Bruce and I spent the holiday weekend in upstate New York. We returned on Monday around 12:30 in the afternoon. As we headed South on the Garden State Parkway, we waved to all the folks on the other side of the parkway stuck in traffic heading North. See ya next weekend bennies.
During our homebound trip, I suggested we go somewhere to have lunch after we finish unpacking. We wanted to go somewhere we’ve never been before. I couldn’t for the life of me think of where to go. Someone who writes about food should be able to name at least a half dozen places to get a good meal and a cocktail via word of mouth,
Then I realized I gave away gift cards on the air just a few days before vacation to a place that had an appealing menu and the largest selection of bourbons in Ocean County. A good neighborhood bar not far from home called, “Mason’s Bar & Grill” on Atlantic City Blvd in Beachwood.
I talked about the food and the drink for 4 days straight! They serve lunch from 11 to 3 and have some decent lunch specials starting at $8.99.
Several items on the menu had me curious, but the one thing that made my mouth water like an out-of-control faucet, was the Bourbon Burger- an 8 ounce beef burger topped with cheddar cheese, and house made bacon bourbon jam. I talked about that item on the air the most, and every single time, I imagined how good it must taste. I ordered one and so did Bruce.
After Brandon, our bartender took our order, he poured Bruce an ice cold Miller Lite draft, and made me an Old Fashioned – Bulleit Bourbon, Peychaud’s Bitters, Luxardo Cherry, and flamed Orange. I love that they use Luxardo cherries and not those formaldehyde soaked cherries. Brandon wasn’t just a bartender, he was an honest to goodness mixologist. Dave, the new bartender watched intently as Brandon created this fabulous cocktail. This was Dave’s 2nd day and he was watching Brandon so that when he has to make an Old Fashioned, it would taste exactly the same as the one Brandon made. I love that Dave was focused on continuity. Good on you Dave!
For the record, I was incognito. No mention of the WRAT or who I was. I wanted to be just a regular patron at what will become one of my new neighborhood watering holes.
Finally, I hear the bell ring, that was Brandon’s cue that our food was ready for our waiting taste buds. The burger was served on a mini cookie sheet with a mound of shoestring fries, lettuce, tomato, and a big slice of red onion. OMG!!! The burger was sheer perfection. It was cooked exactly as I requested, medium well. It was an absolute flavor explosion. The bacon jam with caramelized onions and a hint of maple and big chunks of savory bacon was so yummy! I asked for a side of mayo because I love a little mayo on my burgers. The fries had the perfect amount of salt.
The people in the place looked like fine working folks who knew each other, just as you would expect from your friendly neighborhood bar. I saw people eating the bar pies, which by the way are on special on Mondays for $9.99. They have one called “The Rosie Special” – it has all my favorite ingredients like grilled chicken, broccoli rabe, and GARLIC!! People were chowing down on wings like crazy, and enjoying cocktails served in Mason Jars.
A fantastic varied menu, a package goods store, several big screen TV’s to watch your favorite sports, a great staff in a comfortable friendly setting. I loved my experience at Mason’s Bar & Grill. You should definitely stop by and experience the place for yourself. Mason’s Bar & Grill – 400 Atlantic City Blvd, Beachwood, N.J. 08722
