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.
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