The fox & hound sports Tavern chain brings big screens and an innovative tavern/grill hybridization to the Menlo Park Mall

by Catie Curatolo

Describing itself as “the best party in town,” the Fox & Hound Sports Tavern offers patrons “sports, spirits, and fun.” Located in Edison, the bar—one of a chain of 21 in the country—has found its New Jersey home in the Menlo Park Mall.

Although one of a larger group of restaurants under the Fox & Hound and Bailey’s brand names, the Menlo Park location has the unique advantage of being the only tavern of its name in the area—of the bar’s 20 sister businesses, the closest ones are in Pennsylvania and in Virginia.

Because of its convenient location in the Macy’s wing of the mall, the New Jersey Fox & Hound draws numerous Menlo mall shoppers. While it is technically part of the shopping facility itself, the tavern operates under its own hours (the Menlo Park Mall opens at 10:00 a.m. and closes at 9:30 p.m. every day except Sunday, while the Fox & Hound opens at 11:00 a.m. and stays open until 2:00 a.m. every night), making it the perfect place for dinner or late-night drinks. After a long day of shopping, visitors can sample specialty cocktails at the bar or chow down in the restaurant.

Although the restaurant may look like a typical sports bar from the outside, the franchise does a good job of interior customization, each location putting a unique spin on the theme. Every customizes music-video playlists tailored to the area, to keep the vibe fun and provide a hometown feel.

However, the tavern is first and foremost a brand, self-dubbed as “hometown sports bar.” All feature billiard tables and satellite televisions, which display an array of sporting events. The full-service bar sells an impressive array of booze, including specialty cocktails, margaritas, wine, and bottled and draft beer, and the menu boasts the typical tavern fare—appetizers, burgers, and sandwiches among the highlights.

Online reviews from sites like Yelp are especially favorable for the mall based location, particularly praising the atmosphere, efficient service, and friendly wait staff, while also emphasizing the sports-loving atmosphere. Although many reviewers note that it is generally “very loud,” it comes across as more of a statement of accepted fact than a complaint.

In addition to playing the usual sporting events, Fox & Hound locations have been known to host UFC Fight Nights and Fantasy Football Draft parties, as well as private events.

Fox & Hound Sports Tavern
250 Menlo Park Dr. Edison
732.452.9100 / foxandhound.com