2008 Woodie Awards
Simple decor, fresh and flavorful meals distinguish PJ's
Katelyn Henry
Issue date: 12/4/04 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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At this point in the semester, stress levels are running high and bank balances seem to be falling lower and lower. When the weekend rolls around, sometimes the best way to relax comes in the form of a trip off campus. PJ's New England Bar and Grille in West Boylston is the place to go.
Just a bit farther down West Boylston Street than O'Connor's and The 99 (two favorites for many hungry AC students), PJ's offers an alternative to the long waiting lines that many local restaurants have. On a Friday night around 6:30 p.m., we were seated immediately, with plenty of room in the dining room and bar area to spare. But don't let this lack of activity fool you.
Don't be turned away by the simple décor either. The inside of PJ's is plain and somewhat outdated. But then again, aren't all small, local pubs? Wood paneling and aged furniture fill the front dining room areas, while the back pub area-where we were seated on this evening-features TVs in every corner (including a big screen), booths surrounding a large bar in the center, and a dimly lit atmosphere where the crowd appeared to be comprised mostly of "regulars." Although we were the youngest in the room by about 10 years, we were completely comfortable and actually entertained by the antics of Keno playing patrons and the loud conversations of those filling the bar stools. The official entertainment of the evening had yet to start, but a small band was setting up microphones as we dined.
Opening up the menu, I expected to see the usual pub fare to match the atmosphere. And I did; everything from mozzarella sticks ($6.49), potato skins ($6.99) and grilled chicken Caesar salad ($9.99) to Fish and Chips ($10.49) and a range of Burgers ($6.59 for a simple one, $7.49 for more elaborate choices) filled the pages. To my surprise, PJ's also features options that extend beyond what you'd expect. Appetizers such as Bruschetta ($5.99) and Crispy Calamari ($6.99) caught my eye, their Apple, Walnut, and Gorgonzola Salad ($8.99) stood out as a good vegetarian choice, and the Pan Seared Garlic Crusted Rainbow Trout ($12.49) and Veal Michele ($13.99, for veal sautéed with spinach, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomato in a brandy cream sauce) enticed me.
Just a bit farther down West Boylston Street than O'Connor's and The 99 (two favorites for many hungry AC students), PJ's offers an alternative to the long waiting lines that many local restaurants have. On a Friday night around 6:30 p.m., we were seated immediately, with plenty of room in the dining room and bar area to spare. But don't let this lack of activity fool you.
Don't be turned away by the simple décor either. The inside of PJ's is plain and somewhat outdated. But then again, aren't all small, local pubs? Wood paneling and aged furniture fill the front dining room areas, while the back pub area-where we were seated on this evening-features TVs in every corner (including a big screen), booths surrounding a large bar in the center, and a dimly lit atmosphere where the crowd appeared to be comprised mostly of "regulars." Although we were the youngest in the room by about 10 years, we were completely comfortable and actually entertained by the antics of Keno playing patrons and the loud conversations of those filling the bar stools. The official entertainment of the evening had yet to start, but a small band was setting up microphones as we dined.
Opening up the menu, I expected to see the usual pub fare to match the atmosphere. And I did; everything from mozzarella sticks ($6.49), potato skins ($6.99) and grilled chicken Caesar salad ($9.99) to Fish and Chips ($10.49) and a range of Burgers ($6.59 for a simple one, $7.49 for more elaborate choices) filled the pages. To my surprise, PJ's also features options that extend beyond what you'd expect. Appetizers such as Bruschetta ($5.99) and Crispy Calamari ($6.99) caught my eye, their Apple, Walnut, and Gorgonzola Salad ($8.99) stood out as a good vegetarian choice, and the Pan Seared Garlic Crusted Rainbow Trout ($12.49) and Veal Michele ($13.99, for veal sautéed with spinach, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomato in a brandy cream sauce) enticed me.