Jerseys a good fit for both fans and families
Open since 2005, Jerseys Pizza and Grill is a sports bar where families can be comfortable. Fans of all ages can watch the game on dozens of TVs while enjoying food from the bar's great menu.
Motif: Jerseys features 32 43-inch TVs and two 60-inch projectors. The space is designed so that no matter where you're sitting, you have a view of 16 screens. Jerseys has all the major sports packages, so if what you want to see isn't on, just ask, and a staff member will find it for you.
A barrier separates the bar from the dining area, but the space is still very open and the lighting is bright without being sterile. The bar's backroom can be used for private parties and has been devoted to showing “American Idol” and “Desperate Housewives” along with fantasy football drafts.
Crowd: Jerseys is rarely crowded, though it can get busy during football games or baseball games when the Cubs or White Sox are performing well. Families dominate the dinner crowd, with younger drinkers coming in later. Jerseys sponsors local soccer and baseball teams and the players come in regularly.
Service: Our server was very friendly and good about making recommendations from her personal experience. She was quick to let us know about the day's specials and recent menu changes.
Liquid consumption: Beer is the drink of choice. The beer list changes depending on what's popular, with recent additions including Bells Oberon and Batch 19. Jerseys also has a mixologist-designed cocktail menu featuring a selection of martinis and mojitos. The bar offers daily drink specials, including $5 specialty martinis Fridays and $3 beer bottles Mondays.
Food: The menu changes twice a year, with the owner designing new dishes and auditioning them as specials first to see what works. You'll find many bar food classics made better by Jerseys' emphasis on fresh ingredients. Nothing is ever frozen and all the ingredients are cut fresh daily.
Their fried zucchini is excellent, with large slices fried in a light batter and served with a delicious creamy avocado ranch dressing. Wings are big sellers, served with a choice of 12 sauces. The hot wings were fine, if not that spicy, but the honey chipotle were great. The crispy meat is covered in sauce that's mostly sweet, but with a bit of tang.
Pizza is the most popular dish, offering standards like spinach and tomato, and more novel pies like the chipotle pizza. A sort of hybrid between pizza and nachos, the crust is covered with a bean and roasted red pepper purée and topped with Mexican cheese. The pie is then covered with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes and red onions and drizzled with a creamy sauce. If you're looking for an entree, try the flavorful blackened World Cup pasta, served with a rich Alfredo sauce or light vodka marinara. The entire menu is available for takeout and delivery, which makes up about 40 percent of Jerseys business.
Parking: There are plenty of spots in the bar's free lot.
Overall: Jerseys big menu makes it a place you can eat and drink all season long.
<b>Jerseys Pizza and Grill</b>
<b>2360 Lakewood Blvd., Hoffman Estates, (847) 765-0085; jerseyspizzaandgrill.com</b>
<b>Hours:</b> 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday