertised brand that appeals to an unsuspecting populous, blinded by navieness and a great marketing scheme.

At first glance, it is obvious to notice that "Fox" is popular, the bar consistently being filled to capacity, often having a line stretching down the block -- patrons hoping to enter even if only for a few minutes. The atmosphere is electric, and the ambiance and pleasant crowd would force a smile across the face of Scrooge himself. Compared to other bars in the area, prices are relatively cheap -- especially for distilled spirits and imported drafts. The quality of food, unlike alcohol, varies from establishment to establishment; but the food at "Fox" does not disappoint. The menu is extensive and reasonably-priced. Moreover, it is prepared well and served in a timely manner. Similar to the table service, the alcohol service is timely -- drinks are often delivered by a bar tender or server in less than three minutes. The plethora of hard working, young, employees assures excellent services seven nights a week.

The crowd, though young, is mature and fun-loving. According to the bar's manager, a fight has not taken place on premises in nearly a year. "Fox" takes extra precautions to ensure safety -- often having Edison police officers survey the bar's exterior. The great service and fair prices in combination with the lively, but mature, crowd and lavish decor make Fox and the Hound Pub and Grille the go-to spot, whether an individual wants to grab a few beers with co-workers after a long day, or get completely intoxicated while watching his or her favorite sports teams on one of the thirty-six plasma televisions.

Overall, "Fox" is excellent. A warm atmosphere converts visitors into regulars in no time. This bar does live up to all of the hype. Unlike the Notre Dame football program, Fox and the Hound, delivers the best quality -- deserving the accolades and acclaim that it is so often credited with.