The concept of a Mexican steakhouse is pretty unique—but when it comes from the team behind the acclaimed and super buzzy 618 Restaurant in Freehold, you can expect it to deliver the same standout experience.
From the highway, the unassuming exterior of the former Breakfast Club on Route 516 doesn’t give much away. But once you pull into the parking lot, a gorgeous mural catches your eye—offering a bold hint of what’s to come. You’ve arrived at Mezcal: A Modern Mexican Steakhouse.
Check out the hype via our Instagram page.
Step through the front doors and you’re welcomed by a stunning lobby. Opening a second set of doors, it feels like you’ve been transported to Mexico. It rivals the Mexican pavilion at EPCOT in Walt Disney World.
Once inside the dining room, you won’t know where to look first: the stunning bar to the left, which looks like it’s on fire, and is surrounded by skull stools; the dining room to the right, with incredible sugar skull murals printed on chains hanging from the ceiling; a poignant display of candles in the corner that benefits Make-A-Wish Foundation; a portrait over the Owners’ Table that has a decorative painting of the owners; or even the bathroom, which is thoughtfully decorated with more nods to Mexican culture.
The menu by Executive Chef Christopher Dutka of 618 fame is impressive. During a recent visit, we couldn’t decide what to try, so we shared the guacamole with three salsas, opting next time to add the jumbo lump crab on top; the Spanish octopus, which was grilled perfectly; the stuffed poblano pepper, with its spicy chicken diablo filling; and the braised citrus pork, skirt steak and achiote fish tacos, one better than the next.
There are raw bar options, giant surf-and-turf seafood towers, jumbo lump crab cakes, chicken tinga tostada, queso fundido, vegan roasted cauliflower, and a selection of salads.
Since this is an ultra-modern steakhouse, the meat on the menu shouldn’t be missed. There is a 20-ounce Kansas City steak, 8-ounce filet mignon, 20-ounce bone-in cowboy steak, 10-ounce Spinalis ribeye cap steak, 10-ounce skirt steak and A5 Japanese wagyu. If with a group, the 40-ounce tomahawk or 40-ounce porterhouse are clutch as a shareable entree. These are top-quality meats, and the price reflects it–but they’re so worth it!
Other options for entrees include halibut, Faroe Island salmon and chicken milanese. We ordered the spice-rubbed 14-ounce Berkshire pork chop with apple bacon jam, asparagus and potato puree, and it was worth leaving some room after the appetizers we shared. There’s also a vegan mole for the vegetarians in your crew, which has Maitake mushrooms, rice, pickled onions, avocado, radish and pinto beans on corn tortillas.
We couldn’t resist adding esquites, which is Mexican street corn; as well as the hand-cut fries, which were some of the best potato sticks we’ve had at a full-service restaurant.
The Dulce de Leche Stuffed Churros for 2, by far, was the best item on the menu – and that says a lot, considering every dish was exquisite. They are covered in a chocolate mole sauce and accompanied by the sweetest, creamiest vanilla gelato.
And who can resist mezcal at an eponymous restaurant? With the owners creating the new Death of Hospitality brand, their signature drink is the D.O.H. Sour, with Maker’s Mark bourbon, turmeric, chile, cinnamon, lemon and a Cabernet float.
The No Bullsh*t drink is Tanteo chipotle tequila, guava, Paradise passionfruit, Aperol and lime served in a glass bull, with the spout coming from its rear into two barrel glasses – an interesting take on serving a drink, the concept of which 618 is famous for (have you seen the drinks on their Instagram page?). IYKYK is appropriately named, with Tequila Ocho Plata, Vago Elote Mezcal, pink peppercorn, cilantro and lime. Muy Guapa is a fan fave, with Barsol Pisco, basil, ginger, cucumber, lime and egg white. Another fave is the pistachio martini, which draws people to 618, and is on the menu here, too.
Tequila lovers can order a flight of three 1-ounce pours, which come in four combinations. The owner also purchased bottles of Dos Artes Reserva Especial Extra Añejo Tequila, an exclusive brand.
You can also order some of the drinks as a mocktail, if tequila is not your thing.
Mezcal is very upscale and has all the date night vibes, but families are welcome, and you can ask for a special children’s menu. You should also look for a plaque inside the restaurant that the owners sweetly dedicated to their kids. Everything here is Instagram-worthy, from the design and the chandeliers to the food and drinks.
Mezcal: A Modern Mexican Steakhouse is located at 292 Rte. 516 in Old Bridge. The restaurant is currently reservation-only and is open Wednesday to Sunday. The full-service bar is first-come, first-served. Its sister restaurant, 618, is located at 618 Park Ave., Freehold.
Check out the hype via our Instagram page.
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