Farewell MJ Grill

MJ Grill, the casual outpost of Mark Joseph Steakhouse, is under new management. Although the signage and decor remain the same, it is now an Italian place. Within the next 2-3 months, it will be renamed Amici.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the lack of a dinner crowd. Just like every time I’ve been there, you find oceans of empty tables once you get past the bar. You’ve got to wonder if an unremarkable Italian place is going to have any more luck at attracting patrons.

The menu doesn’t break any new ground. I had a rather dull crab cake caesar salad, although my friend loved the veal parmagiana. There is still a cheeseburger on offer, but I have no idea if it’s as good as MJ Grill’s version. On the whole, it’s a menu that could have dropped in right out of Little Italy—which I don’t necessarily think is a bad thing, but it’s not going to turn many heads.

Service on a Tuesday night was extremely slow, despite the lack of patronage. We were offered complimentary after-dinner drinks, which unfortunately we had to decline.

MJ Grill, soon to be Amici (110 John Street at Cliff Street, Financial District)

Food: Okay
Service: Fair
Ambiance: Okay
Overall: Okay