Inside: The Ivy League

For most folks, the term "Ivy League" brings to mind visions of expensive schools attended by members of the upper class. However, for those familiar with Monmouth County's casual dining and drinking scene, those words bring to mind a warm and relaxed bar and grill that feels like it's been in that same spot on Route 9's northbound side in Howell for decades. 

With an established identity, doors that are open until 1 a.m. every night and a convenient location, the Ivy League has built up a loyal following. But is this old favorite all that it's cracked up to be? Metromix Jersey Shore recently took a look inside to find out. 

Décor: Unlike places that try to pass themselves off like pseudo-Planet Hollywoods, complete with movie-star headshots and mini statues of the Blues Brothers adorning the walls, the Ivy League plays things simple. Its brick and wood-paneled walls are covered in beer adds and vintage sports shots, fitting for a place where you go to knock back a few beers and watch the big game. 

The bar and grill half of the establishment (another part of the Ivy League is a sit-down restaurant) includes a sizable bar surrounded by well-worn four-person booths and high-top tables, and the room is illuminated by dim bar lighting that is neither too bright nor too dark.

Drinks: If you're looking for a bar where you can sip the beers of the world, just move right along. While the beer list features 16 drafts and 18 varieties of bottled brew, the most exotic name you're likely to find is Guinness. 

However, the Ivy League does offer a sizable variety of mixed drinks, such as the Grateful Dead (vodka, gin, rum, triple sec and sour mix shaken with a splash of raspberry liqueurs) and alcoholic coffees, including the Dirty Irishman (which contains Bailey's and Kaluha).

Crowd: This is the kind of place that always has a healthy turnout but never makes you wait too long for a table or a booth, and on a recent Thursday evening, the Ivy League was fairly quiet at 4 p.m. By just after 5 p.m., the place was starting to fill with people getting off from work and a few young women in their 20s. At 6 p.m. the bar area was crowded with people chatting, sipping on drinks, picking at bowls of free popcorn and munching on appetizers.

Entertainment: If you're searching for live entertainment, you're out of luck at the Ivy League. The only tunes you'll get here come from a classic rock-filled jukebox that isn't nearly loud enough. There also is an touch-screen arcade machine, but it's right next to the bathrooms, so it most likely doesn't get too much use.

Food: While the menu has a nice mix of both bar food (such as burgers smothered in mushrooms and onions, fried seafood and a lengthy appetizer list) and restaurant fare (steaks, non-fried seafood, pasta), expect a long wait time on anything coming out of the kitchen. Your meal will most likely be filling and tasty, but if you're in a hurry, you may want to grab a bite to eat elsewhere.

Bottom line: A tried-and-true local staple, the Ivy League in Howell boasts a deceptively upper-crust name for such a laid-back neighborhood bar and grill. However, the employees may take that casual attitude a bit too far with the slow service, especially coming out of the kitchen. But maybe taking about two hours on a round of drinks, an appetizer and a main course is a way of getting your money's worth when the check comes out to around $15 to $20 per person.

Add a comment