TJ's Restaurant & Sport Lounge (New Staton, PA)

110 E Pennsylvania Ave, New Stanton, PA, T: 724-926-9670

We were driving the Penn Turnpike I-76 and needed to find a sports bar where I could see the EURO 2012 match of the day. So, by pure accident, we ended up at TJ’s Restaurant & Sport Lounge, off exit 75, in New Staton, PA. TJ’s is just off the Turnpike, and is a large, dark, non-smoky sports bar, which prides itself on its great food. They have a large menu, which features the usual types of foods (sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, chicken wings), but with an original twist. It all already sounds fresher and tastier.

 

We start off with the Mesquite Chicken Tenders ($5.99): Little chunks of perfectly grilled chicken, juicy and with a little kick, which are delicious by themselves or dipped in a light, watery, zesty BBQ sauce. I then get the Flatbread Chicken Club ($8.50):  marinated chicken breast fire grilled and served on grilled focaccia bread with crisp bacon, chopped romaine, beefsteak tomato and chipotle mayo. The chicken is thick but juicy, the generous bacon strips are indeed very crispy, and the focaccia fresh and dense. The sauce is a little overpowered by the (tasty) bread and chicken. The generous serving of French Fries were thick and incredibly crunchy: excellent! M. had a very fresh and tasty salad, showing that TJ’s does not serve your regular bar food.

VERDICT: 92/100

This is premium food for any sports bar or even a general American-food restaurant.