A POPULAR NJ EATERY OPENS ITS SEVENTH LOCATION AND FIRST “BYO” OPTION IN MONMOUTH BEACH

BY CASSIE GALASETTI PHOTOS BY PATTY PIXELS

It’s a lucky number for MJ’s Restaurant owners and founders, Angelo DiCapua and Rob Webster, along with Christina DiLuccio the company’s director of operations. Together, they’ve opened a latest establishment in Monmouth Beach, their seventh in New Jersey.

Lifelong friends, DiCapua and Webster’s dreams came true when they opened a first restaurant in Monmouth County’s Tinton Falls in 2010, with views of Tinton Falls through windows on all three levels, as well as from an outdoor seasonal patio. Today, MJ’s Restaurant, Bar & Grill locations span Bayville, Matawan, Middletown, Neptune, Tinton Falls, and Spotswood.

While the Monmouth Beach restaurant offers similar menu items, it also presents changes and upgrades.

“First, it underwent an extensive renovation, including completely remodeling the dining room while adding granite countertop bar-style seating,” said company creative director, David Lance DeLisa. “In addition, 14 HDTVs were installed.” In reference to a bring-yourown (BYO) approach there, he added that “we encourage our guests to take in their own beer and wine, and in case they were unaware of that privilege, a liquor store is actually located next door.”

The MJ’s brand has grown a loyal fan base over the years, which the owners credit to its menu of gourmet pizzas, specialty salads, sandwiches, wraps, jumbo chicken wings, tacos, and burgers. In the process, locations have won several “best sports bar” mentions among Jersey Shore media outlets.

Customers of MJ’s Monmouth Beach can also take advantage of promotional specials, including the $8.99 “Love Your Lunch” on weekdays. Another lunch menu, catering to students of the nearby Monmouth Beach Elementary School, is named “Kids Love Lunch Too.” Taco Tuesdays, meanwhile, showcase a trio of tacos for $9.99, and the fabled “hump day” is appropriately re-named “Wings Wednesday,” with 75¢ jumbo bone-in or boneless chicken wings.

Other promotions include “B.Y.O.B Build Your Own Burger Thursdays” for $6.99, in which diners can select beef, homemade turkey, or veggie patties. Sangria lovers can treat themselves to “Sangria Saturday,” featuring one of the largest alcohol-removed sangria menus in the area.
Every day, signature sandwiches are on hand, like the California Shrimp Wrap, a particular favorite that echoes the scenic ambiance of the nearby waterways, with all specials making the most of seasonal ingredients. Entrees span Italian specialties, and include steaks, chicken, and fish. Gourmet pizzas include vegetarian and gluten-free options, and soups and salads are also available.

Those who celebrate birthdays at MJ’s Monmouth Beach receive 15% off their bill, along with a complimentary small carafe of virgin sangria and a free dessert. Gift cards, usable at all locations, make great gifts. Rooms are also available for parties, banquets, and other gatherings.

MJ’s Restaurant, BYO & Grill
36 Beach Road, Monmouth Beach 732.222.6800 /
mjsrestaurant.com