Ichabod's

By Brendan Benedict

Staff Writer

A longtime neighborhood favorite, Ichabod's Bar and Grille in Sea Bright is undergoing renovations and tweaking its classic lineup for a relaunch on June 16.

Ichabod's opened in the 1970s and became a popular pub among local residents. Owner Creed Palmer and his partner, Jason Mandia, took over the bar in April and have plans to push it to new heights.

"Not too long ago, we didn't have anything to bring people in," Palmer said. "Now we have a happy hour with $1 Coors Light, a new wine list with lower prices, and cheaper draft and bottled beer."

While the bar currently does not serve local brews, bartenders and regulars are collaborating to create original mixed drinks.

Palmer also is revamping food selections to keep pace with the updated drinks, but he will stick with the fundamental spirit of the establishment.

"When people hear Ichabod's, the first thing they say is "great burgers.' We plan on staying with the classics of the burgers we do," he said.

In the future, patrons will be able to build their own burgers and choose from a wider selection of toppings, including avocados, mushrooms, a greater cheese variety and even lobster meat. Four of the most popular burgers will stay on as basic options upon which to customize.

The diversity of current burger choices indicates how wide the options can range. The most popular specialty burger is the French burger, served au jus and topped with a blue cheese crumble and dressing. The Canadian bison burger and salmon burger ($2 more than the standard burger price of $7.95) are among the more exotic options. The Jersey burger is a familiar favorite, topped off with pork roll and cheese.

The expanded menu also includes traditional seafood items for customers who may be looking beyond standard bar fare.

The selection of appetizers, sandwiches and entrees also is varied. There's the classic bar food, such as chicken tenders and nachos, but there's also a hint of the Shore with such options as roasted clams ($8.95) and a portobello mushroom stuffed with crab meat ($9.95). Sandwich staples such as the Reuben and the Cuban provide quick satisfaction, but customers also can enjoy swordfish or shrimp diablo over angel hair pasta (both $16.95).

Food and drink are just two aspects of Palmer's overhaul. Ichabod's also will have theme nights, starting with the upcoming football season, for fans of niche teams.

"Say there's a group of Cleveland Browns fans in the area and they don't have anyplace to go to watch the game. They can reserve spots at the bar, see the game and get special deals on drinks," Palmer said.

The restaurant also is undergoing renovations that will allow it to host larger musical acts. Singer Pat McDonald preforms the first Saturday of the month, and Palmer plans on booking talent to fill every Friday and Saturday. From there, he hopes to expand to weeknight shows.

Ichabod's serves its menu from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. weeknights and until midnight on weekends. The restaurant is at 1 East Church St., on the corner of Ocean Avenue in Sea Bright.

For more information, visit www.ichabodsbarandgrille.com or call 732-842-6154.

See more: Sea Bright-Monmouth Beach restaurants, Red Bank Area restaurants, American restaurants, Burger restaurants, Salad restaurants, Seafood restaurants, Soup restaurants, Steak restaurants, Bar food restaurants